Gros Horloge: reviews and practical tips

+23
recs
5/5 5 reviews
Rue du Gros-Horloge, 76000 Rouen, France
Rue du Gros-Horloge, 76000 Rouen, France
Détail du Gros Horloge de Rouen

Visit Gros Horloge

In the city of Rouen, in Seine-Maritime, stands a landmark known to everyone, the Gros Horloge. Every local has walked beneath its majestic arch to admire the clock overhead or tour the museum housed inside its walls.

History

During the 14th century, a popular revolt known as la Harelle broke out in Rouen. It collapsed within months, but the city belfry was destroyed and rebuilding a new one was strictly banned. Under the pretext of constructing a clock tower, residents went ahead and built a new one, which was completed in 1398. To make the ruse believable, it housed the clock mechanism and bells from the very beginning. It stands as one of the oldest clock movements in France, having been manufactured in 1389, the year the clock itself was installed.

The clock we admire today, however, is the result of a later restoration dating back to the Renaissance. It is an astronomical clock, meaning it shows not just the time of day, but also the phases of the moon. An opening in the dial reveals a weekly calendar decorated with allegorical figures.

Since 1920, the entire system has run on electricity, while the original mechanism remains in perfect working order. In 2003, the city added architectural lighting to the building, and in 2006, it reopened to the public.

Gros Horloge

The Musée du Gros Horloge allows visitors to explore what was once the watchmakers' workshop, home to the craftsmen tasked with keeping the machine running smoothly. Inside, you will find the bells and the weights, and you can even tour the dome. Other rooms delve into the history of Rouen, and the tour wraps up with a stop on the platform, which offers an unobstructed view over the city rooftops. It is a site of international renown, with a depiction even found on a medallion at the church of Notre-Dame du Liban in New York.

Opening hours

High Season: Every day except Monday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
/
Low Season: Every day except Monday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of Gros Horloge

Summary of 5 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+23 recs +23 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.8
As a couple
5
With friends
5

Avygeo ranking

#120
in the world
#108
in Europe
#61
in France
#2
in Rouen

A view of Rouen you won't forget

You can't miss it when you're walking down the street, whether you're just strolling or not. This magnificent astronomical clock is truly a jewel in the center of Rouen, a little bit of magic in the heart of the cobblestone streets. To learn more, the museum tour is not to be missed!

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A must-see in Rouen

This astronomical clock is a must-see in Rouen, just as much as the cathedral. It is truly beautiful and has so many little details. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend visiting the museum that is located right above it.

18
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Discovered every detail as a teenager with my history teacher

The Gros Horloge is perhaps one of Rouen's most famous monuments after the cathedral. It spans the rue du Gros, as we say here. The clock, with its single hand, has been telling the time for the people of Rouen for centuries, as it is one of the oldest clocks in France. The architectural details of the archway sometimes make my head spin. I have two tips for you! First, treat yourself to the museum tour and admire the rooftops of Rouen from the top of the belfry; the view of the cathedral is unique. Second, grab a beer at the Delirium Café at nightfall and enjoy the lighting on the Gros Horloge.

17
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A unique astronomical clock

It is hard not to stop and admire the sun dial on this sumptuous clock that sets the pace for the people passing by. It adorns a beautiful Renaissance arch and shows the time, but also the phases of the moon and the days of the week with lovely decorations. The tour of the museum located just above it is really worth a look. You can see the mechanisms inside a small workshop and also get a superb panorama of the city rooftops.

14
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An old friend

It is beautiful, it is massive, and it tells the time, so we all have a good reason to love it. Passersby can take their time to examine it from every angle. It is located on a very lively pedestrian street, full of shops, and close to the cathedral. It is truly THE center of Rouen, the one you always enjoy visiting.

11
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