A horseshoe-shaped space laid out between 1730 and 1755 by the Gabriels (father and son architects) and bordered by two buildings distinctive for their columns supporting triangular pediments: to the north the Palais de la Bourse and to the south the old Hôtel des Fermes now housing the musée National des Douanes. At its centre lies the fountain of the Three Graces (1860).

This immense esplanade (126 000 m2) was built during the Restoration on the site of Château Trompette. Aside from its size, other points of interest include the Girondins Monument and statues of two eminent Bordeaux men, Montaigne and Montesquieu.

Against the backdrop of 18C buildings, the Chartrons waterfront has been transformed, and is today a major feature of local life on the banks of the River Garonne. Following the conversion of the old port warehouses into cultural and commercial facilities, the people of Bordeaux have reconnected with their river and the simple joys of taking a turn here (by bike, on foot or rollerblades) while enjoying the fine views over port de la Lune. Don’t miss the Chartrons market near the Skate Park.

Betwen the Quai des Chartrons and the Cours de Verdun, Portal and Saint-Louis, this quarter is named afer the Carthusians who were established here before leaving in the 15C to make way for an enormous wine depot. In the 18C, Bordeaux merchants built some beautiful private residences here.

Built from 1773 to 1780 by architect Victor Louis in pure neo-Classical style, this is one of the most beautiful theatres in France. The refined interior staircase inspired Garnier for his Opéra de Paris. The auditorium is made up of pillars, ramps, galleries and balconies entirely made of wood, used here to ensure the best possible acoustics.

On this majestic avenue lie luxury shops and designer boutiques. There is also the Rotonde des Grands-Hommes, a shopping centre, and at n°57 a Spanish cultural centre located in the house where Goya died in 1828. Lovely view of the cathedral spires from the junction with rue Vital-Carles.

The former market square is typical of Louis XV town planning with its well-ordered buildings, some of which are characterised by an arcaded ground floor, transom windows and decorated with masks. The balustrade running across the façades accentuates the unity of the buildings.

This is a charming little square graced by a 14C-15C church (significantly remodelled in the 19C).

With its two towers and large bell, this gate is an emblem of Bordeaux. Saved from demolition when a larger belfry structure was taken down, the gate is greatly loved by the people of the town, to the extent that when the kings were unhappy with the townsfolk, they confiscated the bell and clocks!

Only slightly smaller than Notre-Dame in Paris, this majestic church has a Royal Door that is famous for its Gothic sculptures, and inside a beautiful nave with a Gothic chancel. Beautiful Renaissance organ.

Bordeaux’s town hall occupies the episcopal palace built for Archbishop Ferdinand-Maximilien de Mériadeck in the 18C. The internal courtyard is separated from the street by an arcaded portico and opens onto the solemn façade of the palce. There is a staircase of honour, panelled salons, a dining room with grisailles by Lacour. The palace was occupied for nearly 50 years by Jacques Chaban-Delmas (1915-2000).