Porte Cailhau
Place du Palais, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
With its gothic turrets, cathedral-esque spire, and dramatic central arch, Porte Cailhau gives off fairy tale castle vibes. Built in 1495 to commemorate King Charles VIII’s Italian War victory, the historic city gate once formed part of Bordeaux’s medieval city walls. Today, it’s a landmark and viewpoint linking Place du Palais and the Garonne waterfront.
Porte Cailhau is part of Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed historic center, so walking, biking, and motorcycle tours tend to stop at the grand city gate. As well as admiring the architectural details, you can climb up to the top of the 115-foot (35-meter) tower for views of the Garonne River, Pont de Pierre Bridge, and central Bordeaux. Inside, exhibits detail the tower’s construction and its fascinating past—from the storehouse and salt scale to the defensive tower.
Architecture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Porte Cailhau—its ornamental details are typical of monuments built under the reign of Charles VIII.
Budget travelers take note: the tower is free to visit on the first Sunday of each month.
There is an admission fee to visit the tower or you can visit using your Bordeaux CityPass. It’s free for children under 12.
Although the area around Porte Cailhau is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, the only way to explore inside the tower is by climbing the 4-story spiral staircase.
Porte Cailhau is on Place du Palais in the historic center of Bordeaux and is easy to reach on foot from most of the city’s central attractions. The closest tram stop is Place du Palais (line A), while Porte de Bourgogne (line C) is a short stroll away.
For a crowd-free photo of Porte Cailhau, you’ll need to get there early as it’s in the busiest part of Bordeaux. It’s also worth passing by at night when the tower is beautifully illuminated. The tower is open daily from April through October from 10am-1pm and 2-6pm. From November through March, it’s open in the afternoon from Wednesday through Friday and from 11am-1pm and 2-6pm at the weekend. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closure.
Bordeaux is brimming with historical monuments (350 in total) and more than half of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the Porte Cailhau, visit the nearby Porte de Bourgogne, the grand Place de la Bourse with its 18th-century Palais de la Bourse, the Gothic Saint-André Cathedral, and the enormous Quinconces square.
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