© Olivier Aumage
River Garonne Quay Tour
A flat route around Bordeaux's renovated quays
A short, flat walk around the heart of Bordeaux. This route takes in many historical and cultural buildings that are well worth stopping at along the way.
The Chaban-Delmas Bridge is situated on the north side of the walk and is the longest vertical lift bridge in Europe with a central span of 117m that enables cruise ships to pass underneath. Opened in 2013 it was named after Bordeaux's mayor between 1947 and 1995.
Directions
You can start this route on either side of the river anywhere between Pont de Pierre and Pont Chablan-Delmas. The following directions are from the Porte de Bourgogne station.
The first site is Le Pont de Pierre. This was the first bridge over the Garonne in Bordeaux and was planned and designed during the First French Empire, under the orders of Napoleon I. The bridge was finished in 1822 and was the only bridge until the construction of Pont Saint-Jean in 1965.
Crossing this bridge you start up the east bank of the river. You will first notice the 8 meter long, 6 meter high Lion at Place Stalingrad. Following the river north you pass many old buildings and small park areas until you reach the Chaban-Delmas Bridge. The longest vertical lift bridge in Europe. After crossing this bridge you will head south down the west bank of the river.
The modern and newly renovated quay is a pleasure to stroll down and there are plenty of places to stop and have lunch or just take in the city. You will soon see the Monument aux Girondins on your right, surrounded by dense woodland and a large clearing. Built during 1894 and 1902 it celebrates the republic and stands at an impressive 54m high.
Further south on the west bank you will find the Miroir d'eau, the worlds largest reflecting pool covering an immense 3450 square meters. Located in front of the Place de la Bourse, it was built in 2006 and is made of granite slabs covered by 2cm of water. After a short walk down south you will reach the Port de Bourgogne and the start of the walk.
