Place du Parlement

Square in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 3.0 / BRENAC

Tucked away just a short stroll from the Garonne and Place de la Bourse, Place du Parlement is one of Bordeaux’s most charming and architecturally cohesive squares. Created in the 18th century, the square sits on the site of a former medieval marketplace and reflects the city’s growing prosperity and urban refinement during the Enlightenment. Its harmonious facades, typical of Bordeaux’s classical style, are adorned with wrought-iron balconies and pale limestone, creating a unified and elegant setting. Despite its name, the square has no direct connection to the French parliament—it was named in reference to the old Parliament of Bordeaux, a sovereign court under the Ancien Régime.

At the centre of the square stands a decorative fountain installed in 1865, adding a graceful focal point and gentle soundscape to the lively surroundings. In contrast to the grand formality of nearby Place de la Bourse or Place des Quinconces, Place du Parlement has a more intimate, human scale. The square opens onto a network of pedestrianised streets, making it a peaceful spot to pause and enjoy the atmosphere of the old town. The architecture surrounding the square is some of the best-preserved in the city, offering a snapshot of 18th-century Bordeaux as it transitioned from a fortified medieval city to a modern commercial centre.

Today, Place du Parlement is one of the city’s most inviting public spaces, animated by cafés, restaurants, and terraces that spill into the square during warmer months. It attracts both locals and visitors who come to enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine or linger over dinner beneath the soft glow of streetlights. While it may be quieter than some of Bordeaux’s larger landmarks, it’s precisely this charm and balance of beauty and simplicity that make Place du Parlement a favourite for those who want to soak up the city’s historic character at a leisurely pace.

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

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