Place Granvelle

Place Granvelle is a public square in Besançon lined with shade trees, open grassy areas, and monuments arranged throughout the space. The square is bordered by historic buildings and connected by several streets that make it a central crossroads in the city.

The site began as a private garden belonging to Granvelle Palace in the 16th century before becoming a public space in 1778 under architect Alexandre Bertrand's redesign. During the 19th century, the square gained new features including a music kiosk and several commemorative monuments.

The square is named after Cardinal Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle, reflecting the importance of this family to the city's past. Today it serves as a gathering space where visitors encounter multiple monuments and memorials woven into the landscape.

The square is easy to reach and crossed by multiple streets that help visitors navigate and explore the different areas. Open pathways allow people to walk through and view the various monuments without difficulty.

The square contains an artificial grotto built in 1860 using materials from an international exhibition held nearby. This unusual geological feature adds a curious element to the garden and reflects the creative thinking of those who shaped this space.

Location: Besançon

Address: Pl. Granvelle, 25000 Besançon, France

GPS coordinates: 47.23523,6.02601

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46