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France/Things to Do in Bordeaux, couple trip

Grosse Cloche (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Grosse Cloche?

77%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 77% Couple-Friendly: A couple can share the atmospheric gateway, plan for the noon bell, and take the 30-minute climb together; the setting feels intimate, though there are no extra services or seating areas.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 6,189 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free exterior access: You can explore and photograph the arch and towers from outside at no cost.
  • Nearby pastry treat: Cassonade bakery is a 2-minute walk away; try fresh cannelés for a sweet stroll snack.

Challenges:

  • Narrow stone stairs: The steep, tight staircase can feel cramped; wear comfortable shoes.
  • Guide language: Tours run in French by default; request an English guide when booking.
  • No visitor facilities: There are no restrooms or water fountains inside the monument.
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🏖️ Explore Grosse Cloche with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Grosse Cloche. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Grosse Cloche?

  • A 15th-century medieval gate tower serving as Bordeaux’s principal city entrance
  • Crowned by a 7.75-ton bronze bell named Armande-Louise, suspended between two flanking turrets
  • Enclosed beneath Gothic arches with a former juvenile detention chamber within its fortified structure

What is so special about Grosse Cloche for couple trip?

  1. Historic 18th-century bell atop a medieval city gate
  2. Free exterior access ideal for photos
  3. 30-minute guided tour reveals bell mechanics and cells
  4. Special bell ringings on first Sundays and holidays
  5. Nearby Cassonade bakery for a local pastry treat

Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours

Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This allows time for the 30 min guided tour, exterior photos, and a nearby pastry stop without rushing.

(View Grosse Cloche on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Grosse Cloche

Exterior photo walk:

Explore the archway and twin turrets and frame shots of the medieval gateway.

Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and use morning light for your photos.

Bell ringing moments:

Stand nearby when the bell rings on first Sundays at noon or on major French holidays.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to claim a good spot and record the deep tone.

Guided belfry tour:

Climb narrow stairs to see the 7.75-ton bell mechanism and former prison cells.

Tip: Book in advance through the Tourist Office and request an English-speaking guide.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Grosse Cloche

  1. Book tour early: Reserve your guided tour slot online or by phone to secure your preferred time.
  2. Check bell schedule: Confirm the first-Sunday and holiday ringing dates on the Tourist Office website.
  3. Combine with a pastry stop: Visit Cassonade bakery before or after the monument for fresh cannelés.
🏖️ Tour Grosse Cloche like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Grosse Cloche. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Grosse Cloche

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Rae Zyon

Rae Zyon

Jan 2026

A significant eighteenth-century monument that highlights the medieval heritage of the city. This grand gate once served as a bell tower and a defensive structure, featuring a massive bronze bell that rings on special occasions. It is a well-maintained landmark that offers a clear look into historical urban design and remains a popular spot for photography.

Flo

Flo

Aug 2025

What a wonderful gate! The whole street leading to it is very very pretty

Dave

Dave

Jul 2025

Behold the majestic Grosse Cloche, a historic gem of Bordeaux, France! Originally part of the city’s medieval fortifications in the 13th century, this stunning tower once guarded the gates with pride, its sturdy stone walls standing as a symbol of strength and resilience. Over the centuries, it evolved into a beloved landmark, its grand clock and bell ringing out to mark time and celebrate the s...

Kat Fred

Kat Fred

Jul 2025

This is a neat bell tower to see, especially on the first Sunday of each month. That’s when they actually ring it at noon. There are neat book stores & eateries down the street from the bell. We sat outside and had breakfast with a perfect view of it. Also, about a block down Victor Hugo Rue there is a Falling Car poking out of a parking garage that’s fun to find and see!

Irina B

Irina B

May 2025

Such a lovely surprise in the middle of Bordeaux! The Grosse Cloche is a beautiful old bell tower that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. You can’t go inside most of the time, but even just seeing it from the street is magical. It’s not a big attraction — more of a “wow, look at that!” moment during a walk through the old town. Totally worth stopping for a photo and soaking up the hi...

When is the best time to visit Grosse Cloche (Bordeaux, France)?

Plan visits on major French holidays to catch special bell ringings. In spring and autumn, mild weather makes the exterior walk more enjoyable.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Bordeaux on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Guided belfry tour (2 adults)EUR 12
Cannelés (2 pastries)EUR 4
Total EstimatedEUR 16

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Grosse Cloche

Address: Rue Saint-James, 33000 Bordeaux, France

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About Grosse Cloche

Opening Hours

Monday:3:15 – 3:45 PM, 4:00 – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:Closed
Thursday:Closed
Friday:Closed
Saturday:10:30 – 11:00 AM, 11:15 – 11:45 AM, 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Sunday:Closed

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+33 5 56 00 66 00

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