How do you end up with a giant open square in the middle of the city? Quinconces is a deceptively large esplanade right in the heart of the city, stretching from the riverfront almost all the way up to the jardin public.

This was the site of the imposing Château Trompette, which was initially built in the 15th century to protect the city from the realistic prospect of an English campaign to take the city. The rebuilt fortress was later sold by the soon to be doomed King Louis XVI, two years before the French Revolution. Like many buildings and monuments, it fell into disrepair after this tumultuous period and was torn down in 1818 to make way for the square that stands there now.

Everything you see (except for the tram network) was built during the 19th century. Quinconces’ main features are: the trees planted in the quincunx formation, hence the square’s name; the enormous Monument aux Girondins, built to commemorate the Girondist faction that was purged during the Revolution; the rostral columns looking out over the Garonne, which represent trade and sea navigation; and finally, the statues of Bordeaux’s most famous sons, the philosophers Michel de Montaigne and Montesquieu.

Nowadays, Quinconces’ large open space is regularly taken up by antiques fairs, fun fairs, circuses and even open air concerts! During Euro 2016 it was the site of Bordeaux’s fan zone.

This is one of the larger intersections for the tram network, as it is the point where Tram B and Tram C meet. As such, one of the TBM offices is here, where you can receive information and buy tickets.

NEARBY SIGHTSEEING
Les Quais
Place de la Comédie
Jardin Public

NEARBY RECOMMENDATIONS
Nulle Part Ailleurs
Bar à Vin – CIVB
Dog & Duck