The Basilica of Saint Michael at a glance
Home to the tallest bell tower in the south of France, the Basilica of Saint Michael, dedicated to the archangel of the same name, is a standout Catholic landmark in the city known as the Sleeping Beauty. Make the climb up the 230 steps to the spire, which stands 114 meters tall. You will be rewarded with a unique panoramic view of Bordeaux and the Port of the Moon.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica of Saint Michael was built in the late 14th century in a flamboyant Gothic style. The scale of the building is impressive, stretching 75 meters from the choir to the entrance of the 23-meter-high nave. It contains 17 chapels, each representing the guilds that contributed to its construction, such as carpenters, roofers, merchants, and sailors. The interior conveys a distinct sense of power and spirituality.
Start by observing the exterior, particularly the intricate, lace-like rose window. While the original stained glass dates back to the 16th century, some panels were damaged by bombing and required replacement.
Look for the nine-panel altarpiece in the Saint-Joseph chapel. Only two panels escaped looting, and the final four were only returned in 2019 after spending years in illicit private collections in the US and England.
If your schedule allows, visit the crypt located beneath the bell tower. It was long famous for its mummies, a dozen bodies exhumed directly from the clay that drew many curious visitors, including the writer Victor Hugo. Note, however, that these remains were moved to the cimetière de la Chartreuse (Chartreuse Cemetery) in 1979.
Along with the Saint-Seurin Basilica and the Saint-André Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Michael is one of the three Bordeaux stops on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (Camino de Santiago) pilgrimage route. Located in the multicultural neighborhood of the same name, the square in front of the basilica hosts a market twice a week and an antique flea market on select days each month.
This is the only religious building I visited in Bordeaux. The basilica features beautiful Gothic architecture with a unique twist, its detached bell tower. During high season, it is possible to visit the crypt and especially the Flèche Saint-Michel, which offers a magnificent view of the city. Unfortunately, it is currently closed for renovation. During my visit, I appreciated the documentation available at the entrance, which provides great information on the history of the basilica and the key elements not to be missed inside.