TL;DR: La Tour de l’Horloge is a stunning 15th-century clock tower in the heart of Auxerre’s old town, featuring a golden astronomical dial and breathtaking panoramic views. It’s easily accessible, affordable (around €2-3), and takes about 30-45 minutes to visit. Climb 238 steps for Instagram-worthy views of Burgundy’s wine country!
Looking for that perfect blend of history, architecture, and killer views in Burgundy? Let me introduce you to La Tour de l’Horloge – Auxerre’s most photogenic landmark that doesn’t get nearly enough love in travel guides.
What Makes This Tower Special?
Here’s the thing: you’ve probably seen dozens of clock towers across Europe, but this one hits differently. Built in the 1400s, this beauty stands proud on Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, watching over Auxerre like it has for six centuries. The real showstopper? That gorgeous golden astronomical clock face (called a cadran solaire) that’s been telling locals more than just the time since forever.
The tower originally served as a city gate – yeah, the whole medieval defensive wall situation – and later became the town’s bellfry. Today, it’s one of those spots where history buffs, architecture lovers, and Instagram enthusiasts all get exactly what they came for.
Planning Your Visit: The Practical Stuff
Getting There
Auxerre sits about 150km southeast of Paris, making it a perfect day trip or stopover if you’re heading to Lyon or deeper into Burgundy. The tower is smack in the center of the old town, so once you’re in Auxerre, you literally can’t miss it.
By train: TER trains from Paris Bercy take roughly 2 hours. From the Auxerre station, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk through charming streets.
By car: If you’re road-tripping through wine country (highly recommend), there’s parking at Place du Maréchal Leclerc, just a few minutes’ walk away.
Opening Hours & Admission
The tower typically opens from April through October, with limited winter hours. Expect something like:
- High season: Daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
- Shoulder season: Wednesday-Sunday afternoons
- Admission: Around €2-3 (seriously affordable!)
Pro tip: Hours can shift, especially during off-season, so check with the Auxerre tourism office before making special plans.
Accessibility Considerations
Let’s be real – this is a medieval tower, so accessibility is challenging. You’re looking at 238 steps in a narrow spiral staircase with no elevator. If you or anyone in your group has mobility concerns, the climb might not be feasible. However, the exterior alone is gorgeous, and the surrounding Place de l’Hôtel de Ville is completely accessible and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
The Climb: What to Expect
Those 238 steps are no joke, but they’re totally doable for anyone with moderate fitness. The staircase is narrow and winds up in true medieval fashion – occasionally dimly lit, with stone walls that have seen better centuries. Wear comfortable shoes (leave the heels at the hotel), and maybe skip this right after that huge Burgundian lunch.
The ascent takes most visitors about 10-15 minutes, with several small landing areas where you can catch your breath and check out informational displays about the tower’s history.
The View from the Top
Okay, this is where it all pays off. The panoramic terrace delivers 360-degree views that’ll make your calves forgive you for those stairs. On clear days, you’ll see:
- The terracotta rooftops of Auxerre’s medieval quarter cascading below
- The Gothic spires of Cathédrale Saint-Étienne in all their glory
- The Yonne River snaking through the landscape
- Rolling Burgundy vineyards stretching to the horizon
- The patchwork of French countryside that looks exactly like the postcards (but better)
Bring your camera, charge your phone, and maybe arrive around golden hour if you’re chasing that perfect shot.
Beyond the Tower: What Else to See
In the Immediate Area
The Place de l’Hôtel de Ville itself is charming, with café terraces perfect for people-watching. The half-timbered houses surrounding the square are quintessential Burgundian architecture – think Instagram aesthetic meets actual history.
Within Walking Distance
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne (5 minutes): This Gothic masterpiece features stunning 13th-century stained glass and a crypt dating back to the 11th century. Free entry, and absolutely worth an hour.
Abbaye Saint-Germain (10 minutes): One of France’s oldest churches, with crypts containing Carolingian frescoes from the 850s. Yes, art from over 1,000 years ago.
The Old Town (quartier ancien): Wander the narrow medieval lanes, peek into artisan shops, and soak up that provincial French vibe that cities like Paris can’t replicate.
The Yonne River promenade: Perfect for an evening stroll, especially during sunset.
Where to Eat & Drink Nearby
You’re in Burgundy, so eating well isn’t optional – it’s mandatory.
For traditional Burgundian cuisine: Look for cozy spots serving bœuf bourguignon, escargots, and local cheeses. Places around Rue du Pont are solid bets.
Wine bars: You’re in one of France’s premier wine regions. Find a cave à vin and sample Chablis (white wine heaven) or reds from nearby Irancy.
Café culture: The terraces around the tower are perfect for morning coffee or afternoon wine while watching Auxerre go about its day.
Market days: If you’re visiting Wednesday or Saturday morning, the market at Place de l’Arquebuse offers local produce, cheeses, and that authentic French market experience.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, and the Burgundy countryside comes alive with blooms.
Summer (June-August): Longest hours, warmest weather, but expect more visitors. The tower can get warm during midday.
Fall (September-October): Harvest season in wine country! Gorgeous autumn colors and the perfect excuse to visit nearby vineyards.
Winter: Limited hours and cold temperatures, but if you’re in town anyway, the surrounding Christmas markets create magical atmosphere.
Timing your visit: Weekday mornings tend to be quietest. Avoid midday in summer when the sun beats down on that stone staircase.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of It
- Combo tickets: Ask about combination passes that include other Auxerre monuments – you’ll save a few euros.
- Photography: Morning light hits the golden clock face beautifully for exterior shots. For views from the top, late afternoon offers the best light across the vineyards.
- Don’t rush: Give yourself at least 45 minutes total – time to admire the exterior, climb at a comfortable pace, enjoy the views, and descend safely.
- Bring water: There’s no shop up top, and those stairs will have you working up a thirst.
- Learn a bit: Quick language tip – it’s pronounced “lah toor duh lor-LOGE” (the ‘ge’ sounds like the ‘s’ in ‘measure’).
Who Is This For?
Perfect if you:
- Love architectural history and medieval structures
- Want panoramic views without crazy tourist crowds
- Appreciate small-town French charm over big-city hustle
- Are exploring Burgundy wine country and want cultural stops between tastings
- Enjoy physical activities (those stairs!) mixed with sightseeing
Maybe skip if:
- You have mobility limitations that make stairs impossible
- You’re traveling with very young children (the stairs and height might be challenging)
- You’re looking for extensive museum collections (this is more about the structure and views)
Making a Day of It in Auxerre
La Tour de l’Horloge works beautifully as part of a half-day or full-day Auxerre itinerary:
Morning: Start with coffee at a square-side café, climb the tower while you’re fresh, then explore the cathedral.
Lunch: Find a bistro serving regional specialties.
Afternoon: Visit Abbaye Saint-Germain, wander the old town’s shops, or take that river walk.
Evening: Sunset apéro (pre-dinner drinks) at a wine bar, followed by dinner at a traditional restaurant.
The Bottom Line
La Tour de l’Horloge might not have the name recognition of Paris’s attractions or the Eiffel Tower’s iconic status, but that’s exactly why it’s special. This is authentic, accessible French heritage without the overwhelming crowds or premium prices. You’ll spend a few euros, burn some calories, and walk away with photos and memories that capture a different side of France – one that’s been hiding in plain sight in Burgundy for 600 years.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, view chaser, or just someone who appreciates discovering gems off the main tourist trail, this clock tower delivers. Plus, you’ll have earned that extra glass of Chablis at dinner.
Ready to climb? Auxerre and its iconic tower are waiting. Just remember: pace yourself on those stairs, bring your camera, and leave room in your itinerary for impromptu wine tastings. You’re in Burgundy, after all.
Have you visited La Tour de l’Horloge? Drop your tips and favorite Auxerre spots in the comments – fellow travelers will thank you!
