How long does it take to walk the Bordeaux quayside?

This specific route is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) and takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace with stops for photos.

Is the Miroir d'eau in Bordeaux free to visit?

Yes, the Miroir d'eau is a public art installation and is completely free to access at any time, though the water cycles typically run from mid-morning to late evening.

Can I walk across the Pont de Pierre?

Yes, the Pont de Pierre is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit. It is currently closed to private cars, making it very peaceful for walking.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Absolutely. The Miroir d'eau is a highlight for children who enjoy the mist and shallow water, and the entire path is safe, flat, and away from heavy car traffic.

Where can I find the best view of the Garonne river?

The Pont de Pierre offers the most comprehensive panoramic view of the river and the crescent-shaped city skyline known as the Port of the Moon.

What should I wear for this self-guided walk?

Wear comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to walk into the Miroir d'eau mist or shallow water, keep in mind that the surface can be slightly slippery.

Is the route accessible for strollers?

Yes, this is one of the most accessible routes in Bordeaux, featuring wide, paved surfaces and no stairs along the main quayside path.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Bordeaux is a city defined by its relationship with the river Garonne, and nowhere is this connection more visually stunning than along the UNESCO-listed quayside. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the intersection of 18th-century limestone grandeur and modern artistic installations. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast with a smartphone, this route provides a masterclass in perspective, symmetry, and light. The journey begins in the heart of the old city at Place du Parlement, where the intricate 'mascarons' (stone faces) offer a glimpse into the whimsical side of French architecture. As you move toward the river, the scale of the city expands, leading you to the iconic Place de la Bourse. This neighborhood stroll is designed around the 'Port of the Moon,' the crescent-shaped curve of the river that has driven Bordeaux's wealth for centuries. The centerpiece of the experience is the Miroir d'eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool. Here, the historic facades of the Bourse are perfectly mirrored in a thin veil of water, creating a surreal landscape that changes with every breeze and mist cycle. Beyond the reflections, the walking route takes you past the historic Customs House and toward the medieval Porte Cailhau, a fairy-tale gate that once served as the city's main entrance from the river. The walk concludes on the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge ever built to span the Garonne, offering a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. This self-guided adventure allows you to capture the 'Golden Hour' at your own pace, observing how the honey-colored stone of Bordeaux glows against the moving waters of the Garonne. It is a perfect introduction for those who want to see the most iconic landmarks of the city while discovering the artistic soul that makes Bordeaux a favorite for travelers worldwide.

Highlights

Capture perfect reflections at the Miroir d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool

Admire the 18th-century symmetry of the grand Place de la Bourse

See the intricate stone 'mascarons' at Place du Parlement

Visit the fairy-tale medieval gate, Porte Cailhau

Enjoy panoramic river views from the historic Pont de Pierre

Explore the UNESCO-listed Port of the Moon quayside

Tour Stops (6)

Place du Parlement

Start your self-guided walk in one of Bordeaux's most charming squares. Place du Parlement was created in 1760 and is a fantastic example of the Italian influence on French urban design. Look closely at the buildings surrounding the square; they are adorned with 'mascarons,' or stone masks, which are a signature of Bordeaux architecture. No two are exactly alike—some depict mythological figures, while others show faces representing the city's diverse trading history. The central fountain, installed in 1865, provides a beautiful focal point for your first photo of the day. This square marks the transition from the narrow medieval streets of the Saint-Pierre district to the grand, open spaces of the riverfront.

Place de la Bourse

Step into the grandest stage in Bordeaux. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the preferred architect of King Louis XV (and the man behind the Place de la Concorde in Paris), this square was intended to open the city up to the river. The horseshoe shape was a revolutionary break from the medieval walls that once stood here. As you explore independently, notice the Three Graces fountain in the center, which replaced a statue of the king destroyed during the French Revolution. The symmetry here is a photographer's dream, representing the height of French classical architecture. The buildings once housed the Stock Exchange and the Customs House, symbols of the city’s maritime wealth.

Miroir d'eau

Directly across from the Place de la Bourse lies the Miroir d'eau, or the Mirror of Water. Completed in 2006 by landscape artist Michel Corajoud, this is the largest reflecting pool in the world, covering 3,450 square meters. The installation operates on a cycle: a thin film of water creates a perfect reflection of the 18th-century facades, followed by a thick 'fog' or mist effect that can rise up to two meters high. For the best photo, crouch down low to the water's surface to capture the seamless reflection of the Bourse. It is a place where historic stone meets modern fluidity, providing endless opportunities for creative photography.

Quai de la Douane

As you continue your walking route along the river, you are passing through the Quai de la Douane. This area was the heartbeat of the Port of the Moon, where ships from all over the world docked to trade wine, spices, and textiles. The wide, paved promenades you see today were once cluttered with warehouses and cranes. In the early 2000s, the city underwent a massive renovation to reclaim the quays for pedestrians. Look toward the river to see the Garonne's powerful tides; the water often appears brown due to natural sediment, which locals affectionately call the 'blonde' river. This stretch offers a sense of the scale of the Garonne and the city's maritime heritage.

Porte Cailhau

Turning slightly away from the immediate riverfront, you will encounter the magnificent Porte Cailhau. Built in 1494, this gate served a dual purpose: it was a defensive tower and a triumphal arch celebrating King Charles VIII’s victory at the Battle of Fornovo. With its conical roofs and elegant turrets, it looks like something out of a fairy tale. If you look at the river-facing side, you can see a statue of the King. This is one of the few remaining pieces of the city's medieval walls. Its white stone and Flamboyant Gothic style provide a sharp, beautiful contrast to the classical 18th-century buildings you just visited.

Pont de Pierre

The final stop on this audio walk is the Pont de Pierre, the 'Stone Bridge.' Until 1822, the only way to cross the Garonne was by boat. Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of this bridge during his Spanish campaigns. Legend has it that the bridge has 17 arches to match the number of letters in his name: 'Napoleon Bonaparte.' Walking even a short distance onto the bridge rewards you with the most famous view of Bordeaux—the 'Port of the Moon' skyline. From here, you can see the spires of the cathedral and the towers of the gates you've just visited, all framed by the sweeping curve of the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Golden Hour' just before sunset is ideal, as the low sun illuminates the limestone facades of Place de la Bourse with a warm glow. For the Miroir d'eau specifically, early morning offers the calmest water and fewer crowds.