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Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux

Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

The Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux is shaped as a long rectangle rounded off by a semicircle with trees planted in quincunxes (five points arranged in a cross shape), hence the name. It is one of Europe largest squares. It most preeminent feature is the Monument aux Girondins, a 54m tall column crowned by a liberty statue that was erected at the end of the 19h century to commemorate the Girondists (a political faction) who fell victim of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. There are also two columns facing the Garonne symbolising commerce and navigation.

Access & Transport

The square is located just north of the city centre and acts as its main transport hub with 3 tram lines (B, C, D) and over 20 bus services.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend combining a visit there with a walk along the quais to check out the water mirror and Place de la Bourse. The Triangle d'Or neighbourhood and the Jardin Public are also nearby.

Meta review

Visitors taking the time to admire the fountain with its sculptures, the Monument aux Girondins and to learn about the details and history of the square have extremely positive comments about it. Because it is not famous, those that do not make that small time investment often express average reviews.

Environmental & Social

The main energy consumption is for the water fountains, otherwise we deem this activity to be environmentally neutral. Part of the city's artistic and architectural heritages.

Conclusion

The Place des Quinconces and Monument aux Girondins are one of the visual highlights of the city; quite a change from the beautiful old buildings and square of the city centre, this is a very wide space where columns, sculptures and water take center stage. It is not "unmissable", but we do think it is worth a detour and 20-30mins admiring the various sculptures.

Key positive

Impressive column and fountain with an interesting history

Walking distance to other attractions and served by 3 tram lines

Key negative

Difficult to get a good view of the entire square

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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