The Taninges Carillon and Harmonium Collection

The Taninges Carillon, housed in the church’s bell tower, is the largest in the department: it has 44 bells and hosts concerts by renowned carillonneurs every year. It also houses a collection of harmoniums.

We owe the Taninges carillon to Father Bastard-Boghain, the parish priest at the time. A musician at heart, he launched a fundraising campaign among parishioners, which enabled him in 1939 to install 15 bells and a 30-key keyboard. Father Bastard-Boghain would play it on the occasion of festivals and religious ceremonies. After his departure in 1967, the carillon fell into obscurity. It wasn’t until 1985 and the founding of the Taninges Carillon Association that the instrument was revived, thanks to the dedication of a handful of volunteers. Over the years, the number of bells has gradually increased to 44. As visitors climb the 127 steps leading to the keyboard, they can explore a permanent exhibition on the art of bell-ringing and a collection of harmoniums.