Porte de Bourgogne
A historic Roman-style arch, once a grand city entrance, now a landmark dividing Bordeaux's commercial and international dining scenes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Less traffic, quieter atmosphere
Porte de Bourgogne
Best Time
Less traffic, quieter atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Roman-style arch, once a grand city entrance, now a landmark dividing Bordeaux's commercial and international dining scenes.
"An interesting historical monument sadly in the middle of a traffic island!"
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Caution
Cross roads carefully; it's a busy traffic island. Watch for scooters!
📸 Best Photo Angles
View from both sides of the road for different perspectives.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Stone Arch
Left Bank of the Garonne River
Admire this 1757 Roman-style arch, one of Bordeaux's six remaining old city gates.

Gateway to Diverse Dining
Cours Victor Hugo
The arch divides areas offering everything from luxury French to international cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Traffic
A Glimpse of History
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Staying safe
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Caution
Cross roads carefully; it's a busy traffic island. Watch for scooters!
📸 Best Photo Angles
View from both sides of the road for different perspectives.
“How safe is Bordeaux, especially at night? Are there any areas I should be cautious about?”
🍽️ Culinary Divide
Explore the distinct commercial/luxury and international food zones.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Caution
Cross roads carefully; it's a busy traffic island. Watch for scooters!
📸 Best Photo Angles
View from both sides of the road for different perspectives.
🍽️ Culinary Divide
Explore the distinct commercial/luxury and international food zones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Porte de Bourgogne as a significant historical monument and a gateway to diverse dining options. However, its placement on a busy traffic island leads to noise, dirt, and safety concerns for pedestrians, with some finding the surrounding behavior detracts from the experience.
"Actually very nice. However it’s located in the middle of a super busy road, so it’s very noisy and dirty."
Flo
"I enjoyed seeing this historic stone arch structure built in 1757 on the Left Bank of the Garonne River. It is one of the six remaining old gates to the city was the official entrance into Bordeaux for the old road from Paris in centuries past.
Passing through Porte de Bourgogne you find yourself on Cours Victor Hugo today. You can view the structure which was listed as a National Monument (1921) quite well on both sides. Definitely worth a few minutes viewing while sightseeing around the Golden Triangle area of Bordeaux."
Brad
"A 🆕 nice place in Bordeaux. The Port ( arch ) divides the promenade by two parts: commercial and luxury french area and international food restaurants. International restaurants vary among the Chinese, Mexican, Turkish, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Arab cafes and other bistros in Bordeaux. It is warth to visit two areas and enjoy of international kitchen."
Daniella Bankova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Porte de Bourgogne is located on the Left Bank of the Garonne River, easily accessible by tram or bus. It's situated in a central area, making it a convenient stop during your Bordeaux sightseeing.
While the arch itself is a monument, the surrounding area can be busy. Travelers have noted concerns about safety in Bordeaux at night, especially around transport hubs. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Porte de Bourgogne is an outdoor monument and can be viewed freely from the surrounding public spaces.
As an external landmark, the Porte de Bourgogne is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding areas and businesses will have their own operating hours.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The arch serves as a gateway to Cours Victor Hugo, known for its diverse international restaurants and bistros. You can also enjoy the architecture and promenade areas.
Yes, the historic arch makes for interesting photos. Consider capturing it from different angles, especially during the golden hour for beautiful lighting.
Built in the 1750s, it was one of the main gateways into Bordeaux for travelers arriving from Paris. It's a listed National Monument, recognized for its historical importance.
You can walk through the area where the arch stands, but it's situated on a traffic island, so direct passage through the arch itself isn't a pedestrian path.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area around Porte de Bourgogne, particularly Cours Victor Hugo, offers a wide array of international cuisines, including Chinese, Mexican, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Lebanese options, alongside French bistros.
Yes, the promenade by the arch is divided into commercial and luxury French areas, and a vibrant international food district with many cafes and bistros.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Context and Significance
Today, the Porte de Bourgogne stands as one of the six remaining old gates of Bordeaux, offering a tangible link to the city's past. While its original function as a grand entrance is now primarily symbolic, it continues to divide and define the urban landscape. Passing through the arch's vicinity leads you onto Cours Victor Hugo, a bustling avenue that reflects the city's evolution. The monument's presence amidst modern traffic underscores the blend of historical preservation and contemporary urban life in Bordeaux.
Navigating the Urban Setting
Despite the traffic, the area offers distinct experiences. The arch effectively divides the promenade into two zones: one characterized by commercial and luxury French establishments, and the other a vibrant hub for international food restaurants. This creates an interesting dynamic, allowing visitors to experience diverse culinary offerings right next to a piece of history. However, some visitors have noted that the immediate surroundings can feel noisy and a bit dirty due to the constant traffic flow, which can detract from the overall impression of the monument.
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