Welcome to the Bells of St George's Anglican ChurchFrance's only Tower Changing-Ringing Bells
Come and experience the only ring of English Change-Ringing bells in all of France. Hear their unique sound, watch our team of ringers in action and learn more about the magical art of Change-Ringing.
Visit us on Saturday evenings and before church service on Sundays. You're also invited to learn how to ring and join St George's local band, Bellicampane! Already a bell ringer? We happily welcome ringers and visiting bands from around the world. Read on to learn more... |
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Join Us!
Curious about English Bell ringing? Already a bell ringer? We invite you to come join us!
Come and ListenCome and watch our
Saturday practice or see us ring before Sunday Service. |
Learn to RingWant to learn the magical art of Change-Ringing? Vernet is the only place in France you can!
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Ring at St George's
We welcome visiting ringers and bands. Ring in France's beautiful Eastern Pyrénées!
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About our Bells
Learn more about the ten bells of St George's Anglican Church.
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Come and Watch the RingingSaturday, Sunday or by Special Occasion
You are welcome to pop in and watch our practice on Saturdays from 17:00 - 18:00 or to come and listen to the service ringing on Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 9:50.
Saturday visits allow more time to greet you and discuss the bells, while Sunday's service ringing is the ideal time for a quieter, more reflective experience. You're also welcome to sit and join us for the service, in English, afterwards. Sometimes a practice can be rescheduled so if you know when you're visiting, it's best to check practice is happening as usual. Contact our Tower Captain to confirm the practice schedule, or to arrange a special visit outside these times. |
Learn How to RingEnjoy the Art of Change-Ringing
Thanks to a specific wheel system, English change-ringing bells produce charming musical sequences as ringers manage their ropes under the direction of the Tower Captain. It’s an enjoyable hobby that has sparked lifelong interest around the world.
We offer free, expert lessons in French or English for anyone aged 8 and up. No musical, athletic, or physical strength is required—just enthusiasm and dedication. In only a bit of time, you can become a ringer, too! Visit a Saturday practice to meet our ringers and get a stronger sense of this charming art. Contact our Tower Captain to let him know you're coming. |
Our band, Bellicampane, practicing under the guidance of the tower captain, Jeff Ladd. 'Bellicampane' comes from the word 'bell' in English, "i" that sounds like 'and' in French, and 'campane', the Catalan word for bell. Making us, Bell and Bell.
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Ring at St George's10 Bells in the South of France
St George's is fortunate to have a state-of-the-art ring of 10 bells cast in 2019 by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough, England.
Our 10 Bells are the only change-ringing bells in France and, with the largest bell weighing 267kg, are the second lightest ring of ten in a church in the world. We welcome visiting ringers of all levels to ring with us. The bells are available to groups for general ringing, peals and quarter peals. When you're not ringing, you'll find there's plenty to enjoy in and around sunny Vernet-les-Bains. From inspired hiking and a charming village to vineyards, historical sites and the Mediterranean not far away, you'll discover it's a wonderful location to visit. |
About our Bells
Unique in France and Continental Europe
Although St George's was founded in 1911, the bells wouldn't arrive in Vernet until over 100 years later in 2019. Starting as a vision by Yorkshire ringers, Catherine and Jeff Ladd, the bell project was a labor of love by supporters and the community which St George's wishes to share with everyone.
The ten bells at St George's are the first change-ringing bells in France, only the third ringable peal to be installed on mainland Europe (there are now four), and mainland Europe's first ring of ten. You may hear them ringing out on Sunday mornings and special occasions as you stroll the cobblestone streets of Vernet-les-Bains. The bells are fully soundproofed for practices and extra ringing. Learn more about the bells at special events held by St George's or by visiting our dedicated bell website, VernetBells.com. |
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We hope to see you at St George's!
À bientôt!
We invite you to come enjoy and even take part in the fascinating past-time of English Change-Ringing at St George's.
If you have any questions about the bells or wish to visit, please contact the Tower Captain. |
Pictured: Local artist, Yvette Baillaye, presents her work celebrating the bell's arrival in Vernet.
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