Monument aux Girondins

Located in the very center of Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, this striking column was elevated in the late 1800s to commemorate the Girondists, a fervent republican political faction consisting of militants originally part of France’s Legislative Assembly, and one of the first group to openly denounce Louis XVI’s reign and the monarchy in general. Their 1793 mass execution, which was caused by their resistance against the rapidly increasing momentum of the revolution, is often considered to be the starting point of the Reign of Terror.
At 54 meters high, the Monument aux Girondins overlooks one of the city’s busiest squares and is adorned with an intricate bronze statue representing Lady Liberty breaking free of her shackles and gracing Bordeaux with her palm of victory. At the base of the column stands a colossal fountain and two basins, with dramatic bronze sculptures of charging horses, each signifying a different aspect of modern French society. The south-facing side honors the “Triumph of the Republic” and focuses on work, security, power, obligatory education and the victory over ignorance, vice and lies, while the north-facing side is dedicated to peace, fraternity, trade, arts and abundance, ultimately representing the “Triumph of the Concord.”

Practical Info

The Monument aux Girondins is located in the historic center of Bordeaux on Place des Quinconces, right by Quai Louis XVII along the Garonne River. It is accessible on foot, by tram via Route B or C (stop Quinconces) or by car. The nearest parking lot is Parking Tourny on Allée de Tourny. Daytime rates (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are €2.50 per hour and the nighttime (between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.) flat rate is €3.90.