Why did the dials and hands of the Clock Tower in downtown Nîmes disappear ?

La tour de l’horloge fait partie du patrimoine nîmois. Midi Libre – Noa Roche

It's a worrying story. But where have the clock tower dials gone? ? The answers should reassure more than one person.

When you attack a pillar of Gard heritage, it's hard to remain unmoved. The clock tower has reigned and watched over Nîmes since 1752. Its four dials have disappeared and the hypotheses are flying. Jean and Nicole, adopted from Gard for almost 53 years, like to come to the square. Without the dials, it rings a little hollow. “The clock is a reference, it is part of the heritage just like the arenas. It is sure that it is better with its dials“, Jean believes, even though he fully acknowledges that his dials were starting to need a refresh: “they weren't really on time anymore and were getting old. I think it's just a maintenance operation and they'll come back sooner or later.” The couple aren't the only ones wondering about this disappearance. The waiters at the clock bistro often have to deal with questions from curious onlookers. “They're the most curious tourists. “We answer them with a smile,” explains Mike, one of the waiters.

Just under renovation

While the hypotheses are flying around, there is no need to come up with conspiracy theories. In fact, the dials are simply being restored in the Var, in Flassans-sur-Issole, says Jean-Marc Campello, municipal councilor in charge of construction. “They went for renovation, for a period of three months because they were damaged by wear. The dials will be the same when they return in September, he assures, the needle system will be replaced and we will take the opportunity to clean the inside of the tower. In September, everything will be back to normal"

A centuries-old building

The 31-metre-high clock tower has been protecting Nîmes since the 18th century. Rebuilt between 1752 and 1754 in the city centre on the site of a 15th century belfry, the building as we know it was given a facelift in 2003. The clock square is now equipped with synchronised lighting and light shows.

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