Six Bordeaux Historical Sites Not To Miss

Living in Bordeaux, I am always in awe of how history is present in daily life. Whether it’s stumbling upon a medieval city wall, Roman ruins, or centuries-old architecture, the city is full of incredible items. Let’s take a break from anything wine related today to share six, must see, historical sites in Bordeaux.

Pont de Pierre – From 1822 by Claude Deschamps architecture under Napoleon Bonaparte; 487 meters long with 17 arches signifying the number of letters in Bonaparte’s name. The oldest bridge in Bordeaux, an architectural achievement given the challenges faced due to the tidal range and moving seabed.

Place de la Bourse – The square includes 18th century grandiose, French classical architecture buildings built for King Louis XV. It is opposite the Miroir d’Eau, which was added in modern times.

When inaugurated in 1749, an equestrian statue was placed in the square center in honor of King Louis XV. Its past was not as tumultuous as Palais Gallien, yet it did change names a number of times: Place Royale at the start, Place de la Liberté (during the French Revolution), Place Impériale (under Napoleon 1st), then Place de la Bourse in 1869. At that time, the equestrian statue was replaced with one designed by Jean-Baptiste Lemoine that got cast aside during the French Revolution. 

Porte Cailhau – Built between 1493 and 1496 and standing 35 meters (115 feet) in height, one of the city’s gates with pieces of ramparts (walls) on each side. It commemorates King Charles VII’s victory over the Italians at Fornovo and is adorned with a statue of him and two others. Touring the inside is a must, where you find an original royal statue. For more information, click here.

Grosse Cloche – the only monument dating to the Middle Ages with a massive bell tower, 40 meters (132 feet) high. The bell weighs about 7,800 kilos with a diameter of 2.10 meters. It was one of the main gateways to the city and was once used as a prison.

The bell only rings to announce holidays in France: January 1, May 1, May 8, July 14, August 28, and November 11, and every first Sunday of the month. The bell we see today is new – replaced in the 18th century.

Palais Gallien – Who would think to find a Roman amphitheater in the middle of Bordeaux?!? Certainly not me, yet I stumbled upon one our first year in Bordeaux. Located in the Fondaudège neighborhood, it’s a 15-minute walk from the Opera House.

Built in the second century AD in the shape of an eclipse with a 1-meter thick wall, its past is as tumultuous as the current state of affairs in the world (early 2025). It was used just ten years before being irreparably damaged during the Frankish invasion of Gaul between 275 and 276. Historical accounts indicate it burned two days, demolishing all wood parts of the structure. This left only stone, which is what you see today.

It was used as a building material quarry during the Middle Ages, then a place of execution via guillotine (yikes!) during the French Revolution.

Monument aux Girondins – Located at the Place des Quinconces, a piece of history itself, the statue is composed of multiple elements. They all reflect the bravery of the political group, the Girondins. Originally backers of the French Revolution, tensions led to their downfall and executions.

The main piece stands tall – 54 meters – and depicts the spirit of liberty breaking its chains. Apparently, breaking free was a powerful symbol of the Girondins. You always find Liberty dancing, which I frequently share in my Instagram stories (IG handle @savoringtheharvest)! This main piece was erected between 1894 and 1902.

The fountain base includes rostral columns, bronze horse and troop fountains, and statues of the philosophers Michel de Montaigne and Charles de Secondat (baron de Montesquieu). Additional information about this statue is found in my source’s article.

For tour information on these six, head to the Bourdeaux Office de Tourisme. If you want something more down-to-earth and friendly, my friend Hela Mansour does stellar walking tours through her business Bordeaux Walking Tours. We highly recommend them! Wine in the City is especially interesting for anyone who likes wine.

If you make it to Bordeaux, let us know your thoughts on these six historical monuments that you must visit!