Fête de Bessoncourt

The Fête de Bessoncourt: Summer Celebrations in the Village of Fort Sénarmont

Bessoncourt (90160) is a village of about 800 inhabitants in the Territoire de Belfort, located about ten kilometers southeast of Belfort. Its fame far exceeds its size thanks to one of its most emblematic monuments: Fort Sénarmont, a remarkable late 19th-century fortification that attracts visitors and military history enthusiasts from all over the world.

Every summer, Bessoncourt comes alive for its local festival, organized by the Comité des Fêtes in close collaboration with the Association du Fort Sénarmont de Bessoncourt. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the village community while highlighting the exceptional military heritage of the commune.

Fort Sénarmont: Heart of Bessoncourt's Heritage

Built between 1883 and 1886 and named in honor of General Alexandre-Antoine Hureau de Sénarmont, the fort of Bessoncourt is one of the best-preserved on the Séré de Rivières line in the Territoire de Belfort. Its strategic role was to ensure control of the roads and railways towards Mulhouse, Colmar, and Basel, while covering the flanks of the forts of Roppe and Vézelois.

Since 1993, the commune of Bessoncourt has owned the fort, and the Association du Fort Sénarmont works to promote it through guided tours, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. The summer festival offers an exceptional opening with special activities.

A Rich Summer Program for All Generations

The annual Fête de Bessoncourt combines popular festivities and heritage discovery:

• Guided tours of Fort Sénarmont: discovery of the galleries, barracks, bastions, and equipment of this exceptional fort
• Military exhibitions: equipment, uniforms, weapons, and military vehicles displayed in the fort
• Activities for children: inflatable games, discovery workshops, outdoor activities
• Pétanque tournament: a friendly competition open to all
• Food and drink: grills and local specialties served by volunteers
• Musical evening: concerts and entertainment to end the day with music

An Association Dedicated to the Fort: Dynamism and Passion

The Association du Fort Sénarmont de Bessoncourt is the driving force behind the promotion of the fort throughout the year. It offers guided tours on Sundays from May to September, Easter egg hunts in the underground galleries, Halloween events, and temporary exhibitions. Its volunteer commitment helps maintain this heritage in excellent condition and pass it on to future generations.

Bessoncourt: A Village Proud of its Military Heritage

The Fête de Bessoncourt is a moment of collective pride for the inhabitants of this village. It highlights a unique military heritage in the region and allows each generation to embrace the history of this exceptional fort, a vestige of a pivotal era in French history.