Muséum de Besançon

Muséum de Besançon is a natural history museum combined with a zoological park, located within the Citadelle de Besançon in eastern France. Founded in 1943, the institution has occupied the Citadelle since 1959, following an initiative by then-mayor Jean Minjoz. Today it stands out as one of the few sites in Europe where extensive natural history collections and a living zoo coexist under a single roof.

What can you see at Muséum de Besançon?

The natural history collections hold more than a million specimens, including an outstanding taxidermy collection. The visit is organized into six thematic areas, each covering a different facet of biodiversity.

Naturalium

An immersive display that presents and explains rare specimens from the museum's collection, suitable for visitors aged 7 and up. It offers an accessible introduction to evolution and the diversity of life on Earth.

Aquarium

The aquarium hosts 31 aquatic species, ranging from sponges and jellyfish to trout, carp, sturgeon and catfish. The displays highlight the richness of river ecosystems.

Insectarium

Described as the largest insectarium in France, it houses tens of thousands of insects and arthropods, alongside frogs kept in near-natural conditions. It's a particular favorite with families interested in invertebrates.

Noctarium

Unique in Europe for its concept, the Noctarium reveals the nocturnal life of small mammals such as voles, dormice and ferrets found in both urban and rural settings. By reversing the day-night cycle, the exhibit lets visitors watch animals that would normally only be active after dark.

Zoological Garden

The zoo participates in more than 60 conservation programmes, and 70% of the species on display are part of European or international breeding and conservation schemes. This makes the visit more than a leisure outing — it ties directly into efforts to protect endangered species.

Why is this place worth visiting?

Muséum de Besançon holds the "Musée de France" label, awarded to institutions of notable scientific and natural heritage. The combination of a classic natural history museum with a working zoo means a visit blends education with direct contact with animals — a rare pairing at this scale in the region.

Its setting adds further appeal: the Citadelle de Besançon is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Vauban's fortifications, making it a historical attraction in its own right. A museum visit pairs naturally with a walk along the defensive walls and the viewpoints overlooking the city and the loop of the Doubs river.

Who is this attraction suited for?

The range of exhibits — from microscopic insects to large mammals in the zoo — makes Muséum de Besançon appealing both to families with children and to anyone interested in the natural sciences. The Noctarium and Insectarium are exhibit types rarely found elsewhere, setting Besançon apart from other European natural history museums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Muséum de Besançon located? The museum sits within the Citadelle de Besançon, a historic fortress overlooking the city and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Is Muséum de Besançon a museum or a zoo? It is both — a classic natural history museum with a collection of over a million specimens, combined with a functioning zoological garden of live animals.

What should visitors prioritize? The Noctarium and Insectarium are unique on a European scale, so it's worth setting aside time for them before covering the other four areas.

Is the site suitable for children? Yes. The Naturalium exhibit is designed for visitors aged 7 and up, and the variety of themed areas makes the whole site appealing for family visits.