Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale St. André)

One of the cathedral’s most remarkable features is its freestanding bell tower, though it boasts plenty more interesting features, notably its wrought ironwork by local craftsman Blaise Charlut, located in the middle of the transept. The cathedral’s 14th-century tympanum depicts the Last Judgment in the most dramatic way in prominent Gothic architecture. The cathedral is a popular stop on city tours, though because it’s only open to visitors on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, many only stop to admire it from the outside.

• The cathedral is free to enter if you’re visiting for mass, with a small ticket fee for visitors 12 and up at other times.
• Visitors should dress conservatively, with their shoulders covered, and avoid wearing shorts.
• If you come during mass, do not take photos out of respect for worshipers.

Bordeaux Cathedral is located in the heart of the historic center of Bordeaux, right by the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and Place Pey-Berland. It is accessible on foot, by tram via Route A and B (stop Hôtel de Ville), or by car. Parking in the center of Bordeaux is relatively easy thanks to the many underground parking lots – the most convenient one is the Parking St Christoly/Pey Berland.

The cathedral is open to tourists on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons (except on religious holidays such as Ash Wednesday). You can also visit for mass, although you won't be able to walk around and take pictures and you'll need to come at the beginning and stay until the end.

Right across from the Cathedral sits the local city hall, known in French as the Bordeaux Hôtel de Ville. Built in 1771, this elegant structure is worth visiting for its neoclassical architecture alone, though it's also home to the Bordeaux Fine Arts Museum, with its impressive collection of art, particularly from France and the Netherlands.