Horloge Astronomique

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.

Dates

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 Fri 05/02 to Fri 10/31/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm / from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
from Sat 11/01 to Mon 11/03/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm / from 2:00 pm to 6:00 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

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	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 rate	4.5	SNCF Inoui
Other rate	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

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