Grosse Horloge is an ancient city gate of La Rochelle, originally part of the fortified city within the primitive enclosure. Built at the beginning of the first medieval enclosure, it was once called Porte du Parrot or Perrot, as it led to the faubourg of the same name. The gate originally had two bays: a large opening for carts and a smaller one for pedestrians. In 1478, an octagonal bell tower with a campanile housing the clock bell was added, and the structure became the belfry of La Rochelle, replacing the Mallevault gate. The upper part was rebuilt in 1746 with a Louis XV style cartel featuring scientific and military attributes. In 1672, the two bays were combined into a single arch to ease traffic. The gate remains a main passage between the quays and the old town and is classified as a historical monument. It also housed an archaeological museum on the La Rochelle Templars for some years.

◎ Nearby Objects

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  La Coursive 150 m away
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  Église Saint-Sauveur 250 m away
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  La Rochelle Cathedral 350 m away
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  Musée du Nouveau Monde 450 m away
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  Musée des Beaux-Arts de La Rochelle 450 m away

From City Gate to Belfry

The Grosse Horloge is an ancient city gate of La Rochelle, originally part of the primitive enclosure known as Guillaume X. In 1478, it was fitted with a bell and a clock, marking an important stage in its adaptation. It later became the belfry of La Rochelle, replacing the Mallevault gate. As a result of its historical value, the structure is classified as a historical monument.

From City Gate to Landmark

La Grosse-Horloge was originally a gate in the fortified city of La Rochelle, located within the primitive enclosure. Built at the beginning of the first medieval enclosure, it was known as Porte du Parrot or Perrot because it led to the faubourg of the same name. The gate had two bays, one large for carts and one smaller for pedestrians. In 1478, an octagonal bell tower with a campanile housing the clock bell was added. Its upper part was said to resemble the Porte Cailhau, except for the central window.

Later changes altered both its structure and use. In 1672, the two bays were combined into a single arch to facilitate traffic. In 1746, the upper part was demolished and replaced by the present Louis XV style cartel, decorated with scientific and military attributes. The gate remains a main passage point between the quays and the old town. The temporary tramway of La Rochelle also passed beneath it to reach Place de Verdun, and for some years the gate housed an archaeological museum about the La Rochelle Templars.