Bordeaux Churches, Basilicas and Cathedrals

(Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine, France)



Churches add a definite character to Bordeaux. Many truly beautiful religious buildings dominate the cityscape and welcome visitors, offering regular services. Particularly impressive is Bordeaux's Cathédrale St. André, which is hard to miss and known for its beautiful features and stonework.

Also of interest, St. Michel Basilica, St. Seurin Basilica and the Flèche St. Michel are all worthy of a look, for their architecture alone. The main churches in Bordeaux are explained below.


Picture of Cathedrale St. Andre, Bordeaux

Cathédrale St. André

Tel: +33 05 56 81 26 25
Bordeaux's Cathedral of St. André is located just south of the Place Gambetta, and dates back to the 11th century. Considered to be the one of the city's main landmarks, it is home to a number of 13th- and 14th-century sculptures. Following restoration, visitors can now also admire the wonderful stone carvings on the north doorway.
Open hours: Monday - 11:00 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 18:30; Tuesday to Friday - 7:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 18:00; Saturday - 9:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 19:00; Sunday - 8:00 to 12:30 (but 14:30 to 17:30 on 1st Sunday of month)
Admission: free

St. Seurin Basilica

Address: Place des Martyrs-de-la-Resistance, Bordeaux, 33000, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 93 89 28
The pilgrims' guide to the route to Santiago de Compostello advised a visit to the body of Saint Seurin at Bordeaux's place des Martyrs de la Resistance. The main attraction for visitors today is its plethora of statues, including that of Saint James holding a staff in his right hand. The oldest parts of the church, including the crypt, date back to the 5th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Photo of Bordeaux's St. Michel Basilica

St. Michel Basilica

The Church of St. Michel is another of Bordeaux's religious buildings located on the French Pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostello. A reminder of the important role it played is the tombstone of a pilgrim. Other features include statues and paintings of St. James, as well as a fine stained glass window by Couturat.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Flèche St. Michel

Just across from the Church of St. Michel is the Flèche St. Michel. Built in the 15th century, it's one of the tallest of its kind in France, outstripped only by Strasbourg's Cathedral. Some 200-odd steps take you to the top of the tower and as you'd expect, visitors can enjoy some magnificent views of Bordeaux. Don't miss out on a chance to hear the bells, which are rung every Friday during July and August, between 17:00 and 19:00.
Open hours: daily, June to September - 14:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge