The bell weighs over 7 tons and is named 'Armande-Louise' in honor of the Duchess of Rohan and the King.
The monument served as a prison for juvenile delinquents, where prisoners were referred to as 'les lurons'.
The bell is only rung on seven specific occasions per year, including Bastille Day and the anniversary of the end of World War II.
The weather vane atop the structure takes the form of a golden leopard, a historical symbol of the English crown's past influence in the region.
It features a complex astronomical clock, which dates back to the 18th century and is still functional.
The belfry replaced a 13th-century gate that was demolished to provide space for the larger municipal structure.
The structure marks the boundary of the 'Saint-James' district, an area historically centered around the pilgrim hospital.
The Grosse Cloche is a historic 15th-century belfry and former prison located in Bordeaux, serving as one of the oldest belfries in France. It consists of two circular towers connected by a central building, topped by a 7,750-kilogram bell cast in 1775. Historically, the structure functioned as the Porte Saint-Éloi, an entrance gate on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The bell, nicknamed 'Armande-Louise,' was rung to signal the start of the grape harvest and to warn of fires or municipal events. The interior housed a dungeon for juvenile prisoners during the 18th century, with graffiti still visible on the walls today. The structure underwent extensive restoration in the early 21st century to stabilize its masonry and conserve the clock mechanism. It remains a civic symbol featured on the coat of arms of Bordeaux.
Position yourself at the intersection of Rue Saint-James and Rue du Mirail for a straight-on perspective of the arch and towers.
Visit the interior to see the medieval prison cells and the mechanism of the astronomical clock.
Walk through the archway to view the intricate gargoyles on the exterior facade.
Combine your visit with a walk down Rue Saint-James, known for its antique shops and local artisan stores.
Do not attempt to climb the tower if you have mobility issues, as the stairs are steep and narrow; avoid the crowded midday hours during summer weekends.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays; access to the upper levels is seasonal and dependent on guided tour availability.
