Palais Gallien
The basics
Stride through the monumental gateway, and you can imagine how it would have felt appearing here in front of a roaring crowd. In the 18th century, Bordeaux officials decided to demolish most of what remained of the ruin, but the visitors center showcases a 3D reconstruction of the original amphitheater. Interestingly, some remnants of the original structure have been incorporated into nearby houses and gardens.
The site is close to the city center and easy to combine with other activities, such as a visit to one of the city's museums. Some guided tours of the city include a stop at the Palais Gallien.
Things to know before you go
- There’s no fee to view the amphitheater.
- It’s not possible to walk through the amphitheater itself, but you can admire the view from the outside.
- On the western side of the amphitheater, there are benches for visitors to sit on and information panels with more details about the building.
How to get there
The Palais Gallien is northwest of Bordeaux's city center. You can access the site on foot or by bike or tram; take Line C to Jardin Public, just a short walk away.
When to get there
The amphitheater is open daily year round. The site is completely outdoors so best enjoyed in dry weather.
Place de la Bourse
While visiting Bordeaux, don't miss the Place de la Bourse, one of the city's most popular sights and a 20-minute walk away from Palais Gallien. The square, which faces the river Garonne, was built in the 18th century; the buildings here once housed the Bordeaux stock exchange as well as several private houses. The addition of the striking Mirror of Water feature in 2006 has turned this grand space into a must-visit destination.
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- Saint-Seurin Basilica (Basilique Saint-Seurin)
- Quinconces Square (Place des Quinconces)
- Place Gambetta
- Grand Theatre
- Girondins Monument (Monument aux Girondins)
- Rue Sainte-Catherine
- Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux)
- Quai Louis XVIII
- Port of the Moon (Port de la Lune)
- Port of Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum (Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux)
- Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale St. André)
- Bordeaux Hôtel de Ville (Palais Rohan)
- Place de la Bourse (Place Royale)
- Chartreuse Cemetery (Cimetiere de la Chartreuse)