Cathédrale Saint-André

Overview

The Cathédrale Saint-André is Bordeaux's largest church and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its twin spires soaring above the city. A UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, it has witnessed some of France's most significant royal ceremonies.

Highlights

• Royal Door: The elaborately carved north portal depicting the Last Judgment, considered one of the finest Gothic doorways in France.
• Flying Buttresses: Dramatic external buttresses supporting the soaring nave — best appreciated from the adjacent Pey-Berland square.
• Organ: A magnificent 18th-century organ with 5,787 pipes, regularly used for recitals.

History

Construction began in the 11th century and continued through the 15th. Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future Louis VII here in 1137. The cathedral was the scene of Anne of Austria's marriage to Louis XIII in 1615. It was major renovation completed in the 2010s.

Visitor Tips

• Combine: Climb the adjacent Tour Pey-Berland for the best aerial view of the cathedral.
• Free Entry: The cathedral is free; the Pey-Berland tower requires a ticket.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.