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Les Quais de Bordeaux: A Riverside Renaissance

Discover Bordeaux's waterfront: stroll along the Garonne, explore historic sites, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Les Quais.

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Les Quais de Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have transformed from a bustling port to a vibrant urban space along the Garonne River. Featuring restored 18th-century facades, gardens, and attractions like the Miroir d'Eau, the quays offer a blend of history, culture, and recreation.

A brief summary to Les quais de Bordeaux

  • 40-41 Quai des Chartrons, Bordeaux, 33000, FR

Local tips

  • Visit the Miroir d'Eau at different times of the day, especially during sunset, to experience the varying reflections and atmospheres.
  • Explore the Chartrons district for its wine merchant history, trendy shops, and the Quai des Marques outlet mall.
  • Take a bike ride along the dedicated paths to discover the full stretch of Les Quais, from the city center to the Cité du Vin.
  • Check the local event calendar for festivals and markets happening along the quays.
  • Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in one of the green spaces.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Place de la Bourse, walk towards the Garonne River. Cross Place de la Bourse and continue along the riverfront to reach Quai des Chartrons. The address, 40-41 Quai des Chartrons, is approximately a 20-minute walk from Place de la Bourse.

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux's city center, take Tram Line C towards Les Aubiers. Get off at the 'Chartrons' stop. Walk towards the river; Les Quais de Bordeaux is a short, 5-minute walk away. A single 'Ticket 1 voyage' costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour of unlimited travel. Validate your ticket upon boarding.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to Les Quais (e.g., Place de la Bourse) typically costs between €15-€20, depending on traffic. From there, you can walk to Quai des Chartrons.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the A630 to Bordeaux and follow signs for Bordeaux Centre. Head towards Quai des Chartrons. Parking is available at several car parks near Les Quais, including Urbis Park Salinières and Q-Park Bord'eau Village. Hourly parking rates range from €2-€4. Street parking is also available but can be limited, costing up to €5 for 2 hours in the red zone and €3.60 in the green zone.

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Discover more about Les quais de Bordeaux

Les Quais de Bordeaux, stretching 4.5 kilometers along the Garonne River, represent the city's successful revitalization of its waterfront. Once the heart of Bordeaux's maritime activity, the area had fallen into disrepair before a comprehensive project in the late 20th and early 21st centuries restored it to its former glory. Landscape architect Michel Corajoud led the transformation, reconnecting the waterfront with the city and creating a public space that celebrates Bordeaux's history and culture. The quays feature cleaned and restored 18th-century facades, repurposed warehouses now housing shops and restaurants, and numerous parks and gardens. The Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror), in front of the Place de la Bourse, is a shallow reflecting pool that creates stunning reflections of the surrounding architecture. Place de la Bourse, a symmetrical royal square built in the 18th century, adds to the area's architectural appeal. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, cycle on dedicated bike paths, and relax in the green spaces. The Chartrons district, known for its wine merchant history, offers a trendy atmosphere and the Quai des Marques outlet mall. Les Quais have become a central part of Bordeaux's identity, offering a welcoming atmosphere where history, culture, and recreation converge. The area is also designed for accessibility, with wide promenades and accessible public transport.

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