Place du Palais

Place du Palais is an open square at the heart of medieval Bordeaux, lined with historic stone buildings on multiple sides. The space connects to several narrow alleyways that lead in different directions through the old quarter.

The square grew up near the former Palace of Ombrière, which housed the Dukes of Aquitaine during the medieval period. A major gate was constructed in 1495 to mark the primary entrance to the city and became a defining landmark.

The square serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors mix freely, with cafés and shops shaping how people experience the surroundings. Its location in the old town makes it a natural meeting point for daily life in Bordeaux.

The square is easy to reach by tram, with several lines stopping nearby for quick access from anywhere in the city. It has good shade from nearby buildings and is flat, making it comfortable to walk and linger in any weather.

The Porte Cailhau gate towers over the square at about 35 meters tall, standing like a guardian of the old city. Many people pass by without realizing this structure is a well-kept example of late 15th-century architecture that visitors can explore inside.