Citadelle de Montmédy

Citadelle de Montmédy is a fortress located on a hilltop overlooking the small town of Montmédy in northeastern France. Built from stone with thick walls and bastions, the structure covers a large area with multiple levels and features a star-shaped design with pointed defensive positions.

Built in the 16th century under Emperor Charles V to protect Spanish Netherlands territories, the citadel was captured by French forces in 1657 during a lengthy siege. The military engineer Vauban later redesigned its defenses with curved walls and bastions to strengthen protection.

The fortress occupies a prominent place in local identity, with residents maintaining strong connections to its history. Inside you will find museums dedicated to military architecture and a section honoring Jules Bastien-Lepage, a 19th-century painter born nearby, whose works reflect rural life from his era.

The citadel sits on the western side of town and is easily reached by car or from the train station. It opens seasonally from spring through autumn, with closures on Monday afternoons, and visitors can walk a circuit of about 1 kilometer across the ramparts for views of the surrounding countryside.

Evening visits with torches or lamps offer a different perspective on the site with a mysterious atmosphere rarely experienced during daytime tours. Children can participate in activity workbooks designed to teach how fortifications function while exploring the grounds.