Grande Fête du Lion

The Lion, symbol of Belfort's resistance

Carved from the pink sandstone of the Vosges mountains by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the Belfort Lion measures 11 meters in height and 22 meters in length. It was erected between 1875 and 1880 to commemorate the heroic resistance of Belfort's inhabitants during the siege of 1870-1871, during which Colonel Denfert-Rochereau's garrison held out against the Prussian army for 103 days. The Grande Fête du Lion annually perpetuates this collective memory and the unique sense of belonging that characterizes Belfort.

Festival Program

The festival takes over the entire historic heart of Belfort, from the foot of the citadel rock to Place des Bourgeois and Place d'Armes. The program blends tradition and modernity:

• Night illuminations of the Lion and the citadel, creating a striking spectacle on the sandstone cliff
• Free concerts on several outdoor stages, featuring regional and national artists
• Historical reenactments in period costumes, evoking the siege of 1870-1871
• Street performances and traveling theater companies in the old town
• Artisan and gastronomic market showcasing local producers from the Territoire de Belfort
• Guided night tours of the Vauban citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site

An exceptional historical setting

The Belfort citadel, a Vauban fortification and UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a majestic setting for these celebrations. The ramparts, bastions, and inner courtyards are transformed into open-air stages, hosting sound and light shows that retrace the turbulent history of the stronghold. Below, the Lion rock proudly overlooks the city, illuminated in red and gold for the occasion.

Belfort's identity celebrated

The Grande Fête du Lion is more than just a cultural event: it is the celebration of the soul of a city that never surrendered. Belfort is indeed the only French territory to have retained its administrative independence after the war of 1870, and this uniqueness fuels a vibrant local pride. The festival brings together residents, associations, families, and visitors in a spirit of conviviality and shared memory.