The Tour Pey-Berland, standing proudly in Bordeaux, France, is a magnificent 66-meter-tall belltower adjacent to the Bordeaux Cathedral. Built between 1440 and 1500, this elegant freestanding tower was commissioned by Archbishop Pey Berland to safely house the cathedral's bells without risking damage to the cathedral's marshy foundations. Today, climbing its 230 steps remains one of the top attractions in Bordeaux, rewarding visitors with sweeping views across rooftops, church spires, and the gentle bends of the Garonne River.
The Tour Pey-Berland is named for its patron, Pey Berland. Originally intended to crown a steeple, it was kept separate to protect the cathedral from the vibrations of the bells. The tower has 4 bells in total, 2 in each level. The lower level has two large bells, Marie and Ferdinand-André II. Ferdinand-André II replaced a short-lived 11-ton predecessor that was cracked upon delivery. Both Marie and Ferdinand-André II were cast by the Bollée foundry in Le Mans. Ferdinand-André II was hung dead to protect the 15th-century freestanding tower from structural vibrations. However, as of 2026, the large bells are able to swing.
The upper level has 2 smaller bells, Marguerite and Clémence. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Bordeaux from the top of the tower. The bells Marguerite and Clémence are currently operational and chime to mark services, masses, weddings, and funerals at Saint-André.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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