Rue Sainte Catherine & Place de la Victoire, Bordeaux
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Place de la Victoire, Bordeaux - by Patrick Despoix (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
The Place de la Victoire (Victory Square) is one of Bordeaux main public squares, the name is used to commemorate the Allied victory at the end of WW1. It is surrounded by buildings with neo-classical facades and has one arc de triomphe at its centre: the Porte Aquitaine which was built in the middle of the 18th century. The square marks the southern end of rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe's longest (1250m) and busiest pedestrian streets and the city's main shopping area. At the northern end, the street links to the Triangle d'Or and the Grand Théâtre. The name of Sainte Catherine comes from a chapel by that name built in the 11th by the order of the Knights Hospitaller.
Access & Transport
Tram B stops at Place de la Victoire, as well as several buses (1, 5, 11, 15, 20). The Sainte Catherine tram stop (line A) is located around mid-way on the south-north axis and the Grand Théâtre stop (line B) is the best option at the northern end.
Instructions & Recommendations
This area is very lively every day and Place de la Victoire in the evenings in particular - it is a good option for an evening out, bars are packed with students. If you want a quiet experience, we suggest visiting in the morning.
Environmental & Social
Mostly concrete with no green spaces. Socially neutral as commercialization / consumerisms balances out the architecture preservation aspect.
Conclusion
Rue Sainte Catherine is worth "experiencing" once for everybody, but it really is meant for shoppers only - not much else to do. Place de la Victoire is a natural end or starting point to the street and is worth a quick look if you are around. In a normal city, the arc de triomphe and obelisk surrounded by impressive buildings would stand out, but in Bordeaux there is too much competition from other monuments!
Key positive
Excellent for shopping
Good bar options with a young crowd at Place de la Victoire
Key negative
Nothing very interesting beyond shopping
Both the street and the square can be crowded
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Monday10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday10:00 - 19:00
Thursday10:00 - 19:00
Friday10:00 - 19:00
Saturday10:00 - 19:00
Sunday11:00 - 19:00