Eglise Notre-Dame (Church of Our Lady), Bordeaux

The Église Notre-Dame stands as an exemplar of Gothic architecture from the 17th century. Situated on Rue Mably within the northern quadrant of the city center, this esteemed edifice has become one of the most renowned structures in the city. Notably, its façade and nomenclature evoke strong parallels with the famed Notre Dame church situated at the heart of Paris. Crafted by the skilled hands of Pierre Duplessy, a distinguished architect and urban designer of the late 17th century, this church has garnered the distinction of being a designated historical treasure.

Saint Dominic, the patron saint of the church, is immortalized through a carved figure on the elaborate frontage of the structure, depicted in the act of receiving a rosary from the Virgin Mary. The genesis of the church dates back to the displacement of Dominican Catholics from their convent in 1678, orchestrated to accommodate King Louis XIV's expansion of his palace. Amid a contention with neighboring structures, while searching for unoccupied land within an expanding city, the church was compelled to orient its place of worship towards the east, deviating from the customary westward alignment.

Within the Église Notre-Dame's interior, one encounters an opulent display of Gothic-style ornamentation. This church maintains a regular schedule of masses, and whether one visits during any hour of the day, they will observe local residents and tourists alike, kneeling in prayer within an environment still celebrated for its serenity, despite the consistent influx of tourists.

Why You Should Visit:
The 19th-century paintings on the walls inside are interesting, the large organ and stained glass are quite impressive, but it is the façade, facing into a small, quiet square, that is the real star.

Tip:
Try to visit during the start of service – no one bothers you and you can stand at the side where the ancient baptismal fountain and chapels are.
Next door is the Cour Mably which used to be the cloister for Notre Dame and is now a venue for temporary exhibitions but still worth a look, partly in its own right but also because you get a good view of the church tower from within the cloister.