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Place des Quinconces: Bordeaux's Grand Esplanade

Discover Place des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest squares, in the heart of Bordeaux, featuring monuments, events, and easy access to the city.

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Place des Quinconces, one of the largest city squares in Europe, is a prominent landmark in Bordeaux, France. Laid out in the early 19th century on the site of the Château Trompette, it features the iconic Monument aux Girondins, rostral columns, and statues of famous philosophers, serving as a focal point for public events and transportation.

A brief summary to Place des Quinconces

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
  • Explore nearby attractions like the Cathédrale Saint-André and the Grand Théâtre, within walking distance.
  • Take advantage of the square's accessibility via public transportation, including buses and trams.
  • Check local event listings to see if any festivals, concerts, or markets are taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station, take Tram Line C directly to the 'Quinconces' stop, which places you right on the square. A single tram ticket costs €2.

  • Walking

    From the Grand Théâtre, walk northwest along Cours du Chapeau-Rouge, then turn left onto Allée de Tourny. Continue straight; the Place des Quinconces will be directly ahead. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, a taxi to Place des Quinconces takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €30-€40.

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Discover more about Place des Quinconces

Place des Quinconces, spanning approximately 12 hectares (30 acres), stands as one of the largest squares in Europe, located in the heart of Bordeaux. This vast esplanade was created in the early 19th century (around 1820) on the grounds where the Château Trompette once stood, a fortress whose origins trace back to the 15th century. The square's design, with trees originally planted in a quinconce pattern (an arrangement of five units with four at the corners of a square and one in the center), gives the space its name. The Place des Quinconces is framed by several significant monuments. The most prominent is the Monument aux Girondins, a tall column topped by a statue of Liberty breaking free from her chains, commemorating the Girondin deputies who were guillotined during the French Revolution. The base of the monument features bronze fountains with allegorical sculptures. Facing the Garonne River are two rostral columns adorned with ship prows, symbolizing Bordeaux's commerce and maritime history. Statues of the philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu, both figures with strong ties to the Bordeaux region, are also found on the square. Throughout the year, Place des Quinconces serves as a dynamic hub for various events. It hosts the Bordeaux Wine Festival, fairs, circuses, and other cultural and sporting events, drawing locals and tourists alike. As a major transportation hub, the square provides easy access to the city via tram and bus lines.

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