Besançon in 3 Facts

Getting to know every corner of a city is no easy task. There are always little stories, fun facts, or surprising details that tend to slip through the cracks. That’s exactly why we’ve picked out three things about Besançon that might make you say, “Well, I never knew that!” First up: Monopoly.

Sold in 80 countries and translated into 43 languages, it’s one of the most popular board games of all time. Since its creation in 1935, over 2,000 versions have been released, including forty special editions for French cities. Besançon has its own Monopoly alongside Marseille, Lyon, Dunkirk, and more!

The publishers were so moved by the locals’ pride in their hometown that they released a dedicated edition in 2004. Speaking of locals, have you ever heard of Antoine-François Momoro? Born in Besançon in 1755, this publisher stood out for using his craft for the French Revolution.

He called himself the “First Printer of National Liberty” and joined the radical Cordeliers Club in Paris, working alongside Danton, the former Minister of Justice, and Desmoulins, a writer and close friend of Robespierre, a key figure of the Revolution. In 1792, with the mayor’s blessing, Momoro had the words “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity or death” engraved on monuments throughout Paris. The last part was later dropped, considered too closely tied to the Reign of Terror, a dark period of massacres and executions during the Revolution.

The first three words faded from memory, until 1848, when they officially became the motto of the French Republic. Finally, in Besançon, asking someone for the time means more than just checking your watch, it’s a quiet nod to the city’s proud legacy as the capital of French watchmaking. In the 18th century, unemployed Swiss watchmakers crossed the border and set up shop here, supported by local nobles.

The industry flourished and gained international attention, especially at global exhibitions. By the 19th century, Besançon had nearly 400 watchmaking workshops. But in the 1970s, fierce competition from Swiss and Asian brands brought the boom to an end.

Still, the soul of that golden age lives on. You can see it in the city’s flair for innovation, like one-handed clocks, double-faced watches, and designs that play with the idea of turning back time. You can even visit the Musée du Temps, an iconic landmark that celebrates this heritage.