Squares

Place du Parlement

Bordeaux

Place du Parlement is a square in the city center of Bordeaux, in the Saint Pierre district near Place de la Bourse. Created in 1760 under the name Place du Marché-Royal, it was renamed Place de la Liberté during the French Revolution and received its current name after the Revolution. The square was repaved in 1980, and its ground consists of large golden limestone slabs. It is bordered by Rue des Lauriers to the northwest, Rue du Parlement Saint-Catherine from west to east, Rue Fernand-Philippart toward the Garonne to the northeast, and Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges to the southeast. The square is framed by buildings dating from the first half of the 19th century, with richly decorated façades arranged in three levels and bays separated by horizontal bands with mascarons and agrafes. These façades are topped with balustrades and wrought iron balconies. The Parliament fountain, dating from the Second Empire and installed in 1865, was designed by Bordeaux architect Louis-Michel Garros. The hotel Exshaw, in English neogothic style, is also part of the square’s built heritage.

Map showing the location of Place du Parlement in Bordeaux
Location of Place du Parlement in Bordeaux

Nearby Objects

Location and Surroundings

Place du Parlement is located in the city center of Bordeaux, in the Saint Pierre district, near Place de la Bourse. It is bordered to the northwest by Rue des Lauriers, from west to east by Rue du Parlement Saint-Catherine, to the northeast by Rue Fernand-Philippart towards the Garonne, and to the southeast by Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges. This position places it within a dense urban setting, defined by several adjoining streets.

History and Surface Treatment

Place du Parlement was created in 1760 under the name Place du Marche-Royal. During the French Revolution, it was renamed Place de la Liberte, and it received its current name after the Revolution. In 1980, the ground of the square was redone. Its surface consists of large golden limestone slabs, which give the place its present appearance.

Architecture and Features of Place du Parlement

Place du Parlement is marked by buildings dating from the first half of the 19th century and by a base composed of large golden stone slabs. The facades are richly decorated and arranged in bays on three levels. These bays are separated horizontally by bands decorated with mascarons and agrafes, while the facades are topped with balustrades and wrought iron balconies. Among the notable elements of the square is the Parliament fountain, a Second Empire feature installed in 1865 and designed by the Bordeaux architect Louis-Michel Garros. The square also includes the hotel Exshaw, described as an example of English neogothic style and as the finest work of Garros. Together, these elements give the place a distinctive architectural character and connect it to the city's 19th century built heritage.