The Basilique Saint-Michel is also known for being a stop on the way to St Jacques de Compostelle, and is an important spot for any pilgrims. Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, it’s situated in the lively St. Michel quarter in Bordeaux. Compared to the basilica’s 23m height, the neighbouring bell tower, known as La Flèche (the Spire) to locals, is 114 m high and was built in the 15th century.

This site used to mix the religious with the macabre, exhibiting corpses found under the tower’s catacombs. The naturally mummified bodies were found in 1881 and are thought to be from a Gallo-Roman cemetery that was under the tower. The exhibition became a public attraction and even attracted famous people such as Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, and Théophile Gautier. The mummies were given names such as: “Buried alive” or “The family Poisoned by Mushrooms”. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the physical mummies are no longer displayed, but there’s a video projection in their honour in the underground crypt of the bell tower. From April to October, you can visit the tower for gothic architecture, virtual mummies and panoramic views of the city.

Basilique Saint-Michel de Bordeaux

Place Meynard, 33800 Bordeaux

Opening times

Monday-Saturday, 9:00-18:00

Sunday, 9:00-12:30