Museum of Time Palais Granvelle
Explore centuries of horological artistry in the stunning Palais Granvelle, with captivating watch collections and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Museum of Time Palais Granvelle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of horological artistry in the stunning Palais Granvelle, with captivating watch collections and panoramic city views.
"A wonderful museum in a beautiful palace, showcasing timepieces from the Middle Ages to modern models."
🗣️ Language Barrier
Exhibits are primarily in French. Consider a translation app for a richer understanding of the watchmaking history.
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy coffee and pastries at the charming cafe, with treats that playfully resemble clockwork.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval to Modern Timepieces
Main Exhibition Halls
Explore centuries of horological artistry, from intricate medieval clocks to sophisticated modern watches.

Besançon City Model
Third Floor
Marvel at a detailed architectural model of Besançon, offering a unique perspective on the city's layout.

Panoramic City Tower View
Tower Access from Third Floor
Ascend to the tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of Besançon and its surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Timepieces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Language Barrier
Exhibits are primarily in French. Consider a translation app for a richer understanding of the watchmaking history.
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy coffee and pastries at the charming cafe, with treats that playfully resemble clockwork.
🚶♀️ Explore All Floors
Don't rush! The museum spans three floors, with the top offering city views and a model.
💰 Check for Free Entry
Entry fees can vary seasonally; inquire about potential free admission days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Language Barrier
Exhibits are primarily in French. Consider a translation app for a richer understanding of the watchmaking history.
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy coffee and pastries at the charming cafe, with treats that playfully resemble clockwork.
🚶♀️ Explore All Floors
Don't rush! The museum spans three floors, with the top offering city views and a model.
💰 Check for Free Entry
Entry fees can vary seasonally; inquire about potential free admission days.
🏛️ Beautiful Palace Setting
The museum is housed in a stunning palace, adding to the overall visitor experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum of Time for its extensive collection of watches and clocks, housed within the beautiful Palais Granvelle. The panoramic city views from the tower and the detailed city model are also highly appreciated. However, some find the collection scattered and note the lack of English explanations, which can be a drawback for international visitors.
"When you’ve had enough of fine arts museums, this one is great. In a beautiful palace it displays tapestries, paintings and best of all time pieces and clocks."
Sophie de Caen
"What a wonderful museum and a lovely giftshop."
Öykü Acarel
"Everything about watches and only about watches from the Middle Ages to quite perfect and modern models. If you have time and you will be in this city then you can visit this museum. Downstairs there is a cafe where you can drink wonderful coffee with cakes, that also look like clockwork."
I' Lo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Besançon. Many visitors find it easily accessible by walking from other city attractions. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby.
Parking in the historic center of Besançon can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages located a short walk from the museum or consider public transportation.
From the Besançon-Viotte train station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach Palais Granvelle. The journey is relatively short, making it a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical museum hours on weekdays and weekends.
The entry fee is around 5€, but some reviews mention that it can be free during certain seasons or on specific days. It's advisable to confirm current pricing.
While online ticket purchasing might be available, it's often straightforward to buy tickets upon arrival. Check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on booking options.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's website for details on concession eligibility.
Information regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities should be sought directly from the museum. Some older buildings may have limitations, but efforts are often made to accommodate visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a vast collection of watches and clocks from various historical periods, a detailed model of Besançon, and offers panoramic city views from its tower.
A thorough visit can take 1-2 hours, especially if you explore all three floors and enjoy the city views. If you're in a hurry, you can see the main exhibits in about an hour.
Guided tours may be offered, particularly in French. It's best to check the museum's schedule or inquire upon arrival for tour availability and languages.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but it's wise to look for signage or ask museum staff for confirmation.
Palais Granvelle is a historic building that houses the Museum of Time. Its architecture and history add to the overall cultural experience of visiting the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located downstairs within the museum premises, offering coffee and cakes.
The cafe serves coffee and cakes, with some reviewers noting that the cakes are creatively designed to resemble clockwork.
Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Palais Granvelle, offering a variety of cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the tower are exceptional for cityscapes. The intricate details of the historical timepieces also make for captivating close-up shots.
Non-flash photography for personal use is generally allowed, but always check for specific signage or ask staff. The detailed mechanisms are fascinating to capture.
The exterior of Palais Granvelle is architecturally significant and offers great photo opportunities, especially from the surrounding streets and squares.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the exhibits are primarily in French, the visual nature of the timepieces and the city model can still be captivating. Consider making it a shorter visit, focusing on the most visually striking exhibits and the tower view, to keep younger visitors engaged. The cafe offers a nice break with visually interesting treats.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the watches, the museum is housed in the historic Palais Granvelle, adding another layer of historical context. Exploring the building itself and then ascending to the tower for views of the city that has been shaped by centuries of history provides a holistic historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Science of Horology
The sheer variety of timepieces is astounding, with some pieces being truly remarkable for their historical context and engineering. The museum doesn't just display objects; it narrates the journey of how humans have measured and perceived time through centuries of dedicated work by skilled artisans.
Beyond the primary focus on watches, the museum offers a broader cultural experience. The building itself, Palais Granvelle, is a historical gem, and the upper floors provide a unique perspective on the city of Besançon. This combination of historical artifacts and architectural beauty makes for a well-rounded visit.
Beyond the Exhibits: City Views and Models
Ascending from the model, visitors gain access to a tower that provides breathtaking panoramic views of Besançon. From this vantage point, you can see the winding river Doubs, the historic citadel, and the charming rooftops of the old town. It's an ideal spot for photography and for appreciating the city's picturesque setting.
This dual offering—a miniature representation of the city and a sweeping vista—enhances the museum experience significantly. It allows visitors to connect the historical artifacts within the museum to the living city outside, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Besançon's heritage and character.
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