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Museum · Besançon, Borgonha-Franco-Condado
Palais Granvelle et Musée du Temps
Renaissance palace from the 16th century on the Grande Rue, built by the chancellor of Carlos V, with an arcaded courtyard and the Museu do Tempo, about clockmaking and the measurement of time.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palais Granvelle et Musée du Temps
The Palais Granvelle was built between 1534 and 1547 on the Grande Rue by Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle, chancellor and trusted man of Emperor Carlos V, at a time when the Franche-Comté was part of the Habsburg domains. The family gathered collections of paintings, antiquities and books there which, dispersed later, formed the basis of the city’s library and fine arts museum.
The building is Renaissance, with four wings around an arcaded courtyard, open to pedestrian passage, and is one of the most pleasant spots in the centre. After the French conquest, the palace served as the governors’ residence, housed a theatre and the city’s academy of sciences and letters.
Since 2002 the palace has housed the Museu do Tempo. The visit traces the history of time measurement, from sundials to mechanical and atomic clocks, with pieces from Besançon’s watchmaking, which in the 19th century was France’s watch capital. High in the palace, a Foucault pendulum demonstrates the Earth's rotation, and the tower offers views over the city.
The garden behind the palace, the promenade Granvelle, is a tree-lined square with a bandstand.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 1h30 for the museum; the courtyard can be crossed in a few minutes.
Best time
During the day. The courtyard is open; the museum has its own opening hours. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the Grande Rue, in the centre, about a 5-minute walk from the place de la Révolution and Victor Hugo's birthplace.
Tip
Climb up to the Foucault pendulum and the palace tower: the view over the roofs and the citadel makes a good finale to the visit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palais Granvelle et Musée du Temps
What is the Musée du Temps of Besançon?
A museum about the history of time measurement and watchmaking, in the Granvelle palace, with clocks from various periods and a Foucault pendulum.
Who built the Granvelle palace?
Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle, chancellor to Emperor Charles V, between 1534 and 1547.
Can you enter the palace courtyard without visiting the museum?
The arcaded courtyard is open to pedestrians. The museum has a separate entrance and opening hours.