Water Mirror and Exchange Square, Bordeaux

The Water Mirror and the Place de la Bourse, in Bordeaux

The Water Mirror and the Place de la Bourse form the most emblematic image of Bordeaux, on the quays of the Garonne. The Bordeaux audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this magical face-to-face between an eighteenth-century square and a contemporary masterpiece.

The classical square and the largest water mirror of the world

The Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror compose together the most famous postcard of Bordeaux. The Place de la Bourse, the former Place Royale, was laid out in the eighteenth century by the architect Gabriel, in a classical style of great elegance. Open onto the Garonne, framed by majestic arcaded buildings, it is adorned in its centre with the Fountain of the Three Graces. Facing it, on the quay, extends the Water Mirror, a contemporary work inaugurated in 2006, considered the largest water mirror of the world. This immense slab of granite covered with a fine film of water reflects like a mirror the façades of the square and the sky, before transforming, intermittently, into a cloud of mist. The result is striking and magical. The Water Mirror and the Place de la Bourse are the symbol and the pride of Bordeaux.

What to see

You admire the eighteenth-century Place de la Bourse, open onto the Garonne, framed by arcaded buildings and adorned with the Fountain of the Three Graces, facing the Water Mirror of 2006, the largest of the world, which reflects the façades and the sky before transforming into a cloud of mist. The Water Mirror and the Place de la Bourse are the symbol of Bordeaux. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Water Mirror and the Place de la Bourse lie on the quays of the Garonne, in the heart of Bordeaux, reachable on foot and by public transport, including the tram. They are open-air public spaces, freely accessible; the Water Mirror operates in cycles, generally in the fine season. The light is particularly beautiful at sunset.

What is the Water Mirror of Bordeaux?

A contemporary work inaugurated in 2006, considered the largest water mirror of the world: an immense slab of granite covered with a fine film of water that reflects the façades of the Place de la Bourse and the sky, before transforming into a cloud of mist.