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Basilique & Fleche Saint Michel, Bordeaux

Place Meynard, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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.

Meta review

Visitors enjoy the impressive Flamboyant gothic architecture, stained glass windows and, of course, the bell tower. Most of the recurring negative comments center of the slightly neglected look of the Basilica and surrounding area.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Sunday opening hours adjusted because of mass scheduled at 11h15

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

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

Pricing
The Flèche is closed to visits until 2025. Entrance price is normally 5.00€ / 3.50€
Free

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