Grosse Cloche Bordeaux

The Grosse Cloche (Big Bell) is the medieval bell tower of the old Saint-Eloi church and one of the oldest civic bell towers in France, dating to the 13th century with significant modifications in the 15th. It sits astride the old Roman road on Rue Saint-James and was the gateway to the city from the south. The bell itself, cast in 1775 and weighing 7.7 tonnes, was historically rung to announce the start of the grape harvest, a tradition that continues today. The tower is one of the few surviving gates of the medieval city. The surrounding streets, Rue Saint-James and Rue du Loup, are among the most atmospheric in the old town. The tower can be visited on guided tours only: check with the Bordeaux tourism office for current schedule and booking.