Background

Tour de l'Horloge: A Timeless Landmark

Aix-en-Provence's iconic Tour de l'Horloge: a historic clock tower on Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, built in 1510 on Roman foundations.

4.7

The Tour de l'Horloge, or Clock Tower, stands proudly on the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville in Aix-en-Provence, a testament to the city's rich history. Built in 1510 on Roman foundations, it has witnessed centuries of change and remains one of Aix's most iconic landmarks.

A brief summary to Tour de l'Horloge

  • Tour de l'horloge, Rue Gaston de Saporta, Aix-en-Provence, 13100, FR
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville on market days to experience the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Tour de l'Horloge.
  • Take a stroll along the Rue Gaston de Saporta, which passes beneath the tower, to admire its architecture up close.
  • Check out the statues representing the four seasons, which are changed manually at the start of each season.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Tour de l'Horloge is located on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Cours Mirabeau, walk north towards the Hôtel de Ville. The tower is situated adjacent to the city hall. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at the Gare Routière (bus station), walk straight along Avenue des Belges, then turn left onto Cours Mirabeau. Continue to Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. Alternatively, take a Diabline, a small electric bus, which stops near the Hôtel de Ville. A single ticket costs €1.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Aix-en-Provence. A short ride from the train station or a location on the outskirts of the city center to the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville will typically cost between €8 and €12.

Unlock the Best of Tour de l'Horloge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Tour de l'Horloge

The Tour de l'Horloge, also known as the Clock Tower, is a prominent historical monument located on the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville in Aix-en-Provence. Constructed in 1510, the tower stands on the site of a former Roman military checkpoint, marking a significant transition from ancient Roman presence to the medieval and Renaissance eras. The tower's architecture reflects the flamboyant Gothic style of the early 16th century, featuring decorative accolades and pinnacles. It houses the bell of the ban, dating back to the 16th century, which was historically used to summon citizens for council meetings or to warn them of impending danger. The bell's sound could be heard within a league's distance, giving rise to the term 'banlieue,' meaning the outskirts of the city. One of the tower's most notable features is its astronomical clock, installed in 1661, adorned with wooden figures representing the four seasons. These figures are manually changed at the start of each season, a tradition maintained by the town hall. The tower also displays a funerary urn, which has stood in place of a bust of Louis XIII since 1801, and an inscription commemorating the liberation of Aix in August 1944. Over the centuries, the Tour de l'Horloge has faced its share of challenges. In the late 18th century, the tower's deteriorating condition led to discussions about its potential demolition. However, public sentiment and its historical significance saved it from destruction, and it was classified as a historical monument in 1881. Today, the Tour de l'Horloge remains a beloved symbol of Aix-en-Provence, attracting visitors from around the world.

Popular Experiences near Tour de l'Horloge

Popular Hotels near Tour de l'Horloge

Select Currency