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Tour Pey-Berland

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La tour Pey-Berland a été nommée d'après l'archevêque qui a demandé sa construction, au XVème siècle. Elle se trouve tout près de la cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, mais est distincte du monument. Elle comporte un clocher et a été richement décorée dans un style gothique. Elle a été construite entre 1440 et 1500. Mais d'autres modifications sont intervenues après cette date. La statue de la Vierge Marie qui trône à son sommet n'a été ajoutée qu'en 1863, pour remplacer la pointe de la flèche, détruite par une violente tempête au XVIIIème siècle. L'oeuvre a été disposée de telle façon à ce qu'elle soit tournée vers la région du Médoc, lieu de naissance de l'archevêque Pey-Berland. Ce type de tour isolée du reste de l'église est typique de l'ouest de la France. Mais elle était tout de même reliée à la cathédrale par des demeures de chanoines qui ne sont plus là aujourd'hui. Il est possible de visiter la tour : on accède au sommet après avoir gravit pas moins de 232 marches. Le point d'observation se situe à 50 mètres de hauteur.

Tarifs Tour Pey-Berland

5,50€ par adulte

4,50€ tarif réduit

Gratuit pour les moins de 18 ans, les demandeurs d'emploi et le personnes handicapées.

Acces Tour Pey-Berland

Les tramways A et B s'arrêtent à la station Hotel de Ville, à quelques mètres de la Tour Pey Berland

Horaires Tour Pey-Berland

Ouvert tous les jours de 10 heures à 13 heures 15 et de 14 heures à 18 heures entre juin et septembre. Les horaires le reste de l'année sont 10 heures à 12 heures 30 et de 14 heures à 17 heures 30.

Le lundi, les horaires d'ouverture sont restreints : de 1à heures à 12 heures 30 et de 14 heures à 17 heures 30.

La Tour du Pey Berland est fermé le 1er janvier, le 1er mai et le 25 décembre.

Contact Tour Pey-Berland

Telephone : (+33) 05 56 81 26 25

Carte Tour Pey-Berland

Adresse : Tour du Pey Berland, Place Pey-Berland - 33000 Bordeaux

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Tour Pey-Berland

En plein cœur de Bordeaux, la Tour Pey-Berland, fleuron du gothique flamboyant, est élevée entre 1440 et 1446. Clocher isolé de la Cathédrale Saint-André, elle est couronnée en 1863 d’une statue de Notre Dame d’Aquitaine. Du haut de ses 231 marches, la tour offre le plus beau point de vue sur la ville et ses alentours.

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À propos de l’auteur : Lucas Fontaine

Moi, c'est Lucas. Je suis passionné de voyage et je pratique le tourisme depuis des années. C'est pourquoi je vous partage mes découvertes sur cette belle région qu'est la Gironde.

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place Pey-Berland 33000 BORDEAUX Tél : +33 5 56 81 26 25 Fax : +33 5 56 79 21 82

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The incredible Pey Berland Tower

The Pey Berland Tower is a true architectural marvel. It is undoubtedly one of the main monuments and part of Bordeaux’s history .

In this guide we will tell you all the details about this imposing place: from its history to its importance for the culture of the region. We will also share useful tips to make the most of your visit with your free tour of Bordeaux .

History of the Pey Berland Tower

The Pey Berland Tower was built in 1445 by order of the Bishop of Bordeaux, Jean de Grailly. It is located in the heart of the city and has witnessed its history. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was the meeting place for some of the citizens. Meetings, processions and political decisions were taken here.

During the French Revolution, it was used as a bell tower and to store the city’s public clock. The tower was remodelled in 1827 and its name was changed to Pey Berland in honour of Bishop Jean de Grailly.

Today, like Les Bassins des Lumières , it remains one of the most important monuments in Bordeaux. It houses a church, an exhibition hall and a café.

Features of the Pey Berland Tower

The Pey Berland Tower has a Gothic style. It consists of a large square base and houses many statues and religious figures.

It is 64 metres high and its façade is decorated with a large number of sculptures of saints, angels and other religious motifs. The material used for its construction was limestone and it has stood the test of time.

It is also known for its bell, called Per-Marie. This was built in the 16th century and is the only bell in the tower. It is of a bronze shade and is used to mark the time. It has also rung for many years and has withstood all climatic changes.

Access and visiting hours of the Pey Berland Tower

Access to the tower is easy. It has two opening hours, summer and winter:

In summer (June to September) it is open every day from 10 am to 1:15 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. In winter it is closed on Mondays. Open from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 6€.

During the visit, tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top and enjoy magnificent views of the city. As mentioned above, there is a small cafeteria in the tower, where tourists can refresh themselves.

Views from the tower

From the tower you can see the Church of St. Michel, the Nativité Cathedral, the Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre. You can also see the old fortified city walls, as well as the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. At night, the skyline is illuminated by bright lights and the atmosphere becomes even more special.

In addition to the view, the site offers other attractions, such as the clock tower and the bell tower. These two beautiful pieces of architecture have been preserved for centuries and are still used to announce the time.

The staircases are also a delight for visitors and the stone parapets let in a golden light that illuminates them.

Events and activities at the tower

During the summer months, numerous activities take place outside the tower. Guided tours are organised, both during the day and at night, to discover its secrets from a unique perspective. In addition, various concerts and shows are held in the inner courtyard for music and theatre lovers.

During the winter, it is full of activities for all ages. There are Christmas concerts and aerial acrobatics shows. Workshops are organised for children, teaching them how to build figures from recycled materials. There are also sports activities, such as climbing the tower or cycling.

Every year there are fairs where local products and handicrafts are presented. These are very popular with tourists and the inhabitants of Bordeaux. During the year there are also several cultural events such as the jazz festival, the film festival and the food festival.

Tips and recommendations for your visit

First of all, we recommend that you buy your ticket in advance to avoid queues and make sure you don’t miss out.

We also advise you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes to climb the 233 uneven steps to the top. The climb is a bit steep, but it’s worth it to enjoy the magnificent view from the top.

Other nearby attractions

There are many other nearby sites worth visiting.

The Saint André Cathedral is only a few metres away and is one of the main monuments of the city. In fact, the Pey Berland Tower can be said to be the bell tower. It is separate because when it was built, the bell was too sturdy for the structure of the cathedral’s bell tower.

There is also the Botanical Garden, a perfect place for those who enjoy the beauty of nature. It is a large English-style garden and contains over 2,000 species of plants. A little further from the Pey Berland Tower is the Place de la Bourse. It is famous for its impressive monument to liberty and equality, as well as its many fountains.

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Tour Pey Berland

This gargoyled, 50m-high Flamboyant Gothic belfry was built for the adjoining cathedral between 1440 and 1466. Its spire was added in the 19th century, and in 1863 it was topped off with the shiny gold statue of Notre Dame de l’Aquitaine (Our Lady of Aquitaine). Scaling the tower’s 231 narrow steps rewards you with a spectacular city panorama. Only 19 visitors are allowed up at any one time, so be prepared to queue in season.

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Tour Pey-Berland

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Tour Pey-Berland, Bordeaux - Tripadvisor

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Visit the Pey Berland Tower in Bordeaux

The Pey Berland Tower is a very interesting monument, listed for many reasons. It is on the Ways of Santiago de Compostela and has attracted pilgrims for several centuries. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an integral part of Bordeaux history and is an important historical monument of its heritage.

Photos of the article: Guide Bordeaux Gironde

Opening photo: The Pey Berland Tower, on the square of the same name © Ivoderooij / Adobe Stock

A little history

The tower bears the name of Archbishop Pey Berland, who initiated its construction. He was also nicknamed " the archbishop builder ", because he is also attributed that of a night shelter to welcome the poor, whatever the time... A first, because in these times of war, the Security often prevailed over hospitality! He is also known for his action in restoring the image of the church during this troubled period of the Middle Ages.

This tower has had a turbulent history. Built in the 15th century , the tower normally performed its function for 3 centuries. But during the French Revolution, religious buildings were no longer popular! It will be transformed into a pellet factory for hunting weapons... In the middle of the 19th century, it was finally restored as a religious building. Unfortunately, his arrow will be torn off during a violent storm. It will eventually be replaced by a statue of the Virgin. You can admire this superb ornament up close when you visit the terrace of the tower.

The good idea: Are you staying in Bordeaux for a few days? We give you ideas to keep you busy! Read our article on the 10 essential things to do in Bordeaux! Tell us about tips and good advice for visiting Bordeaux on foot. Unless you prefer to discover Bordeaux by bike? Here are some great ideas for enjoying Bordeaux at night! The best things to do and see!

Visit of the Pey Berland Tower

The ascent of the Tour Pey Berland is quite sporty. There are no less than 233 steps to get to the top! In addition, the staircase is narrow and the terrace too. This one is perched 50 meters above the ground! However, everything is provided for your safety, with a railing and a fence. This effort is largely rewarded by the 360° panorama . Its terrace offers you a striking view of the Bordeaux city!

It is a " campanile ", that is to say a bell tower. This one is all the more impressive, as it houses a drone weighing more than 8 tons! The campanile is, by tradition in Gironde, independent of the cathedral. It has an architectural interest. Indeed, when ringing, the bells generate a lot of vibrations, which could weaken the structure of the building. It is made up of several levels, richly decorated with statues, sculptures and arcades. The architecture and exterior decoration of the tower are in the “ Flamboyant Gothic ” style. It represents an architectural example of this beautiful style.

The good idea: Do you like art in all its forms? Come to the FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine to discover contemporary art in all its forms at the MECA. It's a great place to visit for the whole family!

Practical information useful for the visit

The site can be visited every day, except certain public holidays, but the schedules vary according to the period. However, it is imperative to book online in advance. We advise you to book your tickets the day before because places go quickly, in high season.

On the 1st Sunday of each month, the visit is free! Otherwise, it costs €9 for an adult and is free for under-26s. The tower is part of the National Monuments and enjoys all the usual discounted rates.

Did you like our article? Find others on our Blog “Do it your way”. Follow us on the Guide Bordeaux Gironde Facebook page and on Instagram @guidebordeauxgironde

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Tour Pey-Berland

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Tour Pey-Berland, Bordeaux

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Home > Monument > The view from the Pey-Berland Tower

The view from the Pey-Berland Tower

The view from the Pey-Berland tower

This 15th century tower, which stands on the Place Pey-Berland, offers an unobstructed view of the whole of Bordeaux. It's an opportunity for the whole family to do some sport by climbing the 233 steps of this imposing bell tower. Who of the children or the parents will arrive at the top first?

Want to make the visit more fun for the youngest? Download the History Factory application on the AppleStore or PlayStore and start an adventure through history in the Pey-Berland Tower! Thanks to the application  History Factory The children will be able to learn the history of the Pey-Berland Tower in a playful way

• Self-guided tour through the tower
• You will discover: the  two terraces  offering you a breathtaking view of the city, the  bell room  in which four bells will impress young and old. 

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Practical information

• Address: Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux
• Schedules: Every day from 10am to 6pm
• Free of charge: Free for children under 18 years old and for children under 26 years old (EU citizens)
• Accessibility: There are 233 steps to climb to the top of the Pey-Berland tower. It is therefore not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

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Tour Pey-Berland

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Tour Pey Berland

National Monument, Registered monuments and sites

Like the one at Saint-Michel, Pey Berland belltower offers a unique view of Bordeaux, although neither Quasimodo nor Esmeralda can be found there...

Saint-André cathedral's original 12th century tower was insufficiently squat to support the weight of the tenor bell. It was thus decided to build a dedicated free-standing tower next to the cathedral in 1440. The Pey-Berland Tower was long one of the tallest buildings in the city. Unfortunately, a storm in 1617 ripped out the rostrum and this was replaced with a cross. In 1853, a huge tenor bell was attached to the belltower's beams. Weighing 11 tonnes, it is the fourth largest in France. You need a good pair of lungs to walk up the 229 steps to the top of the tower (50 metres), but this is well worth the effort because the view of Bordeaux and its monuments is outstanding. The access to the Pey-Berland Tower is only possible with a time-stamped e-ticket that must be reserved in advance. Prices : Entrance : 6 € | 5 € reduced | Free with the Bordeaux Métropole City Pass . Free for under 18 years old, disabled person and companion, 18-25 years old (European Union nationals and non-European regular residents in the territory of the European Union)

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Accueil » Que faire à Bordeaux ? » THE SAINT-ANDRÉ CATHEDRAL AND ITS PEY-BERLAND TOWER

THE SAINT-ANDRÉ CATHEDRAL AND ITS PEY-BERLAND TOWER

The Pey-Berland Tower gives you a view of the city of Bordeaux and its horizons. The Pey-Berland Tower is the bell tower of the Saint-Andre Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful religious monuments of the Bordeaux metropolis. The Pey-Berland Tower owes its name to Archbishop Pey Berland, who was Archbishop of Bordeaux from 1430 to 1456.

The Cathedral of Saint-Andre and the Pey-Berland Tower are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

WHO WAS ARCHBISHOP PEY- BERLAND?

Archbishop Pey-Berland played an important role in restoring the image of the Church and his diocese during a period of crisis in Aquitaine. He oversaw the renovation of the parish church of Bouliac, placed bas-reliefs in the church of St. Peter of Avensan, and commissioned the construction of the famous tower behind the apse of the cathedral of Bordeaux, known as the Pey Berland Tower. He was also responsible for the creation of the University of Bordeaux, the Saint André Hospital and several colleges in the city of Bordeaux.

THE HISTORY OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT ANDRÉ

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew is a religious building located in the city of Bordeaux, France. Its construction dates back to the 11th century, under the impulse of the monks of the abbey of Sainte-Croix. The architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew will evolve throughout the history of France, especially under the leadership of Archbishop Pey-Berland who built the tower in the fifteenth century.

During the French Revolution, the Cathedral of Saint-André was transformed into a temple of Reason. It suffered serious damage during the bombings of the Second World War.

Today, Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is an emblematic religious monument of the city of Bordeaux, known for its Gothic architecture and its historical heritage. It welcomes thousands of visitors each year, who admire its stained glass windows, its crypt and its sculptures, as well as its organ, one of the largest in France.

THE TOWER OFFERS A BREATHTAKING VIEW OF THE CITY OF BORDEAUX

Climb to the top of the Pey-Berland Tower, you will discover a breathtaking view. It is one of the most beautiful views of Bordeaux with the Belvedere of the Cité du Vin. From the top of its 66 meters and its two terraces, the tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Bordeaux. The first one, which rises to 40 meters, allows to admire the main monuments and districts of Bordeaux.

Moreover, you can see the two smallest bells of the belfry. The second terrace, accessible after having climbed the 233 steps that separate it from the ground and higher than 10 meters, overlooks the whole city and surrounds the spire of the bell tower for a 360° view. You will have the opportunity to admire this monument during our guided tour by panoramic imperial bus Bordeaux Visiotour.

THE PEY-BERLAND TOWER: A BELL TOWER DETACHED FROM THE SAINT ANDRÉ CATHEDRAL

The Pey-Berland tower has a gothic style architecture, it was built between 1440 and 1500, under the impulse of the archbishop Pey-Berland. The initial purpose of the tower was to serve as an independent bell tower to the cathedral, because the latter did not have one. The Cathedral of St. Andrew being built on a marshy ground, it could not support a colossal bell tower. The tower was built a few meters away from the cathedral to prevent the vibrations of the bells from damaging the fragile structure of the religious building. The Pey-Berland tower is a campanile that houses 3 monumental bells named Marie, Clémence and Marguerite. They still ring sometimes in the heart of the Pey-Berland square.

THE STATUE OF NOTRE-DAME WATCHES OVER BORDEAUX

At the top of the Pey-Berland Tower, the imposing statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine watches over the inhabitants. It has stood at 66 meters high since 1863. Previously, it was a spire that dominated the top of the bell tower of the Tour Pey-Berland. This one was destroyed in 1617 by a violent storm and replaced by the golden statue of the Virgin. Facing north, its direction is not a coincidence since it is where the village of Saint-Raphaël is located, from where Pey-Berland was born.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT ANDRÉ

The construction of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew began in the 11th century and was completed in the 16th century. It was consecrated on May 1, 1096 by Pope Urban II. Improvements to the Cathedral continued from the 14th to the 15th centuries. The Cathedral was built in a Romanesque style and was modified to incorporate elements of Gothic style with the support of Archbishop Bertrand de Goth during the period of English control. The construction of the cathedral was cancelled by the Hundred Years War, but was finally completed with the addition of Renaissance decorative elements in the sixteenth century. The main church of the city, it was often rebuilt according to the events in the history of the city. As far as its architecture is concerned, it has an imposing tympanum on the outside, which is divided into three parts. The height under the vault is impressive with its 23 meters high in the nave and 29 meters in the heart. Its interior length is 124 meters long with a single nave without side aisles and 18 meters wide in the transept.

In France, there are 71 monuments associated with the pilgrimage, 19 of which are located in Aquitaine, including 3 in the Bordeaux region. There is of course the Cathedral of Saint-André, the Basilica of Saint-Seurin and the Basilica of Saint-Michel.

THE GREAT ORGANS OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT ANDRÉ.

Many treasures can be found in this place full of history of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, especially the organ. After the Revolution, during which the 1629 instrument was destroyed, the Micot organ from La Réole was installed a few years later, in 1804. Ten years later, however, it was replaced by the organ of the Abbey of Sainte-Croix in Bordeaux, built in 1748 by Dom Bedos de Celles.

Then, it was enlarged in 1875 by the Bordeaux organ builder Georges Wenner who equipped it with a large Recital. This organ was restored to its original layout by a neo-classical instrument, designed by Georges Danion. Moreover, it has 76 real stops distributed on 4 manual keyboards of 61 notes and a pedalboard of 32 notes.

Several princely or royal weddings were celebrated here: it is indeed here that Eleanor of Aquitaine married her first husband, the future king Louis VII of France, in 1137, and that king Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, infanta of Spain, were married in November 1615.

GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF BORDEAUX FROM YESTERDAY TO TODAY

Climb aboard our double-decker bus to get a bird’s eye view of the city and discover the Bordeaux metropolis through its history. During the audio-guided tour, which lasts 70 minutes, you will have the opportunity to discover the history and anecdotes of the great monuments of Bordeaux such as the Place des Quinconces and the Girondins monument, the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’Eau, while passing by the Porte Cailhau and the Chaban Delmas Bridge.

Discover the history of Bordeaux with friends, family or children, thanks to a commentary adapted to a young audience.

Book now your future Bordeaux escapade on board the Visiotour.

Top picks at the time

Bordeaux is rich in history and heritage with its 350 UNESCO listed buildings. Each one more unusual than the next, don’t miss out on discovering them.

We have put together a list of the most important places in the Port de la Lune to visit…

Cap Sciences, as an emblematic venue for intellectual entertainment, uses its creativity to offer exhibitions, encounters, surprising activities and popular events. These experiences allow visitors to explore evolving knowledge, the latest innovations and topical issues.

The MÉCA is the the house of creative economy and culture of the “Nouvelle-Aquitaine” region.

This asymmetrical arched building is both a regional hub for creative players and a space for artistic discovery and interaction for the general public . Located at the other end of the crescent formed by the Garonne as it passes through Bordeaux, it represents the ideal complement to the Cité du Vin.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux regularly invites contemporary artists to take a personal look at its collections. Valérie Belin presents Les visions silencieuses, a major monographic exhibition.

The Good Life France

Everything You Want to Know About France and More...

Pey-Berland Tower Bordeaux

• Guest writer

Have you ever climbed the stairs of a 20-storey building? If so, you should be prepared to huff and puff your winding way to the top of the spectacular Pey-Berland bell tower in Bordeaux. Your reward will be a view across the beautiful city from the highest point in the area. All you need to do is haul yourself up 231 tightly spiralling stone steps.

Bordeaux’s art you can climb inside

Standing at an impressive 66 metres (216 feet) the rocket-like tower is riotously decorated in a style known as Flamboyant Gothic – and it really does live up to its billing, with the exterior being packed with gargoyles and intricate carved detailing.

You might recall having climbed the 284 spiral steps of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. So perhaps you’re feeling confident about powering up the tower in Bordeaux. Well, keep in mind that the Arc de Triomphe is ‘merely’ 50 metres (164 ft) high. That is to say, the Pey-Berland tower is higher but has fewer steps. A little arithmetic will tell you that each riser of the tower’s stone steps is a calf-and-thigh stretching 28 cm (11 inches). By the time you reach the top, you will have really earned it!

Historic Bell Tower

The Pey-Berland is actually the bell tower of the adjacent Saint-Andre cathedral, which is a marvellous Gothic edifice in its own right. Its massive flying buttresses are an astonishing sight to behold looking down from the top of the tower. So why was the bell tower built separately? The cathedral’s many and mighty flying buttresses actually provide a hint. When the current form of the cathedral was taking shape around 1320, the ground on which it stands was (and remains) somewhat marshy and unstable. Owing to random subsidence, the cathedral was at constant risk of falling to pieces.

Of course, a cathedral must have bells. But the church authorities had a well-founded fear that a heavy bell tower built atop the unstable cathedral would spell doom. And so, under the driving force of the Archbishop Pey-Berland, after whom the tower is named, in 1440 the construction of the separate bell tower began – and continued until 1500. The irony was that because of various protracted problems, no bells were installed in the tower until 1853: a 353-year wait!

In between times, the non-bell bell tower was turned to several non-religious purposes, including a shot tower. That is to say, lead metal ingots were hoisted to the top of the tower and were there melted in wood-fired crucibles. The molten metal was then tipped down the inside of the tower. As it fell, the liquid metal cooled and separated into pellets for use in shot gun cartridges.

Our lady of Aquitaine

By 1863, four massive tolling bells had been in place for ten years. They collectively weighed a hefty 15.6 tonnes or 17.2 US tons. At that time, a 6 metre (19 ft, 8 inch) sculpture of Madonna and Child – known in Bordeaux as Our Lady of Aquitaine – was installed on the peak of the tower. Made from a steel frame with a copper plating skin, the sculpture weighed in at 1.3 tonnes (1.4 US tons). Over time, the copper sculpture acquired a typical dull greenish patina. But after a restoration in 2002 it emerged dazzling in the daylight, being newly covered in gold leaf.

Well, knowing all that, you simply must climb the steps of Bordeaux’s Pey-Berland tower. Find a 20-storey building in your hometown and put in some practice.

By Brad Allan, writer and wine tasting host in Melbourne, Australia and frequent visitor to France…

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