Esplanade des Quinconces et le monument aux Girondins

Registered and listed sites

Located on the river, this 12-hectare square is the largest in Europe. The word quinconces refers to the way the way the trees are planted, in staggered rows.

The Place des Quinconces is the venue all year long for fairs, circuses, sporting events and artistic events. Quinconces station is a multimodal transport hub (trams B & C, terminus for several bus routes, and Vcub share bikes) so there is a steady flow of visitors.

Located just across from and quite close to the river, there are two rostral columns topped with statues dedicated to Bordeaux's maritime and commercial activities. On the side of the Quinconces closest to the city centre are found large statues of the Bordeaux philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu. Looking westward, the Monument aux Girondins consists of bronze fountains and a column with a staute of liberty breaking its chains on top. This bears witness to the Girondin political faction during the French Revolution. Of course, this has nothing to do with the Girondins football club... despite an urban myth to this effect one hears from time to time!

The Place des Quinconces is one of the most popular locations in the city, with a steady stream of tourists seeking a bit of fresh air and a beautiful setting in which to take photos. Some of them dip their feet into the fountain or even bathe in it, whereas others climb on top of the massive statues- which is nevertheless not recommended!