Tour Pey-Berland

Tower in Bordeaux

Bordeaux Cathédrale Saint André Tour Pey Berland
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

The Tour Pey-Berland, standing adjacent to Bordeaux’s Saint-André Cathedral, is a distinguished example of 15th-century Gothic architecture. Commissioned by Archbishop Pey Berland, its construction began in 1440 and concluded around 1500. The decision to erect this separate bell tower was driven by concerns that the vibrations from ringing bells might compromise the structural integrity of the cathedral, which was built on marshy ground.

Rising to a height of 66 meters, the tower is crowned with a gilded statue of Notre-Dame d’Aquitaine, installed in 1863. This statue faces north toward the village of Saint-Raphaël in Avensan, the birthplace of Archbishop Pey Berland. Within the tower reside four bells, including the notable Ferdinand-André, which weighs over eight tons and was added in 1869.

Visitors can ascend the tower’s 233-step spiral staircase to reach two terraces, offering panoramic views of Bordeaux. The first terrace, at 40 meters, provides a closer look at the city’s landmarks, while the second, at 50 meters, offers an expansive 360-degree vista. The Tour Pey-Berland stands as a testament to Bordeaux’s rich architectural heritage and remains a significant emblem of the city’s historical landscape.

The Tour Pey-Berland appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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Visiting Tour Pey-Berland

Address: Tour Pey Berland, Place Pey Berland, Bordeaux, France

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