Pey Berland Tower Iconic monument with panoramic views of Bordeaux

PEY-BERLAND TOWER, AN ICONIC MONUMENT WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS OF BORDEAUX

Located opposite Saint-André Cathedral, in the heart of the old town and a stone's throw from City Hall, the Pey-Berland Tower is one of Bordeaux's must-see monuments. Built in the 15th century at the initiative of Archbishop Pey Berland, this bell tower, detached from the cathedral, is a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for two reasons: its location within the Port of the Moon and its position on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. With a rating of 4.5/5 based on over 3,600 Google reviews, it appeals to families as well as history and architecture enthusiasts, and remains one of the city's most photographed landmarks.

An ascent not to be missed to discover the most beautiful panorama of Bordeaux

Climbing the 233 steps of the Pey-Berland Tower's spiral staircase rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Bordeaux. At nearly 50 meters high, visitors overlook Saint-André Cathedral, the Port of the Moon, the ochre rooftops of the historic city, the Garonne River and its iconic bridges, and on a clear day, you can even see the vineyards of the Médoc and Entre-deux-Mers regions. At the top, the gilded statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine, installed in 1863, watches over the city of Bordeaux. The staircase is steep and narrow, which adds to the charm of the visit and the "wow" factor upon arrival. Book your ticket online or on-site through the Centre des Monuments Nationaux : €9 for adults, free for those under 26.

A masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in the heart of medieval Bordeaux

Beyond its function as a viewpoint, the Pey-Berland Tower is first and foremost a major historical monument that recounts several centuries of Bordeaux's history. Its construction began in 1440 under the impetus of Archbishop Pey Berland, after whom it is named, to house the bells of the neighboring cathedral—their vibrations threatening the structure of the religious building. Decapitated during the French Revolution and converted into a plumbing workshop in the 19th century, the tower regained its spire and crowning glory with the installation of the statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine. The visit is self-guided, with a booklet and explanatory panels that trace the history of the monument and the Flamboyant Gothic style of architecture.

A must-see visit to include in your exploration of the historic center

Ideally located on Place Pey-Berland, the tower is part of an exceptional heritage site best explored on foot. Just steps away, the majestic Saint-André Cathedral, the statue of Jacques Chaban-Delmas, the City Hall (formerly the Rohan Palace), the Museum of Fine Arts, and the historic Old Bordeaux district offer a perfect afternoon of cultural discovery. The monument is open 7 days a week, year-round, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Address: Place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux. Telephone: +33 5 56 81 26 25. Managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (National Monuments Centre), the site also welcomes adult groups, school groups, and tourism professionals (by reservation) and offers a Passion Monuments loyalty program providing unlimited access to over 80 sites in France.