Palais Gallien, Aquitaine Travel Guide

4.3 (1670)

Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Palais Gallien in Bordeaux, a captivating journey into the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Aquitaine
Palais Gallien

The Palais Gallien, located in Bordeaux, France, is a historical monument and the city's oldest Roman ruin. Built in the 2nd century AD, this amphitheater once hosted gladiatorial contests and public events, accommodating up to 22,000 spectators. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the grandeur of Roman Burdigala.

A brief summary to Palais Gallien

126 Rue du Dr Albert Barraud, Bordeaux, 33000, FR
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palais Gallien.

Visit during the summer for guided and nighttime tours to learn more about the Coliseum and Bordeaux's ancient origins.
Check the official website for information on special events, such as historical reenactments, art exhibitions, and musical performances.
Wear comfortable shoes, as some areas have uneven terrain.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Jardin Public (Public Garden) and the Saint-Seurin Basilica.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Monument aux Girondins

Pey Berland Tower

Porte Cailhau

Porte d'Aquitaine

Place de la Bourse

Explore Palais Gallien on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Palais Gallien, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station, take bus line 16 towards Saint-Seurin and get off at the 'Saint-Seurin' stop. The Palais Gallien is a short walk from there. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes. A single ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour of travel, allowing transfers between trams and buses.
Walking

From the city center (e.g., Place de la Bourse), the Palais Gallien is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Head north along Rue Fondaudège. The Palais Gallien will be on your left, near Rue du Colisée. This is a straightforward and pleasant walk through the city.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Bordeaux. A taxi ride from the Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to the Palais Gallien typically costs between €10-€12 and takes about 4 minutes, depending on traffic. From the airport, a taxi ride to the Palais Gallien will take approximately 25 minutes.

Discover more about Palais Gallien

The Palais Gallien stands as a testament to Bordeaux's rich Roman history. Constructed in the early 2nd century AD, it was a significant amphitheater in Burdigala, the Roman name for Bordeaux. This impressive structure, measuring 132 by 111 meters, could hold approximately 20,000 spectators who gathered to witness gladiatorial fights, animal hunts, and theatrical performances. Over the centuries, the Palais Gallien has undergone many transformations. After being damaged during the Frankish invasion around 275-276 AD, it was abandoned and later used as a quarry for building materials during the Middle Ages. During the French Revolution, it even served as a place of execution. Despite its tumultuous past, the site was recognized for its historical significance and classified as a historical monument in 1840.Today, the Palais Gallien offers a glimpse into the past, with its remaining arches and walls integrated into the surrounding urban landscape. Visitors can explore the ruins, walk through the ancient arena, and learn about the history of this once-grand amphitheater. A building at the entrance features a 3D reconstitution, showcasing the original layout and offering a comparison to other Roman arenas like those in Nîmes and Arles. The site is open to the public year-round and is free to visit.