Place des Quinconces at a glance
As the largest city-center pedestrian square in Europe, the 30-acre Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux offers a massive open space where half the area is beautifully landscaped with trees. It remains a centerpiece of the city, nicknamed the Sleeping Beauty, and serves as a primary hub for events year-round. From concerts and circuses to fairs and flea markets, there is something for every visitor. Since the installation of the tramway, it has also become a major transit junction and a lively local hangout.
Located on the banks of the Garonne, this gently sloping site once housed the Château Trompette, a 15th-century fortress. The king eventually gifted the site to the city, which transformed it into a massive esplanade often compared to the Invalides in Paris. The square gets its name from the quincunx pattern of its trees, which are planted with four in a square and one in the center. Statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu, two legendary local figures, stand on either side, and the square is further adorned by an imposing monument dedicated to the deputies of the French Revolution.
In 1885, Dumilâtre and Rich erected the famous Monument aux Girondins, a 141-foot-tall obelisk topped by a statue of liberty. At its base, bronze sculptures of sea horses and other figures complete the work.
Twice a year, from mid-October to early November and from late February to late March, the square hosts the Foire aux Plaisirs. With a Ferris wheel, 200 modern rides, including several high-thrill attractions, and the scent of cotton candy in the air, it has everything needed to entertain children and help adults feel like kids again. If you have the chance, ride the Ferris wheel at night for a view over the Port de la Lune.
The largest square in France! I was impressed by the size of this esplanade, which feels more like a small park. It houses a historic landmark you cannot miss, the Monument aux Girondins, which commemorates the revolutionary past of the city with a magnificent fountain. In the summer, this square is very pleasant. It is often lively with concerts and also serves as a central hub for transportation.