Église Saint-Paul Historic Monuments in Bordeaux

The Church of Saint Paul in Bordeaux, whose full name is Église Saint-Paul Saint-François-Xavier, is a major religious building in the city and a remarkable example of 17th-century Baroque architecture in France. Its foundation stone was laid in 1663 by the Jesuits, who made it one of their greatest sanctuaries.

During the French Revolution, it became a parish church and was then placed under the patronage of Saint Paul, hence its current name, in addition to its original dedication to Saint Francis Xavier.

Listed as a Historic Monument, the Church of Saint-Paul is distinguished by its rich interior decoration. The choir houses a spectacular high altar, an altarpiece and a white marble group representing the Exaltation of Saint-François-Xavier, a major work by Guillaume II Coustou. It also houses a monumental modern chandelier by Jean-François Buisson. Its integration into the urban fabric of the Saint-Paul district and its Baroque style make it an essential architectural and historical element of Bordeaux, reflecting the influence of the Jesuits and the artistic development of the city during this period.