CityBuddy
Tour de l'Horloge
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is best for photos and for hiding from the midday sun.
Budget tips
Entry is free, the tower is open to the public. If you wish to contribute to its maintenance, there is a small donation box at the entrance for voluntary contributions.
Recommended for
History lovers, Photographers, Travelers seeking authentic experiences, Families with children
Plan your visit
20-30 minutes
About
Quick facts: This four-story stone tower dates from the late 1860s and rises 30 meters above the surrounding buildings. Although it served as both a watchtower and a prison, its main task today is to house the city clock, whose chimes can be heard throughout the center.
Highlights: At its top hangs a bell weighing 450 kilograms that rings every full hour, its booming tone blending with the sound of waves from the nearby harbor. When you climb the 82 steep stone steps to the top, a view of the city rooftops, coral reefs, and on a clear day even the island of Moorea in the distance awaits you.
Insider tips
- Expect 82 narrow stone steps without a railing, wear sturdy footwear with good grip.
- The best photo is from the tower gallery facing the harbor at sunset.
- The clock chimes every hour on the hour. If you want to experience its full sound, plan your climb just before the top of the hour.
- The tower is not air-conditioned, so bring a bottle of water with you.
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