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Porte Cailhau, City of Bordeaux

Medieval city gate in the heart of Bordeaux

featured in Sights & sites

This medieval city gate commemorates the French victory in the battle of Fornovo in Italy.

Facing the Place du Palais, it stands impressively with its multiple conical towers and ornate sculptures. It is thought the name Cailhau comes from the rocks once used to ballast ships in the docks.

Standing at height of 35 meters, the Cailhau gate was part of town walls. There is an exhibition that presents the tools and materials that were used to build the city. plus an audio-visual montage created from old film, immerses us in the world of stonemasons.

Visitor comments

  • "Walk this entire area. Enter here. What a beauty. You can't believe something this old still stands so grandly and was built so long ago with such detail. This is not a time-consuming attraction---just don't miss it." - Trip Advisor
  • "Porte Cailhau is a stunning fairytale gate located near the Bordeaux waterfront built in the mid-1400s. Don't miss it - or the surrounding area. The waterfront outside the gate is a fabulous place to stroll, particularly in the early evening. And the architecture of the old city inside the gate is fascinating!" - Trip Advisor
  • "Situated in the historic old quarter of the city, if you walk the riverfront you are highly likely to stumble onto this gem. It's definitely worth wandering through the narrow medieval streets in the surrounding area." - Trip Advisor

When to come

Open every day from 10:00 to 12:00 and  again from 13:00 to 18:00. Closed the 25th December and the 1st January.

How to book

Entrance to the 1st floor is free. To visit the entire monument there is a small fee and it is free for children under 12. Reservations for group visits can be made via the tourist office or by calling the number above.

How to get passes

Tickets cost 3.50€, free for children under 12 years old.

Location

Map of the surrounding area