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Origin and history

The Porte de Bourgogne, also known as Porte des Salinières, was built between 1750 and 1755 under the leadership of Intendant Tourny, as part of an urban beautification project aimed at modernising Bordeaux. It replaced an ancient medieval gate at the end of the Salinières ditches (now Victor-Hugo course), marking the official entrance of the city on the Paris road. Originally conceived as an accompaniment to the Place Royale (current Place de la Bourse), it was dedicated to the Duke of Burgundy in 1757. Its sober architecture, inspired by ancient triumphal arches like Titus in Rome, reflected the ideal modern 18th century city.

The door was integrated into an urban complex including a half-moon square, designed by Tourny but never fully completed. Two small side doors, demolished in 1807, once linked the main door to the uniform facades of the square. In 1804, a project of transformation into Napoleonic triumphal arch was envisaged – including a giant eagle and a bust of Napoleon – but abandoned, although the door briefly bore the name Porte Napoleon in 1808. The construction of the bridge of Pierre in the 19th century changed its environment, increasing the square in front of it and gradually insulating the monument.

Ranked a historic monument on June 2, 1921, the Burgundy Gate is today a symbol of Bordeaux heritage. Its sculptural decor, originally planned (winged sphere, fleurs de lys, tritons and nereïdes), was never completed due to the departure of Tourny. Restored in 1858 by Charles Burguet, it remains a major testimony of the urban planning of the Enlightenment and neo-classical influence in France. Its current location, facing the stone bridge and served by the tram, makes it a landmark in the city.

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