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France/Things to Do in Bordeaux, solo trip

Grosse Cloche (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Grosse Cloche?

81%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 81% Solo-Friendly: The tower offers a concise but vivid historic tour and free exterior photo angles; a solo visitor can manage the steep stairs and French-only guide without assistance or special facilities.

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

Positives:

  • Free exterior visit: You can explore all archways and inspect inscriptions at no cost.
  • Compact site: Self-guided visit takes under an hour if you skip the tour.

Challenges:

  • Narrow stairs: The belfry tour uses steep, tight stone steps not suited for large bags.
  • Guided tour in French: Standard tours run in French; English guides require advance request.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Explore the medieval gate and its 18th-century bell up close
  2. Join the solo-friendly guided tour to see the belfry and prison cells
  3. Time your visit for the free bell-ringing on Sundays and holidays
  4. Capture unique photos of inscriptions and the lion weather vane
  5. Treat yourself to a nearby cannelé at Cassonade

Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours

Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This lets you explore the exterior, join the 30-minute tour, and catch the bell ringing without rush.

(View Grosse Cloche on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Grosse Cloche

Photo-hunting around the arches:

Walk around the twin turrets and capture the medieval gateway from every angle.

Tip: Look for the Latin inscription inside the arch and the lion weather vane above.

Record the bell ringing:

Stand nearby on the first Sunday at noon or on French holidays to hear "Armande-Louise" ring.

Tip: Bring a portable recorder or your smartphone to capture the deep notes.

Join the guided belfry tour:

Climb the narrow stone stairs to see the bell mechanism and former prison cells.

Tip: Reserve ahead with Bordeaux Tourist Office; ask for an English guide if needed.

Sample a cannelé at Cassonade:

Buy a fresh cannelé at the nearby bakery on Rue Saint-James.

Tip: Enjoy it while strolling back to the Grosse Cloche.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Grosse Cloche

  1. Book tours early: Reserve your 6 € tour online or by phone to secure your spot.
  2. Time your visit: Plan for the first Sunday at 12 PM or major holiday for the bell ringing.
  3. Combine nearby stops: Pair your visit with a cannelé at Cassonade two minutes away.
🏖️ 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

Powered by Google
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)?

Spring and summer offer longer daylight for photos. Winter visits can feel quieter but dress warmly when waiting outside for the bell.

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

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Guided tourEUR 6
Cannelé at CassonadeEUR 2
Total EstimatedEUR 8

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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