Porte de Bourgogne

Also known as Porte des Salinières, the now classified structure that is Porte de Bourgogne has been part of Bordeaux’s cityscape since 1750. Built in the elegant classic style and imagined by architect André Portier, it was the starting point of the main road leading to Paris at the time, now known as Cours Victor Hugo.
Porte de Bourgogne vaguely resembles Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Titus Arch in Rome, and was actually extremely modern upon its construction. It overlooks a half-moon shaped park and series of classic facades along the Garonne River. The complete absence of ornaments gives the arch a somewhat stern allure, which only enhances its height and massive stones. While Bordeaux’s fortifications aren’t as obvious today as they were back around the Middle Ages, Porte de Bourgogne symbolizes their presence and the considerable part they played in protecting the city. Although its immediate surroundings have changed quite dramatically (it now faces one of Bordeaux’s main thoroughfares and is a major artery in the city’s mass transit system), the Porte still maintains its full grandeur and doesn't fail to impress visitors.

Practical Info

Porte de Bourgogne is located along the Garonne River by Quai Richelieu and is one of the main entrance points to the historic center. It is accessible on foot, by tram via Route C (stop Porte de Bourgogne) or by car. The nearest parking lot is Parking Salinières on Quai des Salinières. Daytime rates (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are €2 per hour and the nighttime (between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.) flat rate is €3.90.