Belfort: between Franche-Comté, Alsace and the Vosges
From the hotel Les Capucins, explore the city of Belfort, its famous Lion and the landscapes of Ballon d’Alsace. You will find interesting tourism activities and tours.
During your stay, discover the culinary tradition, wines, cheeses and specialties of Alsace and Franche-Comté.
Belfort: between Franche-Comté, Alsace and the Vosges
The city name Belfort comes probably from a shortcut of “beau" (beautiful) and “fort” (strong). It would appear in the history since 1226.
Successively Austrian then Swedish, Belfort has been formalized as a French town by the Treaty of Westphalie in 1648.
In the meantime, under Vauban, Belfort was fortified. The works lasted twenty years. The Citadel proved its strength during 3 unsuccessful siege: two in 1815 and the famous siege of 1870. Through its courageous resistance, Belfort remains French whereas a part of Alsace and Lorraine regions was annexed to Germany.
As a symbol of this heroic defense, Bartoldi has erected the Lion of Belfort in 1880. It embodies the pride of Belfortains and gave its name: the city of Lion. Strong and imposing, it watches over the city.
Territoire de Belfort became an administrative department since 1922.
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Activities and tours
From the Hôtel Restaurant Les Capucins, epxlore the city of Belfort, its famous Lion and the landscapes of Ballon d’Alsace. You will find interesting tourism activities and tours.
You will enjoy stopping in a open-air café or strolling the streets of the old city, especially during the flea market organized on the 1st Sunday of each month (except January and February).
Belfort is a top tourist spot as well as the Lion of Belfort, an imposing sculpture of 22m in length or the fortifications of Vauban and its Citadel.
Nature lovers will admire the variety of landscapes according the seasons. Rest and peace in the Ballon d’Alsace or enjoy water sports and hiking through the Forges or Malsaucy lakes.
During Christmas holidays, Belfort is a compulsory step for visiting the most beautiful Christmas markets between Alsace and Montbéliard.
A brief list of tours, activities or events:
- Lake Malsaucy and its numerous activities
- The Museum of History and Archeology, Fine Arts and Modern Art
- The Chapel of Ronchamp, new architecture and creation of Corbusier
- The National Choreographic Center of Franche-Comté
- Granit and Pilier Theater
- Peugeot museum of Sochaux
- Automobile Museum in Mulhouse (Schlumpf museum)
- The International Festival of University Music (FIMU), during the Pentecostal week-end
- Les Eurockéennes music festival on the first week-end of July.
