Belfort
· FR

Belfort

Belfort, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, France

Belfort, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France, is a charming city with a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to tourists seeking a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. One of the…

#Historic#Fortifications#Culture#French cuisine#Outdoor activities
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Belfort.

Top Hotels in Belfort

Top Flights to Belfort

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Belfort.

Tours

Explore the Belfort Citadel

Discover the historic Belfort Citadel, a masterpiece of military architecture, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.

Visit the Lion of Belfort

Admire the Lion of Belfort, a monumental sculpture that symbolizes the city's resistance.

Cultural Visit to Belfort Cathedral

Visit the stunning Belfort Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece.

Shopping

Shop at the Old Town Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Belfort's Old Town Market, offering a wide range of local products and delicacies.

Artisanal Shopping in Rue du Faubourg

Visit Rue du Faubourg for artisanal shopping, offering unique crafts, local fashion, and souvenirs.

Luxury Shopping at Belfort Mall

Indulge in a luxury shopping experience at Belfort Mall, featuring international brands and dining options.

Outdoor

Kayaking in the Savoureuse River

Enjoy a kayaking adventure on the serene waters of the Savoureuse River, ideal for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.

Cycling Tour around Étang des Forges

Take a scenic cycling tour around the Étang des Forges, a beautiful pond surrounded by nature.

Hiking in Ballon d'Alsace

Embark on a hiking journey through the scenic trails of Ballon d'Alsace, offering breathtaking mountain views.

Bird Watching at Reserve Naturelle de la Savoureuse

Enjoy bird watching at the Reserve Naturelle de la Savoureuse, home to diverse avian species.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Belfort.

Currency
€ | EUR | Euro
Population
40,500
Languages
French, French
Average weather
Belfort
Jan
snow
4°-1°
Feb
cold
6°0°
Mar
rain
11°2°
Apr
cloud
15°5°
May
rain
19°9°
Jun
sun
23°13°
Jul
sun
26°15°
Aug
sun
25°14°
Sep
cloud
21°11°
Oct
rain
15°7°
Nov
cloud
8°3°
Dec
snow
4°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Belfort.

What people love

Belfort, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France, offers several advantages for travelers:

  1. Historic Sites: Belfort is known for its rich history, with attractions such as the imposing Belfort Citadel, built by Vauban in the 17th century. The city also has a historic old town with charming streets and buildings.

  2. Culture and Arts: Visitors can explore the cultural scene in Belfort, including museums like the Musée d'Art Moderne - Donation Jardot, which features contemporary art exhibitions. The city also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

  3. Nature and Outdoor Activities: Belfort is situated at the foothills of the Vosges mountains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing in the winter months. The nearby Ballons des Vosges Nature Park provides beautiful natural landscapes to explore.

  4. Gastronomy: Travelers can enjoy the local cuisine in Belfort, which includes traditional French dishes with a regional twist. The city boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes serving delicious food and wine.

  5. Strategic Location: Belfort's location near the borders of Switzerland and Germany makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding regions. The city is well-connected by train and road, making it easy to travel to other destinations in France and beyond.

Overall, traveling to Belfort offers a blend of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy, making it a diverse and interesting destination for visitors.

What to know

Belfort is actually located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France, not Bourgogne. Here are some potential cons of traveling to Belfort:

  1. Limited tourist attractions: Belfort is not as well-known or popular as some other cities in France, so it may have fewer tourist attractions and activities compared to larger cities like Paris or Nice.

  2. Language barrier: While many people in Belfort may speak English, the primary language spoken in the region is French. If you do not speak French, you may encounter some challenges communicating with locals.

  3. Limited transportation options: Belfort is not a major transportation hub in France, so getting to and from the city may require multiple connections or longer travel times compared to more centrally located cities.

  4. Weather: Belfort experiences cold winters and relatively mild summers, so depending on when you visit, you may encounter less-than-ideal weather conditions.

  5. Limited nightlife: Belfort is a smaller city, so the nightlife may not be as vibrant or diverse as in larger cities. If you are looking for a lively nightlife scene, you may be disappointed.

Overall, while Belfort is a charming city with its own unique attractions, it may not offer the same level of amenities and activities as more popular tourist destinations in France.

Belfort is a city located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of northeastern France. It has a rich history that spans several centuries, marked by its strategic military significance and cultural heritage.

Early History

The area around Belfort has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it rose to prominence during Roman times due to its location on a key route through the Vosges Mountains. However, it was not until the Middle Ages that Belfort began to develop as a significant settlement.

Middle Ages

In the 13th century, the Counts of Montbéliard constructed a castle in Belfort, which became a focal point for the development of the town. Belfort was part of the Holy Roman Empire and later came under the control of the Habsburgs.

17th Century and the Treaty of Westphalia

Belfort's strategic importance grew during the Thirty Years' War, and in 1648, it was ceded to France as part of the Treaty of Westphalia. This treaty marked the end of the war, and Belfort became a key military outpost for France.

Vauban and Fortifications

In the late 17th century, the famous military engineer Vauban fortified the city under the orders of King Louis XIV to protect France's eastern border. These fortifications made Belfort one of the most fortified cities in France.

19th Century and the Franco-Prussian War

Belfort's most famous historical episode occurred during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). The city was besieged by Prussian forces for over three months. Colonel Pierre Philippe Denfert-Rochereau, the commander of the Belfort garrison, became a national hero for his staunch defense of the city. Ultimately, Belfort was one of the few places that did not surrender during the war, and as a result, it remained French while Alsace and Lorraine were annexed by Germany.

20th Century

During both World Wars, Belfort's strategic location once again made it a significant military target. The city was occupied by German forces during World War II and was liberated by Allied forces in 1944.

Landmarks

  • The Lion of Belfort: This monumental sculpture, created by Frédéric Bartholdi (who also designed the Statue of Liberty), commemorates the resistance of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War. The lion is carved out of red sandstone and is a symbol of French heroism.
  • Belfort Citadel: Designed by Vauban, this massive fortress is a central feature of Belfort. The citadel offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is an excellent example of 17th-century military architecture.
  • St. Christopher's Cathedral: This cathedral has a beautiful neoclassical façade and serves as a prominent religious site in the city.

Modern Belfort

Today, Belfort is a vibrant city that blends its historical heritage with modern industry and culture. It is known for its diverse cultural events, including the Eurockéennes music festival. Belfort remains an important economic center in the region, particularly in the manufacturing and technology sectors.

Belfort's history is a testament to its resilient spirit and strategic importance in European history.