Esplanade des Quinconces et le monument aux Girondins

This 12-hectare square is the largest in Europe. The word quinconces refers to the way the way the trees are planted, in staggered rows.



Located just across from and quite close to the river, there are two rostral columns topped with statues dedicated to Bordeaux's maritime and commercial activities. On the side of the Quinconces closest to the city centre are found large statues of the Bordeaux philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu. Looking westward, the Monument aux Girondins consists of bronze fountains and a column with a staute of liberty breaking its chains on top. This bears witness to the Girondin political faction during the French Revolution. Of course, this has nothing to do with the Girondins football club... despite an urban myth to this effect one hears from time to time!