Porte de Bourgogne

Now a classified monument, Porte de Bourgogne (sometimes known as Porte des Salinières) is the work of French architect André Portier. It was built in a classical style and flanked by four imposing columns. Now perched opposite one of Bordeaux’s main thoroughfares, it remains a striking landmark and a popular stop on sightseeing tours and walking and biking tours of the historic center.

• The arch is free to visit, but there’s no interior, and it’s not possible to climb up to the top as with the Arc de Triomphe.

• There are a number of terrace cafés and restaurants dotted around the square, where you can enjoy a drink with a view of the monument.

• The Porte de Bourgogne is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but it is located on a busy thoroughfare, so watch out for frequent trams and traffic.

Porte de Bourgogne is easy to reach on foot, just a 5-minute walk from Quai Richelieu, and it is also well-served by public transport. Tramlines A, C, and D stop at the Porte de Bourgogne tram stop, a short stroll from the monument, and numerous buses pass by the square.

Snapping a traffic-free photo of the Porte de Bourgogne is a tough call unless you’re willing to make a very early start—this is one of Bordeaux’s busiest intersections. Swing by in the day to see the landmark or at night to admire its atmospheric illuminations. It’s often lit up in festive colors to mark special Bordeaux events such as the LGBTQ Pride festival (June) or Bastille Day (July 14).

With more than 350 listed historical monuments and much of the city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux has no shortage of monuments. Along with the Porte de Bourgogne, highlights include the grand Place des Quinconces square, the 18th-century Palais de la Bourse on Place de la Bourse, and the Grand Theatre on Place de la Comédie. There’s also the Gothic-style Saint-André Cathedral, the medieval city gate, Port Cailhau, and the 18th-century belfry Grosse Cloche.