Le Gros-Horloge

Very beautiful area! The history is worth the trip the stunning architecture it's just a bonus. We went at Christmas and it's so pretty all done up with a lovely Xmas market

Enjoyed our visit. Thankfully very quiet so no congestion on the narrow stairs. Worth a visit. Audio guide was okay but not hugely engaging.

It's exercise with a capital E. It's worth every penny. I know what you're thinking, 7.70 to see a bell? It's sooo much more than that.

This is a magnificent clock right by Notre Dame of Rouen. The clock is cool but don't miss the rest of the houses that depict how tax collection policies form the basis of these small base houses with large upper structures. All of these incentives allowed for funky developments in this town. A very interesting place to experience this part of Normandy.

Would recommend having a local guide take you around Rouen, for a multitude of reasons including seeing this clock. Our guide was able to point out that the clock can also report the phases of the moon, and it has a section that displays different scenes from greek mythology to represent what day of the week it is. This clock, along with a variety of landmarks around Rouen, really make you appreciate how much the city has been through, and all the citizens who have called it home overtime and contributed to architecture like this

Walking around these streets feels like you’ve been transported back in time to medieval Europe, with cobbled streets and half timbered houses. The clock in its golden design adds to the magical atmosphere. It’s almost like you’re inside a Disney story book. Definitely a must visit when in Rouen and if you can then definitely do a walking tour around the area - you will have beautiful pictures to look back at.

I would 100% recommend visiting and touring the interior. Tickets are available to purchase at the entry of the tour and aren't all that expensive, and with that you get a great (but not too long) audio tour of the different rooms and the history of the clock, which was incredibly neat. You also get an incredible view of the city from the top lookout. If you're visiting Rouen, this is a must-see!

⭐ 5/5 – Le Gros Horloge (The Great Clock of Rouen) Most people walk by, snap a photo, and keep moving — but if you stop and truly look, you’ll discover one of the most extraordinary pieces of craftsmanship in France 🕰️✨. Every inch of Le Gros Horloge is filled with incredible detail: golden rays representing the sun, delicate engravings that trace time’s passage, and an elegant hand that glides across a deep blue sky dotted with stars. What makes it truly unique is its astronomical design — it not only tells the time, but also shows the phases of the moon, days of the week, and the cycle of the sun 🌕☀️. It’s like a living calendar carved into history, reminding us of a time when timekeeping was both science and art. Standing beneath it, you can almost feel the centuries pass — the hum of medieval life, the merchants below, the monks who once tuned its mechanism. It’s not just a monument; it’s a conversation with time itself. 🧭 Tips for Visitors ✅ Take your time — admire the fine details before and after taking your photo. ✅ Visit the clock tower museum to see the mechanism up close and enjoy amazing views over Rouen. ✅ The surrounding street, Rue du Gros-Horloge, is one of the city’s most picturesque walks. Pause, look up, and let yourself be amazed — this isn’t just a clock, it’s a masterpiece that still beats with Rouen’s heart. ⸻ For more tips follow me on Google. I have a lot of maps and places to visit all around the world 🌎 all for free for my followers on Google Maps. @Amagi.zi

If you are visiting Paris, It is worth to visit Rouen sine it is less than 2 hour drive from Paris. The town is beautiful with old house, flowers, and the Notre Dame Cathedral (an inspiration for Monet!) The main entertaining area is Gros-Horloge with many shops, restaurants, pastry shops, etc. it is a good shopping place for fashionista with reasonable price stores like H&M, C&A to high style shops like Tom ford, Long Champs, Hermes, etc. Wear comfortable shoes though since the street is made by old bricks and uneven, you might lose your heels for it! Also, most restaurants in this area do not serve lunch between 2-5 pm. They only serve drinks during this time, if you are hungry, you can get food at Mc Donald or Quick!

The Gros-Horloge is a landmark and emblematic of Rouen. Displaying the time and phases of the moon, the ornate clock is perched on an archway that spans the street. The interior of the clock and adjoining belfry are currently a museum. Climbing the tower, one can enjoy a view over the entire town. (Unfortunately, the museum is small, with limited capacity. In the summertime, there was a 45 minute wait time. )

I've been meaning to write a review of this spot for a while. Came here recently and had the most amazing experience walking the streets and it all started at this giant clock. The streets are cobble-stoned so take care if you're wearing high heels. The "big clock" is just off Joan of Arc street and the start of the old town walk. The clock is surreal, it's big, gold and looks like something out of a movie set. I sat here for an hour just staring at the workmanship before I downed a few macaroons from the nearby shops. Definitely a good meeting place and worth a photo.