With its Vauban fortifications and its Lion designed by Bartholdi, Belfort is a lively city with a very rich historical heritage. At the foot of the citadel, the old town and its suburbs form one of the most colourful cities in France. And to make sure not to spoil anything, its parks and gardens are privileged stops for tourists and walkers. Especially when it comes to recovering from the long evenings spent in front of the Grand Stage of the Eurockéennes. This must-attend event on the French music scene will, as every year, take place in Belfort from 3 to 6 July 2019
Located on the Place de la République in the old town, the Three Seats Monument summarizes an important part of Belfort's history. The monument pays tribute to the three officers who organized the city's resistance during the sieges of 1814 (113 days), 1815 (15 days) and 1870-71 (103 days). It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by Bartholdi, who only had time to make the model before he died. The three red sandstone foundations come from the former Vauban fortifications. The Belfortians also speak of the monument of the three liars. Why the three liars? There are Legrand, Lecourbe, and Denfert-Rochereau there. Fine, but Legrand is the smallest, and Lecourbe stands up straight. What about Denfert? Well, are you sure the statue is made of iron?
It will also be necessary to take a look at the Saint-Christophe church, which became a cathedral in 1979, and which erects its classic pink sandstone façade on the Place d'Armes, in the ancient heart of Belfort. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1930, it was built in record time, from 1726 to 1750, thanks to the generosity of the people. Inside, all the sculptures are by the Franche-Comté artist Antoine Cupillard. You can also admire the paintings of the Belfortain painter Gustave Dauphin. The great organs, works of Valtrin de Mirecourt, were built in 1749. They are among the most beautiful organs in France and their exceptional acoustics give rise to concerts
The Lion City
The Belfort lion is the symbol of the city, symbol of strength and resistance and from which Belfort takes its nickname of the Lion City. Imposing with its 22 m long and 11 m high, the Lion of pink sandstone was designed and conceived by Bartholdi, between 1875 and 1880, to remind that the Belfortins were the only French people, with the inhabitants of Bitche in Moselle, to contain Prussian power. The Alsatian artist represented the Lion in a dominant position, containing an enemy arrow with his paw. Le Lion is located at the foot of the castle (art and history museum) in a set of fortifications of 14 ha built by Vauban and enlarged in the 19th century. Don't miss a visit to the Lion shop, where you will find many souvenirs bearing the image of the lion!
And to honour its creator, head for the Bartholdi space of the History Museum, dedicated to the sculptor. With several rooms gathering on 240 m2 a permanent exhibition composed of drawings, engravings and old photographs relating to the author of the Lion of Belfort and the Statue of Liberty. Very marked by the war of 1870 and the annexation of his native Alsace, Bartholdi had made his work the outlet for his affliction. The visit, which is carried out by means of an audioguide, will also take you to "Les Chemins de la liberté", a guided tour telling the story of Belfort through the characters using the full range of emotions. The Grand Souterrain remains the scene of a large projected scenography where history and modernity combine to create a panoramic show composed of sound and light.
We can then visit this history museum created in 1972 and which gathers in its main rooms a set of objects concerning civil and military life: badges, decorations, uniforms of all the belligerents, newspapers.... The visit begins with the presentation of prehistoric and Gallo-Roman remains and continues with an overview of the various conflicts up to the Second World War. The 19th century and its three headquarters - at the origin of the separation between the Belfort district and the rest of Alsace - are particularly developed themes
And for art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art in Belfort brings together about a hundred paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 20th century. This set was donated to the City by Maurice Jardot, a native of Belfort and collaborator of art dealer Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler. Benefiting from a very pleasant setting, the museum houses cubist and surrealist works, in particular by Picasso, Léger, Braque, Gris, Laurens and Masson. Just that! Moreover, the city has recently been awarded the label "City of Art and History"
A dynamic city...
A city with a very rich historical heritage, Belfort is also very attractive with, among other things, the largest flea market in Eastern France, every first Sunday in March to December. You can search at leisure among the treasures offered by more than 150 antique dealers and brokers. Also worth discovering is the "International Festival of University Music". On the Pentecost weekend, Belfort hosts 80 concerts at 14 venues in the old city and brings together 3,000 musicians from all over the world. Not to mention the must-see "Eurockéennes", every first weekend in July
... celebrating music!
Because the Eurockéennes, this is the unmissable event in the city of Belfort! On the peninsula of the Malsaucy natural site, a few kilometres from the Lion City, more than 90,000 festivalgoers (including 15,000 campers!) gather every first weekend in July. They come to celebrate summer and the outdoors, on several stages, great stars and beautiful musical discoveries. Launched in 1989, the Eurockéennes are today among the most important music festivals in France and open to multiple styles: rock, reggae, world, electro, metal, pop, folk, French song.... TER shuttles are available to ensure that the festival site is well served from the city centre throughout the duration of the concerts. For the 2019 vintage, the programming has not yet been revealed but be sure that the best is waiting for you! Then get on your agendas!
Smart info
When? When? Belfort is of course open all year round. To attend the Eurockéennes 2019, meet from July 3 to 6.
Getting there. By train or car.
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE EUROCKEENNES - More information on the website
BELFORT TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
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