World-famous for its vineyards, Bordeaux is also famous for its UNESCO-listed historic heritage. Located just 35 minutes from our Le Ker Helen campsite in Gironde ****, Bordeaux is the French city with the most listed monuments after Paris! Here’s an overview of the monuments most visited by tourists in Bordeaux.
The quays of the Port de la Lune
La Lune is the name given to Bordeaux’s port since the Middle Ages, and the shape of the Garonne River at this point. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, the Port de la Lune occupies the oldest part of the city. This listed area covers more than 1,800 hectares, from the Pont de Pierre to the Place des Quinconces, via the Place Royale, the Cours du Chapeau-Rouge, the Grosse Cloche and the Tour Saint-Michel. The 4 km-long quayside promenade allows you to admire all these architectural treasures along the Garonne.
Place de la Bourse and the water mirror
Overlooking the Garonne, the Place de la Bourse – formerly the Place Royale de Bordeaux – is home to a monumental complex that includes the Hôtel de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Fermes du Roi, jewels of Bordeaux’s 18th-century heritage. Since 2006, the Place de la Bourse has been home to the world’s largest water mirror (3,450 m2), the work of fountain designer Jean-Max Llorca. It has become Bordeaux ‘s most photographed landmark!
The Quinconces esplanade
With a surface area of 12 hectares, it’s the largest square in Europe! Created in the early 19th century in the heart of Bordeaux’ s city center, the Place des Quinconces is now the venue of choice for many of the city’s events. An emblematic Bordeaux monument, the Girondins Column commemorates the martyrdom of the Girondin deputies who fell victim to the Terror. At its feet, two basins, a quadriga of sea horses and bronze riders complete the edifice. At the end of the esplanade, two large neo-classical rostral columns celebrate Commerce and Navigation.
Saint-André Cathedral
Located on Place Pey-Berland, Saint-André Cathedral is Bordeaux’ s most beautiful religious monument. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Unusually, the cathedral’s bell tower is separate from the nave. This is the Tour Pey Berland, just a few metres from the cathedral.
Pey Berland Tower
Built in 1440, Tour Pey Berland is the separate bell tower of Saint-André Cathedral. At 66 metres high (233 steps), the flamboyant Gothic tower offers a panoramic view over the roofs of Gironde’s capital. The tower is open to visitors all year round, from Tuesday to Sunday.
The Palais Rohan
Located near Saint-André Cathedral, the Palais Rohan is the symbol of the power of the Bordeaux archbishops in the 18th century. A city hall since 1835, the former archiepiscopal palace became an imperial palace under Napoleon I and a royal castle under Louis XVIII. The building boasts one of the most beautiful staircases in France. Guided tours on Fridays at 10 and 11 a.m.
La Porte Cailhau
Located on the quayside in Place du Palais de l’Ombrière, the Porte Cailhau commemorates Charles VIII’s victory over the Italians at the Battle of Fornoue. Built in 1493 to a height of 35 m, it forms an integral part of the city’s medieval ramparts, with fortifications inherited from the Middle Ages, but also with typical Renaissance decorative elements that underline its dual vocation: defensive gateway on the one hand, and more ostentatious Arc de Triomphe on the other.
Le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
With its beautiful neo-classical facade, it’s an understatement to say that the Grand Théâtre is the pride and joy of Bordeaux! A spectacular and prestigious monument to the Age of Enlightenment, this historic masterpiece is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. Guided tours are available to discover the history behind the scenes of this emblematic landmark on the Place de la Comédie.
photo@Miquel Fabré