First, let me tell you about the MONUMENT AUX GIRONDINS.
Unmissable, emblematic, representative, symbolic... I'm out of adjectives to describe the Monument aux Girondins.
One of the most photographed Bordeaux sites in the city, it stands on PLACE DES QUINCONCES (Europe's largest square: 12 hectares).
It's the product of the merger of two architectural projects.
A monumental fountain and a monument honoring the Girondin deputies victims of the Terror of the French Revolution, and it celebrates the Republic.
A place to walk, relax and contemplate you absolutely must enjoy.
The Monument aux Girondins was raised between 1894 and 1902 by architect Deverin.
Bordelais commonly call it « la colonne des Girondins » or « le monument des Girondins ».
It has been classed as a historic monument since March 16, 2011, after being listed on July 8, 2004.
It's made up of a wide base flanked by two pools, adorned with bronze horses, and topped by a 43-meter column crowned (at 54 meters high) by the bronze statue of Liberty breaking her chains.
Set at the river's edge, Place des Quinconces gets its name from the trees planted in a quincunx pattern on each side of the esplanade.
Year-round it hosts fairs, passing circuses and big sporting or artistic gatherings. Nearby, the « Quinconces » station feeds streams of visitors at high frequency.
Facing the river, 2 columns symbolize Bordeaux's maritime and commercial activities.
Heading back toward the city, Bordelais philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu will welcome you.
This place is dedicated to the Girondins but belongs to those who contemplate it.
