Porte Cailhau Tickets
Porte Cailhau, a Must-Visit in Bordeaux
Located right in the center of Bordeaux, the Porte Cailhau, standing at 115 ft (35 m) tall, is one of the most important monuments in the capital of Aquitaine. Thanks to its architecture, which blends the Gothic and Renaissance styles, it draws everyone's gaze. It looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale!
The Porte Cailhau was built between 1493 and 1496 to protect the walled city. However, it was built to commemorate the victory of King Charles 8th in the Battle of Fornovo to celebrate the conquest of the Kingdom of Naples.
Along with the Grosse Cloche, the Port Cailhau is one of the few civil vestiges of the Middle Ages that are preserved in Bordeaux. Now, this ancient gate is one of the most photographed places for tourists who visit the city.
Although access to the first floor is free, by booking this ticket, you'll have the opportunity to explore the interior of the Porte Cailhau, climb up its 89 steps to the upper terrace, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind panoramic views of the Garonne River and the Pont de Pierre.
Furthermore, the ticket will grant you access to an exhibition that reveals the lesser-known part of Bordeaux's history. You'll travel to the past and discover all the secrets of medieval Bordeaux in its different floors.
- The Portcullis Chamber: located on the first floor, you can discover the inner workings of an ancient guardroom, observing the original mechanism of the portcullis or sliding gate—narrow openings in the walls used by archers to fire arrows at attackers without exposing themselves.
- Historical and multimedia exhibition: here, you'll find detailed scale models and old maps of Bordeaux, animated portraits, and interactive screens that perfectly depict the history of the monument and an exhibition about tools, techniques, and stonemasonry materials that were used to raise the gate.
- Medieval roof and wooden structure: from here, you'll see the complex, ancient timber framework that supports the conical roofs that are characteristic of the Port Cailhau.
- Panoramic terrace: standing at 75 ft (23 m) tall, this terrace is the most beloved gem of the monument. From here, you'll admire the Port of Bordeaux, the Place du Palais, the Garonne River, and the Pont de Pierre.
What are you waiting for to book your ticket to the Porte Cailhau? You'll love it!
Opening Times
The Porte Cailhau is open at the following times:
- April to October: daily from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4 pm
- November to March: Wednesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4 pm
Important Info
Please note that no more than 19 people can be inside the monument.
More Information
Included
Admission to the Porte Cailhau
When to book?
You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis, we offer tickets at official prices, with full transparency and exclusive benefits for our users. In a few exceptional cases (less than 5%), these rates may be slightly higher than the ticket office price as they include booking fees and/or audio guides. The advantage is that your spot is guaranteed, and you won’t have to wait in line at the ticket office(although there may still be wait time at security and to access the monument).
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Office De Tourisme Et Des Congrès De Bordeaux Métropole Corporate name: Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Bordeaux Métropole Registered Office: 12 Cours du XXX Juillet – CS 31366, Bordeaux, France Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): FR40781804554 Contact information Email: m.bellemain@bordeaux-tourisme.com Phone: +33 5 56 00 06 15 This supplier is commited to providing services in accordance with applicable European Union laws.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
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Porte Cailhau