During your stay in
Besançon, take the time to discover one of the city's most iconic cultural sites:
the Time Museum.
Located in the heart of the historic center, within the
Granvelle Palace, and just a 20-minute walk from our
Hotel Foch, the museum offers a perfect cultural interlude to easily incorporate into your trip.
Besançon, Capital of Time
Besançon has always maintained a close connection with watchmaking.
For centuries, the city lived to the rhythm of its workshops and the expertise of its artisans.
Awarded the Qualité Tourisme label, the museum recounts this history in an engaging and never boring way, blending technical objects, personal stories, and carefully curated displays.
It explores the concept of time from various perspectives, connecting the
history of Besançon to a more universal theme.
A Palace Steeped in History
The Time Museum isn't just for watch enthusiasts. From the moment you enter, even before the collections are revealed, the place is impressive.
Built in the 16th century, the Granvelle Palace was once the home of a powerful family of notables from the Franche-Comté region.
Today, fully restored, it provides a prestigious setting for the museum, blending Renaissance architecture, elegant courtyards, and contemporary exhibition spaces.
The museum is equally enjoyable to explore, whether you're simply curious, a heritage enthusiast, or just passing through.
The Museum of Time: A Journey to the Heart of Time
Antique clocks, remarkable watches, scientific instruments, historical anecdotes… the collections are rich and varied.
Throughout the year,
temporary exhibitions complement the
permanent displays, constantly renewing the visitor experience.
Lectures, cultural events, and
activities also punctuate the program, particularly during national events such as the
European Night of Museums and the
European Heritage Days.
Practical Information
📍Address: 96 Grande rue, 25000 Besançon
💶Prices: (Combined ticket with the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology and the Victor Hugo House)
- Full price: €9
- Besançon resident price: €7
- Reduced price: €4.50
- Free for under 18s, students, and on the first Sunday of each month, as well as during certain national events.
⌚Opening Hours: (subject to change depending on the season):
From April 1st to October 31st (and school holidays)
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Weekends and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (continuous hours)
From November 2nd to March 31st
- Tuesday to Friday: 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Weekends and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
🥾Directions: Approximately a 20-minute walk from the hotel
Book one of our
24 rooms in Besançon now for a pleasant stay at an affordable price.
