The Gros-Horloge (Great Clock) is a 14th-century astronomical clock set into a Renaissance arch that spans Rouen's main shopping street. The clock mechanism dates from 1389 and the gilded one-handed face was added in the 16th century. A short walk away is the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431, marked by a striking modern church and cross.
The Gros-Horloge, or Great Clock, is Rouen's most beloved medieval monument and the focal point of the historic city centre in Normandy, France. A single-handed astronomical clock movement dating from 1389 — one of the oldest still functioning in France — is housed within a Renaissance arch spanning the pedestrianised Rue du Gros-Horloge. The gilded clock face, added in 1527, is 2.4 metres in diameter and displays a golden sun hand moving against a blue enamel sky, with the phases of the moon shown in a separate aperture below. The arch itself is decorated with carved Renaissance reliefs of the seasons, and above it stands the 14th-century belfry from which the clock mechanism was once operated. Visitors can climb the belfry for panoramic views over Rouen's dense web of half-timbered medieval streets, church spires, and the Seine beyond. The Rue du Gros-Horloge is part of a pedestrianised historic zone stretching between the cathedral and the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on 30 May 1431. At that square stands the striking 1979 church of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc, shaped like an upturned boat hull, with stained glass salvaged from a demolished 16th-century church. The old town quarter surrounding the clock contains some of the finest surviving half-timbered (colombage) architecture in Normandy, including the 15th-century Aître Saint-Maclou. The clock arch and face are free to view from the street at all times; the belfry climb costs around €6. A gentle walk from the clock through the old town to the cathedral and back takes one to two hours.
| Admission | Tower visit €6; street and arch free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00 (Apr–Oct), 14:00–18:00 (Nov–Mar) |
| Typical visit | 30 min–1 hour |
| Best time | Morning stroll along the pedestrian street |
| Address | Rue du Gros-Horloge, 76000 Rouen |
Location
Rue du Gros-Horloge, 76000 Rouen
Highlights
- The 1389 clock mechanism with its 1527 gilded one-handed face spanning the pedestrian street
- Belfry climb for panoramic views over Rouen's half-timbered medieval streetscape
- Place du Vieux-Marché: site of Joan of Arc's execution in 1431, with the striking boat-hull church
- Half-timbered colombage architecture along the streets between clock and cathedral
- Aître Saint-Maclou: 15th-century half-timbered charnel house and cloister, free to enter
Tips for visiting
- Climb the belfry for views over the half-timbered old town
- The surrounding rue du Gros-Horloge is perfect for café stops
- Joan of Arc's stake site is a 5-minute walk west
When to visit
Morning on a weekday, when the pedestrian street is quiet, makes for the best photographs of the clock. The surrounding old town is excellent to explore at any time; summer evenings see outdoor dining along the route and are particularly lively.
Accessibility
The pedestrianised Rue du Gros-Horloge is flat and fully accessible for wheelchair users from either end. The belfry is accessed via a spiral staircase and is not accessible for wheelchairs. The street-level clock arch and Place du Vieux-Marché are both accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a charge to see the Gros-Horloge?
The clock arch and face are free to view from the street at all times. Access to the belfry and its views costs approximately €6 and is open Tuesday through Sunday.
How long does a visit to the Gros-Horloge area take?
The clock itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Including the belfry climb and a walk through the old town to the Place du Vieux-Marché and back to the cathedral takes one to two hours.
What is the Aître Saint-Maclou?
The Aître Saint-Maclou is a remarkable 15th-century half-timbered charnel house and cloister in Rouen's old town, used as a burial ground during the Black Death. It now houses an art school and is free to enter during opening hours.
Where is the closest parking to the Gros-Horloge?
Several underground car parks are within a 5-minute walk, including those under Place du Vieux-Marché and near the cathedral. The old town is entirely pedestrianised.