Quincunx Esplanade

The Esplanade des Quinconces, in Bordeaux

The Esplanade des Quinconces is one of the vastest squares of Europe, in the heart of Bordeaux. The Bordeaux audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this gigantic space open onto the Garonne, dominated by the monument to the Girondins.

The giant square open onto the Garonne

The Esplanade des Quinconces is one of the largest squares of Europe, with a surface of nearly twelve hectares. It was laid out in the nineteenth century on the site of the former Château Trompette, a fortress that watched over the town. This vast open space, open onto the Garonne, owes its name to the arrangement of its trees, planted in a staggered pattern. At one of its ends stands the spectacular monument to the Girondins, with its high column and its monumental fountains. The square is also adorned with statues of two illustrious Bordeaux figures, the writers and thinkers Montaigne and Montesquieu, as well as two rostral columns near the river. A place of promenade, markets, funfairs and events, the Esplanade des Quinconces is a great lung and a major place of life of Bordeaux.

What to see

Here you enjoy the giant square of nearly twelve hectares, laid out on the former Château Trompette and open onto the Garonne, dominated by the spectacular monument to the Girondins, adorned with the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu and two rostral columns. The Esplanade des Quinconces is a great place of life of Bordeaux. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Esplanade des Quinconces lies in the heart of Bordeaux, open onto the Garonne, reachable on foot and by public transport, including the tram. It is a vast freely accessible public space; it hosts markets, funfairs and events according to the calendar. The promenade is particularly pleasant in fine weather.

What was there before the Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux?

The former Château Trompette, a fortress that watched over the town; laid out in its place in the nineteenth century, the esplanade is one of the largest squares of Europe, open onto the Garonne and dominated by the monument to the Girondins.

Where is the Esplanade des Quinconces?

In the heart of Bordeaux, open onto the Garonne, in France.