Place de la Bourse

Bordeaux, France

Place de la Bourse is a square in Bordeaux, France and one of the city's most recognisable sights. Built from 1730 to 1775 along the Garonne River, it was a multi-building development designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. It is within the historic part of the city that has been recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List as 'an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble' of the 18th century.

In the original plan, a statue of King Louis XV of France was erected in the square. This statue was destroyed during the French Revolution. After the destruction of the statue, a Corinthian column-fountain was built on the square. Finally, in 1869 the sculpture Three Graces was installed in the same location.

This square is one of the most representative works of classical French architectural art of the eighteenth century. In the north stood the Palais de la Bourse (current Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux) and in the south the Hotel des Fermes (now Interregional Directorate of Customs and Indirect Rights, which houses the National Museum of Customs). It was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel between 1735 and 1738. The sculptures represent Minerve protecting the arts and Mercury favoring the commerce of the city.

The Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror)  is the world's largest reflecting pool, covering 3,450 square metres. Located on the quay of the Garonne in front of the Place de la Bourse, it was built in 2006.

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Bordeaux, France
See all sites in Bordeaux

Details

Founded: 1730-1775
Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in France

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Teresa Sorokin (2 years ago)
Here at dusk, we saw loads of photographers and thinking it would evolve into some kind of fountain show, we waited, and waited as the water drained and returned.... I asked another 'watcher ' if anything else happened and he told me there was a fog to come - a bit later he said after googling it, that it had been cancelled through Covid and never reinstated so who knows ?‍♀️. A pretty place but not spectacular.
stefanescu oana (2 years ago)
The place is spectacular. I gave only 4 stars because of the wind. Go and visit Mirroir d'eau in the morning when the light is the best but also hope that the wind won't blow, otherwise this is all you can do. However the area is beautiful, large and green.
Gergely Nagy (2 years ago)
The site is more fabulous in the evening after dark, but worth a visit during the day as well. Nice square, often with street performances and with the famous shallow water before the buildings.
Shuhong Lim (2 years ago)
Incomparable views with majestic buildings on one side and the Dordogne on the other, under a beautiful sky. Kids and adults alike will enjoy cooling their feet and taking pictures at the reflecting pool.
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