On the initiative of His Grace Leuilleux, Arbischop of Chambéry, the biggest bell in France was cast. It was the contribution of the province of Savoy to the building of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre, which donations began on the 29th January 1889. On 17th October 1889, a contract was drawn up with the Paccard Brothers (Georges and Francisque) of Annecy-le-Vieux, and then the bell was cast on 13th May 1891. Christened on 20th November 1895, it is called « Frances-Margaret of Sacred Heart » and gives a low high C. It was delivered upon completion of the campanile in 1898.

Previously mounted as a free-standing tower, it was installed as a back-standing tower in 1947 because it was putting too much pressure on the belfry. It was classified as a historical monument in June 1999.

Although made more than a century ago, the « Savoyarde » remains the biggest bell in France and one of the most beautiful in the world.

Its real name was « Frances-Margaret of Sacred Heart », and she is better known as the « Savoyarde ». During the construction of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, rather than participate in a national subscription, the Savoyards preferred to distinguish themselves by offering a bell. Not just any bell, as it was already the biggest bell in France at that time.

It should not be forgotten that the annexation of Savoy to France (1860) was still fairly recent. The « Savoyarde » can therefore be seen as both a symbol of allegiance to France and a personification of Savoyard pride and regionalism.