If Bordeaux has a postcard, this is it. The Place de la Bourse was the first great project to open the medieval city to its river: launched in 1720, it was designed by the royal architect Jacques Gabriel and completed by his son Ange-Jacques, with its pale stone palaces built between 1735 and 1755. Unusually for a royal square, it is open on one side, facing the Garonne, and at its centre stands the Fountain of the Three Graces. In front of it, across the tram line, lies the Miroir d’eau, the water mirror that has become the city’s favourite playground. A layer of water just two centimetres deep covers a vast granite slab, reflecting the facades perfectly, and at intervals around 900 nozzles release a cloud of cool mist. It is free, open to everyone and especially magical at dusk. In winter the mirror is switched off for maintenance from November to April, but the square and quays remain one of the finest sights in France. This page links to the official tourist office page.
How to visit: the square is on the riverfront in the city centre, and tram line C stops at Place de la Bourse. It is always open and always free. The Miroir d’eau operates from spring to autumn, daily from 10:00 to 22:00, and is out of service for maintenance from November to April, so on a winter visit you will see the granite slab dry. The facades are lit at night and look superb from the riverside promenade or the far bank.
What to expect: this is part of the area listed by UNESCO in 2007 as Bordeaux, Port of the Moon, and the quays in front have been transformed into a long promenade for walking, cycling and skating. In season, the mirror draws families and photographers, with children splashing through the mist, and the best reflections come early in the morning or at blue hour.
Making the most of it: start here, then walk through the Porte Cailhau into the old Saint-Pierre quarter and on to the Rue Sainte-Catherine. For the view across the river, take a Garonne cruise or cross the Pont de Pierre to the right bank at sunset.
What to expect
The experience
A free open square and riverside promenade, with the Miroir d’eau reflecting pool operating from spring to autumn.
Best time
Dusk, when the facades are lit, or early morning for quiet photographs; the water mirror runs only from spring to autumn.
How long
Thirty minutes to an hour, longer if you walk the quays.
Tips
On a winter visit, expect the mirror to be switched off and enjoy the square from the riverbank or a cruise instead.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-time visitor; it is the classic image of Bordeaux.
- Families
- In season, children love running through the mist on the water mirror, and it is free.
- Couples
- A sunset walk along the quays with the facades glowing gold.
- Pair with
- A Garonne cruise from nearby Quai Richelieu, then the old Saint-Pierre quarter.
- Time needed
- Thirty minutes to an hour.
Good questions
Is the Miroir d’eau working in November?+
No, the water mirror is out of service for maintenance from November to April. In season it runs daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
Is the Place de la Bourse free to visit?+
Yes, the square, the water mirror and the riverside promenade are all free and open to the public. You can visit at any time of day.
Who designed the Place de la Bourse?+
It was designed by the royal architect Jacques Gabriel and completed by his son Ange-Jacques. The buildings date from 1735 to 1755.
How deep is the water mirror?+
The Miroir d’eau is a layer of water only about two centimetres deep over granite slabs. That is why it reflects so perfectly and is safe for children to walk through.
How do I get to the Place de la Bourse?+
Tram line C stops at Place de la Bourse on the riverfront. It is also a short walk from the old town and the Rue Sainte-Catherine.
