A cyclic tetranuclear [V(IV)O-Gd(III)](2) complex with VO and Gd ions alternately arrayed, behaves, from the magnetic point of view, as two independent dinuclear entities each having a S= 4 ground state, as a consequence of an active and ferromagnetic VO-Gd interaction through the double phenoxo bridge and a magnetically inactive VO-Gd interaction through the amide bridge.