Grosse Cloche: Bordeaux's Historic Bell Tower

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Discover Bordeaux's iconic Grosse Cloche: a historic bell tower, medieval gate, and symbol of the city's enduring spirit and rich heritage.

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Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche, or Great Bell, is one of Bordeaux's most iconic landmarks, dating back to the 13th century. This historic bell tower, once part of the city's defensive walls and serving as a prison, stands as a symbol of Bordeaux's rich past.

A brief summary to Grosse Cloche

Rue Saint-James, Bordeaux, 33000, FR
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Monday 3:15 pm-3:45 pm
Saturday 10:30 am-11 am

Local tips

Check the schedule to witness the bell ringing, which occurs on the first Sunday of each month at noon and on major holidays.
Book your guided tour in advance through the Bordeaux Tourist Office to ensure access and learn about the tower's history.
Be prepared for a climb, as reaching the top of the tower involves navigating a narrow staircase.
Explore the surrounding Saint-Pierre district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

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Getting There

Walking

The Grosse Cloche is located in the heart of Bordeaux's city center, making it easily accessible on foot. From Place de la Bourse, walk southwest along Cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine, then turn right onto Rue Saint-James. The Grosse Cloche will be on your left. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

Bordeaux's tram system provides convenient access to the Grosse Cloche. Take Tram B to the Musée d'Aquitaine station, which is a short walk from the monument. From the station, walk north on Rue de Guienne, then turn left onto Rue Saint-James. The Grosse Cloche will be on your right. A single fare is €1.80 and is valid for one hour of travel.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Bordeaux. A short taxi ride from the Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station to the Grosse Cloche typically costs between €11 and €21, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi rates start at €1.50 per km.

Discover more about Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche, also known as the Porte Saint-Éloi, is a remnant of Bordeaux's medieval past, serving as both a gate in the city's defensive walls and a belfry for the old city hall. Constructed initially in the 13th century, the structure has undergone several transformations, with the current bell dating back to 1775. The bell, named Armande-Louise, weighs 7,750 kilos and bears a Latin inscription that translates to “I ring the hours and my voice is a call to arms; I sing for happy events and weep for the dead”.Historically, the Grosse Cloche played a crucial role in the life of Bordeaux, signaling the start and end of the grape harvest, warning citizens of fires, floods, and other dangers. It also served as a prison for misbehaving youths, who were confined within its thick walls. Today, the bell rings only on special occasions, such as Bastille Day, VE Day, Remembrance Day, and the first Sunday of each month, connecting the city to its long and storied heritage.Visitors can explore the Grosse Cloche through guided tours, which offer a glimpse into the tower's structure, including the bell mechanism and the jail cells. Climbing to the top of the tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of Bordeaux, encompassing landmarks like the Pont de Pierre and the Basilica of Saint Michael. The Grosse Cloche stands as a timeless symbol of Bordeaux, bridging the gap between the city's medieval origins and its modern identity.