Porte Cailhau
A 15th-century Gothic city gate shaped like a fairy-tale castle, where you can climb to the top for views over the Garonne and the stone bridge.
Built in 1495 to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at the Battle of Fornovo, the gate served as both a triumphal arch and part of the city walls. About 35 meters tall, its pointed-roof towers look like a fairy-tale castle, and it is very photogenic beside the Place du Palais by the Garonne River. The interior has a small exhibition on medieval Bordeaux, and from the top you can look out over the stone bridge and the river. Admission is about €5; opening hours vary considerably by season, so check the official website.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–13:00, 14:00–18:00 (seasonal changes; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'eau
- Bordeaux Old Town (Saint-Pierre)
- Grosse Cloche
- Pont de Pierre
- Basilica of Saint-Michel
- Rue Sainte-Catherine
- Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
- Musée d'Aquitaine