Tower Grosse Cloche (or Great Bell) - is part of the medieval city fortifications. In the XIII century in the city wall was cut through a separate entrance to the city for the smooth passage of pilgrims who were going on the Way of Saint James in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. These gates are called Saint-Eloi, and in the XV century on the ruins of the town hall was built Bordeaux, it is now referred to as "old".

The medieval "skyscraper" town hall consisted of two round towers 40 meters high, between which was the bell tower, which hung a massive bell. In the XVII century bell tower decorated with wrought-iron decorative lattice, and in 1759 appeared on the bell tower clock made mathematician and astronomer named Paul Laroque. Before the advent of the bell in the clock tower of the Grosse Cloche announced to the inhabitants of Bordeaux on events and incidents. Thus, the chimes rang in honor of the beginning of the harvest in the vineyards during the fires here beat the alarm.

However, the bell, which now hangs in the tower - not one that was raised initially. The first bell was thrown from the town hall in 1548 on the orders of Henry II to punish the inhabitants of Bordeaux for a peasant uprising. Long live without bells, and they could not have in 1561 a new cast, and put it in its place. The current Grand-Cloche was cast in 1775, his weight was a little less than eight tons. In the very same city for a long time the tower was located a weapons arsenal.

Grosse Cloche Tower is considered one of the symbols of Bordeaux and one of the favorite places for its residents. Silhouette of a bell tower can be seen on the arms of the city. The tower is located on the corner of Victor Hugo and St James is one of the few surviving medieval buildings in the city. Close to Tower Bridge street lined with cobblestones. The central building Grosse Cloche flaunts golden weathervane in the form of a leopard.