Rue du Gros-Horloge, Pedestrian street in historic center of Rouen, France
Rue du Gros-Horloge is a pedestrian street in Rouen's medieval center, running through the historic district with stone buildings and Norman architecture throughout. It connects the old market square to the cathedral and serves as a main route to the city's principal monuments.
The street took its name from an astronomical clock installed in 1389, when local merchants decided to measure time for commercial activities. This timepiece became a landmark of the street and symbolized the area's economic importance during the Middle Ages.
The street serves as a shopping and gathering place where locals and visitors stroll past shops selling regional products, fashion, and traditional French cafés. The medieval facades frame daily life in this part of the city.
The pedestrian zone is easy to navigate on foot and connects two major points in the old town, making orientation simple. It is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the building details and street activity.
The street passes under a Renaissance arch that houses one of France's oldest clock mechanisms, displaying not just time but also lunar phases. This 14th-century technical achievement often goes unnoticed despite its remarkable complexity.
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