Quinconces: The Heartbeat of Bordeaux

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwa/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-new, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dee-zeur ay deuh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [deeze]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in France, was created in the early 19th century, replacing the former royal square, Place de l'Étoile. This transformation was part of a broader urban renewal effort in Bordeaux, initiated after the French Revolution. The square is named for its unique quincunx pattern of trees, which was designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

In the center of Place des Quinconces stands the monumental fountain dedicated to the Girondins, a group of moderate revolutionary politicians. Erected in 1902, this monument symbolizes the values of liberty and democracy. The Girondins played a significant role during the French Revolution, and their legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Bordeaux, which was a stronghold of Girondin support.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Place des Quinconces became a vibrant cultural center, hosting various events, fairs, and exhibitions. The square's spacious layout allowed for public gatherings, including political demonstrations and celebrations, further embedding it in the social fabric of Bordeaux. It served as a backdrop for the city's evolving identity, reflecting the changing political and cultural landscape of France.

During World War II, the square and its surrounding areas were impacted by the occupation of Bordeaux. Following the war, the square underwent further changes, including the reconstruction of damaged buildings and the re-establishment of public spaces. The post-war period saw a renewed interest in the square as a site for public discourse and community events, reinforcing its role as a central meeting place for the citizens of Bordeaux.

Today, Place des Quinconces continues to be a focal point in Bordeaux, attracting locals and tourists alike. The square is often used for festivals, markets, and cultural events, maintaining its status as a vibrant heart of the city. The surrounding area, including the nearby Palais Rohan and the Bordeaux waterfront, further enriches the historical narrative, making Quinconces a vital part of the city's cultural landscape.

Quinconces is centrally located in Bordeaux and is easily accessible from other neighborhoods. The tram lines A and B stop at Quinconces, connecting it to the main train station, Gare Saint-Jean, and other neighborhoods like Saint-Pierre and Chartrons. Buses also serve the area with multiple lines stopping at Quinconces. For those arriving by car, there are parking facilities nearby, but it is advised to use public transport due to limited parking space.

Quinconces is pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to explore on foot. The tram system is efficient and connects to various parts of Bordeaux. Bicycles can be rented through local services, and there are designated bike lanes throughout the area. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for those needing quicker transport.

Quinconces is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be observed. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur in crowded areas. It is recommended to avoid alleyways and poorly lit areas at night. Stay vigilant in tourist hotspots and be cautious with personal belongings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU de Bordeaux), which provides comprehensive medical services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. There are also pharmacies in the area for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Don't wear beach or gym clothing in restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious sites; dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly individuals. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don't forget to use titles like 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' when addressing locals. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and delicacies. Don't be offended if locals ask you to share food; it’s a sign of hospitality.

To experience Quinconces like a local, take a stroll through the nearby Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Bordeaux, and enjoy the fountains and statues. Visit the local cafés for a leisurely coffee or a glass of wine while people-watching. For a cultural experience, check out the nearby Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux for performances. Engage with locals in markets, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on hidden gems in the area.