Fort of Beauregard, Military fortification in Besançon, France
Fort Beauregard is a military fortification perched on a secondary hill of Mont de Brégille, designed with a polygonal shape that faces toward the city below. The structure spreads across different levels with several vantage points from which visitors can see the downtown area and distant hills.
The fort was built starting in 1814 under General Marulaz and was the first fortification in Besançon to use a polygonal design. Construction continued until 1870 as part of France's broader defensive strategy for the eastern border region.
The fort represents how France adapted military space in the 1800s, and today the site functions as a public green area where people gather to enjoy views and fresh air.
The site is easy to access and well-marked, allowing visitors to explore the grounds at their own pace without needing a guide. The best views occur in late afternoon when the sun illuminates the valley below with warm light.
In the 2010s the site was converted into a public green space with observation areas rather than preserved as a military museum. This transformation shows how the city turned a defense structure into a place where residents and visitors can freely spend time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
