Things to Do at Cathédrale Saint-André

Complete Guide to Cathédrale Saint-André in Bordeaux

About Cathédrale Saint-André

The Gothic towers of Cathédrale Saint-André pierce the Bordeaux skyline at 81 meters, their limestone walls warming to honey gold in afternoon sunlight. Entry costs nothing (donations €2-5 welcome, 2-5 USD), while guided visits run €8 (8.50 USD) on weekdays at 2:30pm. Inside, your footsteps echo across worn stone floors polished by eight centuries of worship, while kaleidoscope light streams through 14th-century stained glass windows depicting local saints. The carved choir stalls from 1440 still bear chisel marks from medieval craftsmen, and the pipe organ from 1748 fills the vaulted space with thunderous Sunday concerts at 5pm. Arrive before 4pm to climb the separate Pey-Berland tower (€6/6.50 USD) for rooftop views across red-tiled Bordeaux, but wear comfortable shoes as the 232 spiral steps are steep and narrow. The cathedral stays cool even in summer heat, making it perfect for escaping tourist crowds while exploring carved capitals depicting vineyard scenes unique to this wine region.

What to See & Do

Gothic Architecture and Rose Window

The cathedral's Gothic facade and striking rose window are genuinely impressive, especially when afternoon light filters through the stained glass. The stonework shows different periods of construction if you know what to look for.

Tour Pey-Berland Bell Tower

The separate 15th-century bell tower offers panoramic views of Bordeaux after climbing 231 steps. It's worth the climb on clear days, though you'll need a separate ticket.

Organ and Interior Acoustics

The cathedral houses a magnificent organ, and if you're lucky enough to visit during a service or concert, the acoustics are quite something. The vaulted ceilings create an almost ethereal sound experience.

Side Chapels and Religious Art

The various chapels contain interesting religious artwork and sculptures spanning several centuries. They tend to be quieter spaces where you can actually take in the details without crowds.

Tympanum Sculptures

The carved scenes above the main entrance depict the Last Judgment in remarkable detail. It's worth spending a few minutes studying the medieval craftsmanship before heading inside.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 7:30am-6pm, though hours can vary for religious services and special events. The bell tower typically opens 10am-1:15pm and 2pm-6pm (shorter hours in winter).

Tickets & Pricing

Cathedral entry: free. Tour Pey-Berland tower: EUR 8 adults, EUR 5 reduced (under 25), free under 18. Buy tickets at the tower entrance or online at monuments-nationaux.fr. Closed Mondays. Combined ticket available with other national monuments if visiting multiple sites in France.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon tend to be less crowded, and the light is particularly nice for photography. Avoid Sunday mornings if you're not attending mass, as services take priority.

Suggested Duration

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the cathedral itself, plus another 30-45 minutes if you're climbing the bell tower.

Getting There

You can't miss the cathedral-it sits dead center in Bordeaux's historic district. Tram lines A and B stop at Hôtel de Ville, putting you five minutes away on foot. Walking beats driving here. The train station is 15 minutes away through decent streets. You can also grab the tram if your feet hurt. Parking is scarce anyway-the old town works better for pedestrians than cars.

Things to Do Nearby

Musée des Beaux-Arts
Bordeaux's fine arts museum sits right next to the cathedral and houses an impressive collection spanning several centuries, including works by Delacroix and Picasso.

Hôtel de Ville and Rohan Palace
The elegant 18th-century city hall and former archbishop's palace showcase Bordeaux's classical architecture and often host temporary exhibitions.

Place Pey Berland
The square surrounding the cathedral offers a nice spot to sit and admire the architecture, plus several cafés where you can grab a coffee and people-watch.

Bordeaux Old Town
The entire historic quarter is UNESCO-listed and perfect for wandering, with narrow medieval streets giving way to grand 18th-century boulevards.

Musée d'Aquitaine
About a 10-minute walk away, this museum covers the region's history from prehistoric times through the colonial period, providing good context for understanding Bordeaux's development.

Tips & Advice

The cathedral can get quite busy during peak tourist hours, so early morning visits tend to be more peaceful and better for photography

If you're interested in the bell tower climb, wear comfortable shoes - those 231 steps are no joke, but the views really are worth it

Check the cathedral's schedule before visiting, as religious services take priority and some areas might be closed during mass

The lighting inside changes dramatically throughout the day, so if you're keen on photography, late afternoon often provides the most dramatic effects through the stained glass