Listed as a Historic Monument in 1991, the astronomical clock in Besançon's Saint-Jean cathedral was designed between 1858 and 1860 by the clockmaker Auguste Lucien Vérité. It is a veritable mechanical masterpiece, comprising more than 30,000 parts. The 57 dials provide a wealth of information, including calendars, the movement of the planets, eclipses and the time of high tide in various ports.
The astronomical clock, which is currently at a standstill, is offering a new mediation service until it enters the restoration phase.
The astronomical clock, which is currently at a standstill, is offering a new mediation service until it enters the restoration phase.
Dates
Closing days
Monday Monday Monday Monday
Opening periods
Opening times: 10am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 6pm
From 1st April to 31st October
Closed on Monday
All Saints' Day, Christmas, Winter and Easter holidays: 10am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Please note: last access to the monument 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Guided tours: 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
from Sat 12/20 to Wed 12/24/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm / from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
from Fri 12/26 to Wed 12/31/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm / from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
from Fri 12/26 to Wed 12/31/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm / from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Practical information
Group service
Thematic
Religious heritage
Listed or registered (CNMHS)
Visits for individuals
| Duration of the visit | 30 Min. |
Tours for groups
Rates
| MINI | Max | Additional information | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gratuities | 0 | Young people aged 18-25 who are members of the EU, teachers with an Education Pass, jobseekers and recipients of minimum social benefits. | |
| Gratuities | 0 | Young people aged 18-25 who are members of the EU, teachers with an Education Pass, jobseekers and recipients of minimum social benefits. | |
| Gratuities | 0 | Person with a disability and their carer | |
| Gratuities | 0 | Disabled person and companion | |
| Base rate - full rate adult | 5 | ||
| Group rate | 4 | ||
| Group rate | 4.5 | reduced rate | |
| School rate | 20 | school package | |
| other prices | 4.5 | SNCF Inoui | |
| other prices | 4.5 | SNCF Inoui | |
| Special rate | 3 | SNCF Grand Voyageur | |
| Special rate | 4 | SNCF Grand Voyageur season ticket | |
| Special rate | 4 | SNCF Grand Voyageur season ticket | |
Means of payment
Credit card
Cheques and postal orders
Holiday vouchers
Cash
Eurocard - Mastercard
Visa
