rue du gros-horloge

vidadoro

Literally, to walk on this street is to walk not exactly through time, but under it. Rue du Gross Horloge is a lovely medieval street, but the clock is the height of this experience. Of all the town clocks I have seen in Europe, this is the one that comes to mind first. It is stunningly beautiful and very well maintained. As you walk through the gate under the clock, be sure to look up at the bas relief under the arch. If you didn't know that Rouen was a big part of the wool trade in centuries past, you'll believe it after seeing the under side of the arch.

Anna-j-m-family

Cost about €6 several rooms, 200 spiral steps. But lots of places on the way up to stop off and seethe internal workings of this beautiful clock. The upper rooms have fabulous views. And the bell is impressive. The view point at the top is not for the faint hearted, but the views over the city are worth the climb. Took about 2 hours and we really enjoyed it.

vcampbe

load of junkies asking for money. cant cope with this. suppose its a nice enough street. only good thing on is Delirium. Clock is alright.

ardengrammie

This street is a great immersion into French life, it is not really the clock that is so fascinating. However, the clock is of interest and a sight to enjoy.The shops are so french, yet such a joy to have most speak English. And, there is a variety of them: clothing, shoes, the usual souvenir, flowers, specialty chocolates, art etc. The area is contained and next to the market and St. Joan's church and many restaurants for many budgets. There is also a Monoprix, which is a routine visit in any French city to get anything you need at a reasonable price.Definitely take the stroll!

Maggiejake

Most French cities seem to have an arch with a grand clock - perhaps in olden times it was the only clock in town. The street was crowded, even on a Sunday, because there are many shops and January is when French stores all have grand sales. I'm amazed at the people who can manage baby strollers on the cobbles - mostly natives I believe.

Laney540

Wonderful museum and very interesting building, I would highly recommend a visit. Views from the upstairs windows are fantastic. There are quite a few stairs so be prepared!The staff are very helpful and friendly.

Zebra_4456789

This is the street with the large clock. Walk over, take 10 minutes to get some photos and be on your way. If you need to skip something on your itinerary, this would be it or the water street. It was a really nice clock and happens to be the oldest working timepiece in France. Do not worry if you miss this, tuck it at the end of the day or early morning.

cweave02000

In December the weather is frightful, but the warmth of the people and bright lights of the Christmas Decorations more than make up for it. The chocolate shop was to die for, the history, the Christmas Market that lined the streets was worth the trip.

855BruceH

The Medieval and Renaissance history of Rouen is not able of being missed. All the more surprising given that many conflicts in north-western Europe have involved Rouen. We noticed that the streets of the medieval quarter still had three or four story, timber-framed buildings that looked decidedly unstable, leaning either left or right or into the street itself. The clock however was an exceptional piece of art rich in astronomical symbolism. A single hand points out the hour of the day, moving over 24 golden sun-rays and encircled by a blue starry night. The phases of the moon are indicated on a small sphere directly above the dial. There is also a panel which reveals the day of the week, symbolised by the God of the day: Monday is represented by the Moon, Tuesday by Mars, Wednesday by Mercury, Thursday by Jupiter, Venus by Friday, Saturday by Saturn and Apollo indicates Sunday.

Steph7264

Had to wait a bit to to enter I small door beneath the clock. Had an audio guide which took you up small stairs to the back of the clock face. Informative little history lesson. You then cross over inside and climb the tower which houses the bell. You then can go above this and out on the a balcony at the top which overlooks the whole city. Great! It is cramped and they limit the amount of people they let in but all in all a lovely little find to pass an hour.

J1857PGchrism

The narrow alleys were filled with people shopping at the small stores and street vendors. It was nearing darkness and the holiday lights gave the street and clock a marvelous glow. Nearby the the bells of the Cathedral were chiming. Just a good, all around experience,

AnnieAries

We had a fantastic guide who explained this is more than just a clock. she pointed out that at the bottom of the clock it will tell you which day of the week it is depending on the picture that is showing. For example Mardi French for Tuesday is 'Mars' the god of war so you see a picture of Mars in a chariot. We could have walked through the arch underneath this church and not even noticed such a detail. It really helps if you have a guide to explain some of these type of details. She also went on to explain St. Joan of Arc Church and again we might have missed some key details without our guide Angelique.

georgesX8829SM

It catches your eyes and leaves you with a feeling of wonder ... How did they make all these amazingly beautiful curved figures under the arch? The clock is also very impressive and beautiful!!! There are plenty nice shops on that street, at the end of which is the granderous Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rouen!

xave151

The shopping street with Normandian ancient buildings was a great combination. The Gros-Horloge tower is a must visit place.

KevanGoodworth

Rouen is a revelation in the Summer. This street is surrounded by Norman houses and interesting byways, cafes, and craft shops. The restaurants around the Cathedral are of varying quality but draw the crowds every evening