Le Gros-Horloge is the landmark of Rouen. It sits astride the rue of the same name over an arch that supports the clock and a backing room. The clock has two faces (East & West) visible from the street. It was moved to this site in 1527 from an adjacent bell-tower to the South(which houses the mechanism) in order to provide universal information. It has never had a minute hand. A globe above the face provides the phase of the moon and a recess below the “6” pictorially shows the day of the week. Admission (fee) to the belfry shows the mechanism, the clock history and provides a view over the city. The street is a cobble-stoned walking street with many half-timbered houses and shops. It runs from the Vieux Marche to the Cathedral. A large medallion of the "Good Shepherd" is carved under the arch.
Written Jan 29, 2008
One of the most important streets in Rouen leads from the Catehdral Square to the Vieux Marche. This street is called "Rue du Gros-Horloge" or translated "Street of the large watch (clock). This item within the street can't be missed and is well worth a closer look. The city clock was constructed between 1389 and 1398 by Jehan de Bayeux. Especially in regard to the times that it was made, it is a true work of art, that tell the time to today in a relatively accurate way. Also the building that it is built in and hangs over the street, has many beautiful decorations in stone attached.
Written Dec 12, 2007
Address: Rue du Gros-Horloge
Website: http://www.visite-de-rouen.com/groshorl.htm
This amazing monument is composed of a gothic belfry, a pavilion, a Renaissance vault and a classic style fountain. The bell tower was built when the town was granted the status of city with the right to ring its own bells. The mechanism is still one of the oldest in Europe. The outside offers a beautiful sight of the sculptured archway a Renaissance masterpiece with restored dials.
Written Sep 25, 2007
Address: Rue du Gros-Horloge, Rouen
The Gros Horloge is a Medieval clock which became the mascot for the Rouennais.
It was built in the 14th century and it has got an only hand that marks the time, while the days of the week appear under the number IV. Above the clock a globe points out the phase of the moon.
Near the Gros Horloge there is a tower bell from which you can have a nice view of the town.
Written Oct 28, 2006
Address: Rue du Gros Horloge
Rue du Gros Horloge is one of the best streets of Rouen. It was the most important one during the Middle Ages and along there you can see very nice maisons a colombage (half-timbered houses) like the old town hall. In the middle of the street there is the Gros Horloge.
Written Oct 28, 2006
Address: Rue du Gros Horloge
Walk from the cahtedral to the shopping area in the old centre. There is also a lovely clock in the town, which you then pass, it is mounted above a port in a narrow street. It was put there in 1527, but is actually older as it first hung on the clock tower.
Updated Apr 2, 2006
This clock was extremely pretty, but I must say it is easy to miss, as it is hidden away between two buildings!!
I managed to walk past it and not see it!!
I recommend seeing it, as the detail on it is quite something!
Written Jul 3, 2005
Address: Rue du Gros Horloge
This Renaissance clock tower was built in the late 1300s and the clock itself still works! A single hour-hand shows the time.
This area is one of Rouen's best opportunities for people-watching.
Nearby are plenty of shops and cafes, and sites related to Jeanne d'Arc.
Updated Jun 26, 2005
Website: http://www.rouentourisme.com/default.asp?file=pg64-19_fr
Though this picture is shot in the same direction than the previous one, it gives a very different sight. Now we have not the columns of the nave in the foreground but the columns of the Choir itself and they are of a very different style. The Choir was built in the 13th century. The columns are simple and its drawing is very unaffected.
Updated Nov 8, 2004
Next to the Gros Horloge is the belfry, a small tower. It also was closed due to restorations.
In 1382 the dome of the tower was taken off by Charles VI to punish the citizens for organising the Harelle revolt against taxes.
I was very disappointed about the belfry being closed.
Inside are the two bells which gave the signal for the Harelle uprising. The "Rouvel" bell (bells have names, you know) rang curfew from 1724 -1903. The Cache-Ribaud rang curfew every ngith at 9 pm from 1903.
From the top of the belfry there is said to be a grand vieuw of the city, its port and the surrounding countryside. Definitely a must-see for my next visit.
Written Feb 25, 2003
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Next to the Gros Horloge is the belfry, a small tower. It also was closed due to restorations.In 1382 the dome of the tower was taken off by Charles VI to...
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