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Flèche Saint-Michel: Bordeaux's Towering Landmark

Discover Bordeaux from Above: Visit the iconic Flèche Saint-Michel, a towering bell tower with a rich history and stunning views.

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The Flèche Saint-Michel, a 114-meter-tall freestanding bell tower, is an iconic symbol of Bordeaux. Built in the 15th century, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city, though it's currently undergoing restoration.

A brief summary to Flèche de la Basilique Saint-Michel

Local tips

  • Check the official Bordeaux Tourism website for the latest information on the restoration progress and any potential reopening dates.
  • Explore the Basilique Saint-Michel itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Flamboyant Gothic architecture.
  • Visit the bustling market at the foot of the tower for a taste of local life and fresh produce.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Place de la Victoire, walk northeast along Cours Aristide Briand. Continue onto Place Pierre Renaudel, then turn right onto Rue des Faures. The Flèche Saint-Michel will be on your left, next to the Basilique Saint-Michel. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take Tram line C to the 'Saint-Michel' stop. From the tram stop, the Flèche Saint-Michel is a short walk away. A single tram fare costs around €1.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean (the main train station), a taxi or ride-share to the Flèche Saint-Michel will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €8-€12.

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Discover more about Flèche de la Basilique Saint-Michel

The Flèche Saint-Michel, or St. Michael's Arrow, is a towering, separate bell tower of the Basilique Saint-Michel in Bordeaux, France. Rising 114 meters (374 feet) high, it's the second tallest bell tower in France and a prominent feature of the city's skyline. Unlike many churches, the Flèche is not directly attached to the basilica, a unique architectural feature shared with Bordeaux Cathedral. This separation was intentional, designed to prevent the tower's weight and the vibrations of its bells from destabilizing the church, which is built on marshy ground. Construction of the Flèche Saint-Michel began in the 15th century on the site of a former burial ground. In the late 18th century, mummies exhumed from a nearby cemetery were placed in the tower's crypt, attracting many visitors until 1990. Famous authors like Victor Hugo and Gustave Flaubert were among those who came to see the bodies. The Flèche has faced its share of adversity throughout history. In 1768, a hurricane destroyed the spire, reducing its height to 99 meters. The spire was later rebuilt in 1869 by Paul Abadie, the architect behind the Sacré-Cœur basilica in Paris. Currently (July 2025), the Flèche Saint-Michel is undergoing extensive restoration work, which began in November 2021 and is expected to last until May 2026.

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