HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsLa Fleche Saint-Michel
France
Discovery of the popular district of the city with the Saint-Michel basilica and the spire which culminates at 114 meters high.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Standing before you is one of the most iconic silhouettes of the Bordeaux skyline: La Flèche Saint-Michel, or the Spire of Saint-Michel. Rising to a staggering height of 114 meters, it holds the distinction of being one of the…
Listen in the app2A Masterpiece in the Sky — Architectural Detail
The architectural detail of La Flèche is a masterclass in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Notice the 'flame-like' curves of the stone tracery, which give the style its name. …
Listen in the app3The Macabre Legend — The Mummies of Saint-Michel
For over two centuries, La Flèche Saint-Michel was famous for a far more macabre reason than its architecture: the Mummies of Saint-Michel. In 1791, during the French Revolution, ancient burial grounds near the tower were cleared…
Listen in the app4The Climb — 233 Steps to the Summit
For those with the stamina and a lack of vertigo, the ascent of La Flèche is a transformative experience. There are 233 narrow, winding stone steps leading to the upper gallery. …
Listen in the app5The Spirit of the Square — Place Meynard
The spire does not stand in isolation; it is the heart of Place Meynard, a square that captures the soul of the Saint-Michel district. This area has historically been the home of port workers, artisans, and immigrants, creating a…
Listen in the app6The Bells of Saint-Michel
No audio guide to La Flèche would be complete without mentioning its musical soul—the bells. The tower houses a carillon of 22 bells, which were cast in the 19th century to replace those lost or destroyed during the turbulent…
Listen in the app7Renovating a Titan — Preserving the Spire
As of the mid-2020s, you may notice that La Flèche is undergoing significant restoration work. Maintaining a 114-meter-tall stone structure in the humid, salty air of the Atlantic coast is a monumental task. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our visit to La Flèche Saint-Michel, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for this vertical masterpiece. It is more than just a bell tower; it is a landmark that defines the identity of one of Bordeaux's…
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What is La Fleche Saint-Michel?
La Fleche Saint-Michel is a place in France with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | France |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 44.8344, -0.5667 |
| Last updated |
