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Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux

Place du Palais, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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.

Meta review

Reviews are unequivocal: the Gate is beautiful to look at and has an interesting historical value. It should be noted however that it is not the only gate in the city and that for a significant percentage of visitors the entrance fee doesn't provide much incremental value as the 2 floors do not contain many exhibits and the view from the top is nice but not spectacular.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last entrance 30 minutes before closing time

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1 / Period 1

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

Season 1 / Period 2

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

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY11:00 - 13:00

SUNDAY11:00 - 13:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY14:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY14:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY14:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY14:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY14:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€3.5
Adult
18 - 64
€5
Child
6 - 17
€3.5
Infant
0 - 5
€0
Student price is 3.50€. Children age thresholds are our best guest (info not available online)

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