Gros Horloge

Tower in Rouen

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Claudia Schillinger

The Gros Horloge is one of Rouen’s most iconic landmarks, both for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Set in a Renaissance arch spanning the bustling Rue du Gros-Horloge, the timepiece dates back to the 14th century and remains one of the oldest functioning clocks in Europe. Its striking gilded dial, richly decorated with suns, moons, and stars, has kept time over Rouen for centuries. Above and below the arch, the surrounding buildings include a belfry and a former clockmaker’s residence, forming a fascinating ensemble of medieval engineering and Renaissance artistry.

Beyond its ornate exterior, the Gros Horloge offers an immersive visitor experience inside the clock tower. Those who climb the narrow staircase are rewarded with panoramic views over Rouen’s rooftops and a behind-the-scenes look at the ancient mechanism. The interior also features interpretive displays on the history of timekeeping, the evolution of the clock, and daily life in medieval Rouen. It’s not only a beautiful monument but also a window into the city’s civic pride and technological progress during the Middle Ages.

The clock has also served as a symbolic heart of Rouen, marking both everyday rhythms and moments of celebration and crisis throughout the city’s history. From processions to coronations, revolutions to World War bombings, the Gros Horloge has endured as a constant presence in Rouen’s story. Whether admired from the street or explored in detail, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship, ambition, and resilience of the city across the centuries.

The Gros Horloge appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rouen!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Visiting Gros Horloge

Hours:

High season hours (from April 1st to September 30th): open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last entry 12 p.m.) and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry 6 p.m.).

Low season hours (from October 1st to March 31st): open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.).

Price:

€7.70

Address: Gros-Horloge, Rue du Gros Horloge, Rouen, France