You may not know it, but Bordeaux, before becoming the city you know so well, was « fortified ». A truly impregnable city that could afford to control every one of its entrances and exits.
6 medieval gates still visible today
To control the comings and goings within the city of Bordeaux, it was fitted with a multitude of medieval gates, because at that time, Bordeaux was surrounded by walls… Barricaded!
Out of all these gates that shaped the origin of Bordeaux, 6 survive today. 2 are the oldest gates in Bordeaux: the Grosse Cloche, set back from Cours Victor Hugo and dating from the 13th century, and the Porte Cailhau on the quays, facing Place du Palais and dating from the 10th century.
Plus 4 gates built more recently, under the drive of intendant Tourny (Louis-Urbain Aubert) as part of a project to « open up the city »: he oversaw the building of arched, triumphal-arch style gates making access to the city easier. The Porte d'Aquitaine on Place de la Victoire, facing the Pont de Pierre the Porte de Bourgogne or Porte des Salinières, between rue Sainte-Catherine and Place Gambetta the Porte Dijeaux, and along the quays the Porte de la Monnaie.
LET'S DISCOVER THESE BORDEAUX GATES
THE GROSSE CLOCHE GATE
The Grosse Cloche of Bordeaux is the nickname for a building that served as a gate of the medieval wall and as the belfry of the old city hall. It is also known as Porte Saint-Éloi or Porta Sancti Jacobi. The gate and towers were listed as Historic Monuments by decree on 12 July 1886. It is also considered today as one of the most important examples of baroque architecture in the city.
The Grosse Cloche gate stands in the Saint-Pierre district, near Place de la Bourse, flanked by two stone lions symbolising the city's power and defence. It is also decorated with sculptures and ornamental motifs that speak of its historical and symbolic importance.
The Grosse Cloche gate is a must-see for visitors to the city and is often used as a landmark for finding your way around. It is open to the public and is a popular tourist site in the region.
It is also used as a setting for cultural and festive events throughout the year.
THE PORTE CAILHAU
The Porte Cailhau is a monumental gate in the historic centre of Bordeaux, France. It was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in the city.
The Porte Cailhau stands in the Place de la Bourse district, flanked by two corbelled turrets symbolising the city's power and defence. It is also adorned with sculptures and ornamental motifs speaking of its historical and symbolic importance.
Both defensive and used as a triumphal arch, the Porte Cailhau is the first Bordeaux monument to glorify a king (Charles VIII).
Learn more about the Porte Cailhau 👇🏻
https://bordeaux-confidentiel.fr/en/porte-cailhau-bordeaux-medieval-treasure/
THE PORTE D'AQUITAINE
It took the name Porte d'Aquitaine on 18 November 1753 to honour the Dauphine's second son, the newly born Duke of Aquitaine Xavier de France. Standing on Place de la Victoire, it is and remains one of the main passages to reach the famous rue Sainte-Catherine. It is a true triumphal arch that once bore the name Porte de Saint-Julien.
the porte de bourgogne
The Porte de Bourgogne, also called the Porte des Salinières, is one of the emblematic gates of Bordeaux. It was built in the 18th century under the direction of the famous intendant Tourny.
It is one of the main passing points of the city of Bordeaux, it is a landmark and marks the start of Cours Victor Hugo.
the porte de la monnaie
The Porte de la Monnaie is a gate of the city of Bordeaux located on the Quais de la Monnaie, halfway between the Pont de Pierre and the Pont Saint-Jean, a few steps from the music conservatoire.
It takes this name because of its proximity to the Monnaie de Bordeaux, which was one of the city's main financial institutions in the 18th century.
A prime tourist spot, this gate is rather « blended » into the urban landscape, as it is squeezed between buildings on both sides.
the porte dijeaux
The Porte Dijeaux was listed as a Historic Monument on 2 June 1921. Probably one of the most famous gates… and the busiest in Bordeaux. The Porte Dijeaux is one of the six emblematic gates of Bordeaux marking the entrance to the city centre. It stands at the start of one of the busiest pedestrian streets in Bordeaux: rue Dijeaux. It also opens onto Place Gambetta and its garden. Step under the Porte Dijeaux to reach rue Sainte-Catherine and wander through the city centre's shopping streets.
The Bordeaux Gates are a must-see for visitors to the city and are often used as landmarks to find your way around. They are open to the public and are a popular tourist site in the region. They are also used as a setting for cultural and festive events throughout the year.
Even if, too often, we walk under them without paying attention, the Bordeaux Gates are a magnificent testimony to the rich history of Bordeaux.
