Saint-Michel Basilica and its spire
A Flamboyant Gothic basilica built from the 14th to the 16th century, topped by a freestanding spire that gave its name to the neighbourhood.
History
Saint-Michel Basilica was built from the 14th to the 16th century, in Flamboyant Gothic style, on the site of an older church. Its bell tower, separate from the main building like the cathedral's, was raised from 1472 by master builder Jean Lebas and his sons. The original spire, brought down by a hurricane in 1768, was rebuilt in Gothic style by architect Paul Abadie between 1861 and 1869. It rises to 114 metres. At that height, it is the tallest bell tower in the south of France. Listed as a historic monument in 1846 and made a minor basilica in 1903, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. It gave its name to the whole surrounding neighbourhood.
What to see there
- The spire, visible from far across the neighbourhood
- The portal and the large windows with Flamboyant Gothic tracery
- The seventeen side chapels, including the Saint-Jacques chapel
- Place Meynard, at its foot, a former parish cemetery
Our tip
Use the spire to get your bearings: it appears at the end of many streets in the neighbourhood and always leads you back to us.
On our walks
- Saint-Michel and the quays — 1h45 · 3.7 km
Nearby addresses
- Julo — 11 rue des Faures — Quality snacking two steps away. Ideal for a quick, well-made lunch. 📍
- Le Passage Saint-Michel — 14 pl. Canteloup — A former banana-ripening warehouse turned brasserie and second-hand shop. South-West cooking served all day, a large terrace at the foot of the Saint-Michel spire, open every day. 📍
- Monkey Mood — 11 rue Camille Sauvageau — A short walk from the B&B. Brunch and lunch, accessible world cuisine. 📍
- Tripletta — 30 pl. Meynard — Neapolitan pizzas, cocktails and natural wines, on a large terrace on Place Saint-Michel, facing the basilica. 📍
All our neighbourhood addresses
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