Palais Rohan

Bordeaux's historic city hall.

Cardinal prince Ferdinand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan was named archbishop of Bordeaux in 1769, and shortly afterward decided he'd tired of his dank old medieval palace and ordered this luxurious residence built. However, the first architect was sacked because the archbishop didn't like his plan, and by the time the palace was finally completed in 1784, his excellency had already shuffled off this mortal coil. In any case, after serving as residence to subsequent high clergy (and in 1808 to Napoleon Bonaparte), it became the site of the city's government, opening its doors to tourists only several days per month (which should be confirmed by telephone). Behind the palace you'll find the palace gardens and the Museum of Fine Arts.