Porte d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux Travel Guide

4.3 (620)

Discover the grandeur of Bordeaux's past at the Porte d'Aquitaine, an iconic 18th-century triumphal arch on the vibrant Place de la Victoire.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Bordeaux
Porte d'Aquitaine

The Porte d'Aquitaine, also known as the Saint Julien Gate, is an iconic landmark in Bordeaux, France. Constructed in 1753 as a triumphal arch, it honors the Duke of Aquitaine and exemplifies 18th-century neoclassical architecture. Located on Place de la Victoire, it marks the beginning of Rue Sainte-Catherine, a bustling pedestrian street.

A brief summary to Porte d'Aquitaine

Porte d'Aquitaine, Pl. de la Victoire, Bordeaux, 33000, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Porte d'Aquitaine.

Visit Place de la Victoire on weekends to experience local markets and live performances.
Enjoy a coffee and authentic Bordeaux pastry at one of the cafes near Place de la Victoire.
Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the Porte d'Aquitaine, especially during the warm light of golden hour.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Pey Berland Tower

Place de la Bourse

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Château du Hâ

Grosse Cloche

Explore Porte d'Aquitaine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Porte d'Aquitaine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Place de la Bourse, walk south along Cours Victor Hugo for about 1.5km. Turn left onto Rue Sainte-Catherine, and continue until you reach Place de la Victoire. The Porte d'Aquitaine will be directly in front of you. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean, take Tram Line C towards Les Aubiers. Transfer at Quinconces to Tram Line B towards Pessac Centre. Get off at the Place de la Victoire stop. The Porte d'Aquitaine is located on the square. A single tram ticket costs €1.70.
Taxi/Ride-share

From the CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux, a taxi or ride-share to Porte d'Aquitaine will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes.

Discover more about Porte d'Aquitaine

The Porte d'Aquitaine, a historical monument in Bordeaux, stands as a testament to the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Constructed in 1753, the gate was built to honor the Duke of Aquitaine and showcases 18th-century neoclassical design. The gate is also referred to as the Saint Julien Gate.Intendant Tourny initiated the construction of new gates to improve the city, with the Porte d'Aquitaine designed by architect André Portier. The gate features a triumphal arch adorned with reliefs and sculptures. One side displays Bordeaux's coat of arms, the Great Bell, and a leopard, while the other features sea gods and fleurs-de-lis.Located on Place de la Victoire, the gate marks the start of Rue Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux's lively commercial street. The square itself is a vibrant hub with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Porte d'Aquitaine is a reminder of Bordeaux's history and enduring spirit.