A little-known part of Bordeaux’s history is revealed in this monument built over 500 years ago. Take a step back in time and discover the secrets of medieval Bordeaux.
A visit for everyone and a climb full of surprises, rewarded by a contemplative view of the city and river.
April to October
Daily: 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm
November to March
Wednesday to Friday: 2 – 6 pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 11 am – 1 pm and 2 – 6 pm
Closed on December 25 and January 1
Adult rate: €7 / Concessionary rate: €5
Free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult
and on the 1st Sunday of the month
Visit more, spend less!
A visit to the Porte Cailhau is included in the Bordeaux CityPass. Available in 24, 48 or 72 consecutive-hour versions, it’s the essential pass for discovering Bordeaux! Includes: La Cité du Vin, Les Bassins de Lumières, unlimited transport (streetcar, bus, river shuttle), 15 museums and monuments…
Did you know?
The 35-metre-high Porte Cailhau still bears traces of Bordeaux’s ancient ramparts.
On either side of the building, you can see a section of the wall where it once stood!
the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Before climbing the steps, take a few steps forward and walk around the monument to observe the traces of the ramparts and the many sculptures that adorn the building.
© Grégory
about our faith
Built between
1493 and 1496
But with its pointed arch adorned with a fleur-de-lis escutcheon, its peppered roofs, twisted bell tower and large mullioned windows, it also fulfills a symbolic function by providing Bordeaux with an elegant ceremonial entrance. The effigy of the King on its façade makes it an emblematic monument to the city's attachment to the kingdom of France.
The river façade
This façade is adorned with 3 statues
Joan Vadell
Discover The Church
information and guidelines
Join Our Parish
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Parish Ministries
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Gabin Chambard
Events Calendar
Events Calendar
Go around the gate to the left and stand in the palace square.
Mikael Damkier
In passing, you’ll certainly have noticed the tearing away of the surrounding wall, restored by Charles Durand in the late 19th century. The mint was built against this wall. The small door visible above the curtain wall provided direct access to the second floor of the tower, thus connecting the two buildings.
Rostislav Ageev
The facade on the town side features a large armorial bas-relief framed by pinnacles and, originally above it, a crossing similar to those on the main facade.
Rémy Martineau
On the left, you’ll notice the applique tower that gives the building its asymmetrical character. It houses the staircase to the attic.
Meet now
under the monumental arch
Look up. The rectangular opening in the floor of the 1er floor, is the stunner, a classic defensive element in medieval military architecture. It can be used to hurl all kinds of projectiles at the enemy.
A little ahead of this opening, another slot allows the passage of the portcullis, a heavy wood and metal grille that disappears inside when you want to open the door, and slides down to the ground when you want to prevent access. It has disappeared, but its location can still be seen in the guardroom.
Now it’s time to enter the tower!
Discover Bordeaux
Address
- Place du Palais
- 33000 Bordeaux
Medieval Bordeaux
A little-known part of Bordeaux's history is revealed in this monument built over 500 years ago. Take a step back in time and discover the secrets of medieval Bordeaux.
A visit for everyone and a climb full of surprises, rewarded by a contemplative view of the city and river.
Produced by the Bordeaux Métropole Convention and Visitors Bureau, with scientific support from the Musée d’Aquitaine, this exhibition was funded as part of the New Aquitaine Region’s call for innovative tourism projects.