Place du Parlement, Bordeaux

Square in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 3.0 / BRENAC

Tucked between the Garonne River and the bustling lanes of the old town, Place du Parlement is one of the best places to visit in Bordeaux if you want to experience the city's graceful 18th-century urban design. Smaller and more intimate than the grand Place de la Bourse, it has a warm, human scale that makes it a highlight of any walking tour of Bordeaux. Its pale limestone façades, wrought-iron balconies, and elegant symmetry create a picture-perfect setting that feels both historic and alive.

The square centres around a stone fountain installed in 1865, adding movement and sound to what was once a medieval marketplace. Today, the square opens onto pedestrian streets filled with cafés and restaurants, making it a pleasant place to pause for a coffee or glass of wine. Whether you visit in the golden light of morning or after dusk when terraces glow beneath lamplight, Place du Parlement offers a timeless slice of Bordeaux's charm.

History and Significance of Place du Parlement
Things to See and Do in Place du Parlement
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Place du Parlement
Where to Stay close to Place du Parlement
Is Place du Parlement Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Place du Parlement
Nearby Attractions to Place du Parlement

History and Significance of Place du Parlement

Place du Parlement was created in the mid-18th century as part of Bordeaux's transformation from a medieval port city into a thriving Enlightenment metropolis. The square was built on the site of an old market and designed with architectural coherence in mind, showcasing the city's signature limestone and classical style.

Despite its name, the square has no connection to the national parliament. Instead, it references Bordeaux's own historic Parlement-a sovereign court under the Ancien Régime that once held significant authority in the region. Declared a historic site in the 1950s, Place du Parlement has remained one of the most harmonious and best-preserved ensemble squares in the city.

Things to See and Do in Place du Parlement

The square’s main draw is simply its atmosphere-sit at one of the many terraces, enjoy the fountain, and watch the daily life of the old town unfold. Architecture lovers will appreciate the uniform façades and decorative details, while photographers will find endless angles in the soft light that reflects off the stone.

From here, it's easy to explore the surrounding network of narrow streets, including Rue du Parlement Saint-Pierre and Rue Saint-Rémi, both known for their boutiques and eateries. The square is also perfectly situated for discovering nearby landmarks such as Place de la Bourse, the Miroir d'Eau, and the riverside quays.

How to Get There

Place du Parlement is located in the historic centre of Bordeaux, a short walk from Place de la Bourse and the Garonne riverfront. The nearest tram stop is Place de la Bourse on Line C. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. If arriving by car, several public car parks are available within a few minutes’ walk. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Bordeaux Airport connects to the city via tram and shuttle services. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bordeaux on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Place du Parlement

Best time to visit Place du Parlement: Early evening when the terraces fill and the façades glow in golden light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to access.
Opening hours: Open at all times.
Official website: bordeaux.fr
How long to spend: 30-60 minutes, longer if stopping for food or drinks.
Accessibility: The square is flat and fully pedestrianised.
Facilities: Numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops surrounding the square.
Photography tip: Capture the fountain from the southwest corner for symmetry and warm light.
Guided-tours: Many Bordeaux walking tours include the square in their route.
Nearby food options: Plenty of brasseries and wine bars offer outdoor seating in warmer months.

Where to Stay close to Place du Parlement

Stay nearby to enjoy the charm of the old town. For classic elegance, Hôtel de Sèze offers refined rooms within walking distance. A comfortable mid-range choice is Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre, just a few steps from the square. For boutique charm, consider Hôtel des 4 Soeurs near the Grand Théâtre.

Is Place du Parlement Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Place du Parlement is one of the top sights in Bordeaux for travellers seeking atmosphere, architecture, and a taste of everyday local life. Its blend of beauty, history, and relaxed charm makes it a must-stop square when exploring the city centre.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,142)

Place du Parlement in Bordeaux is a handsome open square ringed by cafés and impressive buildings, centred on an ornate decorative fountain; it's a lively meeting point where several restaurant streets converge, offering gelato, ice cream and plenty of dining options with views toward the cathedral, and reviewers praise the friendly staff and enjoyable meals such as cod.

Claire Voigt

a month ago

"We stopped for our first cheese. board with red wine on our girls trip. Staff were helpful, main course was lovely - I can recommend the cod. Greatstart to our trip...."

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Sara Green

4 months ago

"Amazing resaurant lovely friendly staff. Food was exceptional. Beautiful view of the cathedral. Highly recommend"

Sabrina Ruffini

a year ago

"Really nice city, Bordeaux is lovely to watch. It has a very good public transport, reliable and cheap. The city centre is well maintained and cleanwith lots of things to see/visit. Place du Parlement is worth it to be seen...."

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FAQs for Visiting Place du Parlement

Yes, the square is fully open and pedestrianised.

Plenty-restaurants, cafés, and wine bars surround the square.

You can sit nearby on terraces, though the fountain itself is decorative.

Yes, especially at sunrise or sunset when the limestone glows warmly.

Very-Place de la Bourse, the Miroir d’Eau, and Porte Cailhau are all within minutes.

Nearby Attractions to Place du Parlement

Place de la Bourse: Bordeaux's iconic riverside square with elegant 18th-century architecture.
Miroir d'Eau: A vast reflecting pool offering stunning views and playful mist effects.
Porte Cailhau: A 15th-century gate with panoramic views over the river.
Église Saint-Pierre: A Gothic church at the heart of the old port area.
Rue Sainte-Catherine: One of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets.

The Place du Parlement appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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