Place des Quinconces : ideas from Guides France
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Place des Quinconces : ideas from Guides France
Explore Place des Quinconces
Located in the very center of Bordeaux, Place des Quinconces is one of the largest city squares in Europe — a true symbol of the city’s elegance and historical depth. Spanning more than 12 hectares, this vast open space serves as a cultural, historical, and social meeting point for both locals and visitors. Built in the early 19th century on the site of an old military fortress, the square was designed to reflect the values of liberty and openness following the French Revolution.
More than just a passing point, the Place des Quinconces is where Bordeaux breathes. It is the ideal starting place for discovering the city’s charm, history, and architectural beauty.
What to See at Place des Quinconces
One of the most striking features of the square is the Monument to the Girondins, erected between 1894 and 1902. This impressive ensemble includes a towering column topped with a statue of liberty breaking its chains, powerful bronze horses leaping out of dramatic fountains, and intricate sculptural details celebrating the ideals of the French Republic. It pays tribute to the Girondin deputies who were victims of the Terror during the Revolution.
At both ends of the square stand the Rostral Columns, symbols of Bordeaux’s maritime history. Decorated with ship prows, they mark the square’s connection to the nearby Garonne River and its importance as a port city.
Lined with trees and surrounded by historic facades, the square provides both an impressive view and a tranquil space, perfect for a peaceful walk or a quick break in the city.
