Bordeaux Things to Do

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This portal is the most prominent part of the Cathedral exterior. It has an elaborate design starting with a statuary arcade at the top , a large petaled Rose in a square next below, then 3 lancet windows and two tiers of trefoil openings until the arcades of angels, apostles and prophets are reached. All is set between two spired support towers (the only towers that are part of the church). The tympanum has a Last Supper on the lintel with an Ascension and Christ Triumphant above. Both jambs have sets of three clergymen. On the trumeau is St.-Martial (much revered here).

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Located here in the Place de Comedie is the Grand Theatre of Bordeaux. It really is a beautiful site to see. The structure was designed by Victor Louis. The theatre has a neo-classical facade with the portico decorated with 12 Corinthian style columns and on top of the facade are 12 statues, 9 of which represent the art muses and three goddesses (Juno, Venus, and Minerva).

The interior of the building is quite impressive as well with its double staircase leading to the theatre.

We were walking around trying to get our bearings when we approached this huge open area, almost like a square or plaza. Located here is this building, somehwhat grand and impressive with its white wash finish. Neither of us had any idea what this building was but we did spot a few statues of what looks like judges guarding each side of the building. I later learned that this buiding is the Palace of Justice.

Located in the same "square" is the Hospital.

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Standing alone and separate from the Basilica is the steeple called the Fleche (Arrow). The Fleche was built in the late 15th century and along with St. Michel Basilica are a UNESCO World Heritagage Site.

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We stumbled upon this magnificant structure as we were walking around Bordeaux. The facade of the church was quite interesting with its characteristic "pine-cone shapped towers". The church is located in an area teaming with activity with an open-air market.

I read in my guide that the church was designed by Pierre Duplessy who was the king's architect and who was also Bordeaux's great urbanist. Inside the church is an organ that was added in the late 1780's and is said to be the "crown-jewel" of the church.

Located just steps away from Cathedral St Andre (at Place Pey Berland) and dominating the center of the old city is the Palais Rohan (or hotel de Ville). The current structure, which parts can be dated to medievil times, owes is name and renovations to the Archbishop Ferdinand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan.

The building currently houses the town hall of Bordeaux. The Museum of Fine Arts can be found here as well.

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The Pont de Pierre is a beautiful stone bridge which was completed in 1822 after being commissioned by Napoleon. The bridge is quite amazing and was the first bridge built across the Garonne.

It is said that the bridge could only be compared to those magnificient bridges in Paris, and I quite agree. During dusk you can appreciate the bridge in all its glory as my picture illustrates.

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Construction of the Basilica St. Michel began sometime in the 1350's and took over 200 years to complete. The structure is a wonderful example of gothic architecture along with Fleche St. Michel. Although each structure stands on its own they both comprise what is considered to be one structure. They stand at a famous pilgrimage route and are a UNESCO world Heritage Site.

We didn't have the opportunity to view the interior of the building, but it is quite impressive from the outside. The Basilica does look like it can use a bit of cleaning.