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Place de la Bourse & Water Mirror

Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirrors facing have become emblematic of Bordeaux. The square was built in the mid-18th century and was originally called place Royale before changing a few times and settling in its current one in 1848. It is framed by two symmetrical buildings: the Palais de la Bourse (Stock Market) and the Hôtel des Douanes (Customs building), their current fonction has shifted but still retains a strong link. The sculpture Three Graces dates from 1869 and represents three of Zeus daughters symbolizing beauty (Aglaé), happiness (Euphrosyne) and wealth (Thalie). The Water Mirror covers 3,450m² and is the world's largest reflecting pool. It is located on the quay of the Garonne, opposite Place de la Bourse and is made of granite slabs covered by 2 cm of water with a system creating mist over it along a set time cycle.

Access & Transport

Located along the banks of the Garonne River, Tram C and D and Bus C stop there. It is also walking distance from the city centre and most of Bordeaux touristic sights.

Instructions & Recommendations

The water mirrors operate in a ~25mins cycle from 10h00 to 22h00 except in the winter. We recommend combining this activity with a walk along the river, a visit of the Triangle d'Or neighbourhood, of the Quartier Saint Pierre or of Place des Quinconces.

Meta review

The combo of the square with its image reflected in the water mirror is now routinely featured in blogs and travel magazine so it is on the shortlist of most visitors to the city. Reviews are very positive, both for the buildings of Place de la Bourse (unless some renovation work is taking place) and the water feature which is great for children and beautiful at dusk and at night. The main recurring complaints have to do with upgrading / renovation works that can obstruct the view, the fact that the water mirror doesn't operate in the winter (maintenance and risk of water freezing) and that the mirror effect can't happen when kids play in the water.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally, the water volume is not very large (only 2cm thickness albeit on a wide surface) Part of the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

The Water Mirror has cleverly raised the profile of one of France's most impressive squares to an iconic level - a great pay off for a city that has invested in its infrastructure and modernisation since the mid-1990s. Whether or not you are lucky enough to get the mirror effect we think Place de la Bourse is a sight not to be missed and the water feature is great fun for kids and adults alike.

Key positive

Water mirror is a fun place for kids

Very grand facade with harmonious buildings

Key negative

Difficult to get the mirroring effect during the tourist season (with kids running around)

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Water mirror operates from 10h00 to 22h00 except in the winter

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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