Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau
4.5
About
The Port Cailhau, thirty-five metres tall, was integrated into the city walls. In 1864, it was rented by a public letter writer and a person whose job was to weigh salt. They were both evicted in order to renovate the monument. There is a magnificent view of the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre, from here.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
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on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,581 contributions
July 2022
Gothic-Renaissance (that is the "flamboyant" part) in character, and built between 1493 and 1496, it ended up being dedicated to King Charles VIII of France upon a significant victory.
On the side of the gate facing the river, look for his likeness in the center of the tower's facade. The other two figures are of a saint and a cardinal who accompanied him on the battle.
At the window corners are interesting looking gargoyle characters but the most attention-grabbing feature is the slate roof capped by a series of witches hats peaks.
The entry through the gate is beneath a beautiful church-like archway. It is very close to the grand and glorious triumphal arch (subject of a different TA review).
On the side of the gate facing the river, look for his likeness in the center of the tower's facade. The other two figures are of a saint and a cardinal who accompanied him on the battle.
At the window corners are interesting looking gargoyle characters but the most attention-grabbing feature is the slate roof capped by a series of witches hats peaks.
The entry through the gate is beneath a beautiful church-like archway. It is very close to the grand and glorious triumphal arch (subject of a different TA review).
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth K
30 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Definitely recommend a visit. Good background information on the history of this area of Bordeaux.
Well laid out information, with useful English translation. Some nice audio bits too, again with English translation.
Not a huge place, but a good hour looking around. Good spot for photos of the area. We visited first thing on a Monday morning and had the place to ourselves.
Well laid out information, with useful English translation. Some nice audio bits too, again with English translation.
Not a huge place, but a good hour looking around. Good spot for photos of the area. We visited first thing on a Monday morning and had the place to ourselves.
Written 2 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JolieMarjorie
State of Bremen, Germany97 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
They meant business when they built up this gate. Looks really impressive.
It is historical gate built in the XV century. Since 1883, the gate has been included in the register of historical monuments of France.
Porte Cailhau stands on the Palace Square (la place du Palais) on the riverside. Located between the mouths of the two Bordeaux rivers, the Peugue (Cours d'Alsace et Lorraine) and the Devèze (rue de la Devise), it was the main entrance in the city. It gave access to the Palace of the Ombrière, the residence of the dukes of Guyenne, then the seat of the Parliament of Bordeaux from 1462 (torn down in 1800).
It is interesting to see this monument and know the history behind it.
It is historical gate built in the XV century. Since 1883, the gate has been included in the register of historical monuments of France.
Porte Cailhau stands on the Palace Square (la place du Palais) on the riverside. Located between the mouths of the two Bordeaux rivers, the Peugue (Cours d'Alsace et Lorraine) and the Devèze (rue de la Devise), it was the main entrance in the city. It gave access to the Palace of the Ombrière, the residence of the dukes of Guyenne, then the seat of the Parliament of Bordeaux from 1462 (torn down in 1800).
It is interesting to see this monument and know the history behind it.
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
miss-sparkly
London, UK41 contributions
July 2017 • Friends
We were told after we paid the viewing deck was closed. We were told that we had the option to go back later on our tickets, however this didn't fit into our plans. The building itself is beautiful, but the museum inside needs to be expanded, and is lacking much historical information.
Written 22 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart P
Sheffield, UK103 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Once occupied by King Richard the Lionheart, the son of Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen consort of France and England and one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in western Europe during the High Middle Ages.
She married King Louis VII of France, son of her guardian, King Louis VI. As queen of France, the marriage being annulled after 15 years as she did not produce a son.
As soon as the annulment was granted, Eleanor became engaged to the duke of Normandy, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. Henry was her third cousin and 11 years younger. Over the next 13 years, she bore eight children: five sons, three of whom became kings; and three daughters. the second son being Richard the Lionheart.
England ruled Aquitaine for some 300 years and this building, which was part of the original city walls is in excellent condition - as are all of the buildings in Bordeaux, none of which are over-shadowed by high-rise buildings.
She married King Louis VII of France, son of her guardian, King Louis VI. As queen of France, the marriage being annulled after 15 years as she did not produce a son.
As soon as the annulment was granted, Eleanor became engaged to the duke of Normandy, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. Henry was her third cousin and 11 years younger. Over the next 13 years, she bore eight children: five sons, three of whom became kings; and three daughters. the second son being Richard the Lionheart.
England ruled Aquitaine for some 300 years and this building, which was part of the original city walls is in excellent condition - as are all of the buildings in Bordeaux, none of which are over-shadowed by high-rise buildings.
Written 7 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolD56
Enfield, UK40 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
A fascinating look back in history, with exhibits on all floors. Stairs steep and narrow. Interesting view from the top.
Written 12 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baxterp
Paris, France172 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
Tucked away this is such a cool bell tower. Great shops and cafes below it. So well worth the walk over.
Written 31 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faith H
42 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
A great thing to do quickly before a boat tour. This site is small and it doesn't take much time to see it but it makes for a great stop before getting on a boat tour. The first 2 levels free. A small fee for the upper levels which provide a great view of the city and water. This is included in your Bordeaux Visit Card if you end up buying one of those from the Tourist Office. There is also a great little cafe on the corner that makes for a good cup of tea stop.
Written 12 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
Birmingham, UK1,639 contributions
June 2013 • Couples
This old gate in the (now vanished) city wall is well worth a visit. It has a small museum on the 1st floor and several rooms above. Perhaps talks too much about stone masons, but still very interesting. Rcommended
Written 25 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
150810Frank
Isla Mujeres, Mexico97 contributions
June 2013 • Family
Just like most of Bordeaux refurbished old city , give yourself the necessary time to walk all over the old downtown , visit churches and chapel from St Pierre to StMichel church, a little walk into the middle ages and the 18th century constructions, then a strall on the river walk, what a treat !
Written 17 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lakhbir B
Coventry, United Kingdom
Hi, Can anyone advise whether this hotel has parking and if its inclusive in the room price/rate?
Written 25 December 2014
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