
Clock Tower Gate (Tour de l'Horloge)
A late 15th-century bell tower and medieval city gate, now a registered historical monument in the heart of Amboise.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shops and cafes are open

Clock Tower Gate (Tour de l'Horloge)
Best Time
Shops and cafes are open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A late 15th-century bell tower and medieval city gate, now a registered historical monument in the heart of Amboise.
"A nice building with historical places... Looks great."

🚶♀️ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Surrounding Rue National
Enjoy the lively atmosphere with numerous shops and cafes around the tower, perfect for a relaxing break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore Amboise's Historic Heart
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
☕ Relax with a Drink
Grab a seat at a nearby cafe to soak in the atmosphere and admire the monument.
🕰️ Admire the Clockwork
Look up to see the clock faces and the bell, a charming historical detail.
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.
🛍️ Explore Surrounding Shops
The area around the tower is bustling with shops, perfect for a leisurely browse.
☕ Relax with a Drink
Grab a seat at a nearby cafe to soak in the atmosphere and admire the monument.
🕰️ Admire the Clockwork
Look up to see the clock faces and the bell, a charming historical detail.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
There is no entrance fee to see or walk through the Clock Tower Gate. It's a historical landmark integrated into the city.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
One review mentions that behind a small door below the tower, there are public toilets, though they are described as basic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The area surrounding the Clock Tower Gate is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a variety of dining options.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens if you want to capture the tower within its urban context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Amboise's Past
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.
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.
Exploring the Amboise City Center
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit