It’s all about Saint-André

Some time ago, I made a note to myself to write a post entirely dedicated to Saint-André cathedral, right in the centre of Bordeaux. I think the last time I mentioned it was more than a year ago. Now, it’s time to get down to business.

I pass by Saint-André every day when I take the tram to work, as it is centrally located in Place Pey Berland, beside the city hall at Hôtel de Ville station, which is also the interchange between tram lines A and B. Even so, every time I walk by it, I feel that sense of grandiosity surround me as the giant cathedral looms overhead. Day by day, I am still amazed by its magnificent architecture, falling in love with it inside out.

Over the two years since I’ve arrived in Bordeaux, I’ve taken a lot of random photos of Saint-André from different angles, some of which I will share with you here. Of course these are taken at various times, explaining the drastic different shades of the sky 😉

First up, we have the southern façade of Saint-André, taken in late January 2012. Tram line B passes right in front of it and I live right up ahead, near Palais de Justice. After visiting so many cities and seeing so many cathedrals in Europe, Saint-André remains my favourite one, though it may not be the largest or most impressive. Notable mentions go to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Clermont-Ferrand, France, the Dom in Cologne, Germany, and the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium.

Looking at Saint-André from the side of Palais de Justice in April 2012. The ocean blue sky and the voluminous clouds were the perfect backdrop for the tall structure.

The eastern façade of Saint-André, viewed from Hôtel de Ville station on tram line B, taken in October 2012. Again, Bordeaux attracts the most beautiful clouds I’ve ever seen, the wisps here complementing the elegant majesty of Saint-André. Yes, one does not cease to use the word “elegant” to describe Bordeaux.

Walking along tram line B towards the city hall, we come face to face with the northern façade of Saint-André on a gray, cloudy morning in November 2012, after some slight rain.

If you still remember, I like to see cities from high places. Here is a top view of Saint-André, taken on top of the Pey Berland Tower right beside it, in June 2011. Ascending to the top of Pey Berland allows you a panoramic view of the city of Bordeaux, among which includes of course Mr.Saint-André.

Stepping into Saint-André, we find a grand organ at the western end. There is something about the symmetry of this particular organ that charmed me the first time I took a close look at it.

And now, for more of the interior of the cathedral…

Sometimes I like to go to Saint-André after work and sit for a little while in the quiet cathedral to renew my mind after a long day. When I close my eyes and let the serenity surround me, I can immerse myself in the peaceful grace of God, without a worry.

Before I end, I thought I’d throw in the picture I took last night while I was walking home. Christmas lights are up in Bordeaux and of course, the Christmas tree has been set up in front of Saint-André. The moon was particularly bright and round last night, though not alone without some clouds accompanying it. Yet beside the glowing Saint-André, the moon and the tree seemed like supporting actors. So beautiful.