Place de la Victoire

This guide to Place de la Victoire in Bordeaux centers on the Porte d'Aquitaine, the triumphal arch intendant Tourny commissioned to replace Bordeaux's medieval Saint-Julien gate after the city's old walls came down. It follows architect Andre Portier's six-year build, finished in 1753, and the Saint-Macaire limestone that has slowly changed color with age. You'll notice the arch seems to argue with itself, carrying the king's arms on one face and Bordeaux's own crest on the other. Look up at both sides as you pass beneath it.