As you pass the oldest bridge in the city, le pont de pierre (Stone Bridge), you come across two of the city's six gates. Formerly fortified, the city of Bordeaux retains only six gates which gives its visitors a nice overview of its historical heritage. The Burgundy and Cailhau gates are certainly among the most iconic. Located close to each other, you will contemplate two distinct periods of Bordeaux history offering you a highly symbolic starting point. At the Cailhau gate, a deformation of the word "Caillou", you find yourself facing the Place du Palais. One of the five most visited monuments in Bordeaux, you will admire a beautiful Gothic architecture. From the top of its 35m conical roof, the gate has a rich aesthetic that is reflected in the ornaments where chimeras and illustrious scenes and symbols appear. Remember to visit the very interior of the tower. Much less extravagant, the Burgundy gate reminds you without much difficulty of the Arc de Triomphe Champs-Elysees. By its righteousness, its rigor, and its classicism, it is the most solemn gateway to the city. At nightfall, it colors the sky and leads the walker to the Quai des Salinières.