tour horloge

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Clock Tower of the Palais-de-la-Cité, the oldest clock in Paris

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Short description

It was first a watchtower for the security of the royal palace, not a Tour-de-l'Horloge. It is rectangular, massive, 47 meters high. Its walls were nearly a meter thick.

The Clock Tower has undergone extensive restorations. From 1840 to 1843 to consolidate the lower part and establish a guardhouse at its foot, between 1843 and 1848, then between 1860 and 1861, and restored it to its medieval appearance, especially in its upperparts. The vaulted room on the fourth floor, was completely restored, as was the upper level of the tower, where crenellations were added that did not exist before.

The last restoration is that of the Conciergerie Monument, which will be completed in November 2012. On this occasion, the roof of the clock tower has been redone. It is a roof now brand new and gilded.

Localisation

1 Quai De L'horloge, 75001 Paris, France

To discover

• Métro - line 4 - Station Cité
• RER line B or C - Station Saint Michel
• Bus : 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81, 85, 96

Full description

The clock tower: its origin as a simple watchtower.

The Clock Tower (Tour-de-l'Horloge) is located at the end of the Conciergerie and close to the Palais de Justice and Sainte Chapelle . It was part of the palace of the City, residence of the kings of France since Hugues Capet.   King Jean II le Bon (John II the Good) had a tower built between 1350 and 1353. It was on an old marshy ground, whose belfry was dominated by a lantern. It later became the Clock Tower of the Palais de la Cité.

It was a watchtower for the security of the royal palace, not a Tour-de-l'Horloge.

It is rectangular, massive, 47 meters high. Its walls were nearly a meter thick.

The restorations of the Clock Tower

The Tour-de-l'Horloge has undergone extensive restorations. A first campaign was conducted from 1840 to 1843 to consolidate the lower part and establish a guardhouse at its foot.

Other interventions took place between 1843 and 1848, then between 1860 and 1861, and restored it to its medieval appearance, especially in its upperparts. The vaulted room on the fourth floor, known as the White Queen's Room, reinforced on the outside by ten buttresses, still bore traces of its interior polychrome decoration: it was completely restored, as was the upper level of the tower, where crenellations were added that did not exist before, as shown in drawings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The last restoration is that of the Conciergerie, which will be completed in November 2012. On this occasion, the roof of the clock tower has been redone. It is a roof now brand new and gilded.

The clocks of the Tour-de-l'Horloge

• In 1370, the Tour-de-l'Horloge hosted the first public clock in Paris, built by Henri de Vic, a watchmaker from Lorraine.
• In 1371, the Clock Tower of the Palais de la Cité was fitted with a silver bell.
• In 1418, the city council demanded that the clock should have an exterior dial "so that the inhabitants of the city could settle their affairs day and night".
• In 1472, important restorations of the dial were made by Philippe Brille.
• In 1585, Henri III had a new dial put in place, framed by the well-known sculptor Germain Pilon. They were restored in 1685. The large allegorical figures representing Law and Justice, erased during the Revolution, were restored again in 1852 and 1909, dates appearing at the bottom of the dial.

Two plaques placed above and below the clock bear Latin inscriptions:

• above: " WHO DEDITS ANTE DUAS TRIPLICEM DABIT ILLE CORONAM (He who has already given him two crowns will give him a third) ", an allusion to the crowns of Poland and France worn by the king of France of that time Henri III
• below: " MACHINA QUÆ BIS SEX TAM JUSTE DIVIDIT HORAS JUSTITIAM SERVARE MONET LEGES QUE TUERI (This machine which makes at the hours twelve parts so just teaches to protect Justice and to defend the laws) ".

Under the small roof that houses the dial is inscribed interlaced initials (see photo): those "H" and "C" for Henri II and Catherine de Medici, and those "H" and "M" for Henri IV and Marguerite de Valois (known as Queen Margot). The little story also tells that the intertwined "H" and "C" secretly form the "D" of Diane de Poitiers, a favorite of Henri II. The less controversial attribute this D to the emblem of the House of Orleans, a crescent moon, to which the king belonged.

The current clock and the restoration of 2011-2012

The current dial is square, one and a half meters on each side. It is adorned in the center with flamboyant golden rays. It seems to be placed on the royal mantle of France on a floral azure background.

The hands in repoussé and bronzed copper, the large one in spearhead for the minutes, the small one finished in fleur-de-lis and prolonged by a counter-hand finished by a crescent for the hours, evolve on colored Roman numerals in relief on the stone.

During the great restoration campaign of the Tour-de-l'Horloge, from 2011 to the end of November 2012, the clock is restored in a state that conforms to the oldest documents available in the archives of the National Library. The gilding and paintings are redone. The most notable change is the restitution of the blue background sown with fleurs-de-lis of a different design from those of the 1686 restoration.

September 1, 2024 3:42 pm local time

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• The Conciergerie Clock: France’s first public clock

The Conciergerie Clock: France’s first public clock

Last Updated:  30 August 2024

I was truly captivated by the stunning beauty of the restored  Conciergerie clock , a sight that surprised me as much for its splendour and  historical significance.

This ornate gilded clock adorns the Clock Tower of the Conciergerie .

It is a remarkable piece of historical craftsmanship, a landmark that has witnessed centuries of Parisian history.

This is France’s first public clock, perched at the intersection of Quai de l’Horloge and Boulevard du Palais in the 1st arrondissement  of  Paris .

Its presence is not just a functional piece but a symbol of the city’s enduring heritage.

The Conciergerie Clock: A Historic Landmark in Paris

The clock tower of the conciergerie.

The French monarchy was based in the Middle Ages at the Palais de la Cité.

But in 1370, during the Hundred Years’ War, Charles V decided to pack up and move to the Louvre.

He left his castle to the judicial and prison authorities, who quickly turned it into a vast, gloomy jail for the many convicts from the Paris region.

The Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge) was built between 1350 and 1353.

It is the Conciergerie ‘s tallest tower, rising at 47 metres.

The King’s Order for a Public Clock in Paris

At that time, Parisians had few options for telling the time.

They had to rely on sundials scattered around the city walls or listen for the church bells.

Charles V , always thinking about the comfort of his people, decided to take action.

He asked Henri de Vic , a clockmaker from Lorraine , to create Paris’s first large public clock.

This clock was installed on the eastern façade of the tower at the Palais de la Cité in 1371.

The clock, covered in gold leaf and decorated with a beautiful blue mantle dotted with fleurs-de-lis, was a true work of art.

Its large bells chimed every hour, day and night.

And when it came to announcing royal births, weddings, or deaths, those bells would go all out with a loud, ringing carillon that echoed across Paris.

The clock quickly became a crucial part of daily life for Parisians.

A New Enhanced Clock in the 16th Century

But, exposed to the elements, it began to wear down over time.

So, in 1585, Henri III commissioned Germain Pilon with a significant restoration and asked for even more decorations to be added.

A gilded clock still in place enhanced the clock. It featured a multicoloured face with allegories of Law and Justice framing the actual clock.

The events of the French Revolution severely damaged it.

However,  clockmaker  Lepaute did not restore it until 1849 .

Finally, during the latest restoration, old documents from the National Library inspired the restorers .

The restoration programme  ended in  2012 and  gave the clock its initial splendour.

A Little Guide to the Conciergerie Clock

The entire piece is framed by an arch with intricate gold detailing, making it not just a functional timepiece but also a work of art and a symbol of the location’s historical significance.

The squared clock at the centre

The clock consists of a square 1.5 metres wide.

It is set within a richly decorated framework featuring a deep blue background adorned with golden fleurs-de-lis , a symbol of French royalty.

More precisely, two different types of fleur-de-lys have been used.

The arms of the clock

The clock has a round face with Roman numerals marking the hours and a golden sunburst design at the centre, from which the clock’s hands radiate.

The long arm of the clock depicts an arrow, while the shorter has a fleur-de-lys at its tip.

The Latin inscriptions

Below the clock, a Latin inscription reads:

“MACHINA QUAE BIS SEX TAM JUSTE DIVIDIT HORAS, JUSTITIAM SERVARE MONET LEGESQUE TUERI”

English translation:

“ This mechanism which divides time into perfectly equal twelve hours helps you to protect justice and defend the law ”.

Then, above the clock, another inscription refers to King Henri III (1551-1589):

“QUI DEDIT ANTE DUAS TRIPLICEM DABIT ILLE CORONAM”

“ He who has already given two crowns will be given a third. ”

Henri III was first Grand Duke of Lithuania, then King of Poland, before becoming King of France.

The inscription is a fitting tribute, as he was destined to father the heir to the French throne.

The Crests of France and Poland

You can also spot two crests held by two angels above—one with fleurs-de-lis for France and the other with an eagle on a red background for Poland.

The small allegorical statues

Two small statues were placed on either side of the clock face.

On the right, the Greek goddess Themis stands as a symbol of Justice .

She holds a sword in her right hand, representing punishment, and a scale in her other hand, reflecting the divine justice of the Royal power.

On the left, another statue represents the Law , holding a sceptre and a tablet with a Latin inscription:

“SACRA DEI CELEBRARE PIVS REGALE TIME IVS.”

This translates to “Revere the sacred and respect royal law!”

It reminded Parisians of that era that it was wise to submit to the king’s authority.

The monograms beneath the roof

Just beneath the roof, you’ll notice some intriguing monograms.

These date from a more recent restoration and are a tribute to notable members of the monarchy, expressed as intertwined initials.

The overlapping “H” and “C” are a nod to Henri II and Catherine de’ Medici .

Next to them, you’ll find intertwined “H” and “M” initials, representing a royal couple infamous for their affairs: Henri IV , the notorious flirt known as “Le Vert Galant,” and Marguerite de Valois , better known as the scandalous “Reine Margot”!

The Plane-Tree Controversy!

You might notice that my photos were taken in winter when the absence of foliage allows me to fully appreciate the clock’s beauty.

There’s a large plane tree standing in front of the clock tower, and as soon as spring arrives, its thick leaves start to obscure the clock’s splendour.

This has actually sparked a bit of controversy among local heritage enthusiasts in Paris.

Despite the growing concern, the Paris city council has so far refused to cut down the tree, which seems to gain more ground every year.

Where to find the clock?

The Conciergerie Clock is located on the Île de la Cité , right in the heart of Paris.

Specifically, you’ll find it on the eastern façade of the Conciergerie, at the corner where Quai de l’Horloge meets Boulevard du Palais .

The clock is prominently positioned on the Clock Tower, part of the historic Palais de la Cité, a site with deep ties to French history.

To get there, you can easily take a stroll from other major attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral or Sainte-Chapelle , both of which are just a short walk away on the same island.

If you’re using public transport, the closest Metro station is “ Cité ” on Line 4 , which drops you off right on the Île de la Cité. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the clock.

Alternatively, you can also arrive from the station “ Pont-Neuf ” on Line 7 .

When visiting, keep in mind that the clock is best viewed during the winter months when the nearby plane tree’s foliage doesn’t obstruct the view.

But even in other seasons, this beautiful piece of Parisian heritage is worth a visit, even if partially hidden by the leaves.

• Get your Priority Entrance eTickets to the Conciergerie.

Where to stay in the 1st arrondissement?

Hotels in Paris vary from stunning luxurious places like the Ritz and the Meurice to much simpler hotels in charming older parts of the city.

However, due to its central location, you will find the prices of all types of accommodation relatively high in the 1st arrondissement.

Depending on your budget, you might want to find cheaper accommodation further away from the hypercentre of Paris!

Therefore, the district has more than 70 hotels totalling over 4,000 rooms.

Of these, eleven are 5-star hotels, including some of the most famous:

• the Hôtel Meurice
• the Hôtel du Louvre
• the Ritz (Place Vendôme)
• the Hôtel Costes
• the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
• the Hôtel Régina

Here is a map showing the nearest accommodation:

All photos © French Moments

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, 6 architectural clocks of paris – keeping time in a timeless city, 6 architectural clocks of paris.

One of the things we love most about visiting Paris again and again is the chance to specialize , to drill deep into a fascinating aspect of the French capital. We've explored the pedestrian bridges , the waterfalls of Paris , even where to see animals . Right now, though, we're thinking about time, and the public clocks that keep track of it.

Clocks themselves date back to the Middle Ages, but it wasn't until the 19th century that planners and architects commonly began to install them in buildings, often in dedicated clock towers. Time is important to trains, so the new gares were obvious places for clocks to appear. Other public buildings like schools and government offices soon followed. (Remember, it wasn't until the 20th century that pocket watches became popular, so travelers and workers had to rely on public clocks.) Paris was a bit ahead of the timepiece trend with its oldest public clock dating from the 14th century. It's still ticking.

Discover What's On When You're Here...

Discover what's on when you're here, 1. tour de l'horloge, la conciergerie.

In the early modern era Parisians, indeed all Europeans, relied on the churches to keep track of time, which is one reason why bell towers still chime out the hour. In 137O French king Charles V used the muscle of the monarch to install the city's first public clock.

At the time, the center of royal power in France was the Palais de la Cité; , the home of the French kings on Île de la Cité; . In an existing tower on the northeast corner of La Conciergerie a clockmaker from Lorraine named Henri de Vic built the first clock to run on king time, not on priest time. Unlike most subsequent public clocks, l'horloge de la tour isn't placed high on the tower, but at the second-story (US) level.

Over the centuries l'horloge was periodically improved and beautified. A bell was installed in 1371 and it may not have been until 1418 that the clock was fitted with an exterior dial. The ornate figures and decorative background were added over the years. In 2012 the clock was restored to its historic splendor, reflecting the 17th-century version. (If you're interested here is what the clock looked like in 2009, before restoration.)

Beneath the dial is the inscription, machina quae bis sex tam Juste dividit horas justitiam servare monet legesque killi , or, "this machine, which divides the twelve hours so precisely, teaches to protect justice and defend the laws" .

• 1 Boulevard du Palais, at Quai de l'Horloge
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2. hotel de ville.

The magnificent building we now find on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is actually a kind of idealized restoration of the 17th-century Paris city hall. The original Hotel de Ville was begun in 1533, with construction and expansion completed under Louis XIII in 1628. It was during this initial construction period that a clock was installed on the facade. Later, in the mid 19th century, the building was expanded and renovated.

The most traumatic event in the life of the Hotel de Ville occurred during a violent week in 1871, when, under the Paris Commune, a mob set the city fall on fire, gutting the building and destroying priceless archives and the historical library. Weighing a ton and a half, the clock miraculously survived the fire and destruction.

It took the best part of twenty years, but the Hotel de Ville was eventually restored, reconstructed inside the original shell. Today, the clock sits proudly as rebuilt in 1880, framed by two statues from sculptor Ernest Eugène Hiolle. (You can view other statues by Hiolle at Palais Garnier ).

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3. musée d'orsay.

Possibly the most well-known architectural horloges in Paris (particularly from the back side) are the two iconic clocks that dominate the ends of the facade on the exterior of Musée d'Orsay — vestiges that remind us that, before it was a museum, Musée d'Orsay was a train station.

Inaugurated in time for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle and built to handle overflow train traffic arriving at Gare d'Austerlitz, the d'Orsay station was obsolete within only a few decades because it wasn't able to handle the longer trains that came into use. It took a further four or five decades before a permanent — and glorious — use was found for the building: housing the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world.

Come to think of it, there's another clock at d'Orsay that's an even better reminder of its railroading days — the ornate clock hanging high above the main gallery.

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4. gare de lyon.

There has been a train terminus at this location in the 12th Arrondissement since 1847; in 1849 the station was opened to the public under the name Embarcadère de chemin de fer de Paris à Montereau for trains running between Paris and (you guessed it) Montereau. (We assume that means the now-named Montereau-Fault-Yonne, to the south.) This modest, wood-framed affair was not enough of a presence to be called a gare , but instead an embarcadère , something like "pier" or maybe "train stop". Certainly not important enough for a clock.

In anticipation of the number of visitors coming to Paris for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle a larger, thirteen-track station was built, to be named Gare de Lyon. The design included the very big clock tower we see today. You might see similarities in it to London's Big Ben, on which it is rumored to have modeled. With clocks on all four sides, the faces are adorned with hand-painted brass Roman numerals.

Gare de Lyon is where, in 1922, Hadley Hemingway lost a suitcase containing her husband's unpublished manuscripts, never to be recovered.

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5. gare saint-lazare.

Another Paris train station , another clock. Or, in the case of Gare Saint-Lazare, two clock manifestations. Saint-Lazare holds the title of the oldest gare in all of France, going back to 1837. (Was that also the year we first visited Paris?) As with Gare de Lyon and most other Paris stations, it started as a passenger shed, something like a bus stop shelter. No grand clocks at that point.

Step by step Saint-Lazare evolved and grew. Taking over a decade to complete and opening in 1853, the station we see today would become a favorite subject of artists like Manet, Caillebotte and, of course, Monet.

The first Saint-Lazare clock of interest to us here is located on the upper facade; a beautiful clock with a classical facade designed by the architect of the station, Alfred Armand (1805-1888). He was a very busy man, what with designing train stations across France as well as the Grand Hotel on Place de l'Opera. (Today the InterContinental Paris Le Grand .) By the way, Gare Saint-Lazare was declared an Historical Monument in 1984, meaning that its facades, roofs, entrance, and main concourse cannot be altered.

The second timepiece at Saint-Lazare is a jumble of clocks stacked on top of each other, created in 1985 by artist/sculptor Arman (1928-2005). (Whose name was a nice connection to station's architect.) Located on the forecourt of the station, the 15-foot tower, called L'Heure de Tous has the hands of the clocks pointing to different times to represent the idea that le temps qui file à toute vitesse — time flies at full speed. Or so we hear.

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The most popular paris experience, 6. église saint paul saint louis.

One thing all these clocks have in common is that they all have moving parts. In the case of Église Saint Paul Saint Louis, the clock itself also moved. The strikingly beautiful blue and gold clock with a white face practically shines in the center of the facade of this church near the Saint-Paul Metro station in the Marais, but the timepiece hasn't always been in this location.

The clock originally graced the front of another church, Église Saint-Paul-des-Champs, just around the corner at 32 Rue Saint-Paul. There had been a church of one sort or another on that site since the 7th century, with a large structure completed in 1430. The parish slipped into disuse over the years and the Saint Paul church was amalgamated with the Saint Louis church on Rue Saint Antoine (hence the current compound name of that church); the church building sold and demolished in 1797. (Today you can view a vestige of the tower of the demolished church at the corner of Rue Saint Paul and Rue Neuve Saint Paul in the Marais.)

The ornate clock was created in 1627 by a master watchmaker named Joseph Lory. In a nice bit of continuity, it was his grandson, Louis Lory, who (re)installed the clock at Église Saint Paul Saint Louis in 1806. In 2012 the age-darkened facade of this church was repaired, restored, and cleaned with the clock also receiving a refreshing facelift.

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11:00 Salon-De-Provence

Sunday 1 September 2024

Prix De La Tour De L'horloge - Attele

• 5YO only  |   1m 2f 205y  |   Standard  |   13 Runners  |   Turf   |    Amended Result
• Off time: 11:01  |   Winning time: 2m 44.16s

Result Amended

Juvania (9/4), Jet Set Aimef (9/2), Judelle Jihaime (5/1), Jacee De Bussieres (13/2), Junon De Beylev (7/1), Jade Pierji (9/1), Jolie Scala (14/1), Jelina Benoit (16/1), Jeloura (16/1), Jordana (25/1), Jersey Bleue (25/1), Jolie Boes (28/1), Java Venus (50/1)

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The Seasons of Tour de l’Horloge in Aix-en-Provence

After 18 years in Aix, I only realized that it’s actually someone’s job to clamber up narrow staircases and reach across the void inside the Tour de l’Horloge to manoeuvre the four (4) statues around every 3 months when the season changes.

It’s down to (or should we say up to) the concierge of the Mairie, who says he didn’t realize this was involved when he took over in 2018. Continue reading here for the original article.

Aix: Hôtel de Ville

The Hôtel de Ville was constructed in the middle of the 17th century when Aix en Provence was Provence’s capital. Throughout France, the Hôtel de Ville (town or city hall) is where the elected representatives gather. Often this is also the location where administrative requests occur. As in other towns, all Aix residents who wish to marry must do so at City Hall. Only the civil ceremony is considered legal in France. Church weddings can only occur after the civil service.

Walk up to the majestic carved wooden doorway of the Hôtel de Ville typical of the architecture of Aix. The stone came from the nearby Bibemus Quarry.

Aix: Tour de l’Horloge

The clock tower was built in 1510 on Roman foundations when timepieces were rare. Bell and clock towers are typical of Provencal architecture, and the presence of a public clock demonstrated the city’s importance to both townsfolk and other cities.

As Lynne mentions in her article, the tower houses an astronomic clock (1661) with four wooden statues representing the seasons. The four statues are moved manually at the start of each season. The rather ornate wrought iron structure surrounding the bell is known, in Provence, as a campanile. The powerful mistral winds can blow for days here, and these structures prevent the bell from ringing randomly. The bell rings hourly, and the belfry serves as a passageway along Rue Gaston de Saporta.

The Fountain and Square

The Town Hall fountain was sculpted by J.P. Chastel in 1756 and is known as the Four Seasons fountain. Again, the Roman past’s importance is made clear by incorporating a Roman column saved from nearby ruins.

The square is beautiful, but it is also highly relevant to town life. If you enter the square on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning, you will be greeted with the riot of colour of the flower market. Tulips, mimosa and the bright ranunculi are among the flowers grown locally; many varieties arrive from other parts of the world via Hyeres, France’s largest wholesale flower market and the 4th largest European market.

Hall aux Grains

Constructed in 1717, the Hall aux Grains for regional grain trade. In Provence, and indeed throughout France, decorative buildings’ construction was not reserved for the nobility. Buildings of public interest were also considered works of art. Today the building houses a post office.

Chastel sculpted the triangular portion of the façade showing an older man holding an oar, symbolizing the Rhone River and its navigation. The Rhône originates in Switzerland and runs through principal French cities like Lyon, Orange, and Avignon before reaching the Mediterranean’s delta and the Camargue .

The goddess Sybille symbolizes the Durance River, with her trailing leg representing its frequent flooding. The grapes and lemons in her left hand represent food cultivation made possible by water supply and fertile soils. Canal systems diverted water from both rivers irrigating farmland and provided Marseille’s drinking water, as its freshwater springs were insufficient.

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Affiliate information, brush fire devastates vineyards in the var, join jean-marie liere on a lavender in provence tour, related posts.

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Lynne Alderson

Aixcentric was set up by Lynne Alderson three years ago as a channel to send out info on events taking place around Aix as well as news, relevant books, the latest films, new shops and of course where to eat locally. Why? According, to Lynne: "It came about out of frustration with the lack of communication in the town. Posters would suddenly go up about an event that week. No prewarning. I had difficulty too in finding information from many of the tourist offices. Things are slowly getting better and there is sometimes information in English. Hopefully by keeping an eagle eye on the local press and talking with contacts in town, I can publicize fun things that people would otherwise miss. It's a ragbag of info that I come across on my travels. I've published nearly 600 posts now and have lots of followers so hopefully, it is fulfilling its role of helping people, residents and visitors alike, get the most of their time in Aix." For what is going on in Aix-en-Provence, Lynne has you covered at Aixcentric

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1-bedroom apartment in villefranche-sur-mer.

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Le Gros Horloge: Renaissance Time in Rouen, France

Although heavily damaged during the second World War, the city of Rouen still has a spectacular Medieval and Renaissance sights. One of these is set in a Renaissance street-arch, a beautifully decorated astronomical clock. Known as Le Gros Horloge, the mechanism was made in 1389, making it one of the oldest, working clocks in Europe.

Thomas Dowson

• Last Checked and/or Updated 15 December 2021
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• Tour of France

Walking the streets of Rouen the Medieval and Renaissance history of the city is unmissable. All the more surprising given that many conflicts in north western Europe have involved Rouen in one way or another. These include the ninth century Viking raids, the Hundred Years war during the Middle Ages, the Wars of Religion in the Renaissance period, the Franco Prussian war of 1870, and World War II when it is estimated about 45% of the city was severely damaged. Bullet and shrapnel scars can still be seen on some of the buildings in Rouen.

The streets of the Medieval quarter still has three or four story, timber-framed buildings that look decidedly unstable, leaning either left or right or into the street itself. Rouen has always been a relatively prosperous city, despite and because of its place in the various conflicts its inhabitants have witnessed. This wealth was largely based on a textile and wool industry that got going in the early Medieval period, and flourished well into the Renaissance competing with other northern centres such as Flanders. Signs of this industry are still evident around the city. Representations of sheep, for example, feature prominently in the decoration surrounding Le Gros Horloge.

Running between the Gothic cathedral made famous by Claude Monet and the old market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake is a pedestrianised street called ‘Rue du Gros-Horloge’. This quaint street with many timber-framed buildings is named after Le Gros Horloge, a Renaissance clock set in an arch over the street.

The clock’s movement was made in 1389, and installed in the adjacent belfry that was constructed at the same time. The bells in the belfry were the first set of municipal bells in Rouen. At this time there was no dial to the clock. With the construction of the arch between 1527 and 1529, the clock was moved to the arch and attached to two identical dials – one on each side of the arch. Each dial is about two and a half meters in diameter.

The dials are rich in astronomical symbolism. A single hand points out the hour of the day, moving over 24 golden sun-rays and encircled by a blue starry night. The phases of the moon are indicated on a small sphere directly above the dial. On the opposite side, below the hour of VI, a panel reveals the day of the week, symbolised by the god of the day: Monday is represented by the Moon, Tuesday by Mars, Wednesday by Mercury for Wednesday, Thursday by Jupiter, Venus by Friday, Saturday by Saturn and Apollo indicates Sunday.

The sheep everywhere, including one at the end of the hour hand, signify the importance of wool for the city’s prosperity. At the apex of the arch, on both sides, a passover lamb is included in city’s heraldry.

A ‘behind the scenes’ tour of Le Gros Horloge is possible – there is no need to simply admire the clock from the street. The entrance to the clock is at the base of the belfry (opening hours vary throughout the year, so check the website). And audio-guide is included (French and English) lasting about 40 minutes, and takes the visitor through the belfry and the pavilion, the dials room, the bells chamber, and the clockmaster’s workshop and flat. From the top of the belfry, and on a clear day, there is an outstanding view of the city of Rouen and the Seine River.

An interesting point of French grammar to end on, particularly for anyone who knows the difference between masculine and feminine nouns in French. Le Gros Horloge is masculine, I have not mixed up my les and las. In French clocks today are indeed feminine, so la horloge. But this has not always been the case. Prior to the 18th century, clocks were masculine. Perhaps the next time I make an error with a le or a la I will try and excuse my error by saying I am learning old French?

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The Clock Tower turns 100

Richard Burnett

This article was updated on July 4, 2022. Note: visitors will not be able to climb the 192 Clock Tower steps this summer.

The Old Port of Montréal’s iconic Clock Tower celebrates its centennial in 2022. Still a prominent feature of the city skyline, the Clock Tower continues to welcome visitors, watercraft and tourists as they make their way along the Mighty St. Lawrence River.

The Sailors’ Memorial Clock

With four clock faces designed by prestigious English clockmakers Gillett & Johnson and decorative elements in the Beaux-Arts style, the 45-metre Sailors’ Memorial Clock (or  Tour des Marins  in French) was built on the Victoria Pier (today called the Clock Tower Quay) between 1919 and 1922 as a memorial to sailors who died in the First World War. Today, it is simply called the Clock Tower, or the Tour de l’Horloge in French.

“The Montréal Harbour Commission was called upon to honour the courage and the memory of members of the Canadian Merchant Marine and the British Merchant Navy who were killed in combat,” notes historian and UQAM professor Joanne Burgess . “In light of its role in provisioning arms and food to Great Britain and its allies during the Great War, the Commission undoubtedly felt called by duty.”

After the war, Burgess adds , “The Commission set out to build a memorial and, in October 1919, a block of granite marking the future location of the memorial’s commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Prince of Wales who would later ascend to the throne as King Edward VIII. Paul Leclaire, then-engineering assistant for the Commission and graduate of the city’s École Polytechnique, was entrusted with the design of the monument.”

The Clock Tower was inaugurated in 1922.  

Historical heritage site

The Clock Tower was named a Classified Federal Heritage Building in 1996. In addition to commemorating the courage of the seamen of the Merchant Marine who perished in the First World War, Parks Canada states , “The Clock Tower is an eloquent symbol of the importance of the Port of Montréal in the history of transportation in Canada. When the tower was built, Montréal handled more grain exports than any other port in the world and ranked second in North America in terms of total cargo. The Clock Tower is also associated with the major contribution of the port to the economic development of the city of Montréal.”  

The Clock Tower today

After 1950, says historian and UQAM professor Joanne Burgess , the port’s activities began to migrate east before federal authorities in 1977 discontinued all major port operations between the Lachine Canal and Victoria Pier (today called the Clock Tower Quay).

Parks Canada states the Clock Tower “was the focal point of the redevelopment of the Victoria Pier in 1990 by award-winning architects Cardinal Hardy and Associates.”

Today the iconic Clock Tower is a major tourist destination in Old Montréal. It stands next to the city’s popular  Clock Tower Beach (free admission except during events). The beach also hosts ticketed activities and events such as yoga , DJs and the Fireworks .

For more activities and events at the Old Port, visit www.oldportofmontreal.com .  

Richard “Bugs” Burnett is a Canadian freelance writer, editor, journalist, blogger and columnist for alt-weeklies, mainstream and LGBTQ+ publications. Bugs also knows Montréal like a drag queen knows a cosmetics counter.

La tour de l’Horloge (the Clock Tower)

Historic building in dinan & léhon.

La Tour de l’Horloge in Dinan, a remarkable clock tower standing 46 meters tall from the 15th century, is celebrated for the breathtaking panoramic views it provides over Dinan. The construction of this architectural gem was commissioned by Duchess Anne of Brittany, which is commemorated in the naming of the tower’s main bell, among five, as Anne. The ground floor of the tower hosts a museum with exhibits dedicated to the clock’s mechanism and its operation, alongside an exhibition on Duchess Anne herself, offering visitors insight into the historical significance and the intricate workings of this time-honored tower.

The La tour de l’Horloge (the Clock Tower) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Dinan & Léhon !

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Visiting La tour de l’Horloge (the Clock Tower)

From February 10 to March 30: Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. From April 1 to October 6: Every day from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. except Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Nearby Attractions

• Place des Merciers (0.1) km Historic Building in Dinan & Léhon
• Basilique St-Saveur of Dinan (0.1) km Basilica in Dinan & Léhon
• Val Cocherel Garden (0.2) km Gardens in Dinan & Léhon
• Église Saint-Malo (0.3) km Church in Dinan & Léhon
• Château de Dinan (0.3) km Castle in Dinan & Léhon
• Town Walls of Dinan (0.3) km City Gate and City Walls in Dinan & Léhon
• Maison du Gouverneur, Dinan (0.4) km Historic Building in Dinan & Léhon
• Viaduc de Dinan (0.4) km Bridge in Dinan & Léhon
• The Rance River (0.6) km Waterway in Dinan & Léhon
• 39-45 Military Museum (1.0) km Museum in Dinan & Léhon

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Tour de l'Horloge

• Historic site and monument
• Historic patrimony
• Belfry/Clock tower
• Little towns of character

• Description
• Opening times

Documentation

• 04 94 39 07   ▒▒ 04 94 39 07 20

Environment

• Mountain view
• Close to a public transportation
• Village centre
• Bus stop < 500 m
• Panoramic view
• In connection with ...

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© Lucille Cottin/Shutterstock

Tour de l'Horloge

In the heart of Auxerre's partly medieval commercial precinct, the golden, spire-topped Tour de l'Horloge was built in 1483 as part of the city's fortifications. On the beautiful 17th-century clock faces (there's one on each side), the sun-hand indicates the time of day; the moon-hand shows the day of the lunar month.

btwn place de l'Hôtel de Ville & rue de l'Horloge

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Tour de l'Horloge

• Experience a medieval atmosphere while exploring the charming streets of Amboise
• Admire a well-preserved 15th-century clock tower built on top of an old city gate
• Enjoy picturesque views and proximity to the royal castle

Highlighted reviews

Know before you go.

• Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have better photo opportunities
• While access to upper levels may be restricted, appreciate the unique architecture and history from ground level
• Combine your visit with exploring other historic sites nearby like Château d'Amboise for a full experience

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R2  SALON-DE-PROVENCE   C4    PRIX DE LA TOUR DE L'HORLOGE

AUTOSTART - COURSE F

• Distance : 2200 M
• Piste : Pouzzolane
• Corde : Corde à droite
• Départ : Autostart

warning Enquête terminée

TERMINEE AVEC MODIFICATION

L'analyse Equidia

Jamais loin du groupe de tête, JUVANIA (8) finit le mieux, dominant l'animatrice JUNON DE BEYLEV (2) sur le poteau. Vite en bonne place, JORDANA (5) se défend vaillamment mais se contente du second accessit, malgré une enquête à son encontre pour empiètement. Attentiste sur une troisième ligne côté corde, JADE PIERJI (4) s'octroie la quatrième place, non loin du trio de tête. Distancée pour avoir empiété, elle laisse sa place à JERSEY BLEUE (1).

La photo de l’arrivée

Le prono Equidia

Par Jérémy Levy

JET SET AIMEF

JUDELLE JIHAIME

JUNON DE BEYLEV

JADE PIERJI

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Moscow Private Tours

#1 Rated Private Tours in Moscow since 2011

Best Private Tours in Moscow since 2011

Based on TripAdvisor reviews and 10 consecutive “Travelers’ Choice” awards.

4.92 out of 5 (based on 1293 reviews )

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We'll pick you up right from your hotel and whisk you away on a personalized adventure, hassle-free!

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The focus is completely on you and your tour - ensuring an unforgettable experience that's tailored to your interests and preferences.

Pay by Card or Cash

We offer hassle-free payment options, including both international cards like Visa and Mastercard and cash.

Flexible Timings

Our tours are designed with your schedule in mind, featuring flexible timings to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Children Friendly

We specialize in children-friendly tours, making us the perfect choice for family getaways

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Our Top Moscow Tours

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Moscow Must-See’s

Our Bestselling Private Walking Tour

• Major attractions in one day
• Duration: 4 hours + options
• Optional visit to the Kremlin
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Radisson Boat Tour

Moscow River Cruise

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• Duration: 3 hours
• Private guide right from your hotel
• Yacht tickets included

Kremlin and Armoury Tour

Private Skip-the-Line Tour

• Complete Kremlin Experience
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Includes pre-booked tickets
• The Territory + The Armoury Chamber

Moscow by Car Tour

Private Driving Tour

• Best landmarks around city center
• Duration: 5 hours
• Personal guide + personal driver
• Comfortable cars and vans

Sergiev Posad Tour

Day Trip Outside of Moscow

• Part of the famous Golden Ring
• Duration: 7 hours
• Includes official tour in the Lavra
• > Comfortable and fast transfer by train

Soviet Moscow Tour

Private Walking Tour

• Get impressed by the Soviet Heritage!
• Duration: 3 hours + options
• Visit to the legendary VDNKH
• Optional tour to Space Museum

Night Moscow Tour

• Covers the most illuminated sights
• Duration: 2-3 hours

Russian Food Tour

Author’s Tour with Tasting

• Interesting stories behind the food
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• 20+ food options to taste
• Selected cafes

She! Moscow Tour

Exclusive Author’s Tour

• Moscow has a woman’s face
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