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Bordeaux Cathedral

Place Pey Berland, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

Bordeaux Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to St Andrew (its full French name is Cathédrale-Primatiale Saint-André de Bordeaux). First mentions of the church date from the 9th century but it rose to become the "dominant" Church of Aquitaine by the 12th century, thriving on the pilgrimage to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. The current building date from the 12th/13th century and thus mixes Roman and Gothic styles. Two royal weddings were held there: that of Eleanor of Aquitaine with the future Louis VII of France in 1137 and that of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria (daughter of King Philip II of Spain and Archduchess of Austria) in 1615. The north portal includes two spires built on towers. The Pey-Berland tower, located just next to the Cathedral was added in the 15th century. It is over 60m high and built in the flamboyant Gothic style.

Access & Transport

The church is in the centre of the city. The Hôtel de Ville tram stop (line A) is next to it and so is the Parking Pey Berland for those driving there. Buses stop Palais de Justice (1,4, 15, 16) is 250m away on Cr d'Albret.

Instructions & Recommendations

Pay particular attention to the split opening hours and daily schedule. We suggest combining a visit there with the Fine Arts Museum very close by or some shopping along rue Sainte Catherine.

Meta review

Reviewers use the word "impressive" and "austere" a lot when describing their impressions of the Cathedral. There seems to be a consensus that the outside architecture is first class but that the interior is a little dark - in spite of some beautiful stained-glass windows - and doesn't hold the comparison to the best in the country such a Reims or Chartres.

Environmental & Social

The running environmental footprint is low and it helps maintain the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The Cathedrale Saint-André de Bordeaux alongside the Pey-Berland Tower is one of the most spectacular structures in the city's skyline and reminds visitors of its long history. It may not be the one of the country's best-known cathedrals, but it is certainly worth touring, at the very least from the outside.

Key positive

Very majestic Gothic profile

Interesting history and original layout / floorplan

Key negative

A little dark inside

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions. The ground floor 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

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jul, 01

Season 1 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:30 - 13:30

WEDNESDAY10:30 - 13:30

THURSDAY10:30 - 13:30

FRIDAY10:30 - 13:30

SATURDAY10:30 - 13:30

SUNDAY09:30 - 13:30

Season 1 / Period 2

MONDAY15:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY15:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY15:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY15:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY15:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY15:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY15:00 - 20:15

Start of Season 2:Sep, 01

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 12:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 12:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 12:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 12:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 12:00

SUNDAY09:30 - 12:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY14:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY14:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY14:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY14:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY14:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY14:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY14:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Free

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