The Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux
The Place des Quinconces is one of Bordeaux's most visited landmarks, and for good reason. Located in the heart of the city, and dating from the 19ᵉ century, it is home to the Girondins monument, a true emblem of the Republic. This gigantic esplanade, which owes its name to the way the trees are planted, hosts a number of events throughout the year. It's more than just a square, it's an entire history that we've come here to tell you about!
Is Bordeaux's Place des Quinconces really the largest square in Europe?
With a surface area of 12 hectares (six of which are green spaces), the Place des Quinconces is without doubt the largest in France. Although the people of Bordeaux boast of having the largest square in Europe, they often forget that Warsaw's Place du Défilé is twice as big. However, with Rue St-Catherine, Bordeaux boasts Europe's largest pedestrian thoroughfare, just a stone's throw from Place des Quinconces.
Discover the Place des Quinconces and its history
THE CHÂTEAU TROMPETTE
The site of the Quinconces was once occupied by the Château-Trompette, of which all that remains today is the name inscribed on a plaque in one of the streets surrounding the square. After 300 years of English possession of the Duchy of Aquitaine (from 1450 to 1818), the fortress had been built to enable King Charles VII to impose his authority, but in 1787, King Louis XVI sold the Château, which was subsequently demolished in 1818.
THE MONUMENT TO THE GIRONDINS
Classified as a historic monument since 2011, the Girondins monument is a symbol of Bordeaux's heritage. Built between 1894 and 1902, its fountain honors the Girondins, who were defeated by the Montagnards during the Revolution. At the foot of the column, two sets of bronze horses symbolize both the triumph of the Republic towards the Grand-Théâtre and the triumph of Concorde towards the Jardin Public. At the top of the column stands the "genius of liberty", breaking his chains and brandishing the palm of victory.
THE GERMAN BUNKER
Less well known and more unusual is the German bunker hidden beneath the Place des Quinconces. The location is strategic, close to a large-scale port facing the Atlantic. This 83 m², 2.30 m high bunker was fully equipped (electricity, running water, stove, sanitary facilities, dormitory and radio room), enabling its occupants to stay for long periods.
Not-to-be-missed events on the Place des Quinconces
THE FUN FAIR ON THE PLACE DES QUINCONCES
A major popular and festive event, the fun fair takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn, on the Place des Quinconces. Since 1853, this funfair has been in full swing, attracting fans of churros, cotton candy and thrills!
THE QUINCONCES MARKET
Different dates, different atmosphere. The spring and autumn flea markets return every year to Bordeaux's Place des Quinconces. Over 200 enthusiastic exhibitors come to meet 200,000 visitors looking for a small or large item to embellish their home.
OTHER ONE-OFF EVENTS
Over the past few years, the Place des Quinconces has hosted a number of large-scale events, including the Arlette Gruss circus (between the end of December and the end of January), as well as festivals and concerts, particularly during the summer.
Place des Quinconces: streetcar, bike and parking
At the crossroads of downtown Bordeaux, the Place des Quinconces serves as the interchange between the three tramway lines B, C and D. Did you know that Bordeaux CityPass gives you unlimited streetcar access, as well as access to museums? If you prefer cycling, the square is also home to a self-service bike station. You don't need to be a subscriber to borrow a bike, just go directly to a terminal or to the "Le Vélo par TBM" mobile application. If you've opted for the car option, you'll find a large parking lot along the Place des Quinconces on the allées des Chartes, as well as two underground parking lots nearby: the one at the auditorium and the one on the allées Tourny.
And don't forget: the Bordeaux Tourist Office is just a stone's throw from the Place des Quinconces, at the corner of the Cours du 30 Juillet. Our tourist advisors are on hand to welcome you Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., and Sundays and public holidays, 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
