Jacquemart tower, Medieval clock tower in Moulins, France.
The Jacquemart Tower in Moulins is a rectangular structure built from red and yellow sandstone blocks rising about 31 meters tall with an eight-sided lantern crowning its top. A working well sits inside the tower alongside a spiral staircase that connects different levels and reaches the upper observation platform.
The tower was constructed between 1452 and 1455 during the late medieval period in France. A major fire in 1655 caused significant damage and prompted reconstruction efforts that added extra levels to the existing structure.
The four mechanical wooden figures that operate within this structure strike the bells throughout the day and have become central to how locals experience time passing through the town. These figures connect the building to the rhythm of daily life in Moulins.
The tower operates with limited hours and requires a guide to enter, so visitors should check availability in advance. The spiral staircase requires climbing and the interior ascent may be difficult for people with mobility limitations.
The mechanical figures were carved from oak and chestnut wood and remain highly detailed in their craft, showing the skill of medieval artisans. These wooden figures have undergone numerous repairs over the centuries yet continue to operate as originally designed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
