Grosse Cloche

On Rue Saint-James in Bordeaux’s old town, the Grosse Cloche is a medieval gate and belfry whose two round towers frame a passage through the street. Built in the 15th century over an earlier city gate, it once formed part of Bordeaux’s defences and served as the belfry of the old town hall. Look up at the clock, the bell and the details on the towers, then walk beneath the arch. The striking exterior is a quick stop on a route through the historic centre.

A medieval gate on Rue Saint-James

The Grosse Cloche stands across Rue Saint-James in Bordeaux’s old town. Its name means “Big Bell,” referring both to the monument and to the bell housed above its central arch. The structure was built in the 15th century over the remains of an earlier gate, part of the medieval defences that once marked the city’s boundary.

The belfry belonged to Bordeaux’s former town hall. The gate connected the old town with the road beyond its walls, and its passage still carries pedestrians through the building. From the street, the paired round towers and central opening give the monument its distinctive outline.

The bell, clocks and details above the arch

The bell now in the tower was cast in 1775. It was used to announce important events and, in earlier times, to signal the grape harvest and warn of fires. The bell is rung on selected commemorative occasions; it is also reported to sound at noon on the first Sunday of each month.

Look closely at the upper sections of the monument. The tower has clocks on both sides, so walk around it rather than stopping at the first view. A leopard-shaped weather vane sits above the structure. Its two round turrets, steep roofs and central bell chamber show the mix of Gothic and Renaissance details associated with the building.