Although it took around 20 years to build, this elegant square was completed in 1755 and played a major role in the city’s reputation, development and trade. At the time, the city was still medieval and enclosed by walls. Intendant Boucher was the one who convinced the parliament to open up the city and build this square. Its design was entrusted to Jacques Gabriel, the personal architect to King Louis XV, who also created the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Place de la Bourse became a symbol of the city’s new economic openness, bidding farewell to medieval Bordeaux.

This new tradition is also mirrored in the neoclassical architecture of the two grand palaces (Hôtel des Fermes in the left wing and Hôtel de la Bourse in the right wing) in the completely symmetrical square. Add an isolated centre pavilion and an impressive fountain in the middle and the Place de la Bourse is complete. The centrepiece of the square has gone through some changes, starting off as an equestrian statue of King Louis XV, then becoming a statue of Napoleon for a bit, until finally in 1869 the fountain of the Three Graces was installed. Another unmissable water feature in the Place de la Bourse is the Miroir de l’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, which can perfectly reflect the square when seen from a distance.

Place de la Bourse

Quai du Maréchal Lyautey, 33000 Bordeaux