Plaza Sights in Bordeaux — 4 of Our Favourites

Each one - there are four - is a narrow and steep cobbled street with uneven paving that links various parts of the town together - the upper and the lower city. A rich part of the history of Saint Emilion these cobbles have travelled a long way, originating in fact in England.

After the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England in 1152, the region became English and remained so until the end of the Hundred Years's War in 1453. For three centuries the English ruled this area and traded freely along the Dordogne. The English used small cobble stones to ballast their boats on their journey to France and along the Gironde into the Dordogne river. Once they arrived in Aquitaine, the stones were discarded and replaced by wine barrels.

These stones were then used to created the cobbled 'tertres' of Saint Emilion!

The name comes from the geometric pattern that the trees are planted in - a 'quincunx', five points arranged in a cross, four forming a square and a fifth in the centre. The place was originally formed in 1820 on the site of Chateua Trompette and was intended as a prevention against a rebellion attack against the city.

Among the monument and sculptures of the square are two rostral column, built in 1829 and symbolising commerce and navigation. The main monument was erected in memory of the Girondists who fell victim to the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution.

Quinconces receives throughout the year numerous events. Twice a year the fairground rides, ferris wheel and other games of the 'fun fair' are hosted here. There is also a well known antique fair annually and a ham fair! 

During the busy summer months the centre of this square has outdoor seating and shade for the surrounding restaurants and cafes. The hustle and bustle of the square can be enjoyed from a calm and relaxing table right in the heart of the town.

On one side sits La Bourse (the Stock Exhcange) and on the other stands the Musée des Douanes (Customs and shipping museum). The 19th century Fountain of Three Graces stands imposingly at the centre. Beautiful, particularly when viewed at night from the other side of the Garonne river.

Impressive when lit up at night this square is a very much a main attraction in the city centre. On hot summer days you will find cooling relief in the mists of water that spray out from the surface. This also creates a wonderful playground for children and a fantastic mirror (Miroir d'Eau) effect on the surface...perfect for those holiday snaps!