The small and large gates of the citadel of Bitche open to offer you an atypical vision of the monument in connection with its topicality.

No traveler can remain indifferent to the discovery of the Bitche citadel at the bend of these wooded hills of the Vosges du Nord. This massive fortress, perched on a dizzying rocky spur, dominates the small village that loves at its feet.
The famous marshal of Vauban signed the plans of the citadel whose construction was completed under the direction of Louis de Cormontaigne in the eighteenth century.
The history of the citadel is masterfully unfolded in the heart of its underground strongholds and former barracks. You will relive the terrible siege of 1870 during a unique audio-vidual animation and virtually explore an original relief plan dating from 1794. A museum and a series of panels complete this historical and functional panorama of the work.
On the programme for the European Heritage Days:

• Access to the upper plateau, the museum and the relief plan will be exceptionally free.
• The classic facilities for visiting the underground of the citadel are offered at discounted rates: the cinema route is accessible at the adult rate of 8€ instead of 10€ and individual 7-17 years old from 6€ instead of 8€ (discounts on declined tariffs will be applied accordingly).
• In addition to all the aforementioned possibilities of visits that are usually offered, the JEP are also the meeting place of traditional "unusual" visits to mysterious corners of the citadel : (online and reservations open from 1 September)
  http://www.citadelle-bitche.com/site/agenda_detail.php?id_agenda=164&id_groupe=
  This year, the citadel is undergoing restoration work. In collaboration with the heritage services and those of the company awarded the works**, site visits will be open to** you by reservation (online and reservations open from the first of September): http://www.citadelle-bitche.com/site/agenda_detail.php?id_agenda=165&id_group=
  In the wake of the 150th anniversary of the war of 1870 and the siege of Bitche, temporary and unpublished exhibitions are open to you in the chapel and in the old bakery (free access exceptionally for JEP):
• the 1870 War in the Bitche Country (a valuable collection by the SHAL)
• the postal history of the 1870 war in Alsace-Lorraine (an exhibition by the SPAL)