Porte Cailhau

Despite its age (just imagine – it dates from 1494!) this large, beautiful monument remains practically unchanged. It was built to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo (Italy). This French king has left his mark on the tower since his likeness decorates a niche on the river side and a notice ask visitors to pay attention to the lintel and reminds them that Charles VIII died from walking quickly into just such a lintel...

What does the word Cailhau mean? No one seems to know for sure! Historians have various theories, but it doesn't really matter!

The Port Cailhau, thirty-five metres tall, was integrated into the city walls. In 1864, it was rented by a public letter writer and a person whose job was to weigh salt. They were both evicted in order to renovate the monument.
There is a magnificent view of the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre, from here.

A new scenography plunges you into the Middle Ages

With its 500 years of history, the Porte Cailhau is the only medieval civil monument open to visitors and one of the city's must-see sites. After two months of renovation work, the new scenography promises a visit and a climb full of surprises, rewarded by a contemplative view of the city and the river. Take a leap back in time here, thanks to the astonishing testimonies of illustrious and lesser-known figures who will reveal the secrets of Bordeaux in the Middle Ages.
 

IMMERSION ON 4 FLOORS AND A BREATHTAKING VIEW

Each floor is conceived as a chapter in an exciting overall story. The second floor recalls the Gate's defensive function and houses an attractive boutique area. On the second floor, visitors plunge into the history of the Porte, at the heart of the life of the Cité. Here, interactive boards let illustrious figures and inhabitants of the 15ᵉ century talk. This playful and instructive tête-à-tête with Eleanor of Aquitaine, Charles VIII or François 1ᵉʳ promises an astonishing immersion in the Middle Ages and a moment of complicity between the inhabitants of the 15ᵉ century and today's visitors.

The Porte Cailhau accessible to all

Despite difficult access (cramped staircase), the tour, designed in collaboration with Musée D'Aquitaine teams, is intended to be as inclusive as possible. The language used is direct, simple and comprehensible to all, adults and young people alike. Embodied narratives engage visitors of all ages, with subtitled testimonials. Connected labels and panels use QR codes to direct visitors to dedicated pages for reading or listening. An online version of the tour, accessible from the first floor of the building, enables people with reduced mobility to discover the Porte Cailhau.

Book a visit here