Grosse Cloche
Grosse Cloche is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Bordeaux audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Bordeaux Bordeaux guide
About Grosse Cloche
Bordeaux's most iconic medieval monument, a massive 15th-century Gothic belfry with a great bell, built over the original city gate dating to the 13th century.
The Grosse Cloche, literally the "Big Bell", is the most photographed medieval monument in Bordeaux and one of the city's most beloved symbols. The structure dates to the 13th century when it served as one of the main gates in Bordeaux's city wall, but the twin Gothic towers that give it its distinctive silhouette were added in the 15th century. The great bell itself, cast in 1775, weighs 7,800 kilograms and was rung to mark major civic events: the harvest beginning, the start of war, and the grape harvest, an important ceremonial role it retains today when the bell is rung to officially announce the beginning of the Bordeaux wine harvest each September. The Grosse Cloche stands on the ancient Roman road that runs through the city centre, and the medieval archway beneath it forms part of the St James pilgrimage route.
Did you know? The Grosse Cloche's great bell is rung every September to officially announce the start of the Bordeaux wine harvest, a civic tradition that has continued for centuries.
How long should you spend at Grosse Cloche?
Plan about ~30 min at Grosse Cloche. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Grosse Cloche worth visiting?
Grosse Cloche is one of the 21 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Bordeaux, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Bordeaux
Hear the story of Grosse Cloche
Preview the Bordeaux tour free in the Gingerguide app.