Basilique Saint-Seurin de Bordeaux

Bordeaux

The cradle of Christianity in Bordeaux, built over a vast open-air necropolis whose excavations have uncovered marble sarcophagi, children's graves in amphorae, and even old pagan votive altars reused for Christian burials. A major stop on the roads to Compostela from the 12th century, the basilica owes part of its medieval fame to a legend drawn straight from the Song of Roland: Emperor Charlemagne, bringing back the body of his nephew who fell at Roncevaux, is said to have placed on the altar Roland's own olifant — the famous horn the knight sounded in vain to call for help.

Getting there : Free admission, crypt ticketed

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound