Things to Do in Belfort

Three surviving fortified gates from the city's 17th-century Vauban defences: Porte de Brisach, Porte de France, and Porte de la Miotte. Best seen in sequence on a short walk from the old town. Each has a distinct style and offers photo ops with the

🕐 Always open (external views)

💡 The Porte de Brisach has an information panel in English about the history of the fortifications. If you're fit, walk up the nearby embankment for a view of the entire wall system.

The medieval heart of Belfort, with cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and the striking Saint-Christophe Cathedral. A free self-guided walking route from the tourist office (download a PDF map) takes in the Porte de Brisach gate and the 13th-centur

🕐 Always open (streets); tourist office maps available 9am–12pm, 2pm–6pm Mon–Sat

💡 Look for the 'Museum of Modern Art' sign on Rue de l'Ancien Hôpital—the building itself is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, and the courtyard is open to the public.

Free permanent collection in a former bishop's palace, covering archaeology, medieval sculpture, and local history up to the 20th century. Highlights include a Gallo-Roman bronze horse and a room of military memorabilia from the 1870 siege.

🕐 Wed–Mon 10am–12pm, 2pm–6pm; closed Tue

💡 The temporary exhibitions (usually €5–8) are often worth the fee, but the permanent galleries are free for EU residents under 26 on the first Sunday of each month.

A large, leafy public park laid out in the 19th century with a lake, fountains, and formal flowerbeds. Features a statue of Bartholdi himself, and a small children's play area. Good spot for an alfresco lunch or a quiet read.

🕐 7am–10pm daily (closes at dusk in winter)

💡 Bring bread from the nearby boulangerie on Rue de la Forge to feed the ducks—the swans can be aggressive, so keep your distance. The park's kiosk opens April–October for drinks.

A massive sandstone sculpture of a lion carved into the side of a rocky cliff, symbolising the city's resistance during the Franco-Prussian War. Created by Frédéric Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. Climb the steps beside it for panor

🕐 Always open

💡 Visit late afternoon for the best light on the lion's face, and fewer crowds. The surrounding park is good for a picnic.