Saint-Michel's Spire

Towering above the city like some kind of ancient rocket ship, the freestanding Saint-Michel's Spire, or Flèche Saint-Michel, is an iconic landmark in Bordeaux. Affectionately known by locals as 'La Flèche', this Flamboyant Gothic needle holds a special place in the hearts of the Bordelais, in part because of a macabre exhibition of mummies housed there until 1990. The famous exhibit is commemorated in audio-visual form, and a climb up the tower provides stellar views of the city.