Tour de l'horloge, Beaune

Tower in Beaune

Tour De Lhorloge De Beaune
CC BY-SA 2.5 / A.C. Koelewijn

The Tour de l'Horloge, standing proudly on Rue Marey, is one of the top attractions in Beaune for travellers eager to explore the city's medieval fabric. Originally constructed in the 13th century on the foundations of a 12th-century tower, this rectangular belfry has witnessed the rise of Burgundy's ducal power, centuries of civic pride, and the evolution of public timekeeping. Today, its distinctive slate pavilion roof, openwork campanile, and eight-sided lantern make it one of the most recognisable silhouettes in downtown Beaune. Thanks to its location in the heart of the historic centre, it is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Beaune.

More than just a tower, the Tour de l'Horloge embodies the layered history of clocks, community, and craftsmanship. Raised by nearly four metres in the late 17th century to make its bell audible throughout the town, the structure has undergone numerous enhancements—from early moon-phase indicators and decorative lead sculptures to 19th-century mechanical upgrades. Today, a nightly video projection adds a touch of enchantment, animating the tower with luminous gears, shifting lights, and a playful cat roaming its virtual interior. It offers an atmospheric blend of medieval solidity and contemporary creativity.

History and Significance of the Tour de l’Horloge

The story of Beaune’s Clock Tower begins in the Middle Ages. In 1395, following a dispute with the Abbey of Maizières, Duke Philip the Bold compelled the purchase of the tower and an adjoining house for 200 gold francs. Two years later, he directed revenues from salt taxes to fund a public clock—a symbol of civic organisation and technological ambition.

Over the centuries, the tower's clock mechanism evolved. Enhancements included a moon-phase indicator, sculpted decorative elements, and later upgrades to ensure accuracy. A new clock was purchased in Paris in 1860, and the dial was replaced in 1880, reflecting both the need for precision and the prestige associated with a visible public timepiece.

The tower itself is architecturally fascinating. Reinforced rather than demolished in 1750 thanks to public objections, it contains a vaulted cellar with a well, a former ground-floor shop, and multiple upper floors connected by both stone and wooden staircases. Its combination of cushion windows, beamed floors, and lead-covered campanile highlights its blend of medieval and early-modern design. Recognised as a historical monument in 1885, it has since become one of Beaune’s treasured landmarks.

Things to See and Do in the Tour de l’Horloge

While the interior is not typically open to the public, the exterior alone offers much to appreciate. The eight-sided lantern crowning the pavilion roof is a distinctive architectural feature, while the facade’s medieval proportions and cushion windows reveal the building’s long history.

One of the modern highlights is the nightly video animation projected onto the tower. Introduced in 2009, the show illuminates the structure with playful imagery—whirling gears, shifting shadows, architectural cross-sections, and a curious cat wandering through the animated scenes. The projection transforms the tower into a living canvas, renewing its charm for contemporary audiences.

The surrounding Rue Marey is also a pleasant area to explore, with shops, cafés, and close proximity to Beaune’s other major historic sites, making the tower an easy and rewarding stop on any walking itinerary.

How to Get There

Beaune is easily accessed via Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which serves numerous international and regional flights. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Beaune on Booking.com.

The Tour de l'Horloge is a short walk from Beaune's railway station on the Dijon–Chalon-sur-Saône line, with regular regional services. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Drivers will find several public car parks around the historic centre, placing the clock tower within walking distance. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Tour de l’Horloge

  • Best time to visit the Tour de l'Horloge: Evening, to enjoy the video projection.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free (viewed from outside).
  • Opening hours: Visible at all times; the light show typically runs after dark.
  • Official website: https://www.beaune.fr
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes.
  • Accessibility: The streets around the tower are accessible, though some cobblestones remain.
  • Facilities: Nearby cafés, shops, and amenities along Rue Marey.
  • Photography tip: Capture the tower from a low angle on Rue Marey for the best geometric effect.
  • Guided-tours: Occasionally included in city heritage tours.
  • Nearby food options: Numerous restaurants within a short walk in Beaune’s centre.

Where to Stay close to the Tour de l’Horloge

Beaune’s central district offers excellent accommodation options. Hotel Athanor provides a convenient and historic base near major landmarks. For more refined lodging, Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa Beaune offers elegance close to the old town. Another atmospheric choice is Hôtel Belle Epoque, a charming restored property ideal for exploring Beaune on foot.

Is the Tour de l’Horloge Worth Visiting?

Yes — it is a characterful landmark in the centre of Beaune and offers a compelling glimpse into the town's medieval past and evolving civic identity. The evening projection adds a delightful modern twist, making it especially memorable at night.

FAQs for Visiting

Can you go inside the tower?
Interior visits are rare, and the tower is generally appreciated from the outside.

Does the clock still function?
Yes, the tower continues to display the time, though modern mechanisms support the historic structure.

When does the video projection run?
The animation typically runs during evening hours and especially in tourist seasons.

Is the surrounding area pedestrian-friendly?
Yes, Rue Marey is centrally located and easy to walk.

Does the tower lean or show structural issues?
It was reinforced in the 18th century and remains stable today.

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The Tour de l'horloge appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Beaune!

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Visiting Tour de l'horloge

Address: Beffroi de Beaune, Place Monge, Beaune, France
Beaune: 0 km

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