Porte Cailhau

History

Porte Cailhau was built between 1493 and 1496, closer to the river than the older gate in the 14th-century rampart that it replaced. Its name comes from the cobbled quay in front of it, paved with river stones (cailloux), and possibly also from a Bordeaux merchant family who bore the name. It was completed just as King Charles VIII won the Battle of Fornovo in Italy, and the gate was dedicated to him: its niche holds his statue, the present one an 1880 copy. For a long time it served as the main entrance from the port, leading to the Palais de l'Ombrière, residence of the Dukes of Guyenne and later seat of the Parlement of Bordeaux. It has been a listed historic monument since 1883. Its facade mixes medieval defensive features with decoration that already announces the Renaissance.

What to see there

• The machicolations and portcullis, the medieval defensive side
• The niche of Charles VIII, whose present statue is an 1880 copy
• The dormer windows and turrets, more decorative, hinting at the Renaissance
• Traces of the old rampart visible on the city side
• On the city side, two angels holding the fleur-de-lis shield, watched by a curious long-haired figure
• The interior of the gate, which can be visited

Our tip

On our walks

• The historic heart — 2h30 · 5.0 km
• Saint-Michel and the quays — 1h45 · 3.7 km

Nearby addresses

• Déméter — 9 rue Ausone — Sharing neo-bistro, creative small plates, natural wines. One of our favourites. 📍
• LouLou — 16 rue de la Croix des Aides — Elegant French brasserie, unpretentious. Good wine list, pleasant terrace. 📍
• Buvette — 41 cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine — Natural wine bar, relaxed atmosphere. Neighbour of Berthom. 📍
• Maison du glacier — 1 pl. Saint-Pierre — Bordeaux's best ice cream according to many. Queue is justified. 📍

All our neighbourhood addresses