L'Observatoire de Besançon

In the second half of the 19th century, Besançon experienced an expansion of its watchmaking activity which gave it the title of French capital in this field. It was in this context that the astronomical, meteorological and chronometric observatory was built in 1862. Today, meteorology is no longer part of its remit but it has remained faithful to its two other missions: a joint research unit of the University of Franche-Comté and the C.N.R.S., its themes concern both astrophysics and the measurement of time.
As far as architecture is concerned, the site is distinguished by the precise astronomical orientation of the buildings and by the choice to build isolated pavilions for each instrument. Thus, spread over a vast wooded area, we find the pavilion with an opening roof that houses the great meridian circle, the pavilion of the bent equatorial telescope, the pavilion of the tuning fork clocks, the house of the vibrating tables, a dome that houses the astrograph, the library and several houses.
It is possible to take part in a guided tour of the Observatory, organised by the Tourist Office (booking required).