Place de la Bourse, 18th century square at riverside Bordeaux, France.
Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux is a geometrically symmetrical square that opens toward the Garonne river and is framed by two identical classical palaces. The composition is structured by a central fountain installation, and the overall layout displays the harmonious proportions characteristic of 18th-century urban square design.
The complex was built in phases between 1730 and 1775 under architects working for the royal court, creating a modern trading hub for Bordeaux. The project was part of a broader urban expansion that aligned the city with European standards of the period.
The square takes its name from its original role as a commerce hub where merchants conducted business. Today, locals and visitors walk through its formal spaces and rest on the lawns, experiencing a refined setting shaped by centuries of civic life.
The square is freely accessible during daylight hours and inviting for strolls and rest, with ample space for walking and sitting. The best time for photography is during daytime when the facades show their full detail, particularly in morning and afternoon hours.
Beneath the classical buildings sits a boat museum displaying historic vessels and trade ships that reveal the city's maritime past. This underground space remains unknown to many visitors who see only the square above ground.
Location: Bordeaux
Official opening: 1749
Address: Pl. de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France
GPS coordinates: 44.84140,-0.57010
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Bordeaux is a city where history and present-day life exist side by side. Broad streets and elegant facades from the 18th century shape the city, while modern projects like the Darwin Ecosystem and renewed riverbanks along the Garonne keep the city moving forward. Wine is more than a drink here – it is central to the region's identity. The Cité du Vin, museums, and wine merchants tell the story of centuries of trade that shaped this place. Visitors can walk through the columns of the Grand Théâtre, see their reflection in the Water Mirror, or cross the historic Pont de Pierre. There is much to discover throughout the city. The Place de la Bourse shines with its balanced architecture, while Saint-André Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Michael show medieval craftsmanship. The Museum of Aquitaine traces the region's past, and the Marché des Capucins remains a lively market. Modern art museums like CAPC offer contemporary perspectives, and parks such as Jardin Public and Parc Bordelais provide space to walk and pause. Bordeaux holds tradition and progress in balance.
Bordeaux offers photographers a range of subjects spanning from medieval architecture to contemporary structures. The medieval Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche represent the city's historic gateways, while the Pont de Pierre, the oldest bridge in the city, crosses the Garonne River. The Place de la Bourse with its Miroir d'Eau attracts visitors and photographers alike. The Basilica of Saint-Michel dominates the southern district with its freestanding bell tower, and the Grand Théâtre displays neoclassical design at Place de la Comédie. The city also presents its Roman past at the Palais Gallien, an ancient amphitheater ruin, as well as the Pey-Berland Tower beside the cathedral. Along the waterfront, Quai Richelieu and Quai des Chartrons provide perspectives on the river and the historic warehouses of the wine trade. The Jardin Public represents a formal urban park, while more recent developments such as the Cité du Vin and the modern Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas showcase contemporary Bordeaux. From the pedestrian Rue Sainte-Catherine to hidden passages like Passage Sarget, the city offers numerous opportunities for different photographic approaches.
Miroir d'eau
82 m
Porte Cailhau
317 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Bordeaux
178 m
Musée national des douanes
55 m
Hôtel des Douanes
60 m
Hôtel Journu
312 m
Place Saint-Pierre
174 m
Immeuble, 4 place de la Bourse
51 m
Immeuble, 7 quai Richelieu
231 m
Immeubles quai Richelieu
180 m
Maison écocitoyenne
372 m
Immeuble, 2 quai Richelieu
192 m
Immeuble, 2 place de la Bourse
54 m
Immeuble, 12 quai Richelieu
255 m
Immeuble, 13 quai Richelieu
260 m
Immeuble, 23 quai Richelieu
325 m
Immeuble, 1 rue de la Porte-du-Caillou
321 m
Maison Jean-Jacques Bosc
219 m
Immeuble, 24 quai Richelieu
334 m
Immeuble, 3 place de la Bourse
54 m
Immeuble, 11 quai Richelieu
251 m
Immeuble, 10 quai Richelieu
245 m
Immeuble, 26 quai Richelieu
340 m
Immeuble, 9 quai Richelieu
241 m
Immeuble, 8 quai Richelieu
237 m
Immeuble, 2 rue de la Porte-du-Caillou
321 m
Immeuble, 25 quai Richelieu
337 m
Immeuble, 2 quai de la Douane
119 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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