Cathédrale Saint-André Bordeaux
Cathédrale Saint-André Bordeaux
Cathédrale Saint-André Bordeaux
4.5
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
About
This beautiful 17th century church is one of Bordeaux's main attractions.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,454 reviews
Excellent
1,182
Very good
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Average
186
Poor
10
Terrible
5
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,828 contributions
Oct 2022
Judging from the massive footprint this 15th century Gothic cathedral has on the square, I was expecting more from its interior. It was small inside! I could stand at the entry door located on the left transcept and see everything - the altar, the overly large paintings on both sides of the stone walls hung between the arched columns built into the walls, a couple of side altars, the plain vaulted ceiling, and the organ at the back of the church. The interior space is also on the narrow side so no aisles are needed. The colorful stained glass windows were the outstanding interior feature for me. As I stood there I tried to imagine what the interior would have looked like after the French revolution when fodder was stored inside this church and before the government officials stole all of the gold and silver objects as payment for the State's debt.
However, the exterior had interesting details. Each of the doors had a modest amount of stone carvings of religious figures which were not too eroded over time. A pair of red painted doors at the side of the church were the doors that 13 year old Eleanor of Aquitaine walked through to marry Louis VII in 1137. The stone carvings around the Gothic windows were eye-catching. The twin towers of the cathedral are best observed from a distance like on the Rue Vital Carles which lead to the entry doors. These 2 spires are a contrast to square towers over the doors on the north side which face Rue du Commandant Arnould.
While the separate bell tower had a gold statue of the Virgin Mary and child at the very top, the tower was so high that this statue was difficult to see and appreciate as were the intricately stone carved spires at the top of the bell tower. The base of the bell tower looked bulky and unattractive with just slits for window openings up its walls.
The statue on the square is of Jacques Chaban, city mayor and Prime Minister to Pompidou. I have never seen such a rough texture used for a statue's coat and pants.
It seemed to me that the exterior of the cathedral with its large footprint on this spacious square had a much smaller interior than I had expected. The Cathedral is easily accessed with either Tram B or Tram A as both lines have stations at the square. Be aware that the cathedral is not open continuously during the day; check opening days and times. The cathedral was near other attractions we wanted to see so we popped in for 15 minutes and checked it off our list of things to see in Bordeaux.
However, the exterior had interesting details. Each of the doors had a modest amount of stone carvings of religious figures which were not too eroded over time. A pair of red painted doors at the side of the church were the doors that 13 year old Eleanor of Aquitaine walked through to marry Louis VII in 1137. The stone carvings around the Gothic windows were eye-catching. The twin towers of the cathedral are best observed from a distance like on the Rue Vital Carles which lead to the entry doors. These 2 spires are a contrast to square towers over the doors on the north side which face Rue du Commandant Arnould.
While the separate bell tower had a gold statue of the Virgin Mary and child at the very top, the tower was so high that this statue was difficult to see and appreciate as were the intricately stone carved spires at the top of the bell tower. The base of the bell tower looked bulky and unattractive with just slits for window openings up its walls.
The statue on the square is of Jacques Chaban, city mayor and Prime Minister to Pompidou. I have never seen such a rough texture used for a statue's coat and pants.
It seemed to me that the exterior of the cathedral with its large footprint on this spacious square had a much smaller interior than I had expected. The Cathedral is easily accessed with either Tram B or Tram A as both lines have stations at the square. Be aware that the cathedral is not open continuously during the day; check opening days and times. The cathedral was near other attractions we wanted to see so we popped in for 15 minutes and checked it off our list of things to see in Bordeaux.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberto I
The Hague, The Netherlands315 contributions
Mar 2022
La Cathedrale de Saint Andre is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Andrew and located in Bordeaux, France in Place Pey-Berland near Hotel de la Ville (town Hall). It is the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux. We will not enter in historical and architectural details; we enjoyed the fantastic facade: if you are lucky, you will experience the changing of light during the day. The heterogeneous style is nevertheless unexpected and endearing, especially because of its freestanding belltower. Cathedral Bordeaux is listed monument and world heritage of UNESCO under the road to St Jacques.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,765 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The cathedral itself is stunning both inside and outside. We were so impressed with the architecture. Enjoyed the gothic spires with decorative portals. Lots of amazing stained glass. We climbed the Pey-Berland Tower for a great view of the city and the cathedral flying buttresses. This is definitely a "must do" attraction when visiting Bordeaux.
The cathedral is surrounded by restaurants and cafes and shops. Great location to explore for us tourists.
The cathedral is surrounded by restaurants and cafes and shops. Great location to explore for us tourists.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip C
York, ME576 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We always make it a point to tour the cathedrals of the cities we are visiting in Europe - they are always in the center of town and usually open during our walks. St.Andre is, of course impressive, but there was nothing of distinction, particularly on the interior. We toured the cathedral in Bayonne the following day as we traveled to Donostia and it was far more interesting and impressive.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4historyandculture
Charlotte, NC1,551 contributions
Jun 2019
We visited this 1096’s cathedral during our morning old city walk with our tour. We went in for a little prayer, pictures without were allowed. There was a plaque on the outside wall about the history as well as the blueprint of the structure
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanie H
Dagenham, UK614 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We did not go inside the cathedral, but we looked it from outside and we were very impressed. It looked like it had been cleaned recently as the stone was a very creamy white colour. The architecture is impressive , lots of masonry to look at. The carvings are impressive. It is a very big cathedral, you can see the bell tower and the spire which stands out, especially when you see the town from a distance.
Written August 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trish
Dublin110 contributions
Beautiful church, quiet and not overly crowded. Ongoing works cleaning and restoring were not at all intrusive. The nearby bell tower is well worth the climb - the views are stunning!
Written November 1, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
7mary4
Cathedral City, CA12 contributions
I've been to a lot of churches, especially considering I'm agnostic. I enjoy the architecture, art, and ambiance of European churches. St. Andre is majestic. it's enormous inside, but is not overpowering like Sacre Cour in Paris. It reminds me of what Notre Dame de Paris would look like without the masses of people and blockades.
Written March 8, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
docLosAltos_CA
Austin, TX230 contributions
This was a beautiful church. We were there in Dec. 2008 during the Christmas time. The sculptures inside were so detailed. Look at the lady with the children or the one with a mirror. The facade was very detailed too. The square in which this church was is a very quiet one with good coffee places. Our children enjoyed the ice-skating in front of this church as well.
Written January 17, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lowryepp
Epping, UK917 contributions
May 2023
Truly impressive, huge scale church in a pretty setting. Easy to reach on foot, by bus or tram, lots of cafes around it. Much has been beautifully cleaned and glows in the sun a gorgeous gold honey colour. The history is well explained, including the reinforcing needed, creating the elegant flying buttresses.
Interesting to see the St James links, which extend along many pavements in the city with the special brass plaques.
Also recommend you climb the tower - get there early (11am?) and no need to book. Stunning views and an exciting experience.
Interesting to see the St James links, which extend along many pavements in the city with the special brass plaques.
Also recommend you climb the tower - get there early (11am?) and no need to book. Stunning views and an exciting experience.
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda W from Oxford England would like to know if the Cathedral is open on Monday? Is it?
Thank you!
Written July 22, 2019
The Cathedral opens every day, but closes at lunch time. Visits during mass are limited to certain areas, so you cannot see the main altar.
Written July 28, 2019
Hola, por favor me gustaría saber si todavía hay andamios dentro o fuera. Y si estos andamios estropearían la vista del monumento o las fotos. Gracias.
Written June 16, 2019
¡Hola!
Dentro no hay andamios , fuera en cambio sí.
Pero solamente en una pequeña parte de la fachada y no de la “principal” como tal .
Written July 12, 2019
What time is mass held in this Cathedral?
Written May 13, 2018
Their website says Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8:00am. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 6:00pm. Sunday at 10:30am. I got these times from a google search of the Cathedral website. There is an app for iPhones called Masstimes which will show masses by city or zip code as you travel. We’ve used it for years and found it reliable.
Written May 14, 2018
Could you please tell me the opening times and the days that this cathedral is opened?
Written October 21, 2016
What are the opening times and days of the St Andre Cathedral?
Written October 21, 2016
Open 10:00 am util 6:00 pm. However they are doing some outside renovation work and it may cut off some of the access depending on when you are going.
Written October 22, 2016
Will there be a choir singing at the 10.30 Easter morning service (2015).
Written April 4, 2015
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