Tour de l'Horloge, Medieval watchtower in Avallon, France.

The Clock Tower is a fortified stone structure rising about 49 meters at the highest point of Avallon's old town, commanding views over the surrounding area. At its base stands an arched gateway called Porte de la Boucherie, which once served as an entrance to the town.

Avallon emerged weakened from the Hundred Years' War, its ramparts and towers largely destroyed. In February 1456 the échevins had a tower built on the town's highest point, above the public way, to warn villagers of invaders; the supporting arch is called Porte de la Boucherie. Master mason Jehan Berg built it, with carpentry by Nicolas Boulevault and Nichot-Michot. By 1460 it had a campanile, stood 49 m high and held a 521-pound bell, with a watchman posted day and night.

The tower displays the city coat of arms at its top, showing how central this structure was to Avallon's identity and pride. Locals looked to this symbol as a representation of their independence and collective strength.

The tower is easily found at the highest point of the town and can be reached from several paths through the old town streets. Wear sturdy shoes, as the access ways and surrounding area feature uneven cobblestone surfaces.

The tower's name is carved on the facade with Avallon's coat of arms and the Latin motto "Esto nobis, domine, turris fortitudinis" (be for us, Lord, a tower of strength). The 1460 bell weighs 521 livres, about 230 kg, and a watchman once stayed in the tower day and night to warn of fires or hostile approach.