Quai Louis XVIII

Bordeaux, being settled along the powerful Garonne River and just a few kilometers away from the ocean, is a 2,000 year-old port city characterized by its relationship with water. The city’s quays and bridges are an important aspect of its patrimonial legacy (parts of it are registered Word Heritage sites), and more often than not, remarkable architectural feats. Bordeaux’s quays are roughly 80 meters wide and about 4.5 kilometers long, flanked by elegant neoclassic facades and listed buildings to the west and the Garonne River to the east.
Quai Louis XVIII is a fine example of this. It’s located at the eastern end of Place de Quinconces, between the river and the luxuriant Prairie des Girondins. It is also home to the CAPC Contemporary Art Museum on its northern extremity and acts as a natural buffer between locals-only Quai des Chartrons and the touristy Quai Richelieu and Quai de la Douane. But most of all, Quai Louis XVIII is an ideal place to unwind, take a good dose of fresh air, ride a bike, take a walk or enjoy un verre de vin al fresco. An epicurean setting if there ever was one, Quai Louis XVIII is in the heart of one of the most lively and charming French cities.

Practical Info

Quai Louis XVIII is located along the Garonne River by Place des Quinconces, a few meters outside of the historic center. It is accessible on foot, by tram via Route B (stop Quinconces or CAPC Musée d’art Contemporain) or by car. The nearest parking lot is Parking Bourse – Jean Jaurès at 2, Place de la Bourse. Daytime rates (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are €2.40 per hour and the nighttime (between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.) flat rate is €3.90.