Porte du Palais (ou Porte Cailhau)

To make a day of it

Porte du Palais (ou Porte Cailhau) stands in Bordeaux (Gironde), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century). Adult admission costs 7 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on September 4, 2026.

In Bordeaux, facing the Garonne river, the Porte Cailhau stands where the old entrance to the city once met the port, near the former Palais de l'Ombrière. Built at the end of the 15th century, it combines medieval defensive features, machicolations, a portcullis, arrow slits, with the more ornamental style of the early Renaissance, seen in its dormer windows and flamboyant canopies. Statues and carvings related to Charles VIII, whose 1495 military victory prompted the gate's construction, remain visible today.

Written from Porte Cailhau

What to know

• Admission costs 7 euros for an adult.
• The monument is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
• Dogs are not allowed inside.
• The visit mainly involves exploring the architecture and carved decorations across several floors reached by a staircase.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not accessible

Dogs

Not allowed

Parking

Not verified

The monument is unfortunately not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Difficult accessibility (numerous steps and narrow staircase): 4 floors and 89 steps, with the possibility of sitting down at every level

Where this château is

Bordeaux · Gironde · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Pl. du Palais, 33000 Bordeaux

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directionsView on a map

Château phone number

+33 5 56 00 66 00

CallCopy

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.6 / 5from 6,006 Google reviews

Heritage status

Listed historic monument (classé)

Mérimée record PA00083477

Period of construction

15th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q2105012
• Mérimée PA00083477
• Official website

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