Tour de l'Horloge
Former belfry in Issoire, now a venue for temporary exhibitions, with a viewing platform overlooking the town, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez.
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About the museum
The Tour de l'Horloge in Issoire stands in the pedestrian historic center of the town. Today it is a culture and discovery venue run by the municipality. Each year it hosts temporary exhibitions, mainly on science and technology, as well as lectures, film screenings and workshops on a wide range of topics.
The two exhibition floors are accessible by elevator. To reach the viewing platform, visitors then have to climb 84 steps (141 steps in total from the bottom). From the platform there is a panoramic view of Issoire, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez.
Highlights
- Viewing platform with panoramic views of Issoire, the Sancy massif and the Livradois-Forez
- Temporary exhibitions on science and technology
- Lectures, film screenings and workshops
- Activity booklets for children aged 6 and up
- Operated by
- Ville d'Issoire
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1Visitors under 27, over 62, job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, holders of CEZAM or Free Pass cards, subscribers to the cultural season and to the René-Char media library in Issoire, and other beneficiaries of partner programs |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 5 · Children's rate from age 6 for access to the viewing platform. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €1 per personPrice per person, by reservation only. |
| Screening, workshop or performance | €6Reduced rate: €4. |
Prices for access to the viewing platform, valid from April 7 to December 13, 2026.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: not available
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition is fully accessible by elevator. For the viewing platform, visitors with reduced mobility can take the elevator up to the halfway point but must climb the remaining 84 steps. Reserved parking spaces are located on Place de la République; drop-off in front of the tower is possible when coming from the Halle aux Grains, but the town hall must be contacted so that the bollards on Place de la République can be lowered. Written and visual materials are suitable for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors, but no provisions are made for blind or visually impaired visitors. Guide dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Activity booklets linked to the current exhibition are available for children aged 6 and up, and handicraft workshops are organized.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities are located on Place de la République.
- Accessible parking
The tower is located in the pedestrian historic center of Issoire.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Public toilets nearby and a shop on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are free at any time; guided tours for groups are available on request. Groups consist of 10 to 30 people. Opening hours are those of the current period. |
