Monument aux Girondins
A towering 54m column topped by Liberty, with a stunning bronze fountain, honoring Girondin revolutionaries in Bordeaux.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Monument aux Girondins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering 54m column topped by Liberty, with a stunning bronze fountain, honoring Girondin revolutionaries in Bordeaux.
"Stunning monument, you have to visit this if you’re in Bordeaux, if for no other reason than that it’s free."
📸 Best photo angles
Capture stunning shots from the north side for unique perspectives of the horses and sculptures.
✨ Evening magic
The monument is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a perfect spot for evening strolls and photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Column
Place des Quinconces
A towering 54-meter column crowned by a majestic statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom and the Girondin revolutionaries.
Intricate Bronze Fountain
Base of the monument
Marvel at the detailed bronze sculptures of horses and human figures, especially the dynamic horses' hooves and tails.
Nighttime Illumination
Place des Quinconces
Experience the monument's grandeur as it's beautifully lit up at night, offering a magical atmosphere for photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How to spend a few hours in Bordeaux
📸 Best photo angles
Capture stunning shots from the north side for unique perspectives of the horses and sculptures.
✨ Evening magic
The monument is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a perfect spot for evening strolls and photos.
I’m spending the weekend at Bordeaux. Any useful tips?
🚶♀️ Great starting point
Use this landmark as a central point to begin your exploration of Bordeaux's old town.
💰 Free to visit
Enjoy this impressive landmark without any admission fee, a great budget-friendly option.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best photo angles
Capture stunning shots from the north side for unique perspectives of the horses and sculptures.
✨ Evening magic
The monument is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a perfect spot for evening strolls and photos.
🚶♀️ Great starting point
Use this landmark as a central point to begin your exploration of Bordeaux's old town.
💰 Free to visit
Enjoy this impressive landmark without any admission fee, a great budget-friendly option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monument aux Girondins for its stunning beauty, intricate sculptures, and impressive scale. Many highlight its picturesque illumination at night and its role as a significant landmark and meeting point in Bordeaux. While generally well-received, some find it a pleasant but brief stop if not combined with further exploration.
"The Monument aux Girondins in Bordeaux offers an impressive sight with its 54-meter column topped by a Liberty statue and the detailed bronze fountain featuring horses and human figures.
Located in the spacious Place des Quinconces, the surrounding trees and rostral columns add to the setting.
It’s easily accessible by tram and free to visit, making it a convenient stop. It’s a decent spot for a quick look if you’re in the area."
Dave
"I like the view and sculptures better from the north side. The horses’ hooves and tails are something to behold. I can also tell it is a well known meet up spot for tours and such.
South from here is a nice walk around old town. This fountain is a good starting point for a stroll around Bordeaux and is most likely its most well known landmark!"
Nabil R
"Very nice monument at night, we did plenty of photos and enjoyed it here"
Anton Rylin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Monument aux Girondins is easily accessible by tram in Bordeaux. It's a central landmark and a convenient stop on many routes.
While there might be parking garages in the vicinity of Place des Quinconces, using public transport like the tram is often more convenient and recommended for reaching the monument.
Yes, depending on your starting point in the city center, it's often a pleasant walk to the Monument aux Girondins, especially if you're exploring the old town.
From Bordeaux Airport (Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport), you can take a bus (like the Liane 1+) or a taxi/Uber to reach the city center, from where you can easily access the monument.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Monument aux Girondins is a public monument located in Place des Quinconces and is free to visit.
As an outdoor public monument, it is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding area and any nearby facilities may have specific hours.
There is no admission fee to see or photograph the Monument aux Girondins. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
The monument itself is not designed for public climbing. Visitors can admire it from the base and the surrounding square.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the monument's details. Evenings are spectacular when the monument is illuminated, creating a dramatic and romantic atmosphere.
Many visitors find the north side of the monument offers particularly good views of the fountain and sculptures, highlighting the horses' dynamic forms.
Absolutely! The monument is beautifully lit at night, making it a prime subject for nighttime photography.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the monument and the expansive Place des Quinconces. For nighttime shots, a tripod will help achieve sharper images.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You'll see a 54-meter column topped by a statue of Liberty, and an elaborate bronze fountain with horses and human figures. The surrounding Place des Quinconces is also notable.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark and a popular meeting spot for tours and gatherings in Bordeaux.
A quick visit to admire the monument and take photos can take about 30 minutes. If you plan to sit and enjoy the atmosphere or use it as a starting point for a walk, you might spend longer.
Public restrooms may be available in the vicinity of Place des Quinconces, though their availability can vary. It's advisable to check local signage or ask for directions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's located in the expansive Place des Quinconces, there's plenty of open space for kids to move around. It's also easily accessible by tram, making it a convenient stop on a family outing. Consider it a good starting point for a walk, allowing children to burn off some energy before or after exploring other parts of Bordeaux.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The best times for photography are undoubtedly early morning for soft, natural light and fewer distractions, and late evening when the monument is beautifully illuminated. The play of light and shadow on the bronze details, especially the horses' manes and tails, can create dramatic and memorable images. Consider using a tripod for sharper nighttime shots.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
It's easily reached by Bordeaux's efficient tram system, which is an affordable way to get around the city. The monument also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other free attractions or simply enjoying a walk through Bordeaux's charming streets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Symbolism
The surrounding Place des Quinconces is one of the largest city squares in Europe, adding to the grandeur of the monument. Originally a citadel, it was transformed into a public space, and the monument became its centerpiece. The rostral columns flanking the square further enhance its monumental character. The monument’s deep meaning resonates with its historical context, making it more than just a beautiful structure but a symbol of freedom and democratic values.
Experiencing the Monument
The monument serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Bordeaux. Its central location makes it easy to transition into a stroll around the old town or to explore the vast Place des Quinconces itself. The experience is enhanced by the monument's accessibility; it's free to visit and easily reached by tram, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop for any traveler.
The monument truly comes alive at night. When illuminated, it casts a magical glow, transforming the square into a romantic and picturesque setting. Many visitors recommend experiencing it after dark for a different, equally breathtaking perspective, and it's a popular spot for evening photos.
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