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Hôtel de Ville: Bordeaux's Neoclassical City Hall

Discover Bordeaux's Hôtel de Ville, a neoclassical masterpiece with a rich history, from Archbishop's Palace to the heart of city governance.

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The Hôtel de Ville, also known as Palais Rohan, is Bordeaux's City Hall. Originally built in the late 18th century as the Archbishop's Palace, it exemplifies neoclassical architecture and became the city hall in 1835. Located on Place Pey Berland, it's a significant historical and architectural landmark.

A brief summary to Hôtel de ville de Bordeaux

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays for guided tours offering insights into the history and architecture.
  • Check for cultural events or exhibitions happening at the Hôtel de Ville during your visit.
  • Explore the surrounding area, including nearby parks and plazas, for a relaxing stroll.
  • Bring a camera; the building offers incredible photo opportunities at different times of the day.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Hôtel de Ville is easily accessible on foot from Bordeaux City Center. Head towards Place Pey Berland, where the Hôtel de Ville is located. The building is easily visible due to its prominent architecture. From most central locations, the walk should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    You can take the tram to reach Hôtel de Ville. Take Line A and get off at the 'Hotel de Ville' stop. A single journey tram ticket costs around €1.80 and is valid for one hour of travel, allowing transfers between trams and buses. Tickets can be purchased at tram stops.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Bordeaux. A short trip from the Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to the Hôtel de Ville typically costs between $9 to $11 and takes only a few minutes. Note that prices may vary depending on traffic and time of day.

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Discover more about Hôtel de ville de Bordeaux

The Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall of Bordeaux, stands on Place Pey Berland, near the Pey Berland Tower and the Saint-André Cathedral. This elegant building, also known as Palais Rohan, has a rich history, initially constructed between 1771 and 1784 as the Archbishop's Palace for Ferdinand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan. The design, first conceived by Joseph Étienne and later executed by Richard-François Bonfin, marks the beginning of neoclassical architecture in Bordeaux, characterized by its balanced and symmetrical style. Following the French Revolution, the palace transitioned from religious residence to a seat of power, becoming the Prefecture of the Gironde department in 1791. In 1835, it officially became Bordeaux's City Hall. The building's architecture features a three-story main structure, flanked by single-story wings, and a courtyard. Inside, a magnificent stone staircase, designed by Richard-François Bonfin, is considered a masterpiece of French stonecutting. The City Council Chamber, completed in 1889, reflects the official architecture of the Third Republic. Today, the Hôtel de Ville houses municipal services and is open for guided tours. Visitors can explore its historic salons, admire the period furnishings, and appreciate the blend of architectural styles that reflect Bordeaux's evolving history.

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