Monument aux Girondins, Bordeaux Travel Guide

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A majestic monument in Bordeaux honoring the Girondins, featuring a towering column, bronze fountains, and allegorical sculptures on the expansive Place des Quinconces.

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Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins, located on the Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, is a towering tribute to the Girondist deputies who were victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Built between 1894 and 1902, the monument features a large column topped by a statue of Liberty breaking its chains, flanked by two large bronze fountains.

A brief summary to Monument aux Girondins

2792 Pl. des Quinconces, Bordeaux, 33000, FR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Monument aux Girondins.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photographs.
Take a stroll around the Esplanade des Quinconces to appreciate the monument from different angles and see the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu.
Check the Bordeaux Tourism website for information on events and festivals that may be taking place on the Esplanade des Quinconces during your visit.

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Getting There

Walking

The Monument aux Girondins is located on the Esplanade des Quinconces, a short walk from many central Bordeaux attractions. From the Grand Théâtre, walk northwest along Cours du Chapeau-Rouge, then turn left onto Allée de Chartres. The monument will be directly ahead. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The Esplanade des Quinconces is a major transport hub served by tram lines B, C, and D. Take any of these tram lines to the 'Quinconces' stop, which is located directly on the Esplanade. From Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, Tram A will take you directly to the city center. From there, transfer to Tram B or C to Quinconces. A single tram fare is €1.70, and is valid for one hour of travel including transfers.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Bordeaux. A taxi from the Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to the Monument aux Girondins typically costs between €10-€15, depending on traffic and the time of day. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Discover more about Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins stands as a powerful symbol of Bordeaux and its rich history. Erected between 1894 and 1902 on the Esplanade des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest city squares, the monument commemorates the Girondins, a political group who played a significant role in the early years of the French Revolution. The monument's centerpiece is a towering 54-meter column, crowned by a bronze statue of Liberty breaking free from her chains. This statue symbolizes the triumph of freedom and the enduring spirit of the Girondists. The column is adorned with intricate carvings and statues, each telling a part of the story of the French Revolution. At the base of the column are two expansive fountain basins featuring dramatic bronze sculptures of horses and allegorical figures. These fountains represent the triumph of the Republic and symbolize the Garonne River and its tributaries.The Esplanade des Quinconces itself is a significant space. Laid out in 1820, it is one of the largest city squares in Europe. The square also features rostral columns dedicated to Bordeaux's maritime and commercial activities and statues of the Bordeaux philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu.The monument has undergone periods of turmoil, including during World War II when occupying forces removed statues. However, it was restored and stands today as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The monument was classified as a historical monument on March 16, 2011. Today, the Monument aux Girondins is a must-see landmark, drawing visitors with its historical significance, artistic beauty, and central role in Bordeaux's cultural life.