{"id":9434,"date":"2026-09-09T18:13:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T16:13:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bordeaux-citytours.com\/?p=9434"},"modified":"2026-09-11T17:18:35","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T15:18:35","slug":"visiting-the-fleche-saint-michel-in-bordeaux-230-steps-for-the-finest-view","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bordeaux-citytours.com\/en\/heritage\/visiting-the-fleche-saint-michel-in-bordeaux-230-steps-for-the-finest-view\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting the Fl\u00e8che Saint-Michel in Bordeaux: 230 steps for the finest view"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At a glance<\/p>\n

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Monument<\/strong>Fl\u00e8che Saint-Michel<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
Location<\/strong>16 place Meynard, Bordeaux<\/span><\/div>\n
Opening<\/strong>April to October, daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm<\/span><\/div>\n
Admission<\/strong>\u20ac7 full price, \u20ac5 reduced, free for under-13s and Bordeaux CityPass holders<\/span><\/div>\n
Access<\/strong>230 steps, no lift, no booking required<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What can you see from the top of the Fl\u00e8che Saint-Michel?<\/h2>\n

At the top of the climb, 47 metres up, a panoramic terrace offers 360\u00b0 views over the ochre rooftops of the historic centre, the meandering Garonne, the Pont de Pierre, the quays, the Miroir d’Eau, and the hills of the right bank. This unique panorama is exactly what gives the spire its reputation as Bordeaux’s finest view.<\/p>\n

What is the history of the Fl\u00e8che Saint-Michel?<\/h2>\n

Construction of the Saint-Michel basilica ran from the 14th to the 17th century, driven by the parish’s ambition to build the kingdom’s tallest tower. The spire was completed in 1492 by the Lebas architects. Damaged over the centuries by an earthquake, lightning, and a hurricane, it underwent major restoration in the 19th century under architect Paul Abadie, who described it as “a beacon that announces the city from afar.” A new restoration project, launched in 2022 and involving up to 700 tonnes of scaffolding, has since preserved this landmark monument. The tower today houses a 19th-century carillon of 22 bells, which rings every hour and plays melodies at 12:30pm and 6:45pm.<\/p>\n

How long does the climb take, and is it difficult?<\/h2>\n

Allow around 30 minutes for the climb and to take in the view. The 230 steps are climbed without a lift, through a sometimes narrow space, and access is limited to 19 people per group depending on availability: good physical condition and comfortable shoes are recommended.<\/p>\n

Do you need to book in advance?<\/h2>\n

No, booking is not required: tickets are sold on-site or online. A combined ticket with the Porte Cailhau allows you to visit both monuments for \u20ac11, compared to \u20ac14 separately. Admission is also included with the Bordeaux CityPass.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Bordeaux City Tours’ tip<\/p>\n

Once back down, extend your visit through the Saint-Michel district surrounding the basilica: lively streets, a food market from Monday to Saturday, a flea market held several times a week, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make it one of Bordeaux’s liveliest neighbourhoods, well worth exploring at a leisurely pace after the climb.<\/p>\n

The Basilique Saint-Michel is about a 9-minute walk from the Sainte Catherine stop of our Bordeaux Visiotour Hop-on Hop-off bus, a pleasant walk through the Saint-Pierre district, passing the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Aquitaine and the Grosse Cloche along the way.<\/p>\n

Discover our tours<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

FAQ<\/h2>\n
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How long does the visit to the Fl\u00e8che Saint-Michel take?<\/h3>\n
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Allow around 30 minutes for the climb, the panoramic view, and the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What does it cost, and do I need to book?<\/h3>\n
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\u20ac7 full price, \u20ac5 reduced, free for under-13s and CityPass holders. Booking is not required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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When can you visit the Fl\u00e8che Saint-Michel?<\/h3>\n
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The spire is open from April to October, daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm (last entry 30 minutes before closing).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is the visit accessible for people with reduced mobility?<\/h3>\n
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Access is difficult due to the number of steps (230), with no lift or special assistance available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is it suitable for children?<\/h3>\n
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Admission is free for under-13s, though the narrow staircase calls for extra care with younger children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n