View of the Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux with historic buildings and clear blue sky

Place Des Quinconces

Place des Quinconces Bordeaux: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Place des Quinconces is not only the largest city square in France—spanning approximately 12 hectares—but also an emblematic centerpiece of Bordeaux’s architectural and cultural landscape. Laid out on the site of the former Château Trompette, the square reflects Bordeaux’s transformation from a fortified stronghold to a city defined by civic pride, revolutionary ideals, and vibrant public life. Adorned with monumental sculptures like the Monument aux Girondins and flanked by neoclassical rostral columns, Place des Quinconces offers a rich experience for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and travelers seeking both tranquility and lively events. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of the square’s history, architectural highlights, practical visitor information—including visiting hours and tickets—and tips for exploring nearby attractions.

For further exploration and up-to-date details, consult the Bordeaux Tourism website and Bordeaux Secret.

A panoramic aerial view of Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, France, showcasing the large open square with trees and historic monument

Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, France with a prominent statue and clear blue sky

Illustration from the 1904 French school textbook 'Le Tour de la France par deux enfants' by George Bruno showing two children on a rural path with a village in the background

Historic Place des Quinconces with fountains and statues in Bordeaux, France

Historical Background
- Origins and Early Development
- Naming and Political Shifts
Architectural and Symbolic Features
- Monumental Scale
- Rostral Columns and Philosophers
Monument aux Girondins: Memorial to Revolutionary Sacrifice
Modern Role: Events and Public Life
Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Background

Origins and Early Development

The Place des Quinconces is steeped in Bordeaux’s layered history. Its location was once occupied by the formidable Château Trompette, a 15th-century fortress built by Charles VII to assert royal control following centuries of English influence. The fortress, with cannons pointed toward the city, symbolized authority and vigilance (Bordeaux Secret; Spotting History).

As the fortress lost its military significance by the 19th century, it was demolished in 1816, making way for a grand civic esplanade. Trees were planted in a quincunx pattern (like the five dots on a die), giving the square its name, “Quinconces”. This transformation was completed by 1828, marking a new era for Bordeaux’s public life (Bordeaux Secret; Spotting History).

Naming and Political Shifts

Initially, the square bore names that reflected France’s political climate, such as “Place Louis XVI” and “Place Louis-Philippe.” Only after the 1848 Revolution did it officially become Place des Quinconces—highlighting its unique landscaping rather than royal associations (Bordeaux Secret).

Architectural and Symbolic Features

Monumental Scale

With a surface area of around 12 hectares (about 31 acres), Place des Quinconces is the largest city square in France and among the largest in Europe (Wikipedia; SeeBordeaux). Its vastness allows it to host major public gatherings, fairs, and cultural events year-round.

Rostral Columns and Philosophers

At the eastern edge, facing the Garonne River, stand two 21-meter rostral columns (erected in 1829), designed by Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau. Adorned with ship prows and topped with statues symbolizing commerce and navigation, these columns celebrate Bordeaux’s maritime and trading legacy (Spotting History; History Hit; SeeBordeaux).

On the city-center side, statues of Michel de Montaigne and Montesquieu honor Bordeaux’s intellectual heritage and its contributions to Enlightenment thought (LeMap Bordeaux).

Monument aux Girondins: Memorial to Revolutionary Sacrifice

Historical Context

The Monument aux Girondins dominates the western end of the square. It commemorates the Girondists—moderate revolutionary deputies from Bordeaux who were executed during the Reign of Terror for defending democratic ideals (History Tools; Wikipedia).

Construction and Symbolism

Proposed in 1868 and formally commissioned in 1881, the monument was completed in 1902. Sculptor Alphonse Dumilatre and architect Victor Rich designed a 43-meter-high column surmounted by a statue of Liberty breaking her chains—a powerful symbol of emancipation and the Republic (Wikipedia; Spotting History).

The base features dynamic bronze fountains, depicting allegorical figures and horses representing the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, Bordeaux’s lifelines (LeMap Bordeaux; History Hit). The ensemble is a testament to both civic grandeur and artistic innovation.

Wartime Trials and Restoration

During WWII, the monument’s bronze sculptures were requisitioned by occupying forces but survived thanks to the ingenuity of local foundries. After the war, they were returned and reinstalled, with major restoration completed in the 1980s. In 2011, the Monument aux Girondins was designated a historical monument, ensuring its preservation (Wikipedia; LeMap Bordeaux).

Modern Role: Events and Public Life

Place des Quinconces is a vibrant venue for Bordeaux’s most significant events and gatherings:

Bordeaux Wine Festival: Biennial celebration with tastings, food stalls, and live performances.
Foire aux Plaisirs: A traditional funfair held twice yearly, featuring rides and entertainment since 1854.
Brocante des Quinconces: One of France’s largest antique fairs, held biannually and attracting over 200 dealers.
Christmas Market: Festive market from November to December with artisanal crafts and gourmet specialties.
Concerts and National Celebrations: Including Bastille Day festivities, open-air performances, and riverfront fireworks (agendaculturel.fr; Bordeaux Tourism).

The square is also a preferred spot for relaxation, picnics, and people-watching, thanks to its tree-lined avenues and central location.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Place des Quinconces is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tickets: Entry is free at all times. Some temporary exhibitions or events may require tickets—check event details in advance (agendaculturel.fr).

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: The esplanade is flat and fully wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps.
Transport: Served by tram lines C and D (Quinconces stop), over 20 bus routes, and river shuttles, making access simple from anywhere in Bordeaux (thesanetravel.com; triphobo.com).
Cycling: Bike rental stations are available nearby, and the square connects to Bordeaux’s extensive cycling paths (travel2next.com).

Guided Tours and Events

Guided walking tours are available through local operators and the Bordeaux tourism office, providing historical and architectural context. Audio guides and mobile apps, such as Audiala, offer self-guided experiences. The square’s event calendar includes festivals, fairs, markets, and concerts throughout the year (Bordeaux Tourisme).

Nearby Attractions

Within walking or tram distance, visitors can access:

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux: Home to the National Opera.
Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’Eau: Iconic reflecting pool and architectural landmark.
Musée d’Aquitaine: Showcasing the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine.
La Cité du Vin: Bordeaux’s acclaimed wine museum (thesanetravel.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Place des Quinconces?
A: The square is open 24/7 as a public space.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, entry is free at all times. Some events or exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided walking tours and digital audio guides are available.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the square is fully accessible, and public transport is nearby.

Q: What major events take place at Place des Quinconces?
A: Key events include the Bordeaux Wine Festival, Foire aux Plaisirs, Brocante antiques fair, Christmas Market, and national celebrations.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

Image 1: Panoramic view of Place des Quinconces with Monument aux Girondins (alt: “Panoramic view of Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux historical site”)
Image 2: Close-up of the Rostral Columns (alt: “Rostral Columns symbolizing Bordeaux’s maritime heritage at Place des Quinconces”)
Image 3: Festival at Place des Quinconces (alt: “Live music festival at Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux”)

For virtual tours and high-resolution images, visit the official Bordeaux tourism site.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Place des Quinconces is a living symbol of Bordeaux’s civic spirit, offering a remarkable journey through centuries of history, art, and public life. Its grandeur, free access, and dynamic calendar of events make it an essential destination for any visitor. For the most current information on festivals, guided tours, and visitor services, download the Audiala mobile app and consult the Bordeaux Tourism website. Make sure to include Place des Quinconces in your Bordeaux itinerary for an unforgettable cultural experience.