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.

Go to place for history lovers. As the name suggests, it’s a museum of times aka watches. You can see variety of watches from the past. It’s almost like a fun time travel experience. But there are no explanations in English only in french. And the entry fee of 5€ seems ok but I think depending on the season it’s free sometimes. I was a bit disappointed as the collection seems scattered. Nevertheless there are so many interesting watches to see. If you have time you can visit all the 3 floors. We were in a hurry so did not explore in detail.

What a wonderful museum and a lovely giftshop.

Well worth a visit. Not a museum only about clocks or watches, but also some nice pieces of art.

A beautiful museum about the watch making industry in Besancon. It has a lot of interesting watches from various centuries, some being truly incredible for their time. First two floors is only watches, while on the third floor you can find a huge layout of Besancon, and also the entrance in a tower from which you can see the whole city, with explanations for all the buildings.

It's almost a time travel walking around the museum. Really good collection. For international travelers there should be English captions. Don't miss the souvenir store in the ground floor.

Amazing experience through...the time! Fantastic views and great diversity in the exposition, not only "time stuff".

Nice to see and understand. So many complications. Careful as when we visited in May the clock was stopped for maintenance.

The clock is now in restoration till 2030. This did not detract from the experience of viewing this amazing piece of machinery created by an amazing autodidact. The Museum attendee gave a wonderful presentation about the clock and all of its functions. She was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions.

An absolute marvel of clockwork. One must go through the cathedral main doors and through and up a passage way to a room where the clockwork is found. Or you can go up the stairs on the outside and on the right side of the cathedral. Although there's a page of explanation in English the discussion is entirely in French.

Sadly when we arrived the astronomical clock was closed and apparently undergoing extensive renovation. The rush hour traffic only made the experience more frustrating. We spent over an hour and a half getting in and out of the city. I must research these attractions more thoroughly to avoid such an unpleasant experience

Must see destination in town but the clock is not working

Very impressive clock. Quick visit

Unique clock, well worth a visit.

Beautiful and Calm public gardens by the river Doubs. Favourite spot in Besançon

Lovely park along the Doubs, just a few steps away from the city centre and public transport to and from the train station. This is a great place to escape for a few minutes from the city and enjoy a bit of nature while still being close enough to be a good spot to meet up before a meal in the city. There's a play area for children, and plenty of spots to have a picnic or sit down.

Our 15 month old child had a great time, playing on a safe playground with rubber flooring, age appropriate playsets and an abundance of shade. A beautiful park for young children and their parents alike.

A beautiful park for relaxation.

Little parks scattered around. It's a great place to learn how to ride a bike, go for a picnic or spend a nice day out with friends.

Beautiful and quiet place. Enjoy for hours

in a rainy day it is very quiet and peaceful place for contemplations. Beautiful patches patches of flowers and tall platan trees look majestic.

If you have a car, do drive up as there is parking. The ramparts are quite spectacular as is the citadel. The views are amazing. There are several museums within though I wasn’t impressed. No matter, it’s still worth it.

Great place, one ticket for heaps of different things. Definitely worth a visit for the whole family.

Not particularly beautiful but impressive still. The citadel is rich in history, fun for all ages with its animals, fort walls and numerous museums. Do not go on the walls if it is thundering, it will be dangerous. I recommend it if you are in the area.

The fortress of Besançon is a must. Some areas can be visited for free but the visit is worth the entrance fees (views, museums, zoo, restaurant)

A fantastic place to spend an afternoon! Google indicated that it would be closed on the Thursday before Easter but the website said it would be open so always check there. Every ticket person or office warned me about it closing in an hour (we arrived at 4pm) but this was enough time for me and my 4 year old to go around the ramparts and see an extensive amount. Love the fact that there's a zoo inside... What a brilliant use of such a big walled space! The wooden snake art installation was also great.

An unprepared visit turned out as a nice activity with the children. We were a bit late so we could not visit everything but we focused on the animals. It was a nice surprise to discover the Citadel has been re-invented as a zoo. We saw some unknown species that I had not seen before, especially some wonderfully colored frogs.

Built, as it should be, on the top of a mountain, this citadel is an excellent example of military construction. Parking and bus stop is nearby. There are a couple of museums in the fortress, which, of course, I recommend visiting. There are also a couple of cafes to relax. Well, what especially surprised us and turned out to be very pleasant was the presence of a small zoo on the territory of the fortress. Here you can see tigers and lions and some other animals. And here there is a great opportunity to look from the fortress wall at the nearby surroundings. If you are in the city, be sure to visit this fortress.

One of the highlights of our travels through France, thanks to Clement, who treated us with so much kindness and generosity. He and the friendly felines made us feel like honored guests at a relaxing afternoon tea party! The cats are lovely, the snacks and cookies are delicious, and the ambience is filled with peace and sweetness. Thank you so much, Clement. We can't wait to see you again!

Very kind staff, clear instructions, and such a nice atmosphere to be in! Loved the cats, just came today and they were all obviously cared for and safe, nothing better than that!

Very tranquille place for cat lovers. Lovely home-made cookies and milkshakes as well.

Amazing, quiet place for cat lovers to rest, study, work, or just play with the cats! The owner is extremely friendly and welcoming, and he also speaks English fluently! Once you go through the first door, you do need to press the bell on your left for him to come let you in, and if you're lucky, he'll greet you with the beautiful cat Gavroche in his arms. Drinks are slightly pricey, but it's more than worth it as the drinks taste delicious (I recommend the hot choclate WITH CREAM) and the whole experience with the cats is included in it. Stayed for around 4 hours total and had a lot of fun with the cat Marius, as it enjoyed getting pet the most 😊

Super cozy atmosphere. The host was very friendly. The place is very well furnished. Both for humans and cats. Frollo the cat is so cute and curious.

Very cute cats café and you can tell the cats are being well taken care of. The price is reasonable.

We relaxed for an hour watching cats, most sleeping. How wonderful! The place is very quiet and restful. Re the directions to enter and wait patiently to be left in. They can be busy. The wait is worth it. The wine was good. We highly recommend a visit if you want to de-stress. Whisper too.

A beautiful cathedral, with amazing glass windows. It was very well designed. Every inch left me with ane awe.

The Saint John's cathedral of Besançon is a gorgeous edifice (especially the beauty of the apses). The cathedral is filled by the History: The humanist Erasmus, the king Louis XIV came. The author Stendhal inspired in his novel "The Red and the Black "and his character Julien Sorel. ... Discover aswell the astronomical clock(in overhaul actually).

Beautiful. Historic. Very dark.

Lovely cathedral. Unfortunately, the bell tower was covered in scaffolding (December 2018) but it was delightful all the same. You absolutely must stop by the astronomical clock while you're there for a guided tour! It's one of the four principal astronomical clocks in France.

most beautiful church from the area, worth to visit

A beautiful, historic cathedral which has been through many iterations since the 5th century. Many magnificent pieces of art and the stained glass is beautiful. The simple exterior belies the beauty of the interior

This cathedral to me is a rarity in terms of structure, architecture style and an interior that just blows all experience and expectations! The history of this church traced back to the twelfth century and it's construction up to the eighteenth century. It's spectacular because I could observe the combination of romanesque, gothic and baroque in this stupendously magnificent church. My experience started from the Porte Noire when the first view of the façades becomes evident. Inside is just out of this world! It's so unique to this cathedral to have two Apse, one in the front and one at the back. The back Apse is just mind blowing. The liturgical Apse in the front is on two elevations with seven Romanesque windows and seven bays of Gothic style. The two Apse are connected by a stunning nave with several chapels alongside the the aisles (especially the left if you are facing the front liturgical Apse. I could spend hours just meticulously exploring this cathedral but... It's easily accessible from the city centre by foot. I'm not familiar with public transportation of Besançon but I'm sure you can get information from the tourism office. This is an absolute must visit cathedral if you are ever visiting Besançon. I'm currently staying in Dijon and it was pretty easy by train to and from Besançon. Suitable for all ages. I didn't notice a ramp entrance for wheelchair though. Oh, and the bell tower was under renovations when I visited.

It was a small meseum to commemorate Victor Hugo. Even though it was only one floor, the items on display were augmented with video and sound. Cute little gift shop. Free for students.

The staff were very welcoming and helpful to us. We do not understand French to a high level so they explained the layout of the museum in English and provided an English language commentary on a mobile device. The whole museum is excellently curated and the story and writings of Victor Hugo very inspiring

Small but informative museum. They have an English text and audio guide. However, it's just a museum with a couple of pieces of furniture. There's not a recreation of the historical birthplace.

A must visit to learn a little bit more about the political struggles and history of the great writer.

Small but packed with info!

He wasn't home, dude didn't even invite me for a coffee

It was a whole new experience! A great point of view about Victor Hugo's life!

Excellent

Super 👌

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Wonderful!

I visited several times last month to play the table games (blackjack and roulette). Had a positive experience at this cozy little casino, with affordable minimum bet sizes. I would like to compliment the receptionist Dieudonné for his professionalism and friendliness, towards me and my friends, even though we do not speak French. His hospitality was outstanding!

Visiting family for Christmas, like every year i like to have a gamble and few drinks. Really beautiful building and great location. Spent many hours there over the festive period and enjoyed it very much. I’ll be back!!

This a great and welcoming place to risk a few bets and toast a drink or two. Highly recommended. See you in the new year!

They have slots, poker tables, roulette, and a bar. They do have a dress code, business casual would best explain it, no tennis shoes.

Grand Major Jackpot

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(Translated by Google) To see while strolling and crossing on foot one of the bridges which span the Doubs (Original) À voir en se baladant et traversant à pied un des ponts qui enjambe le Doubs

(Translated by Google) On the Pont Battant in Besançon stands a life-size statue of Claude François Dorothée, Marquis de Jouffroy d’Abbans, a pioneer of steam navigation. Created in 1998 by sculptor Pascal Coupot, the work depicts the inventor in a contemplative pose, facing the River Doubs, commemorating his pioneering experiments with steamboats in the 18th century.   Originally located on the Quai Veil-Picard, the statue was temporarily removed in 2012 during work on the Besançon tramway. After a brief stint on the Quai de Strasbourg, it was permanently placed on the Pont Battant in May 2015, blending harmoniously into the urban context and offering passers-by a tangible tribute to the legacy of Jouffroy d’Abbans.  This statue not only enriches the artistic heritage of the city, but also serves to remember the important contribution of Jouffroy d'Abbans to the development of naval technology. (Original) Sul Pont Battant di Besançon si erge una statua a grandezza naturale di Claude François Dorothée, marchese di Jouffroy d’Abbans, pioniere della navigazione a vapore. Realizzata nel 1998 dallo scultore Pascal Coupot, l’opera raffigura l’inventore in posa contemplativa, rivolto verso il fiume Doubs, commemorando i suoi esperimenti pionieristici con imbarcazioni a vapore nel XVIII secolo.   Originariamente collocata sul quai Veil-Picard, la statua è stata temporaneamente rimossa nel 2012 durante i lavori per il tram di Besançon. Dopo un breve periodo sul quai de Strasbourg, è stata definitivamente posizionata sul Pont Battant nel maggio 2015, integrandosi armoniosamente nel contesto urbano e offrendo ai passanti un tributo tangibile all’eredità di Jouffroy d’Abbans.  Questa statua non solo arricchisce il patrimonio artistico della città, ma serve anche a ricordare l’importante contributo di Jouffroy d’Abbans allo sviluppo della tecnologia navale.

Beautiful statue

(Translated by Google) Finally he found his place on the bridge, not the deck of the steamboat where he worked a lot but the Pont Battant in Besançon. I had seen him fool around for a while along the Quai Veil Picard where he had made a short stop, but he couldn't see the Doubs very well... From here he looks in the right direction, Abbans Dessus and the family castle... (Original) Enfin il a trouvé sa place sur le pont, non pas le pont du bateau à vapeur où il a beaucoup œuvré mais du Pont Battant à Besançon. Je l'avais vu badiner quelques temps le long du quai Veil Picard où il avait fait une petite halte, mais il ne voyait pas très bien le Doubs... D'ici il regarde dans la bonne direction, Abbans Dessus et le Château de famille...

(Translated by Google) Magnificent statue looking towards the Doubs (Original) Magnifique statue qui regarde vers le Doubs

(Translated by Google) Curiosity to see in the middle of the bridge. It seems like it came out of nowhere. We barely say hello when we meet him... He begins the hike located north of Besançon in the Battant district. Photos to take on your arm......or not. (Original) Curiosité à voir au milieu du pont. On le dirait sorti de nulle part. C'est tout juste si on ne lui dit pas bonjour en le croisant... Il débute la randonnée située au nord de Besançon dans le quartier Battant. Photos à faire à son bras......ou pas.

(Translated by Google) Enjoy your star! To see otherwise you have missed your life!!!! When you pass by, give him at least a smile, it always warms the heart. (Original) Jouffroy tes une star! A voir sinon vous avez ratez votre vie!!!! Quand vous passez à côté faite lui au moins un sourire, sa fait tjrs chaud au coeur.

Awesome place to have a picnic or you can hang out at the restaurant. We go with family and make a picnic. Lots of places to play with kids. If you need to go the bathroom it’s really low quality and closes before the restaurant does which is pretty terrible. Also, a fair amount of cigarette butts and trash on the grass.

The perfect place to chill out in Besançon when the weather is nice.

Very Amazing and Peaceful Place with astonishing view 😍❤️

nice place for a hangout with a family. plenty of young people having some fun and 'reunion' there.

Lovely city centre, park and lakes

A very nice place to enjoy the nature and to have a relaxing and calm time

Very good one. Water was to dark, no idea how can the ducks be there.... Strange

(Translated by Google) Obviously I would give five stars to any natural space, despite the damage that the tornado caused, this forest remains natural, and normally preserved. A large part is still closed and you can see this damage if you take the forbidden paths. I was very sorry to see the consequences. Nature will always regain its rights but it is also up to human beings to wake up more to preserve nature. The large barraques sector and the animal park have once again become accessible for walks. (Original) Bien évidemment à tout espace de nature je mettrais cinq étoiles , malgré les dégâts que la tornade a causé, cette forêt reste naturelle, et normalement préservée. Une grande partie est encore fermée et on peut voir ces dégâts si l'on emprunte les chemins interdits. J'étais bien navrée de voir les conséquences. La nature reprendra toujours de ses droits mais c'est également à l'être humain de se réveiller davantage pour préserver cette dernière. Le secteur les grandes barraques et le parc animalier est redevenu accessible pour les promenades.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent Chailluz Forest where it is so good to walk. A forest steeped in history which owes its name to the chaff exploited on the site in ancient times. Lots of beautiful things to discover there like this surprising natural Accacia fountain dug into the side of the valley and lost in the middle of the forest... (Original) Magnifique Forêt de Chailluz où il fait tellement bon s'y promener. Une forêt chargée d'histoires qui doit son nom à la chaille exploitée sur le site dans les temps anciens. Plein de belles choses à y découvrir comme cette surprenante fontaine naturelle des Accacias creusée à flanc de combe et perdue en pleine forêt...

(Translated by Google) Very pleasant, possibility of stinging, large space to play, Animal park, great time to relax with the children, the tour of the enclosures offers a good walk. (Original) Très agréable, possibilité de piquer, grand espace pour jouer, Parc animalier super bon moment de détente avec les enfants, le tour des enclos offre une bonne promenade.

(Translated by Google) Nice forest, I saw the deer, but where are the wild boars and deer. In addition, the enclosures are in a perfect state, this is normal for the wild boar enclosures which tend to ravage everything, but there are a lot of dead trees in the deer enclosures. (Original) Forêt sympathique, j'ai bien vu les daims, mais où sont les sangliers et les cerfs. De plus, les enclos sont dans un état perfectible, c'est normal pour ceux des sangliers qui ont tendance à tout ravager, mais il y a beaucoup d'arbres morts dans ceux des cervidés.

(Translated by Google) I have been going there since childhood and I still love going there and seeing the animals. (Original) J’y vais depuis l’enfance et j’adore toujours autant y aller et voir les animaux.

(Translated by Google) When I was at the Besançon School of Fine Arts we had a great time reserving the site to celebrate together the great adventure of relationships between students and teachers who obtained their first level university diploma. Excellent banquet organized by the foresters composed with the food resources raised on site and the union of merchants of the city of concerts 👍 (Original) Lorsque j'étais à l'école des Beaux-Arts de Besançon nous avons passé un excellent moment en réservant le site pour fêter ensemble la grande aventure des relations entre les élèves et les enseignants qui ont obtenus leur diplôme de premier niveau universitaire. Excellent banquet organisé par les forestiers composé avec les ressources alimentaires élevées sur place et l'union des commerçants de la ville de concerts 👍

(Translated by Google) Forest with small animal park (deer, deer, wild boars), flower trail, picnic tables, many walks or bike rides. (Original) Forêt avec petit parc animalier ( daims, cerfs, sangliers), sentier floristique, tables de pique nique, beaucoup de balades à faire à pied ou en vélo.

Great archeological hall, beautifully displayed and presented, in French, English and German. I did not visit the rest of the museum as I came for the Roman mosaics. And the staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful I thoroughly recommend the placr

Great exhibits, well planned out and very varied displays like Ancient civilisations to contemporary Art.

The museum is much larger than expected and spent 3 hours walking around without noticing. The archeological portion was really fascinating and all exhibits were from the area. Huge collection of masterpieces and very informative descriptions with each. A must see.

Fantastic museum with an interesting collection of archeological and cultural pieces.

Nice museum for an hour or two of wandering through. Navigating through the museum was a bit confusing at times but mostly good. Wonderful history.

Great architecture, the renovations they did were totally worth it. Loved the paintings they have in there. Specially Gigoux and Courbet, who were both renowned painters from Besançon. Will definitely go back for more.

Plenty to see and enjoy, free entry for the month of August. It's a great collection, I'd recommend planning for at least 2 hours if interested in both the art and archaeology. Downside: details about the contents of the display are only written in French (but general information about the eras also given in English and German)