Église Saint-Pierre, Bordeaux

Church in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chris06

Église Saint-Pierre is one of the must-see places in Bordeaux for anyone who loves wandering through atmospheric medieval streets and uncovering the city's deep heritage. Tucked between narrow lanes just steps from Place de la Bourse, this church stands on what was once the Gallo-Roman port, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Bordeaux. Its understated stone façade blends seamlessly into the surrounding old town, yet inside it reveals soaring Gothic vaults, soft light, and centuries of devotion.

Moving from the bustling squares outside to the calm interior feels like stepping into a hidden sanctuary. High ceilings, slender pillars, stained glass, and side chapels create an intimate spiritual atmosphere. This church has served Bordeaux’s merchants, sailors, and townspeople for nearly a thousand years, and today it remains a welcoming space for services, concerts, and quiet reflection.

History and Significance of Église Saint-Pierre
Things to See and Do in Église Saint-Pierre
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Église Saint-Pierre
Where to Stay close to Église Saint-Pierre
Is Église Saint-Pierre Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Église Saint-Pierre
Nearby Attractions to Église Saint-Pierre

History and Significance of Église Saint-Pierre

The origins of Église Saint-Pierre reach back to the early medieval period, when the site formed part of Bordeaux's ancient harbour. The church we see today was built mainly in the 14th and 15th centuries, during the city's flourishing as a major trading centre. Its Gothic architecture reflects the style that dominated the period, though later renovations added touches from the Renaissance and subsequent eras.

The church has long been at the heart of the community that grew around the port. Sailors and merchants once prayed here before departing on long voyages, and the surrounding Saint-Pierre district developed around its presence. In 1908, the church was listed as a historic monument, ensuring the preservation of its architecture and artistic heritage.

Things to See and Do in Église Saint-Pierre

Inside the church, visitors can admire the vaulted nave, carved stonework, and several chapels that contain works of art from the 17th and 18th centuries. The stained-glass windows bring vivid colours into the otherwise subdued Gothic space, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Music lovers may enjoy attending a concert here, as the acoustics of the vaulted ceilings create a warm and resonant sound. The church’s setting also invites exploration: the surrounding Saint-Pierre district is full of picturesque streets, cafés, and historic façades, perfect for a leisurely wander.

How to Get There

Église Saint-Pierre is located in central Bordeaux, just a short walk from Place de la Bourse and the riverfront. The nearest tram stops include Place de la Bourse on Line C and Porte de Bourgogne on Lines A, B, and C. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Several underground car parks are available within a few minutes’ walk. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Bordeaux Airport provides regular connections to the city centre via tram and shuttle. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bordeaux on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Église Saint-Pierre

Best time to visit Église Saint-Pierre: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and atmospheric light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry.
Opening hours: Typically open daily; hours may vary depending on services.
Official website: bordeaux.fr
How long to spend: 20-30 minutes.
Accessibility: Entrance is step-free, though some interior areas may be narrow.
Facilities: Cafés, shops, and restrooms nearby in the Saint-Pierre district.
Photography tip: Capture the façade from the narrow approach streets for dramatic framing.
Guided-tours: Sometimes included in Bordeaux heritage tours.
Nearby food options: Plenty of bistros and wine bars within a few minutes’ walk.

Where to Stay close to Église Saint-Pierre

For a central stay with historical charm, consider Hôtel de Sèze, offering elegant rooms near many landmarks. A more intimate option is Hôtel des 4 Soeurs, just steps from the Garonne. Travellers seeking stylish modern comfort may enjoy Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre in the nearby shopping district.

Is Église Saint-Pierre Worth Visiting?

Yes. Église Saint-Pierre is one of the top attractions in Bordeaux for visitors interested in medieval architecture, intimate sacred spaces, and the city's maritime history. Its location in one of Bordeaux's oldest districts makes it a natural and rewarding stop during any exploration of the historic centre.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (651)

Église Saint-Pierre, on Place Saint-Pierre in Bordeaux, is a 15th-century Gothic church noted for its detailed façade and beautiful stained-glass windows; visitors report a peaceful, slightly dim interior with a well-lit sanctuary and chapels, vaulted nave and side aisles, an impressive organ gallery, and intricate ceiling arches, making it a compact, photogenic stop while exploring the cobbled streets of the Saint-Pierre district.

G Mac

2 months ago

"This is a beautiful church set in a lovely orchard. It has wonderful Stainglass windows and beautiful. Got the architecture. It is quite dark inside,but the sanctuary is well lit and provides a focal point to this beautiful space. The Stainglass windows are wonderful and well worth visitingto see...."

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Brad

a year ago

"I enjoyed visiting during a recent stay in the city. It is located at Place St. Pierre making it convenient to visit while sightseeing around thehistoric city centre. While the churches history dates to an earlier period, what you see today is a building from the 15th-century that is Gothic is architectural design. I found the facade to be quite beautiful. Within the vaulted nave and side aisles with high ceiling, chapels with delicate sculptures were all worth seeing. Behind the altar is a fine series of stained-glass windows as well. It made for a nice 10-15 minute walk through while sightseeing in the area...."

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Antoine

6 years ago

"A historic and a peaceful church in Saint Peter's Square, Bordeaux. I love the stu ing and flamboyant Gothic style portal. Its history traced back tothe XIV and XV century with its location being in the old Gallo-Roman port. Inside is rather dark but gives the atmosphere of total silence and sobering ambience. The stained-glass windows give amble light to give a magnificent glow to important chapels and the high altar. A magnificent organ gallery and a tranquil nave with two aisles. It's worth a look and again with great respect when visiting inside...."

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FAQs for Visiting Église Saint-Pierre

No, entry to the church is free.

Yes, regular services are held, and visitors are welcome to attend respectfully.

The entrance is accessible, though some interior areas may be more difficult to navigate.

Yes, the church often hosts musical performances thanks to its excellent acoustics.

The present Gothic structure dates mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries, though the site’s origins are far older.

Nearby Attractions to Église Saint-Pierre

Place de la Bourse: One of Bordeaux's most iconic squares with elegant 18th-century architecture.
Miroir d'Eau: The world's largest reflecting pool, offering striking photo opportunities.
Porte Cailhau: A 15th-century riverside gate with panoramic views.
Grosse Cloche: A beautifully preserved medieval bell tower.
Musée d'Aquitaine: A major museum tracing Bordeaux's history from prehistory to modern times.

The Église Saint-Pierre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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