Today, in the great Clock tower of La Rochelle is located the Museum of archaeology, and the bell in its belfry and clock perform their functions almost as properly as three centuries ago, when they were installed in it.

The tower, also called the gate of the Grosse-Horloge, was built in the XII century as part of the city wall dividing the area of the port and residential areas. Behind the gates began the quarter Parro, the name of which soon the locals began to call the tower. In the lower part of the tower was a gate: more – for the medieval transport, smaller one for pedestrians. Each opening was made in the form of an arch, but during the reconstruction in the second half of the seventeenth century the two openings combined into one.

Bell tower and clock was installed on the tower towards the end of the XV century, but the bell and the clock, which tourists can see today, were established in the mid-eighteenth century, when the old bell tower was demolished and replaced by a more modern structure, built in the fashion of the time in the style of Louis XV. That's why the image of the tower are clearly visible and traits of a defensive structure (lower part of the tower), and more graceful secular buildings (top), decorated with sculptures, symbols of military arts and Sciences.

Gate Grosse-Horloge stand next to the promenade du Perret, near the Old harbour. In the Middle ages, the port had to La Rochelle important in Maritime trade, and years of various wars. Today in the Old port has a harbour for large ships and yachts, as well as a dry dock. Old harbour invariably attracts the attention of visitors – in addition to Grosse-Horloge here are some other famous attractions of the city – tower Chain, St. Nicholas and Four sergeants. The Museum, located in the great clock tower, are often spectacular reconstruction of historical events.