Bordeaux - Cathedral of St André

In the south of the old town is the Cathedral of St André, which is comparable in size with Notre-Dame in Paris. The nave, built in the 12th C, was altered in the 13th and 15th centuries; the choir and transepts date from the 14th century. The west front is plain, since it was too close to the town walls. The finest feature of the exterior is the north doorway, richly decorated with sculpture (Last Supper, Ascension, Christ in Majesty) and flanked by two tall towers.

Also on the north side is the Porte Royale, with fine 13th century sculptural decoration (five figures of Apostles on each side of the doorway, Resurrection of the Dead on the lintel, Last Judgment in the tympanum).

Opposite the west front of the cathedral is the former Archbishop's Palace (18th C), now the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), with a handsome staircase hall and finely appointed rooms.