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Clock Tower Gate (Tour de l'Horloge)

4.3
·70 reviews·Amboise, France

A late 15th-century bell tower and medieval city gate, now a registered historical monument in the heart of Amboise.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Shops and cafes are open

CrowdMedium
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Vue sur la tour et la rue commerçante

Clock Tower Gate (Tour de l'Horloge)

Best Time

Daytime

Shops and cafes are open

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A late 15th-century bell tower and medieval city gate, now a registered historical monument in the heart of Amboise.

4.3
(70 reviews)

"A nice building with historical places... Looks great."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk Under the Arch

Experience the full scale of this historic gate by walking through the archway on Rue National.

🛍️ Explore Surrounding Shops

The area around the tower is bustling with shops, perfect for a leisurely browse.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Medieval Gate

The Medieval Gate

Rue National

Walk beneath this late 15th-century bell tower, a remnant of an earlier medieval city gate, now a registered historical monument.

Clock Faces and Bell

Clock Faces and Bell

Attic level

Observe the clock faces on the main sides of the tower and the bell atop, a testament to its historical function.

Vibrant City Center

Vibrant City Center

Surrounding Rue National

Enjoy the lively atmosphere with numerous shops and cafes around the tower, perfect for a relaxing break.

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Planning Your Visit

Explore Amboise's Historic Heart

The Clock Tower Gate (Tour de l'Horloge) is a central landmark in Amboise, easily accessible via Rue National. It's a great starting point for exploring the city center's shops and historical sites. Plan to walk under it to appreciate its scale and historical significance.

Timing Your Visit

While the Clock Tower itself is always visible, the surrounding shops and restaurants have varying hours. Visiting during the day allows for shopping and dining, while evenings offer a different ambiance. Consider the historical context of this medieval gate as you explore.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Shops and cafes are open
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
Atmospheric stroll
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Amboise: an idyllic day trip from Paris #amboise #france #parisdaytrip #loirevalley #castle
@classicallyleah
4.6K likes • 57.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk Under the Arch

Experience the full scale of this historic gate by walking through the archway on Rue National. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Surrounding Shops

The area around the tower is bustling with shops, perfect for a leisurely browse. Reddit

Planifiez votre itinéraire dans la région Centre avec ces expériences recommandées par GetYourGuide, de Chambord à Amboise en passant par Tours ou encore Cléry. #collaborationcommerciale #tours #voyage #centrevaldeloire
@tf1info
1.7K likes • 1.7M views
Don’t worry guys, I caught the grinch Christmas is saved. Thank me later #cartagena #clocktower #colombia #grinch
the_traveling_speducator
43 likes • 0 views

☕ Relax with a Drink

Grab a seat at a nearby cafe to soak in the atmosphere and admire the monument. Reddit

🕰️ Admire the Clockwork

Look up to see the clock faces and the bell, a charming historical detail. Reddit

Water Review: Caves Ambacia, Amboise #wineglass #water #french #france #europe #travellife #restaurant #vinyard #vacation #review #critique #cuisine
@wat3rblog
1.6K likes • 9.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk Under the Arch

Experience the full scale of this historic gate by walking through the archway on Rue National. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Surrounding Shops

The area around the tower is bustling with shops, perfect for a leisurely browse. Reddit

☕ Relax with a Drink

Grab a seat at a nearby cafe to soak in the atmosphere and admire the monument. Reddit

🕰️ Admire the Clockwork

Look up to see the clock faces and the bell, a charming historical detail. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(70 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Clock Tower Gate a charming and well-located historical monument in Amboise, appreciated for its medieval architecture and integration into the bustling city center. It's a pleasant landmark to pass through and admire while shopping and dining nearby. Some reviews note that interior access is limited and the available facilities are basic.

"This is a late 15th-century bell tower that formed part of an even earlier Medieval city gate in Amboise. Rue National passes through so you can walk under the old tower and see it well from both sides while exploring the city centre.

There are clock faces on the two main side of the attic, atop which you can see the bell. It is a registered historical monument (1933) and nice landmark to see while spending time in Amboise."

Brad

"Very nice old clock tower/gate with a great deal of shopping everywhere around it. Its possible to grab a seat, a drink, and relax."

pts pts

"Nice building with historical places..."

Erol Elibüyük

What People Like

Historic medieval gate
Central location
Lively surrounding shops

What People Dislike

Limited interior access
Basic public toilets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Clock Tower Gate (Tour de l'Horloge) is centrally located in Amboise, France, passing through Rue National. It's easily walkable from most points in the city center. If arriving by car, look for parking in the vicinity of the city center. TikTok

Yes, the Clock Tower Gate is a prominent landmark on Rue National, a main thoroughfare in Amboise. You'll likely pass by it while exploring the city center. TikTok

While there isn't a specific stop for the Clock Tower Gate, Amboise has bus services that can get you close to the city center, from where you can walk. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Clock Tower Gate is a historical monument that you can view and walk under for free. It's part of the city's public space. Reddit

The Clock Tower Gate itself is always accessible as it's an open archway. However, the shops and cafes surrounding it have their own operating hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to see or walk through the Clock Tower Gate. It's a historical landmark integrated into the city. Reddit

The historical reviews mention a small door below that leads to public toilets, but generally, the tower itself is not open for public interior tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The area around the Clock Tower Gate is vibrant with shopping, dining, and historical exploration. You can enjoy the atmosphere, browse shops, and visit other nearby historical sites in Amboise. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Clock Tower Gate is a picturesque historical monument, especially when framed by the surrounding streetscape. Capture it from different angles as you walk through. Instagram

It's a late 15th-century bell tower that was part of an earlier medieval city gate, serving as a historical landmark and a registered historical monument since 1933. Reddit

One review mentions that behind a small door below the tower, there are public toilets, though they are described as basic. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! The area surrounding the Clock Tower Gate is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a variety of dining options. TikTokReddit

You'll find a range of French cuisine, from traditional dishes to lighter cafe fare. Amboise is known for its culinary scene, with options for every taste. TikTok+1

Yes, Amboise is in the Loire Valley, a renowned wine region. You can find establishments offering wine tastings, such as Caves Ambacia, which specializes in vintage wines. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the tower from Rue National as you walk through it, and from slightly further away to include the surrounding streetscape. The clock faces and bell also make for detailed shots. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned in videos, historical landmarks often have a unique charm when illuminated at night. It's worth checking out for a different perspective. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens if you want to capture the tower within its urban context. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Clock Tower Gate is an easy and engaging stop for families. Kids can enjoy walking through the archway and imagining knights and medieval times. The surrounding shops offer a chance for a fun souvenir hunt, and there are plenty of cafes for a quick snack or ice cream break. TikTokReddit

While the tower itself doesn't have interactive exhibits, its historical presence is a great conversation starter about the past. The accessibility of the area makes it easy for strollers, and the lively atmosphere keeps younger visitors entertained. Consider it a picturesque landmark that adds a touch of history to your family's exploration of Amboise. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, the Clock Tower Gate offers a charming spot to soak in the Amboise atmosphere. It's a perfect place to start your exploration of the city center, perhaps with a coffee at a nearby cafe while admiring the architecture. TikTokReddit

The surrounding shops provide opportunities for leisurely browsing, and the historical significance adds a layer of interest to your stroll. It's a picturesque landmark that's easily integrated into a day of exploring Amboise's châteaux and charming streets. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Amboise's Past

The Clock Tower Gate, or Tour de l'Horloge, is a significant historical remnant in Amboise, dating back to the late 15th century. It originally formed part of a larger medieval city gate, a crucial element of Amboise's defensive and urban structure during that era. Its designation as a registered historical monument in 1933 underscores its importance in preserving the architectural heritage of the region. Reddit

Today, the tower stands as a picturesque landmark, with clock faces adorning its main sides and a bell visible at its apex. It serves as a visual reminder of the city's medieval past, seamlessly integrated into the modern city center. The fact that Rue National passes directly through its archway allows visitors to easily experience its scale and historical presence. Reddit

While the tower itself is a historical monument, the area immediately beneath it has been repurposed. One review notes the presence of public toilets, suggesting that while the exterior is preserved, the interior spaces may not be fully developed for historical interpretation. Nevertheless, its enduring presence makes it a key point of interest for anyone exploring Amboise. Reddit

Exploring the Amboise City Center

The Clock Tower Gate is more than just a historical structure; it's a gateway to the vibrant heart of Amboise. The surrounding Rue National is a hub of activity, lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes. This makes the tower an ideal starting point or resting spot for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. Reddit

Visitors can easily spend time browsing the shops, enjoying a leisurely coffee or a meal at one of the many eateries, or simply people-watching from a cafe terrace. The lively ambiance complements the historical significance of the tower, offering a blend of past and present. TikTokReddit

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the tower, Amboise itself offers numerous attractions, including the Château d'Amboise and Clos Lucé. The Clock Tower Gate serves as a convenient reference point for navigating the city center and discovering its many charms. TikTok+1

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