Place de la Bourse
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Place de la Bourse, originally named Place Royale, is a landmark square in Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, exemplifying the first open square in French urban planning history. Constructed between 1730 and 1755 under the direction of royal architects Jacques Gabriel and his son Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the square was designed to open Bordeaux towards the river Garonne and modernize the city's image. It is bordered by two symmetrical pavilions: the Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes, which still retain their original functions related to commerce and customs. The square was initially conceived as a grand setting for the equestrian statue of King Louis XV, inaugurated in 1743, symbolizing the city's wealth and status. Over centuries, the square's name evolved through various political regimes, reflecting France's turbulent history, from Place Royale to Place de la Liberté during the Revolution, then Place Impériale under Napoleon, and finally Place de la Bourse in 1848. Architecturally, the design was inspired by Paris's Place Vendôme, featuring orderly façades and a central pavilion completed in 1755. The square also features the famous Fontaine des Trois Grâces, installed in 1869, representing the three Graces from Greek mythology. Today, Place de la Bourse stands as a testament to Bordeaux's rich cultural heritage and urban elegance.
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Tip: Visit Place de la Bourse during daylight to fully appreciate its classical architecture and the reflective beauty of the nearby 'Miroir d'eau' (Water Mirror). Early mornings or late afternoons offer less crowded experiences. Tickets are not required to visit the square, but guided tours of the surrounding buildings may require advance booking. Check local tourist information for seasonal events and possible discounts on combined tours.
Interesting facts
- •Place de la Bourse is the first open square in the history of French urbanism.
- •The equestrian statue of King Louis XV was destroyed during the French Revolution and melted down to make cannons.
- •The square’s design was inspired by the Place Vendôme in Paris and was created by the royal architects Jacques Gabriel and his son Ange-Jacques Gabriel.
- •The Fontaine des Trois Grâces, installed in 1869, depicts the three Graces from Greek mythology and was designed by Louis Visconti and sculpted by Charles Gumery.
- •The square marks the first breach in Bordeaux’s medieval city walls, symbolizing the city’s opening to the river and modernization.
History
Place de la Bourse was constructed between 1730 and 1755 as the first open square in French urbanism, initiated by Intendant Claude Boucher to modernize Bordeaux and open the city to the Garonne river.
Originally called Place Royale, it featured an equestrian statue of King Louis XV inaugurated in 1743.
The square's name changed multiple times reflecting political regimes: it became Place de la Liberté during the French Revolution when the statue was destroyed, Place Impériale under Napoleon, reverted to Place Royale during the monarchy restoration, and finally was named Place de la Bourse in 1848 during the Second Republic.
The famous Fontaine des Trois Grâces was added in 1869, replacing an earlier fountain from 1828.
Place Guide
Palais de la Bourse1749
The northern pavilion of the square, originally built as the Chamber of Commerce, it remains an important building related to trade and economic activities in Bordeaux.
HĂ´tel des Douanesmid-18th century
The southern pavilion serving as the customs house, historically regulating goods entering Bordeaux through the port.
Fontaine des Trois Grâces1869
A marble fountain representing Aglaé, Euphrosyne, and Thalie, daughters of Zeus, symbolizing beauty, charm, and creativity, installed in 1869 replacing an earlier fountain.
Central Pavilion and Facades1755
The central pavilion completed in 1755 by André Portier serves as an ornamental centerpiece. The square’s façades, inspired by Place Vendôme in Paris, feature harmonious classical designs by Jacques Gabriel.
