Do you want to see the wealth and power of the bordelais Archbishops in the 18th century? Palais Rohan was built in 1772 by the architect Joseph Etienne, under the watchful eye of Archbishop Mériadec de Rohan. It was meant to replace the existing medieval residence and took 13 years to finish. Some parts of the present building still date back to medieval times even though the palace was completely destroyed during World War II and had to be rebuilt afterwards.

After the French Revolution, the building became the District hall, then the Prefecture of Gironde, and finally the city hall of Bordeaux in 1837. Palais Rohan is famed for its symmetrical Louis XVI-style façade and its staircase, which is considered a masterpiece of French stonemasonry and one of the most beautiful staircases in France.

The building and its grounds are open to the public and inside you can see lavishly decorated interiors, elegant gardens and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.

Palais Rohan

Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux

Guided Tours on Wednesday, 14:30-15:30 and Friday, 10:00-11:00.