Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux Travel Guide

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

The Grosse Cloche, or Big Bell, is one of Bordeaux's most iconic landmarks, dating back to the 13th century. Originally a gate in the city's defensive walls, it evolved into a belfry for the town hall. Its bell, cast in 1775, still tolls on special occasions.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Grosse Cloche.

Check the Bordeaux Tourist Office website for tour schedules and to reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Be prepared for a climb; the tower has a narrow, winding staircase and is not easily accessible.
Time your visit to coincide with the bell ringing on the first Sunday of the month at noon for a unique experience.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Monument aux Girondins

Place des Quinconces

Place de la Bourse

Porte de Bourgogne

Explore Grosse Cloche on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Grosse Cloche, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Place de la Bourse, walk southwest along Cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine. Turn right onto Rue Saint-James. The Grosse Cloche will be on your left at the intersection with Rue de Guienne. The walk is approximately 10 minutes on foot. No costs are associated with this route.
Public Transport

From Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean, take tram line C towards 'Les Aubiers' or 'Cracovie'. Get off at the 'Porte de Bourgogne' stop. From there, walk along Cours Victor Hugo, then turn left onto Rue Saint-James. The Grosse Cloche will be on your right. A single tram ticket costs €1.80.
Taxi

From the Quinconces, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Grosse Cloche will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for the ride. Note that parking near the Grosse Cloche can be limited.

Discover more about Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche, also known as the Porte Saint-Éloi or Porte Saint-James, is a remnant of Bordeaux's medieval past. It began as a simple passage in the city's first protective wall in the 13th century. Over time, it transformed into a grand gate and bell tower, serving as the belfry for the old city hall.The structure consists of two imposing octagonal towers connected by a central arch. Above the arch is the city's coat of arms. The current bell, named Armande-Louise, was cast in 1775 and weighs approximately 7,750 kilograms. It chimes six times a year for major celebrations and on the first Sunday of each month. The bell's Latin inscription translates to: "I ring the hours and my voice is a call to arms; I sing for happy events and weep for the dead".For a time, the Grosse Cloche also served as a prison. Young people who misbehaved were confined within its walls. It was joked that they were staying at the "Hotel du Lion d'Or," a reference to the weather vane on the central dome depicting a lion, a symbol of the English kings. Today, visitors can take a guided tour to see the old prison cells and learn about the tower's history. The Grosse Cloche stands as a symbol of Bordeaux's privileges and liberties, a testament to its rich and often rebellious history.