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Monument aux Girondins: A Symbol of Bordeaux

A stunning monument in Bordeaux's largest square, honoring the Girondins and symbolizing liberty with its iconic column and bronze fountains.

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The Monument aux Girondins, located on the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, is a striking fountain and monument commemorating the Girondists, a political group during the French Revolution. The monument features a tall column topped by a statue of Liberty breaking its chains, surrounded by bronze fountains and sculptures. It stands as a major landmark and a testament to the city's rich history.

A brief summary to Monument aux Girondins

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a stroll around the Place des Quinconces to appreciate the vastness of the square and its surrounding monuments.
  • Look for the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu, two famous philosophers from Bordeaux, located near the monument.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Place des Quinconces is a major transportation hub in Bordeaux, easily accessible by tram and bus. Tram lines B, C, and D all stop at the Quinconces station, providing direct access to the monument. Many bus lines also serve the square. From the Quinconces tram or bus stop, the monument is a short walk away. A single tram or bus ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines at tram stops or through the TBM app.

  • Walking

    The Monument aux Girondins is located in the heart of Bordeaux and is easily reachable by foot from many central locations. From the Grand Théâtre, walk northwest along Cours du Chapeau-Rouge, then turn left onto Allée de Chartres. The monument will be directly ahead. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Bordeaux and offer a convenient way to reach the Monument aux Girondins. A taxi ride from Bordeaux-Saint Jean train station to Place des Quinconces typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €15-€20. There are taxi stands near the train station and in other central locations.

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Discover more about Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins, an unmissable landmark in Bordeaux, stands proudly on the Place des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest city squares. Erected between 1894 and 1902, the monument pays homage to the Girondists, deputies from the Gironde department who were a significant part of the French Revolution. However, they met a tragic fate during the Reign of Terror in 1793. The monument's centerpiece is a towering 54-meter column, crowned by a bronze statue of Liberty breaking free from her chains, symbolizing the Girondins' ideals. The base of the column is flanked by two large basins adorned with bronze horses and troops, adding to the monument's grandeur. The sculptures include representations of the Triumph of the Republic and the Triumph of Concord. Two rostral columns, standing at 21 meters, symbolize commerce and navigation, reflecting Bordeaux's maritime importance. Statues of the philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu, both from Bordeaux, are also found here. The Place des Quinconces itself has a rich history. It was laid out in 1820 on the site of the Château Trompette, a fortress built to prevent rebellion against the city. Today, the square is a bustling hub, hosting various events and serving as a major public transportation interchange. Visitors can easily spend time exploring the monument's intricate details, enjoying the surrounding green space, and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic site.

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