Porte Cailhau - Bordeaux (historic center)
The Porte Cailhau is an emblematic Bordeaux landmark, located on Place du Palais, just a stone's throw from the quays of the Garonne. Built between 1493 and 1496 in honor of Charles VIII's victory at Fornoue, it served as both city gate and triumphal arch. Standing 35 metres high, this fortified tower is one of the few remaining medieval civil remains in the city.
Architecture and tours
Flamboyantly Gothic with Renaissance influences, the Porte Cailhau features machicolations, dormer windows, pepper-pot roofs and sculptures, including a statue of Charles VIII. The interior offers a scenographic tour of the history of medieval Bordeaux, defensive architecture and construction techniques. From the 23-metre-high observation platform, visitors enjoy an unobstructed view of the Pont de Pierre, the Garonne and the rooftops of the historic center.
Students and accessibility
The site is popular with tourists and students, especially those interested in history, architecture and heritage. The tour is short, educational and offers an immersive experience at a reduced price for young people. Some common areas are accessible to people with reduced mobility, but access to the top is by staircase only.
Practical info
Address: place du Palais, 33000 Bordeaux
Opening hours :
April to October: daily, 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
November to March: Wednesdays to Sundays, reduced opening hours
Closed Monday and Tuesday out of season
Rates :
Full price: €7
Reduced rate: €5 (students, jobseekers, PRM...)
Youth rate (18-25 years): €2
Free for children under 12 and on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month
Accessibility: accessible lower levels, staircase access
Access: streetcar B stop Porte de Bourgogne, pedestrian center
Public: students, tourists, history and architecture enthusiasts