Location: Bordeaux
Top Things to do in Bordeaux
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Things to do in Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
After many years of hard work, the "Sleeping Beauty" has awoken from its slumber. The city is beautifully restored and has an ultra-modern public transport system. The “Port of the Moon” is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, with its 17 arches, crosses the Garonne, offering pedestrians a lovely view over the docks and harbor. Take a stroll through old Bordeaux in the Triangle d'Or and stop at Place des Quinconces, France’s largest public square. The city of Bordeaux is an ideal base for exploring the greater wine region’s unforgettable sights and tastes.
Restaurants in Bordeaux
1. Church of Notre-Dame de Bordeaux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Not to be confused with its more famous namesake in Paris, this 11th century church is beautiful in its own right, with its elaborately carved facades and detailing.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Notre Dame Church is a beautiful, baroque style church, built in the 17th century. We happened to be passing by, while walking around the streets of the city and went inside. It is quite elaborately decorated and contains lovely paintings and other artworks. It is worth taking the time to stop by and have a look.
2. Tour Pey-Berland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 809 reviews
Situated to the south-east of the chevet of the Cathedral of Saint-André at Bordeaux, the tower of Pey-Berland serves as its bell tower, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. Its isolation was due to the wish to provide the Cathedral with magnificent bells which would not threaten the structure with their vibrations. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO.
Reviewed By imagosumlux
You get to climb 61 meters, in a two meter column, up 231 steps to see the view of the Gargoyles. Sure there are times when you’re thinking the foundations date from the the 16th century but the the final product was by the same architect that created the Statue of Liberty (and that hasn’t fallen yet). Seriously, its a strenuous 15 minute ascent if you’re in any doubt don’t try. I can imagine it would be challenging to many people. However, the payoff in views is worth the risk. Even just seeing a cathedral from above is architecturally illuminating, never mind the 360 degree views of Bordeaux city. For 5 euro, its a steal. More excitement and fun than a roller coaster.
3. Eglise Sainte-Croix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Hyoga83 - Bordeaux, France
One of my favourite churches in Bordeaux, the actual building dates from the XI century but the abbey was founded in the VII. I would recommend including it when visiting Saint Michel's square; the street in between, Camille Sauvageau, is just great!
4. Eglise St-Pierre de Gradignan
5. Eglise Saint Bruno
6. Basilique Saint-Seurin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By MVPinBoynton
While looking for a different church, we came to the Basilica of Saint Severinus. Even though it wasn’t on our to do list we decided to check it out, and we were so glad we did. There was a marvelous relief above the entry. I found out while researching the church when I got home that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it was the head of one of the Ways of St. James. This was quite special, since later in the cruise we would visit the end of the Way at Santiago de Compostella, Spain. When we went inside it was a very dark church. It was interesting with very nice stained glass, but we weren’t going to stay long. Then we saw a sign leading to the crypt. Now that sounded interesting, so down we went. It was amazing with several rooms of sculpted marble sarcophagi, arched columns and just a very cool ambience. When we left, we were able to see the side entrance. This church had been a pleasant surprise.
7. Eglise Saint Martin
8. Eglise Saint-Pierre
9. La Fleche Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By wallowarob - Joseph, United States
La Fleche is the tallest tower in Bordeaux, so naturally the view is magnificent from the top. You have to climb around 250 narrow stairs to get there though. And it is not in the middle of downtown like the Tour Pey-Berland next to St. André cathedral which looks down on that church. But La Flèche has a fine view too, looking out from windows on the uppermost landing. One used to be able to walk the outer parapet, but it is closed now. Too many jumpers, maybe... Along the way you see all the dusty old bells of the tower, which must be a trip to hear close-up when they ring. And in the basement there is a creepy video about some mummies that were found there years ago. Price of entry is very reasonable.
10. Basilique Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Basilique Saint-Michel is a lovely church whose history goes back to the 14th century. It took up to the 16th century for its construction to be completed, but it was a huge achievement. It is now a world Heritage site but it looks a bit neglected and could do with some renovations. We sat at one of the cafes outside sipping coffee and just watched the beautiful sight. The Bell tower next to it is a tall building over 100 metres, and was built in the 15th century. A lot of history in this place.
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