Palais Granvelle

On your right stands the Palais Granvelle, a major attraction in Besançon, and the first large-scale building constructed in the Franche-Comté region. Built between 1534 and 1547, it was commissioned by Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle, who served as Keeper of the Seals and close advisor to Emperor Charles V. Originally designed as a grand private residence, the palace took on a new role in 1864 when the city purchased it and transformed it into a cultural venue. For many years, it housed a museum dedicated to the history of Franche-Comté, but since 2002, it has found its true calling as the Musée du Temps, or Museum of Time. That name is no accident, Besançon was the capital of French watchmaking in the 19th century after all. Inside, you’ll find some remarkable pieces, including a 13-metre-high pendulum created by physicist Léon Foucault and the incredible Leroy 01 watch, a complex masterpiece with 975 components that took seven years to complete. Here’s a little tip, step through the main entrance to discover a stunning inner courtyard, lined with arcades and topped with a roof of colourful glazed tiles that glimmer beautifully in the light.