Saint-André, the cathedral of the Archbishops of Bordeaux, was constructed originally in the 11th. Its Royal Gate and the well restored royal entrance dates to the 13th century and the main cathedral was built in Gothic style in the 14th and 15th centuries. The soaring heights of the nave with a Gothic arch that reaches 95 feet is stunning. Because Bordeaux is built on sand, between swamps and rivers, there was concern regarding the structural stability of the cathedral to accommodate the enormous bells or “clouches,” and their powerful vibrations. The solution was to build a separate bell tower, or “campanile,” next to the cathedral that rises 216 feet and houses four bells: Marie (four tons) and the bourdon Ferdinand-André II (eight tons) that are no longer in use, Marguerite (2.5 tons) Clémence (just shy of one ton), that announce services, masses, weddings and funerals at Saint-André. Since 1925, electric motors have been used, controlled from inside the cathedral itself. The bell tower and the immediate surrounding square was named after the former Archbishop of Bordeaux-Bazas , Pey Berland.
Place de la Bourse, built in the 18th century, fronts the Garonne River
“Le Soucoupe Volante” sculpture by Suzanne Triester in the Bacalan district on the marina, bicycles of Bordeaux, a “cutting edge” bar, the shops, (les magasins) are esprit de Noël, and I finally bought a baguette — now I wonder why I waited so long.
Well, I return to Sonoma late on Saturday. It has been a grand adventure. Thanks so much for coming along.
All for now.
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