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Monument aux Girondins: A Bordeaux Icon

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

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The Monument aux Girondins, located on the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, is a towering tribute to the Girondins, a political group during the French Revolution. Completed in the early 20th century, the monument features a large column topped by a statue of Liberty and flanked by bronze fountains, making it a must-see landmark.

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 monument from different angles and explore the surrounding area.
  • Look for the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu, two famous philosophers from Bordeaux, located near the monument.
  • Check the Bordeaux Tourism website for up-to-date information on events and activities taking place at the Place des Quinconces.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Monument aux Girondins is easily accessible via Bordeaux's public transportation system. The Quinconces tram stop, served by tram lines B, C, and D, is located directly at the Place des Quinconces. Numerous bus lines also stop at Quinconces. A single ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour, allowing transfers between trams and buses. Consider purchasing a 2- or 10-journey ticket for €3.20 or €14.50, respectively, for multiple trips. A 24-hour pass is also available for €5. From the Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, take Bus C to Quinconces. The journey takes approximately 17 minutes.

  • Walking

    The Monument aux Girondins is located in the city center and is easily reachable by foot from many nearby attractions. From the Grand Théâtre, walk north along the Allées de Tourny for about 10 minutes to reach the Place des Quinconces. From the Place de la Bourse, walk west along the Quai Louis XVIII for about 15 minutes to reach the monument. Walking is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bordeaux and can take you directly to the Monument aux Girondins. A taxi ride from the Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to the monument takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between $10 and $12. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Be aware that traffic can be heavy in the city center, especially during peak hours.

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Discover more about Monument aux Girondins

Located on the Place des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest city squares, the Monument aux Girondins stands as a powerful symbol of Bordeaux. Erected between 1894 and 1902, this grand memorial commemorates the Girondins, a moderate republican group who played a significant role in the early years of the French Revolution. The Girondins, initially part of the Legislative Assembly, supported the revolution but were later executed during the Reign of Terror. The monument itself is an artistic masterpiece, featuring a towering 54-meter column topped by a bronze statue of Liberty breaking free from her chains. At the base of the column are two large fountain basins adorned with bronze sculptures of horses and allegorical figures. These sculptures represent the triumph of the Republic over Ignorance, Lies, and Vice. Two rostral columns, symbolizing commerce and navigation, further accentuate Bordeaux's maritime history. Statues of the philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu, important figures in Bordeaux's intellectual history, are also found on the site. The Place des Quinconces, where the monument is located, has a rich history of its own. Laid out in 1820 on the site of the Château Trompette, the square was designed to prevent rebellion against the city. Today, it serves as a hub for various activities, including fairs, circuses, sporting events, and artistic installations. The monument has undergone several restorations throughout its history, including after World War II when parts of it were dismantled to protect them from being melted down by the Nazis. The monument was classified as a historical monument on March 16, 2011.

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