Château du Hâ, Bordeaux Travel Guide

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Explore Château du Hâ, a medieval fortress turned palace of justice, in the heart of Bordeaux. Witness centuries of French history and power.

Château du Hâ, a historical landmark in Bordeaux, stands as a testament to the city's turbulent past. Built in the 15th century by King Charles VII after the Hundred Years' War, it served as both a military stronghold and a symbol of royal authority. Today, it houses the Palais de Justice and the École Nationale de la Magistrature, offering a glimpse into Bordeaux's medieval and judicial history.

A brief summary to Château du Hâ

10 Rue des Frères Bonie, Bordeaux, 33000, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Château du Hâ.

Visit during European Heritage Days in mid-September for a rare chance to see inside the ceremonial courtroom.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Saint-André Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Photography inside is restricted due to its function as a courthouse; however, you are free to take photos of the exterior.

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Explore Château du Hâ on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Château du Hâ, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Place des Quinconces, take Tram Line C towards Parc Bordelais and get off at the 'Place des Quinconces' stop. From there, walk towards the Cours de l'Intendance, then turn right onto Rue des Frères Bonie. Château du Hâ will be on your left at number 10. A tram ticket costs approximately €1.70.
Walking

Château du Hâ is located in Bordeaux's historic center, a short walk from many central landmarks. From the Hôtel de Ville, walk along Rue de la Croix-de-Seguey towards the cathedral. Continue onto Rue des Frères Bonie; the Château will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Taxi

A taxi from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to Château du Hâ will cost approximately €30 during the day and €45 at night. The journey is around 12 km and takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi ranks are available outside the station.

Discover more about Château du Hâ

Château du Hâ, also known as Fort du Hâ, is a historic château in Bordeaux, France, with a rich and complex past. Constructed in the 15th century, under the order of King Charles VII, its purpose was to assert royal control over Bordeaux and the Gascon region following the end of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453. The name 'Hâ' is believed to be derived from the Gascon word 'Far,' meaning 'lighthouse' or 'lookout'.Initially, the château served as a military fortress, designed to protect the city from English invasion and to keep watch over a potentially rebellious local population. Its architecture reflected this dual purpose, featuring massive stone walls and imposing round towers. In 1470, it became the residence of Charles de Valois, the Duke of Guyenne, transforming into a vibrant court.Over the centuries, the château's role evolved. It served as a refuge for Protestants during the Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572 and later played a part in the defense of the city during the Fronde in 1650. In the 18th century, it was transformed into a palace of justice, housing courtrooms and administrative offices. A prison was established in 1731, and it continued to serve as such during the French Revolution.Today, Château du Hâ houses the Palais de Justice (law courts) and the École Nationale de la Magistrature (National School for the Judiciary). While public access to the interior is limited, the exterior can be admired, showcasing the juxtaposition of medieval architecture and the modern city. Occasional tours are available during events like European Heritage Days.