Monument aux Girondins
Monument aux Girondins
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Fountains
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saronic
Zurich, Switzerland25,880 contributions
Mar 2022
This bombastic monument radiating energy and action is located by the western side of the Place des Quinconces. It was erected towards the end of the 19th century in honour of the Girondists, a loose faction of deputies of the 'Assemblée nationale législative', the parliament during the French Revolution. They were usually members of the upper bourgeoisie, with many originating from the Gironde, thus the name.
Considered as moderates they got into conflict with the Montagnards, whose members mostly came from Paris. End of October 1793 the Girondists were sentenced to the guillotine, marking the beginning of the 'Reign of Terror'. In later years they were looked upon as 'Martyrs of Liberty'. In this spirit this monument was erected.
Being a fountain as well, although without water, when we visited, it is full of symbols and allegories. In the middle stands a tall column with at the top a female with wings, thus an angel, representing 'Liberty breaking her iron'. The figure is wearing a Phrygian cap so typical for the French Revolution.
Underneath we see various sculptures, mostly nude or half nude females, but also men, putti and various creatures like sea horses. On two sides are seated figures, one representing the Republic, the other the Concorde. Other females are allegories of History and Eloquence. One stands for the City of Bordeaux, with two completely naked women on her sides: the river Garonne with a swan and the river Dordogne with a duck.
Other sculptures of the total 34 are the Gallic rooster, the putto riding a sturgeon and the three fallen men, standing for the sins: Ignorance, Dishonesty and Vice. For 40 years all the bronze figures had been missing, since the Germans in 1943 wanted to have them melted down. Taken away by railway to a foundry, they reappeared suddenly, since obviously French workers had them hidden instead of destroyed.
Considered as moderates they got into conflict with the Montagnards, whose members mostly came from Paris. End of October 1793 the Girondists were sentenced to the guillotine, marking the beginning of the 'Reign of Terror'. In later years they were looked upon as 'Martyrs of Liberty'. In this spirit this monument was erected.
Being a fountain as well, although without water, when we visited, it is full of symbols and allegories. In the middle stands a tall column with at the top a female with wings, thus an angel, representing 'Liberty breaking her iron'. The figure is wearing a Phrygian cap so typical for the French Revolution.
Underneath we see various sculptures, mostly nude or half nude females, but also men, putti and various creatures like sea horses. On two sides are seated figures, one representing the Republic, the other the Concorde. Other females are allegories of History and Eloquence. One stands for the City of Bordeaux, with two completely naked women on her sides: the river Garonne with a swan and the river Dordogne with a duck.
Other sculptures of the total 34 are the Gallic rooster, the putto riding a sturgeon and the three fallen men, standing for the sins: Ignorance, Dishonesty and Vice. For 40 years all the bronze figures had been missing, since the Germans in 1943 wanted to have them melted down. Taken away by railway to a foundry, they reappeared suddenly, since obviously French workers had them hidden instead of destroyed.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Artemis
Ville de Lisieux, France44 contributions
Oct 2021
These impressive fountains are set in the central Bordeaux area of Quinconces, the trams stop right beside them amongst a large area of London Plain trees. Worth a visit and to read their history. They were apparently dismantled and moved to Angers, then 'found' and moved back again - something of a feat in itself we thought, as they are huge and must weight many tons.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,739 contributions
Oct 2022
This is an unusually large fountain filled with frolicking snorting horses with crab-like claws emerging from rocks while a group of men tumble into the water below. This scene is repeated on both curved fountain bowls on either side of the pedestral holding the very tall column with a Liberty statue atop breaking its chains. The chaotic water scene is such a contrast to the serene posture of "sunbathing" goddesses at the foot of the tall coumn. The figures in the water now have a turquoise patina which also contrasts to the white marble used for the goddesses. There are stairs that lead up to the pedestal for a closer look at the figures. There is a plaque near the fountain that explain in English why and when the fountain was erected. This fountain was a "must see photostop" for me.
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trainbleu
Brussels, Belgium28,541 contributions
May 2022
The extravagant Monument aux Girondins with people and animals tumbling in all directions, adds some lustre to the otherwise very dull Place des Quinconces, especially in winter when the trees are leafless. Spoiled by our present-day image culture we cannot even begin to imagine the overwhelming impression it must have made on nineteenth-century viewers. But they were probably much better at decrypting its symbolism.
The overly complex form of the monument is due to the fact that it combines two 19th century projects of the city of Bordeaux: one to erect a Monument to the Girondins revolutionaries on Place Dauphine (now Place Gambetta) and one to create an allegorical fountain on Place des Quinconces. In the end a fountain monument was built between 1894 and 1902. It is packed with history. The monument didn’t appeal to us but we sat nearby and did a lot of reading about its history, the French Revolution and the Girondins.
The overly complex form of the monument is due to the fact that it combines two 19th century projects of the city of Bordeaux: one to erect a Monument to the Girondins revolutionaries on Place Dauphine (now Place Gambetta) and one to create an allegorical fountain on Place des Quinconces. In the end a fountain monument was built between 1894 and 1902. It is packed with history. The monument didn’t appeal to us but we sat nearby and did a lot of reading about its history, the French Revolution and the Girondins.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia42,596 contributions
Jul 2019
This is a great fountain with some interesting history behind it. This monument honours French patriots who suffered and sacrificed their lives during the terrible Reign of Terror in the years of the French Revolution. The monument is a complex sculpture, completed over many years and its different sculptures all have specific symbolic meanings. This monument can be seen from afar from a number of points around the city.
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
simply-peregrinating
Waddington, UK2,758 contributions
Sep 2019
Definitely in the top ten of fountains I have seen. Lots of sculptures within it, water spouting from many places. Enjoyed walking all the way round and seeing it from different angles. Pretty central, we walked there from the tourist information office it's not far from the river either. Worth going to see.
Written May 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Levi N
Fairfax, VA610 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I thought this place was more impressive than the mirror and the cathedral. It's an impressive sculpture structure devoted to the local revolutionaries killed during the terror, so some cool history. Don't have to spend much time but worth a visit.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristine Hope
New Jersey110 contributions
Jul 2022
Definitely worth a stop when visiting Bordeaux. The fountain itself is exquisite, and its size is impressive too. When I visited, the surrounding area was completely empty so it was just a lot of unused space that I imagine is gorgeous and inviting when there's a festival or market going on.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheNewFoodie
Bolton, UK52 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
At the head of the 'Esplanade des Quinconces' sits the mightily impressive 'Monument aux Girondins' a huge monument and fountain, built between 1894 & 1902 in memory of the Girondins, Victims of Terror and to celebrate the new republic following the revolution.
The massive bronze horses and figures were apparently removed in the second world war for smelting but many were recovered in a foundry in Angers and returned to Bordeaux and eventually put back as late as the 1980's, the monument has been renovated to it former glory in the early 2000's
Atop the large Girondins column stands Lady Liberty offering the palm of victory.
Well worth a visit for some fantastic photos, you can grab a coffee and sit in the park then wonder the Esplanade des Quinconces, were there are often attractions, exhibitions and events taking place. At the other end of here is the Quai Louis XVIII and the river promenade.
Nearest Tram - Quinconces
The massive bronze horses and figures were apparently removed in the second world war for smelting but many were recovered in a foundry in Angers and returned to Bordeaux and eventually put back as late as the 1980's, the monument has been renovated to it former glory in the early 2000's
Atop the large Girondins column stands Lady Liberty offering the palm of victory.
Well worth a visit for some fantastic photos, you can grab a coffee and sit in the park then wonder the Esplanade des Quinconces, were there are often attractions, exhibitions and events taking place. At the other end of here is the Quai Louis XVIII and the river promenade.
Nearest Tram - Quinconces
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX2,411 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a very attractive column with many nice sculptures at the base and the top. It is well done and has a neat history that it was hidden from the Germans in WWII. You will pass this park as you enter the central shopping area, so you need not make special plans to see it.
Written December 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Monument aux Girondins (Bordeaux) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Monument aux Girondins
- We recommend booking Monument aux Girondins tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 Monument aux Girondins tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Monument aux Girondins:
- Bordeaux City Sights Walking Tour (From $14.78)
- 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide (From $164.23)
- Bordeaux Walking Tour - Private (From $78.83)
- Private - Best of Bordeaux Walking Tour (From $38.32)
- Private Half-Day Bordeaux Walking Tour (From $71.17)
- Hotels near Monument aux Girondins:
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Majestic Bordeaux
- (0.13 mi) Hotel de Normandie
- (0.11 mi) Superbe appartement Bordelais en hypercentre pour 4 personnes
- (0.11 mi) Splendide appartement à la belle pierre et lumineux pour 4 personnes
- (0.17 mi) Hotel de Seze
- Restaurants near Monument aux Girondins:
- (0.07 mi) Brasserie de L'Orleans
- (0.13 mi) Bar a Vin
- (0.11 mi) La Belle Epoque
- (0.09 mi) Fuxia
- (0.14 mi) Le Crabe Marteau