Bordeaux’ stunning Place de la Bourse

Last November, I visited Bordeaux, France for the first time. It’s a city I’d been “meaning to visit” for many years, but it was such a pleasure to finally make it to this beautiful city.

One of the first places to visit when you’re in Bordeaux is the spectacular Place de la Bourse.

This is the site of the former Stock Exchange, and the elegant eighteenth century buildings feel like a film set. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there when the “Miroir d’eau” is in function – reflecting the beautiful palaces in the largest water “mirror”.

The medieval walls of Bordeaux were destroyed to construct this perfect square, beginning in 1720, as a project to build the royal palace. Jacques Gabriel, the primamry architect of King Louis XV was selected for the task – laying out plans to construct a classic city.

L’Hôtel des Fermes (the Royal Palace) was built by Gabriel père, and  l’Hôtel de la Bourse by Gabriel fils.

I enjoyed passing through this perfect spot each day, in thne changing light of day, and illuminated at night. But I must definitely return in spring and summer to see it reflected in the gigagntic “miroir”.

I’ll write about it ina  future post, but I greatly enjoyed my visit to the Musée National des Douanes (The Customes House Museum) – a fascinating look at Bordeaux’ role as one of Europe’s most important ports, the source of the city’s great wealth.

The museum illustrates the history and work of the customs house – and its officials – in radically changing times. I’ll write moreabout it in a future post.

Do not miss out on Bordeaux’ stunning Place de la Bourse when you’re next in France’s Aquitaine region.