Place de la Comédie

Whether you’re exploring Bordeaux on a tour by foot, bike, or pedicab, you'll likely make a stop at Place de la Comédie, one of the city’s principal squares. Two architectural landmarks dominate the views—the magnificent Grand Theatre and the lavish InterContinental Bordeaux hotel—surrounded by buzzing terrace cafés and some of the city’s most luxurious boutiques.

To the south, Rue Sainte Catherine is Bordeaux’s busiest shopping streets, home to the Galeries Lafayette department store and other big-name brands, while to the north, the Golden Triangle shopping district features designer boutiques and high-end jewelers.

• Foodies take note—Place de la Comédie is home to two of the city’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, Philippe Etchebest’s Le Quatrième Mur and Gordon Ramsay’s Le Pressoir d'Argent.

• The square is surrounded by shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, so it’s easy to find a spot to eat or drink.

• Place de la Comédie is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but watch out for the trams that frequently run through the square.

Place de la Comédie is located in the heart of Bordeaux, a 5-minute walk from the riverfront Place de la Bourse. If you don’t fancy walking, hop on the tram—line B runs right through the square (Grand Theatre stop).

There’s always something to do at Place de la Comédie, whether you’re hitting the shops in the day, attending a performance at the Grand Theatre, or soaking up the evening atmosphere at one of its many bars or restaurants. Over the festive season, the square’s glittering illuminations set the scene for the neighboring Allées de Tourny Christmas market.

One of Bordeaux’s most celebrated architectural feats, the Grand Theatre is the masterpiece of architect Victor Louis. Inaugurated in 1780, it quickly earned acclaim as one of Europe’s most sumptuous theaters. The imposing neo-classical facade never fails to impress, with its 12-column Corinthian portico surmounted by statues that represent the nine muses and three goddesses, while the opulent interiors include a monumental staircase and a domed theater with frescoes painted by Jean Baptiste Claude Robin.