Grosse Cloche (Big Bell), Bordeaux (must see)
La Grosse Cloche, or the Big Bell, is the name given to a 7800 kg iron bell housed in a medieval belfry. It stands on the Saint Eloi passage, with an archway in the bell tower allowing pedestrian access through the monument. This was once the Porte Saint Eloi, a gate into the city center in the Middle Ages. It was passed through regularly by pilgrims heading to the tomb of Saint Jacques, interred at a church in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The belfry once belonged to the town hall and is a very important civic monument, so much so that it is featured in the city鈥檚 coat of arms. The distinctive round towers on both sides of the bell were built as long ago as the 12th century. There were initially supposed to be four towers, looking out in all directions from the city walls, but the final two towers were never constructed.
The 鈥楤ig Bell鈥� itself was installed in the 15th century and was used throughout the Middle Ages to warn its citizens of impending emergencies, including fires and storms. The inscription on the bell says "I call to arms, I announce the days, I give the hours, I chase the storm, I ring the holidays, and I cry out for fire".
Why You Should Visit:
Very central and mostly surrounded by the cutest streets in the historic center with some of the best terraces to take a drink just a few streets ahead.
Above anything else, a great photo opportunity, with a different view from both sides.
Tip:
It's actually quite difficult to photograph because if the sun is strong you will miss the detail; hence, early morning is a good time.
Getting inside on a tour is pretty tricky also, but the guides are very informative and the views are excellent.
The belfry once belonged to the town hall and is a very important civic monument, so much so that it is featured in the city鈥檚 coat of arms. The distinctive round towers on both sides of the bell were built as long ago as the 12th century. There were initially supposed to be four towers, looking out in all directions from the city walls, but the final two towers were never constructed.
The 鈥楤ig Bell鈥� itself was installed in the 15th century and was used throughout the Middle Ages to warn its citizens of impending emergencies, including fires and storms. The inscription on the bell says "I call to arms, I announce the days, I give the hours, I chase the storm, I ring the holidays, and I cry out for fire".
Why You Should Visit:
Very central and mostly surrounded by the cutest streets in the historic center with some of the best terraces to take a drink just a few streets ahead.
Above anything else, a great photo opportunity, with a different view from both sides.
Tip:
It's actually quite difficult to photograph because if the sun is strong you will miss the detail; hence, early morning is a good time.
Getting inside on a tour is pretty tricky also, but the guides are very informative and the views are excellent.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bordeaux. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Grosse Cloche (Big Bell) on Map
Sight Name: Grosse Cloche (Big Bell)
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bordeaux, France
Create Your Own Walk in Bordeaux
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bordeaux is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Once dubbed 鈥淭he Sleeping Beauty鈥� (La Belle au Bois Dormant), Bordeaux owes its nickname, in large part, to its impossibly beautiful religious architecture. Indeed, given the abundance of historical churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in this city, it's no wonder that a good half of Bordeaux is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. Let's delve into the significance of some of them.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bordeaux Introduction Walking Tour
The metropolitan region of Bordeaux is the fifth largest in France. The city is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but is perhaps better known as the Wine Capital of the World. The city's namesake wine comes in many varieties that can be found and enjoyed around the world.
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bordeaux Food Tour
Widely acclaimed for its prestigious wines, Bordeaux is also a prominent gastronomic destination in France. The local cuisine reflects the advantages of being a port city on the Atlantic coastline (with its fish and shellfish galore) and a carnivore country.
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (March茅 des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (March茅 des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Napoleon Bonaparte referred to Bordeaux as "The Sleeping Beauty" upon seeing its classical architecture when visiting the city. In his turn, Honore de Balzac, the renowned French novelist, impressed by Bordeaux's timeless charm and elegance described it as "an extraordinary town".
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles