Palais Rohan (City Hall), Bordeaux
The Palais Rohan is Bordeaux’s City Hall building. It is located on Place Pey Berland, next to the city’s Saint-André Cathedral. Completed in 1784, the Palais Rohan is one of South West France’s finest municipal buildings. Parts of it date to medieval times when the building served as a palace for the city’s archbishop – hence its location adjacent to the cathedral. The renovations that created the building you can see today began in 1771, under the direction of Archbishop Ferdinand Maximilien Meriadec de Rohan. After completion some thirteen years later, the palace was renamed in his honor.
The Palais Rohan stands at the heart of the City Hall quarter, an area named after the palace’s modern role as the town hall. The palace interior contains many remarkable decorative features that were typical of the elaborate Bordelais style of the era. Sculpted woodwork, trompe d’oeil paintings by Lacour, and a grand central staircase can all be found within this beautifully preserved building. The interior can be viewed on a French-language guided tour each Wednesday, organized by the Bordeaux Tourist Office.
Why You Should Visit:
A marvel of classic architecture combining refinement, elegance and sobriety.
The entire surrounding area is lovely; everyone comes here, sooner or later.
Tip:
Don't be afraid to pass by the guards and go in as far as the interior barrier to get a good view of this building.
The Palais Rohan stands at the heart of the City Hall quarter, an area named after the palace’s modern role as the town hall. The palace interior contains many remarkable decorative features that were typical of the elaborate Bordelais style of the era. Sculpted woodwork, trompe d’oeil paintings by Lacour, and a grand central staircase can all be found within this beautifully preserved building. The interior can be viewed on a French-language guided tour each Wednesday, organized by the Bordeaux Tourist Office.
Why You Should Visit:
A marvel of classic architecture combining refinement, elegance and sobriety.
The entire surrounding area is lovely; everyone comes here, sooner or later.
Tip:
Don't be afraid to pass by the guards and go in as far as the interior barrier to get a good view of this building.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bordeaux. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palais Rohan (City Hall) on Map
Sight Name: Palais Rohan (City Hall)
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bordeaux, France (See walking tours in Bordeaux)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bordeaux, France
Create Your Own Walk in Bordeaux
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bordeaux is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Once dubbed “The Sleeping Beauty” (La Belle au Bois Dormant), Bordeaux owes its nickname, in large part, to its impossibly beautiful religious architecture. Indeed, given the abundance of historical churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in this city, it's no wonder that a good half of Bordeaux is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. Let's delve into the significance of some of them.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bordeaux Introduction Walking Tour
The metropolitan region of Bordeaux is the fifth largest in France. The city is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but is perhaps better known as the Wine Capital of the World. The city's namesake wine comes in many varieties that can be found and enjoyed around the world.
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The name of Bordeaux is a long-standing debate among historians. The first inhabitants of the region were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Napoleon Bonaparte referred to Bordeaux as "The Sleeping Beauty" upon seeing its classical architecture when visiting the city. In his turn, Honore de Balzac, the renowned French novelist, impressed by Bordeaux's timeless charm and elegance described it as "an extraordinary town".
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Bordeaux Food Tour
Widely acclaimed for its prestigious wines, Bordeaux is also a prominent gastronomic destination in France. The local cuisine reflects the advantages of being a port city on the Atlantic coastline (with its fish and shellfish galore) and a carnivore country.
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles