オッフモンのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

The Citadel of Belfort is a historically complex building, reflecting five centuries of fortifications. It was built after the conquest of the city in 1687, replacing a medieval castle that previously stood on this rocky outcrop.

Access to the citadel with old tanks from World War II.

View of the lower part of the citadel.

Beautiful view from the citadel of Belfort and the surrounding countryside.

Wooden sculpture of the Lion of Belfort in the entrance area of the Citadel.

The Lion is the symbol of the city of Belfort. All Belfort residents are proud of this pink sandstone colossus. The Citadel and the Lion of Belfort were voted the French people's favorite monument in 2020.

The lion is the largest stone statue in France. As a symbol and guardian of the city, it is also a visual landmark and even invites you to take a city safari. Info: https://www.belfort-tourisme.com/de/entdecken/die-highlights/der-loewe/

In 2024, the city of Belfort undertook the renovation of the Bauer Esplanade, located at the entrance to the Citadel, to better integrate the memory of the Second World War into this historic site. This renovation showcases an American M4 A2 Sherman medium tank, a powerful symbol of the city's liberation in November 1944. Assigned to the French 1st Army, this armored vehicle, named "Cornouailles" and commanded by Lieutenant Jacques Martin, took part in the Provence landings before joining the fighting in Belfort. During a clash on the heights of Fort de la Miotte, the tank was disabled and its crew commander was killed. Despite the troops' efforts, the tank was destroyed by the Germans the following night. After the war, only the original turret of the "Cornouailles" was recovered and integrated into the Citadel's exhibition, while another tank of the same model, with approximate markings, was installed to evoke this historic moment. As part of the renovation of the esplanade, the Belfort museum service conducted in-depth research, based in particular on photographs and a previously unpublished platoon log kept by the crew. These new sources made it possible to enrich the historical reconstruction and better identify the elements of the armored vehicle, its markings, and its context of use. This project reinforces the role of the Citadel as a place of remembrance and pays tribute to the fighters who liberated Belfort.