It rings a bell...

Between weight and measure...

A history of weight

Bells, they weigh, they vibrate!... Fearing for the stability of Saint-André's cathedral, given that Bordeaux was built on sand, between marshes and rivers, the decision was taken to erect a separate tower.

This bell tower, campanile or belfry, rises from the chevet of the cathedral. At a height of 66 metres, it offers a magnificent view over Saint-André. But its main purpose is to house those heavy bells...

They only arrived in the 19th century. The Pey-Berland tower received its first drone, named Ferdinand-André, which impressed by its size : it weighed no less than 11 tonnes 250 kg! But it arrived cracked, and played out of tune...

Immediately recast, the new Ferdinand-André, weighing "only" 8 tonnes, took his place in 1869. It stands alongside Marie, Clémence and Marguerite, which are still in operation. Go past them to see the view : enjoy the climb!