La Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux
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La Grosse Cloche - by Grand Parc (CC BY 2.0)
Description
The Grosse cloche de Bordeaux (meaning "Big Bell") was the belfry of the old city hall. It was built during the 15th century and was used by pilgrims en route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle to enter the city and to signal the beginning of the vendanges (vineyards harvest). It is the formal symbol of the city and appears on the city's coat of arms. Structurally it is made up of two circular towers of 40m in height and the current bell was cast in 1775, it weights 7.8t with a diameter of 2m. It can be visited on certain days for EUR6 per person, including the dungeon and cells.
Access & Transport
Located on the southern edge of the old city, just off Cr Victor Hugo, the easiest way to get there is by bus (16) or to walk from one of two tram stops about 400m away: Sainte Catherine (A) or Musée d'Aquitaine (B).
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with the Musée d'Aquitaine or a walk / some shopping along Rue Sainte Catherine until Place de la Victoire.
Environmental & Social
No carbon footprint. Preserves the city's cultural and architectural heritages.
Conclusion
La Gross Cloche is emblematic of the city and anybody keen to discover the Vieux Bordeaux should ensure they do see it. It only takes a few minutes and makes for great pictures.
Key positive
Iconic and centrally located
Historical and practical significance
Key negative
Visiting hours could be scheduled more systematically
Suitability
Visitors with reduced mobility will only be able to look at it from outside / go underneath but the guided visit involves stairs
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo