Charvet Clock

The Charvet Clock is a seven-meter tall turret clock with automated figures that move to mark time intervals. The structure measures roughly two meters across and stands in Place du Petit-Collège in the heart of Lyon.

The clock was created in 1864 by watchmaker Charvet and first operated in his shop window on rue de la Poulaillerie in Lyon's 2nd district. It was later moved to its current location and underwent restoration to bring its mechanisms back to working order.

The clock features traditional Lyon puppet characters Guignol and Gnafron alongside Harlequin and Polichinelle, who perform with Westminster chimes every quarter hour and shape the rhythm of the square.

The clock stands near Lyon History Museum and can be easily reached from the public square. A visit works best in early daytime hours when the automated puppets regularly perform their shows.

A figure named Trompette signals each hour with a special performance and activates four bronze bells in sequence. This unusual combination of movement and sound makes the display a small show each time it happens.

Location: Lyon

Inception: 1852

Height: 7 m

Width: 2.2 m

GPS coordinates: 45.76396,4.82764

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23