The Clock Pavilion, built around 1520 by the architect Jehan de Beauce, houses the mechanism that once drove the single hand one full circle of the large clock-face on the façade. The clock is connected to the bell that used to strike the hour at the top of The North Tower. Situated on the north side of the cathedral, the Pavilion is a small building that contains two clock movements, both of which are still in working order. The older of the two, a huge piece, dates from the 16th century. The second, a smaller mechanism, was made in the 19th century.

It is not possible to visit the Pavilion, but the Renaissance décor of its exterior is well worth a visit.




Click on "Video" if you want to see the interior workings of this antique clock.

Chartres Cathedral is one of the buildings affiliated to the Centre for National Monuments.