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Monument aux Girondins: A Bordeaux Icon

A majestic monument in Bordeaux's grand Place des Quinconces, honoring the Girondins and embodying the spirit of liberty and history.

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The Monument aux Girondins, located on the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, is a striking monument dedicated to the Girondists, a political group during the French Revolution. Featuring a tall column topped by a statue of Liberty and flanked by elaborate fountains, it's a must-see landmark embodying the city's rich history.

A brief summary to Monument aux Girondins

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the Place des Quinconces to fully appreciate the scale of the square and the monument.
  • Visit during the day to see the intricate details of the statues and fountains, or at night when the monument is beautifully lit.
  • Check local event listings, as the Place des Quinconces often hosts fairs, festivals, and other public gatherings.
  • Explore the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu located on the side of the Quinconces closest to the city center.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Place des Quinconces is a major transport hub in Bordeaux. Tram lines B and C stop directly at the 'Quinconces' station. Many bus lines also serve the area. A single tram or bus ticket costs approximately €1.70.

  • Walking

    If you are in central Bordeaux, the Place des Quinconces is easily accessible by foot. From the city center, walk towards Rue de la Porte Dijeaux, then turn onto Cours de l'Intendance until you reach Place des Quinconces. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Bordeaux. A short taxi ride from Bordeaux city center to Place des Quinconces will typically cost between €5-€7.

  • Car

    If driving, follow signs for 'Bordeaux Centre'. Parking near Place des Quinconces is limited. There are public parking garages nearby, such as 'Parking Bourse' and 'Parking des Quinconces'. Parking costs around €1.50 per hour. Be aware that the Place des Quinconces is in Zone A of pay parking, where the maximum stay is 2 hours.

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Discover more about Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins stands as a powerful symbol of Bordeaux, gracing the vast Place des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest city squares. Erected between 1894 and 1902, this grand memorial commemorates the Girondins, deputies from the Gironde department who played a significant role in the French Revolution. The monument features a 43-meter high column , crowned by a statue of Liberty breaking its chains, representing the Girondins' ideals. The column is flanked by two large basins adorned with bronze horses and troops, forming the Triumph of the Republic and the Triumph of Concord. These fountains include statues representing eloquence and history, as well as allegorical representations of the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. The Place des Quinconces itself has a rich history. Built in the 19th century on the site of the former Château Trompette , the square's design was initially intended to prevent rebellion against the city. Today, it hosts various events, including fairs, circuses, and sporting events. Two rostral columns, symbolizing commerce and navigation, further accentuate the monument's theme, acknowledging Bordeaux's maritime significance. Statues of the philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu, important figures in Bordeaux's intellectual history, can also be found on the square. During World War II, the Nazis removed statues from the fountain to make cannons; these were later recovered and the monument was restored. The monument was classified as a historical monument on March 16, 2011. Visiting the Monument aux Girondins offers a journey through time, inviting reflection on the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

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