Place du Parlement (Parliament Square), Bordeaux
The Parliament Square is linked by Philippart Street to the Stock Exchange Square, one of the city’s most famous sights. It stands out for reflecting in the Garonne at night – a feature known locally as the ‘water mirror’. While less known, Parliament Square is perhaps a more central location for the Bordelais themselves – it is popular for its many bars, restaurants and cafes, with terraced seating surrounding the edge of the square. The name itself means ‘place of discussion’, although the word ‘parliament’ has links with royal institutions.
Once known as the ‘Royal Market Place’, the square appears to be a complete architectural project, with consistent design features on all four sides. These include a balustrade that runs around the square and arcaded ground floors to house additional shops and eateries. It also has a large neo-Renaissance fountain at its center.
Close to many of Bordeaux’s more famous avenues, including Place Pey Berland and the Esplanade des Quinconces, it is a lively spot to stop for a bite to eat, particularly in the summer months, when outdoor dining is available late into the evening.
Why You Should Visit:
A pleasant spot with a pretty fountain, that you will probably pass through a number of times when walking around Bordeaux.
Close to all of the central attractions and main thoroughfares, and a good place for a coffee or a lunch break.
Tip:
Try to get here during the day when it's bustling and then again...after dark. The buildings are lit up so it becomes magical.
Once known as the ‘Royal Market Place’, the square appears to be a complete architectural project, with consistent design features on all four sides. These include a balustrade that runs around the square and arcaded ground floors to house additional shops and eateries. It also has a large neo-Renaissance fountain at its center.
Close to many of Bordeaux’s more famous avenues, including Place Pey Berland and the Esplanade des Quinconces, it is a lively spot to stop for a bite to eat, particularly in the summer months, when outdoor dining is available late into the evening.
Why You Should Visit:
A pleasant spot with a pretty fountain, that you will probably pass through a number of times when walking around Bordeaux.
Close to all of the central attractions and main thoroughfares, and a good place for a coffee or a lunch break.
Tip:
Try to get here during the day when it's bustling and then again...after dark. The buildings are lit up so it becomes magical.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bordeaux. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Place du Parlement (Parliament Square) on Map
Sight Name: Place du Parlement (Parliament Square)
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bordeaux, France
Create Your Own Walk in Bordeaux
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bordeaux is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bordeaux Introduction Walking Tour
The metropolitan region of Bordeaux is the fifth largest in France. The city is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but is perhaps better known as the Wine Capital of the World. The city's namesake wine comes in many varieties that can be found and enjoyed around the world.
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Once dubbed “The Sleeping Beauty” (La Belle au Bois Dormant), Bordeaux owes its nickname, in large part, to its impossibly beautiful religious architecture. Indeed, given the abundance of historical churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in this city, it's no wonder that a good half of Bordeaux is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. Let's delve into the significance of some of them.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Napoleon Bonaparte referred to Bordeaux as "The Sleeping Beauty" upon seeing its classical architecture when visiting the city. In his turn, Honore de Balzac, the renowned French novelist, impressed by Bordeaux's timeless charm and elegance described it as "an extraordinary town".
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Bordeaux Food Tour
Widely acclaimed for its prestigious wines, Bordeaux is also a prominent gastronomic destination in France. The local cuisine reflects the advantages of being a port city on the Atlantic coastline (with its fish and shellfish galore) and a carnivore country.
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles