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Square · Bordéus, Nova Aquitânia
Place de la Bourse et Miroir d'eau
18th-century square open to the Garonne, framed by two palaces, with the Miroir d'eau in front: a shallow sheet of water that reflects the façades and emits mist.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Place de la Bourse et Miroir d'eau
The Place de la Bourse, formerly called Place Royale, was built between 1730 and 1755 by the king's architects Jacques Gabriel and his son, Ange-Jacques Gabriel. It was one of the first squares in France opened outwards from the walled city: instead of being enclosed, it faces the river Garonne and marked the beginning of classical Bordéus.
Two symmetrical pavilions frame the square: the Palais de la Bourse, home of the chamber of commerce, and the former Hôtel des Fermes, which houses the customs administration. The façades feature mascarons and wrought-iron balconies. In the center is the Fontaine des Trois Grâces.
In front of the square, on the other side of the avenue of the quays, stands the Miroir d'eau, a granite slab of about 3,450 m² covered by only 2 cm of water. The system alternates a mirror effect, which reflects the Bourse, and a mist effect that can reach 2 meters high. Children and adults walk barefoot in the water on hot days.
The ensemble is part of the area listed as a World Heritage Site under the name Port de la Lune, and is the natural starting point for walking along the quays toward the Place des Quinconces or the Pont de pierre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, plus the time to walk along the quays.
Best time
In the late afternoon and at dusk, when the mirror reflects the illuminated façades. Early in the morning there are fewer people for photos. The Miroir d'eau stops in winter to avoid damage from ice and usually resumes operation in spring.
How to get there
On foot from the historic centre. Tram C stops at Place de la Bourse station on the riverfront and links the square with Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean and Quinconces.
Tip
Wait for the mist cycle: it repeats at regular intervals and completely changes the picture. Wear shoes that are easy to take off if you want to walk in the water. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Place de la Bourse et Miroir d'eau
Is there an entrance fee for the Miroir d'eau?
No. The Miroir d'eau and the Place de la Bourse are public spaces and entry is free. You can walk in the water whenever the system is operating.
Does the Miroir d'eau operate year-round?
No. It is switched off in winter to prevent ice from damaging the piping and usually restarts in spring. Check before you go if you are traveling between November and March.
Can you enter the palaces of the Place de la Bourse?
The two pavilions are administrative buildings, housing the chamber of commerce and the customs office. Visits are from the outside; the Musée national des douanes, in the former Hôtel des Fermes, tells the history of customs.