Did you know? This is the oldest clock in Paris, discover its history

The oldest clock in Paris is that of the Palais de la Cité on the Île de la Cité, commissioned by Charles V in 1370 for the palace's northeast tower. It was designed by Henri de Vic and installed in 1371. It is considered thefirst public clock in Paris, and was a symbol of the French monarchy's assertion of its regal functions and emancipation from the Church.

Indeed, before this clock, only churches told the time. At the time, Parisians relied on church bells to keep track of time. This clock marks a turning point in history by giving the King's time. It symbolizes the emancipation of the monarchy and the state from the power of the church.

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The original clock underwent several transformations over time, notably by kings Henri II, Henri III and Henri IV, who added decorations and ornamental elements. Henri III added a dial. The current dial was rebuilt in 1849, based on plans for a clock dating back to 1686 under Louis XIV.

The clock mechanism of the Palais de la Cité has been restored several times, most recently in 2011-2012. This restoration was carried out by the Swiss watchmaking company Ulysse Nardin, who worked from a precise description of the clock dating from 1852 to recover its original appearance.

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The clock's square dial is adorned with royal symbols such as fleurs-de-lis and flaming rays. Allegorical figures represent Law and Justice. The dial is surmounted by a royal mantle of France, also decorated with fleurs-de-lis.

The Palais de la Cité clock is located on one of the towers of the Conciergerie, which was part of the Palais de la Cité. This tower was built in 1353 on the orders of Jean II le Bon to reinforce the Palais' defences during the Hundred Years' War. The 47-meter-high tower is topped by a belfry and a lantern.

Today, the Palais de la Cité clock is considered one of the most emblematic symbols of Paris, and is a popular tourist attraction. It also bears witness to thecity's history and the evolution of clockmaking technology.