Basilique & Fleche Saint Michel, Bordeaux
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Basilica of St Michael of Bordeaux - Vincent RCT (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Basilique Saint-Michel de Bordeaux is the main church in the city alongside the Cathedrale Saint Andre with which it shares the particularity of having a separate campanile (bell tower). It was built in the 15th century in the Flamboyant Gothic style and gave its name to the neighbourhood. The "Fleche" is 114m, making it the 3rd highest in the country after Rouen and Strasbourg.
Access & Transport
The Saint Michel tram stop (C, D) is next to the Place Meynard where the basilica is located. Bus C also stops there, and it is possible to walk to several other touristic highlights in the city.
Instructions & Recommendations
Note: the Fleche is undergoing extensive renovation work and is closed until 2025 so this review doesn't include a visit of this structure. There is a market taking place on the square on Saturday mornings. We suggest combining a visit there with a discovery of the Saint Michel neighbourhood, the Porte de Bourgogne, the Marché des Capucins or La Grosse Cloche.
Environmental & Social
The running environmental footprint is low and it helps maintain the city's architectural heritage
Conclusion
The Basilique Saint Michel is worth touring, it has a flamboyant gothic architecture and an impressive interior with gorgeous stained-glass windows. What really sets it apart though is the presence of La Fleche, a 114m bell tower which is sets next to (and not on top of) the basilica. There is another example in Bordeaux actually (Cathedrale Saint Andre) but those are pretty rare in France and it is one of Bordeaux defining skyline features when seen from the river.
Key positive
One of the best examples of campanile in France
Beautiful monument in a middle of a spacious square
Key negative
The Fleche cannot be visited for the time being (renovations)
Market days can get a little messy
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. The ground floor of the Cathedral seems accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h
Monday10:00 - 18:30
Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
Thursday10:00 - 18:00
Friday10:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:30
Sunday13:00 - 18:00