Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux
1 / 3
Porte Cailhau - by Marc Ryckaert (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
The Porte Cailhau, also known as Porte du Palais, is one of the old city gates in Bordeaux. It was built at the end of the 15th century with a design in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. As the main entry point in the city, its function was both defensive and celebratory (it is technically an "arc de triomphe"), honouring King Charles VIII’s conquest of the Kingdom of Naples. Visitors can climb up the tower and there is a small museum inside.
Access & Transport
The monument is centrally located, in the Saint Pierre Quarter. The Place du Palais stop on the Tram A line is just 100m away and the Porte de Bourgogne (Tram A, C, D) about 200m.
Instructions & Recommendations
Note the split opening hours with a break at lunch time and the last climb is 30mins before closing time. We suggest combining this with a walk and lunch or dinner in the Saint Pierre Quarter.
Environmental & Social
No carbon footprint. Preserves the city's architectural heritages.
Conclusion
The Porte Cailhau is arguably the most impressive and best-preserved city gate in Bordeaux and really provides a reminder to visitors and residents of the long history of this section of the city. This is a good opportunity to get a little cultural and understand more about that heritage as you discover the Saint Pierre neighbourhood.
Key positive
Striking medieval architecture and very well preserved
Located in an interesting neighbourhood (Saint Pierre)
Key negative
Not that much to see inside
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (narrow staircase)
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 13:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 13:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 13:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 13:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 13:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 13:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 13:00
MONDAY14:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY14:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY14:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY14:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY14:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY14:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY14:00 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY11:00 - 13:00
SUNDAY11:00 - 13:00
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY14:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY14:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY14:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY14:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY14:00 - 18:00