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Porte d'Aquitaine: Bordeaux's Triumphant Arch

Discover the grandeur of Bordeaux's past at the Porte d'Aquitaine, a stunning neoclassical gateway and historical landmark.

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The Porte d'Aquitaine, also known as the Saint Julien Gate, stands as a triumphal arch and one of Bordeaux's six medieval gates. Constructed in 1753, it honors the Duke of Aquitaine and showcases 18th-century neoclassical architecture. Located on Place de la Victoire, it marks the entrance to Rue Sainte-Catherine, a bustling pedestrian street.

A brief summary to Porte d'Aquitaine

  • Porte d'Aquitaine, Pl. de la Victoire, Bordeaux, 33000, FR

Local tips

  • Take a stroll along Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, which begins at the Porte d'Aquitaine.
  • Explore Place de la Victoire, the vibrant square where the gate is located, and enjoy the cafes and restaurants.
  • Admire the architectural details of the gate, including the coat of arms of Bordeaux and the sculptures of sea gods.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Place de la Bourse, walk south along Cours Victor Hugo for approximately 1.5 km. Turn left onto Rue Sainte-Catherine. Continue walking straight, and you will arrive at Place de la Victoire and the Porte d'Aquitaine. This walk is free and takes about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean, take tram line C towards Les Aubiers or Cracovie. Get off at the Porte de Bourgogne stop and transfer to tram line B towards Pessac Centre. Get off at the Victoire stop. The Porte d'Aquitaine is located on Place de la Victoire. A single tram ticket costs €1.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From the Quinconces Esplanade, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Porte d'Aquitaine will cost approximately €10-€15 and take about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Porte d'Aquitaine

The Porte d'Aquitaine, a historical gem in Bordeaux, France, stands as a testament to the city's rich past and architectural splendor. Constructed in 1753, this iconic monument, also known as the Saint Julien Gate, was built to honor the Duke of Aquitaine. The gate is a prime example of 18th-century neoclassical architecture, featuring a triumphal arch design adorned with reliefs and sculptures. Located on Place de la Victoire, formerly known as Saint Julien Square, the Porte d'Aquitaine marks the beginning of Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. This bustling square serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, with cafes, restaurants, and shops surrounding the area. The square also features the Colonne de la Victoire, a marble obelisk, and bronze turtles, both celebrating Bordeaux's wine culture. On one side of the gate, you'll find the coat of arms of Bordeaux, the Great Bell, and a leopard. The other side is decorated with sea gods and fleurs-de-lis in relief. The gate once served as a functional entry point to the city and now stands as a historical landmark. The area around the gate has been pedestrianized, creating a pleasant urban space where the past and present of Bordeaux seamlessly blend.

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