Clock tower of Auxerre, Medieval clock tower in central Auxerre, France
The Clock Tower of Auxerre is a sturdy stone structure with dual clock faces that rises from the center of the medieval city. It stands at the intersection where narrow streets meet, surrounded by half-timbered houses that lean toward it from all sides.
The tower was built in 1483 on the site of a former prison within the Roman-fortified city. It underwent major renovation between 1891 and 1893, which reshaped much of its structure and appearance.
The bells shaped daily life in the medieval city, calling people to prayer and marking the hours of work and rest. You can still sense this connection when standing in the square beneath the tower, surrounded by the same narrow streets where those sounds once echoed.
The tower can be viewed from the surrounding streets and squares, with no special equipment needed. The nearby tourist office has information about the building and can suggest walking routes through the historic center.
The clock mechanism uses two hands that move at different speeds, one tracking solar time and the other following lunar cycles. Few visitors notice this technical detail, yet it reveals the tower's original purpose to guide both religious and daily life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
