Cathedrale Saint-Andre (Cathedral of St. Andrew), Bordeaux (must see)
The Saint-André Cathedral, often known simply as Bordeaux Cathedral, is located at Place Bey Berland in the heart of Bordeaux city center. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint-André was consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II; however, only a wall within the nave remains of the original Romanesque structure. The majority of the building has survived from the 14th & 15th centuries. The cathedral’s famous Royal Gate dates to the early 13th century. The entire building, including the separate bell tower, the Tour Pey Berland, is listed as a French national monument.
The cathedral has played its part in the history of Bordeaux. In 1137, 13 year old Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the region’s most famous historical figures, married Prince Louis VII in the cathedral. Within a few months, they became King & Queen of France, but their marriage was annulled in 1152. Eleanor went on to marry Henry II, a future king of England, and became Queen of England, and mother of King Richard the Lionheart and King John of England.
The cathedral boasts two Gothic towers above the main entrance, in addition to the vertiginous bell tower directly adjacent to the main building. Still an active place of worship, it holds mass each Sunday and is still the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux-Bazas – a position once held by Pey Berland, after whom the bell tower and surrounding square are named.
Why You Should Visit:
French cathedrals have grandeur & splendor in abundance, and this one is top of the pile, with well-preserved interior decoration and design.
The bell tower, which stands separate from the cathedral, is also worth pointing out as the views from the top are worth the effort of the climb up.
Tip:
There is no entry fee, but they do take donations.
If you walk in, make sure you look to the right, to the back and admire the giant organ pipes.
To appreciate the cathedral from a different perspective, climb the Pey Berland tower nearby.
The cathedral has played its part in the history of Bordeaux. In 1137, 13 year old Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the region’s most famous historical figures, married Prince Louis VII in the cathedral. Within a few months, they became King & Queen of France, but their marriage was annulled in 1152. Eleanor went on to marry Henry II, a future king of England, and became Queen of England, and mother of King Richard the Lionheart and King John of England.
The cathedral boasts two Gothic towers above the main entrance, in addition to the vertiginous bell tower directly adjacent to the main building. Still an active place of worship, it holds mass each Sunday and is still the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux-Bazas – a position once held by Pey Berland, after whom the bell tower and surrounding square are named.
Why You Should Visit:
French cathedrals have grandeur & splendor in abundance, and this one is top of the pile, with well-preserved interior decoration and design.
The bell tower, which stands separate from the cathedral, is also worth pointing out as the views from the top are worth the effort of the climb up.
Tip:
There is no entry fee, but they do take donations.
If you walk in, make sure you look to the right, to the back and admire the giant organ pipes.
To appreciate the cathedral from a different perspective, climb the Pey Berland tower nearby.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bordeaux. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Cathedrale Saint-Andre (Cathedral of St. Andrew) on Map
Sight Name: Cathedrale Saint-Andre (Cathedral of St. Andrew)
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bordeaux, France
Create Your Own Walk in Bordeaux
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bordeaux is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Napoleon Bonaparte referred to Bordeaux as "The Sleeping Beauty" upon seeing its classical architecture when visiting the city. In his turn, Honore de Balzac, the renowned French novelist, impressed by Bordeaux's timeless charm and elegance described it as "an extraordinary town".
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Once dubbed “The Sleeping Beauty” (La Belle au Bois Dormant), Bordeaux owes its nickname, in large part, to its impossibly beautiful religious architecture. Indeed, given the abundance of historical churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in this city, it's no wonder that a good half of Bordeaux is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. Let's delve into the significance of some of them.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bordeaux Introduction Walking Tour
The metropolitan region of Bordeaux is the fifth largest in France. The city is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but is perhaps better known as the Wine Capital of the World. The city's namesake wine comes in many varieties that can be found and enjoyed around the world.
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bordeaux Food Tour
Widely acclaimed for its prestigious wines, Bordeaux is also a prominent gastronomic destination in France. The local cuisine reflects the advantages of being a port city on the Atlantic coastline (with its fish and shellfish galore) and a carnivore country.
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles