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Cathedral · Bordéus, Nova Aquitânia
Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
Gothic cathedral where Eleanor of Aquitaine was married in 1137, with a separate bell tower, the Tour Pey-Berland, which has a viewpoint over the centre.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
The Cathédrale Saint-André is the largest church in Bordéus. It was consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II, while he was preaching the First Crusade, and rebuilt in the Gothic style between the 12th and 16th centuries. It is part of the World Heritage as a stage on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
The cathedral witnessed two royal weddings: in 1137, that of Leonor da Aquitânia (Aliénor d'Aquitaine) to the future Louis VII, King of France, and in 1615, that of Anne of Austria to Louis XIII. The Portail Royal on the north façade houses 13th-century sculptures.
Beside it, separate from the church, stands the Tour Pey-Berland, a bell tower built from 1440 by order of Archbishop Pey Berland. At the top is a gilded statue of Notre-Dame d'Aquitaine, placed in 1863. There are 233 steps to the terrace, about 50 metres above the ground, with views over the centre’s roofs, the spire of Saint-Michel and the Garonne. The tower is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux.
In front of the cathedral, on Place Pey-Berland, is the Palais Rohan, the former archbishop’s palace that now houses the town hall (Hôtel de Ville).
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes in the cathedral and another 45 minutes to climb the Tour Pey-Berland.
Best time
In the morning, when light streams through the stained glass and the tower has a shorter queue. On clear days, the view from the top reaches the right bank of the Garonne.
How to get there
Tram A or B to Hôtel de Ville station, on Place Pey-Berland. On foot, it’s a 10-minute walk from Place de la Bourse.
Tip
The tower and the cathedral have separate entrances and opening hours. The ascent is via a narrow staircase, with no elevator. Check opening times before you go; the tower often closes on certain holidays.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
Is there an entrance fee for the cathedral?
The cathedral is a place of worship and entry is free. The climb of the Tour Pey-Berland is paid separately; check prices and opening times before you go.
How many steps are there in the Tour Pey-Berland?
There are 233 steps to the terrace, about 50 metres high, via a narrow spiral staircase. There is no elevator.
Why is the bell tower separate from the cathedral?
The ground and the cathedral’s structure could not support the weight of the bells. That is why, in the 15th century, the bell tower was built a few metres away as an independent tower.