Tourist sites in Bordeaux you must see (Part II)

In the first part of our Bordeaux tour, we visited the best sights in the Golden Triangle. Continuing with my Guide to the Main tourist attractions in Bordeaux – here is another top five Tourist sites in Bordeaux you must see.

6. Porte Cailhau – Place du Palais, 33000 Bordeaux

If you follow the river down to your right, you will discover what is known to the locals as Port Cailhau. Once, the main entrance to Bordeaux, this beautiful gate is what is left of Palais de l’Ombrière. It was used as a residence for the dukes of Aquitaine as well as a Parliament during the 15th century.

When the original door was built and used the wharves did not exist, so small boats were used to load and unload commodities through the gate from the ships ported there. The current door was erected between 1493 and 1495, closer to the Garonne. What is interesting about the gate, are the bundles of little fascinating details on it and all the stories that come with them.

For example, take a close look at the side Porte Cailhau overlooking the square (not the river) when you get there. Do you see something that is not quite right? Like slots for weapons that are directed towards the city? Yes, that has a reason. It has something to do with a duchess, the French and the English.

7. La Porte Saint-Éloi and La Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux – Rue Saint-James, 33000 Bordeaux

Since we are on the subject of gates and such let’s continue to the next one. It was once (now too) yet another proud keeper of our beautiful city. After a brisk walk from Porte Cailhau, you will find yourself in front of another medieval marvel that survived in Bordeaux. Dare I say even more stunning, this gate was part of the Saint-Éloi church during the 13th century and a gateway from the countryside towards the city and vise versa.

During the 15th century, a belfry was added to the ancient Porte Saint-Eloy (also known as the Saint James Gate.) The locals, know it as La Grosse Cloche – The Big Bell. Suddenly it became a huge part of Bordeaux’s history. It is even a part of the city’s coat of arms. Once the bell was used to announce the beginning of the grape harvest or to signal a fire.

Bordeaux’s citizens were so attached to their Big Bell that the king of France – Henry II, used it as a ransom when the locals decided to revolt in 1548. He took the bell and returned it a couple of years later – in 1561, not cool Henry. The tower is open from 1 pm to 7 pm during the summer.

Porte Saint-Éloi and Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux

**8. La Basilique Saint-Michel de Bordeaux – Place meynard, Bordeaux (33000)**

We continue our walk guide of Bordeaux attractions with one of my personal favorites – La Basilique Saint–Michel. Nestled on a little square, surrounded by the exotic shops, is the church that can be described only as stunning and gothic beauty. Build between the 14th and the 16th century it’s considered to be the main place of worship for Catholics alongside the Saint Andre Cathedral.

The bell tower, separated from the main building is considered the highest in South of France with its 114m. In 1791, catacombs were discovered under the structure, hiding a sinister secret (read about it here.) If you are a lover of architecture and especially the flamboyant Gothic style, this Basilica is a must for you. The stained glasses, that exists since the 16th, 19th and 20th century give it a magical look.

9. Tour Pey-Berland & Cathédrale Saint-André – Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux

Next, on my list of must-see places in Bordeaux would be the heart of the city – La cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux. If you are coming to Bordeaux from the airport, this is probably the first view of the real treasures the city has to offer. The cathedral is simply extraordinary. Tall, constructed in the unmistakable Gothic style, this cathedral has seen a lot – especially when it comes to royal marriages (the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Louis VII, king of the Franks and the marriage of Anne of Austria and Louis XIII.)

Right now (2018), the cathedral is being reconstructed and cleaned, so it looks even more stunning. Just like Saint Michel’s Basilica, the Saint-Andre Cathedral’s bell tower is separate from the main building. This is due to the nature of the soil in Bordeaux. Afraid that the vibrations of the bell will damage the cathedral, the tower was built close to it instead on the top of the main construction.

The Tower of Pey-Berland was erected between 1440 to 1500 and is named after Archbishop Pey Berland. The statue of the Virgin on the top is turned in the direction of a village called Saint Raphael. The town the archbishop originated from. If you want to see a magnificent view of the town – climb the 233 steps to the top of the tower. It is worth it.

Cathédrale Saint-André

10. La place Gambetta and La Porte Dijeaux – 90 Rue de la Porte Dijeaux, 33000 Bordeaux

On the final stop around Bordeaux attractions is one of the main city squares– Gambetta. Designed by the architecture André Portier, it is a local’s favorite and a place for meeting and relaxation.

It is not uncommon for people to have a quick lunch there during the warmer days. There is a garden in the center with a little pond. Many food shops surround it too if you are in a hurry for a snack. The square also has a direct connection to Rue Saint Catharine – the biggest shopping street in the city. Furthermore, the Mériadeck shopping center is just a 5-minute walk away.

Even though it is a beloved place now, between 1793 and 1794, it was the scene of about 250 executions. As a gateway to the Gambetta square, you can use another one of the famous Bordeaux gates – Porte Dijeaux. There is a theory that the name is inspired by the Jupiter’s temple that stood there in the Gallo-Roman period. The current monuments were built between 1748 and 1753.

I hope you enjoyed my Guide to the top Tourist sites in Bordeaux you must see. Do not forget to read Part I for more cool destinations around the city.