This once impregnable citadel is situated between two ranges of mountains, the Jura and the Vosges. Its impregnability, due to the skill to the great Frenchman Vauban, builder of so many fortifications throughtout France earned Belfort a place in history during 1870 when 16,000 french held out against an overwhelming force of 30,000 German soldiers for 104 days.
The courage of the defenders was recognised during the peace treaty in which Alsace and Lorraine were ceeded to Germany. Although part of Alsace, Belfort was allowed to stay with the French and became the small autonamous ‘territoire’ it is today.
In 1876, an ancient burial cave was discovered containing a collection of braids, axes and earthenware which show that Belfort has been inhabited for some 10,000 years. They are now on display in the Belfort Museum of Art and History.
Today, Belfort is a centre for industry as well as being an ideal tourist centre.
For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of interest)