The Big Bell

The Grosse Cloche, in Bordeaux

The Grosse Cloche is one of the oldest belfries of France, an emblematic medieval gate of Bordeaux. The Bordeaux audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this monument with two towers and a great bell, a former symbol of the liberties of the town.

The medieval belfry and the symbol of the liberties

The Grosse Cloche is one of the most emblematic and oldest monuments of Bordeaux. This medieval belfry, which spans rue Saint-James, was originally the gate of the former town hall. Recognisable by its two big round towers topped with pointed roofs, linked by a central body, it shelters the great bell that gives it its name. In the Middle Ages, this bell rang to announce the important events of the town, the beginning of the harvest, the alarms or the rejoicings, and symbolised the communal liberties and autonomy of Bordeaux. It moreover figures on the coat of arms of the town. A precious witness of the medieval past, a rare vestige of the fortifications, the Grosse Cloche is a major symbol and one of the most loved monuments of Bordeaux.

What to see

You admire the medieval belfry that spans rue Saint-James, the former gate of the town hall, with its two big round towers topped with pointed roofs and its great bell that formerly rang the events of the town and symbolised the communal liberties, figuring on the coat of arms of the town. The Grosse Cloche is a major symbol of Bordeaux. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Grosse Cloche lies on rue Saint-James, in the heart of old Bordeaux, reachable on foot. You admire its exterior freely; the interior visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What was the Grosse Cloche of Bordeaux?

A medieval belfry that was originally the gate of the former town hall; its great bell rang to announce the events of the town and symbolised the communal liberties of Bordeaux, and figures on the coat of arms of the town.

Where is the Grosse Cloche of Bordeaux?

On rue Saint-James, in the heart of old Bordeaux, in France.