The north tower of Chartres Cathedral is open to the public. After a climb of 300 steps, visitors are rewarded with a unique panoramic view of the outlying area: the "Pays Chartrain". They can also admire the beauty and sophistication of the exceptional Flamboyant Gothic decoration.

Built at the beginning of the 16th century by Jehan Texier, known as Jehan de Beauce, this 112 metres high tower, called the "Clocher Neuf", "The New Bell-tower", houses the cathedral bells. The bell at the summit of the tower, the "timbre", strikes the hour. It used to be connected to the cathedral clock, located in the Clock Pavilion, built some years later.

In the upper part of the spire, not open to the public, is the room once used by the bell-ringers and the keepers of the watch. Its walls are covered in graffiti, much of it from long ago.





The North Tower is only partly open to the public.
To see the bell-ringers and watch room, click on "Video".

Open:
From September to April: 9.30-12 a.m. Sundays:2-4.30 p.m.
From May to August: 9.30-12 and 2-5.30 p.m. Sundays: 2-5.30 p.m
Closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.

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