Miroir d’eau
Bordeaux's iconic Water Mirror, a vast reflective pool mirroring historic architecture, offering fun water jets and dazzling night lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Miroir d’eau
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bordeaux's iconic Water Mirror, a vast reflective pool mirroring historic architecture, offering fun water jets and dazzling night lights.
"A must-see in Bordeaux, perfect for photos, family fun, and magical evening displays!"
Check operational status
It's deactivated in winter & sometimes for maintenance. Confirm it's on before you go!
Bring kids for fun
The water jets are a hit with children on hot days. Perfect for a break! :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Reflective Surface
Place de la Bourse
A vast expanse of water creating a stunning mirror effect, reflecting the historic Place de la Bourse. Perfect for photos!
Interactive Water Jets
Central area
During warmer months, jets spray water, offering a fun and refreshing experience for all ages. Kids love it!
Nighttime Light Show
Place de la Bourse
At night, the fountains transform with colorful lights and patterns, creating a magical ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check operational status
It's deactivated in winter & sometimes for maintenance. Confirm it's on before you go!
Bring kids for fun
The water jets are a hit with children on hot days. Perfect for a break! :child:
Capture the reflection
Visit during calm weather for the best mirror-like effect. Early morning is ideal. :camerawithflash:
Evening light shows
Don't miss the magical light displays after dark. Truly enchanting! :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check operational status
It's deactivated in winter & sometimes for maintenance. Confirm it's on before you go!
Bring kids for fun
The water jets are a hit with children on hot days. Perfect for a break! :child:
Capture the reflection
Visit during calm weather for the best mirror-like effect. Early morning is ideal. :camerawithflash:
Evening light shows
Don't miss the magical light displays after dark. Truly enchanting! :sparkles:
Stay hydrated & shaded
Bring water and find shade under trees on hot days. Ice cream trucks are nearby! :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Miroir d'eau's stunning reflective qualities and its fun, interactive water jets, especially for children on hot days. The nighttime light shows add a magical touch. However, some visitors have been disappointed by finding it dry due to seasonal deactivation or maintenance, highlighting the importance of checking its operational status.
"Great place for the kids. Especially when exploring the city this breaks up the trio and allow them to be free, especially cool down on the hot day. The water empties and refills automatically which is great. There are some jets that also come on where the kids can walk through. Loads of people here under the shade of the trees and an ice cream truck also serving ice creams."
Paul Cruwys
"Came here to take photos of the reflection but it’s dry"
Yiming Ma
"Really cool place during the day where the large area of water acts as a mirror in which the castle is reflected. At night, the fountain displays all kinds of beautiful combinations of colors and patterns. A must see when in Nantes!"
Anders Mariegaard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Miroir d'eau is located on the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux. It's easily accessible by public transport, including trams (line B, station 'Bourse') and numerous bus lines. Many visitors also enjoy walking along the Garonne riverfront to reach it.
Yes, there are several parking garages near the Place de la Bourse, such as the 'Bourse Maritime' and 'Hôtel de Ville' parking lots. However, parking in Bordeaux can be expensive and busy, so public transport is often recommended.
Absolutely! The Miroir d'eau is a central attraction and a pleasant walk from many parts of Bordeaux's historic center. Strolling along the riverfront is a popular way to approach it.
The area around the Miroir d'eau is generally flat and paved, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The wide open space allows for easy navigation.
For the best experience, combine a visit with a stroll along the Garonne riverfront and explore the historic Place de la Bourse. Consider visiting during different times of day to see its various moods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Miroir d'eau and the surrounding Place de la Bourse is completely free. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
The Miroir d'eau is generally accessible year-round, but the water features are typically active from spring through autumn. It's deactivated in winter to prevent freezing.
The water is usually turned on from spring (around April) until autumn (around October). The exact dates can vary slightly each year.
Not always. It's deactivated during winter months and can sometimes be temporarily closed for maintenance or special events. Checking social media or local news is advised.
No, swimming is not permitted in the Miroir d'eau. It's designed as a reflective surface and a place for interactive water play with jets, not for swimming.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Early mornings offer calm water and fewer crowds for perfect reflections. Sunsets create beautiful golden hour light, and at night, the light show is spectacular.
Experiment with different angles! Shooting from the steps of the Place de la Bourse provides a classic reflection. Getting closer to the water jets offers dynamic shots.
Yes, the Miroir d'eau comes alive at night with a stunning light display that changes patterns and colors, making for very dramatic photos.
The most prominent reflection is the magnificent 18th-century architecture of the Place de la Bourse. On clear days, you can also see the sky and clouds.
Absolutely! It's one of Bordeaux's most iconic and photogenic spots, offering unique visual opportunities that change throughout the day and night.
🎫 👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Yes, it's fantastic for kids, especially on warm days! The interactive water jets provide a fun way for them to cool off and play.
Kids can run through the water jets, splash around (when active), and enjoy the open space. It's a great place for them to burn energy.
Yes, there are many cafes and restaurants around the Place de la Bourse and the nearby Rue Sainte-Catherine, offering various options for families. Ice cream vendors are also often present.
When the water jets are active, it's a supervised play area. Always supervise children closely, especially near the water. The area is generally safe and spacious.
Bring swimsuits or quick-drying clothes for the kids, towels, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. A change of clothes is highly recommended! :child: :sunwithface:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring a change of clothes and towels, as kids will inevitably get wet! Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are essential. You can often find ice cream vendors nearby, making it a perfect spot for a treat. The wide, open space is also great for strollers and allows for easy supervision.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the nighttime light shows, where the water and surrounding lights create a dynamic and colorful spectacle. Experiment with different angles, from wide shots capturing the entire square to closer shots of the water jets in action. The contrast between the historic architecture and the modern water feature offers endless photographic possibilities.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Sightseers
Allow time to simply relax by the water, watch the reflections, and perhaps enjoy a snack from a nearby vendor. It's a great spot to take a break, soak in the atmosphere, and capture some iconic photos of Bordeaux. Combine it with a walk along the Garonne for a well-rounded city experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Engineering of Reflection
The engineering behind the Miroir d'eau is just as impressive as its aesthetic. It features a complex network of pumps and pipes that allow the water to be drained and refilled automatically. This system ensures the water remains clean and the reflective surface is consistently maintained. During warmer months, strategically placed jets can be activated, transforming the tranquil mirror into a playful water playground, much to the delight of visitors, especially children.
This iconic landmark has become a symbol of Bordeaux, blending historical architecture with contemporary artistic expression. Its ability to transform from a serene reflective surface to an interactive water feature makes it a dynamic and engaging attraction for all ages. Whether you're there to capture breathtaking photographs, cool off on a hot day, or simply admire the cityscape, the Miroir d'eau offers a unique and memorable experience.
Seasonal Operations and Visitor Experience
Visitors often express delight when the Miroir d'eau is active, highlighting its refreshing nature on hot summer days and the magical ambiance it creates, especially at night with its colorful light displays. However, there can be occasional disruptions. For instance, the water mirror has sometimes been affected by maintenance or unexpected events, leading to temporary closures or a dry surface, which can be disappointing for those who traveled specifically to see it in action.
To ensure you catch the Miroir d'eau at its best, it's advisable to check local event listings or social media updates before your visit. This will help you confirm its operational status and any special events, like the international dance day workshops mentioned, that might be taking place.
Understanding its seasonal nature and potential for temporary closures will help manage expectations and maximize your enjoyment of this unique Bordeaux attraction. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit