must-visit in BordeauxOld Town & Historic District

Grosse cloche

📍 Grosse Cloche, Rue Saint-James, Bordeaux, Port de la Lune, Bordeaux Centre, Bordeaux, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Franc

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★★★★☆

Introduction

The Grosse Cloche of Bordeaux is one of the few remaining medieval gates of the old city, developed from the 13th-century Saint-Eloi gate and rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, the oldest belfry of civil architecture in Bordeaux. It consists of two circular towers about 35 meters high and a central bell tower housing the 7.8-ton bell Armand-Richard, which has sounded for assemblies, fires and festivals since the 15th century. The building once hosted city council meetings and a prison for young nobles, carrying rich civic and social memory. Located near the pedestrian Sainte-Catherine street in the old town, it is a key landmark for understanding medieval Bordeaux autonomy and architectural craft.

✨ Highlights

Medieval Twin-Tower Gate

Two 35-meter circular towers and a central belfry, one of the last medieval gates of Bordeaux

Armand-Richard Bell

A 7.8-ton 15th-century bell that has sounded assemblies and festivals since the Middle Ages

City Council and Noble Prison

Once hosted council meetings and a prison for young nobles, rich in civic memory

Sainte-Catherine Street Setting

Beside Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street with medieval lanes and shops

Night Lighting and Bell Toll

Evening lights trace the towers and the bell still tolls traditional hours, evoking the medieval city

🛈 Practical Info

→Hours：Exterior visible all day; interior and tower usually open Wednesday and Saturday 14:00-18:00

→Admission：Interior about EUR 5, including tower

→Recommended Duration：30-60 minutes, longer with old town walk

→Best Season：May-September for pleasant old town walks

→Transport：About 15 minutes walk from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station, or tram C to Hôtel de Ville

💡 Tips

• Tower stairs are narrow and steep; those with fear of heights or limited mobility take care

• Interior hours are limited; check the city website in advance

• Combine with the cathedral opposite and Pey-Berland square for an old town tour

• Sainte-Catherine street offers shopping and dining; combine with a meal

• The bell is loud when striking; protect hearing at the top

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Grosse cloche?

Tower stairs are narrow and steep; those with fear of heights or limited mobility take care Interior hours are limited; check the city website in advance

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.