Museum of Time Palais Granvelle - The Opera Comedie in Montpellier, France.
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Museum of Time Palais Granvelle

4.5
·2k reviews·Besançon, France

Explore centuries of horological artistry in the stunning Palais Granvelle, with captivating watch collections and panoramic city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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Museum of Time Palais Granvelle - The Opera Comedie in Montpellier, France.

Museum of Time Palais Granvelle

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of horological artistry in the stunning Palais Granvelle, with captivating watch collections and panoramic city views.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A wonderful museum in a beautiful palace, showcasing timepieces from the Middle Ages to modern models."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗣️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval to Modern Timepieces

Medieval to Modern Timepieces

Main Exhibition Halls

Explore centuries of horological artistry, from intricate medieval clocks to sophisticated modern watches.

Besançon City Model

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

Panoramic City Tower View

Tower Access from Third Floor

Ascend to the tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of Besançon and its surrounding landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While the Museum of Time is fascinating, consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the intricate watch collections and avoid crowds. Check for free entry days, as some reviews suggest this is possible seasonally.

Beyond the Timepieces

Don't miss the upper floors! Beyond the extensive watch exhibits, you'll discover a detailed model of Besançon and access to a tower offering panoramic city views. It's a great way to combine history with stunning vistas.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
More relaxed pace
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Les secrets de Besançon 🇫🇷 #TourDeFrance #culture #patrimoine #cultureg #apprendre #architecture #france #roadtrip #voyage #musée
@yann_oubatche
23.6K likes • 358.5K views

🗣️ Language Barrier

Exhibits are primarily in French. Consider a translation app for a richer understanding of the watchmaking history. Reddit

☕ Cafe Break

Enjoy coffee and pastries at the charming cafe, with treats that playfully resemble clockwork. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Floors

Don't rush! The museum spans three floors, with the top offering city views and a model. Reddit

💰 Check for Free Entry

Entry fees can vary seasonally; inquire about potential free admission days. Reddit

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. Reddit

☕ Cafe Break

Enjoy coffee and pastries at the charming cafe, with treats that playfully resemble clockwork. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Floors

Don't rush! The museum spans three floors, with the top offering city views and a model. Reddit

💰 Check for Free Entry

Entry fees can vary seasonally; inquire about potential free admission days. Reddit

🏛️ Beautiful Palace Setting

The museum is housed in a stunning palace, adding to the overall visitor experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

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

Extensive watch collection
Beautiful palace setting
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

Lack of English explanations
Scattered collection

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located downstairs within the museum premises, offering coffee and cakes. Reddit

The cafe serves coffee and cakes, with some reviewers noting that the cakes are creatively designed to resemble clockwork. Reddit

Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Palais Granvelle, offering a variety of cuisines. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

The exterior of Palais Granvelle is architecturally significant and offers great photo opportunities, especially from the surrounding streets and squares. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Time can be an engaging experience for families, especially if children have an interest in how things work. The sheer variety of clocks and watches, from small pocket watches to large grandfather clocks, can capture their imagination. The detailed model of Besançon on the third floor is also a fun element for kids to explore and identify buildings. Reddit

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. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Museum of Time is a must-visit. It offers a deep dive into the history of watchmaking, a craft that significantly shaped Besançon's identity and economy. The collection's breadth, from medieval times to more modern eras, provides a comprehensive timeline of horological development. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and Science of Horology

The Museum of Time in Palais Granvelle is a testament to Besançon's rich history as a center for watchmaking. The collections span from the Middle Ages to contemporary times, showcasing the evolution of timekeeping technology and artistry. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of pocket watches, grand clocks, and intricate mechanisms, each telling a story of innovation and craftsmanship. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Beyond the Exhibits: City Views and Models

While the horological collections are the main draw, the Museum of Time offers more than just timepieces. The third floor features a large, detailed model of Besançon, providing an excellent overview of the city's layout and key landmarks. This model is particularly useful for understanding the urban geography and planning your exploration of the city. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok