Grosse Cloche (Big Bell)

History

The Grosse Cloche was built in the 15th century on the remains of an older gate, the Porte Saint-Éloi, which once marked the passage of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. It served both as a city gate and as the belfry of the town hall, two round towers 40 metres high linked by a central building. The current bell was cast in June 1775 by the founder Turmeau and weighs close to 7,800 kilos. So much a symbol of the city that it features on its coat of arms, the bell was sometimes taken down by the king to punish the people of Bordeaux for their insubordination. Listed as a historic monument in 1886, it still rings on the first Sunday of every month and on a handful of major dates, including 8 May and 14 July.

What to see there

• The two round towers and the gilded leopard weathervane
• The bell itself, visible behind its 18th-century grille
• The 1759 clock and, above it, the solar equation-of-time dial
• The 15th-century gargoyles on the north side

Our tip

On our walks

• Saint-Michel and the quays — 1h45 · 3.7 km

Nearby addresses

• Berthom — 45 cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine — Serious Belgian beer bar, over 200 references. 📍
• Buvette — 41 cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine — Natural wine bar, relaxed atmosphere. Neighbour of Berthom. 📍
• Tripletta — 30 pl. Meynard — Neapolitan pizzas, cocktails and natural wines, on a large terrace on Place Saint-Michel, facing the basilica. 📍
• Déméter — 9 rue Ausone — Sharing neo-bistro, creative small plates, natural wines. One of our favourites. 📍

All our neighbourhood addresses