The Great Men Square

This circular square takes its name from the streets leading to it. Here, you are surrounded by Great Men honouring free spirits and utopias. You may have noticed that you arrived via Montesquieu street – there he goes again. He is accompanied by Voltaire, Diderot, Buffon, Rousseau and Montaigne! Until 1960, there was a majestic market hall where the people of Bordeaux came to buy fresh produce. Renovated during a gigantic project and inaugurated by the Queen of England in person, it is now an attractive shopping mall in the centre of the Golden Triangle. As you walk up the street, you may also have noticed the front of the famous Le Chapon Fin restaurant. It is the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the history of the Michelin guide. Established in 1825 as a restaurant and wine shop, its proximity to the Grand Theatre quickly made it a popular address. But it was at the beginning of the 20th century that the Chapon Fin’s adventure took a new direction, with the arrival of chef Joseph Sicart, who hailed from Catalonia. It was he who renovated the establishment, featuring an impressive indoor artificial grotto, and created a breathtaking cuisine that would attract a lot of high-profile guests. Among his most loyal customers was King Alfonso XIII of Spain, but he was not the only crowned head to grace the restaurant with his presence. Manuel II of Portugal, the Sultan of Morocco, the Queen of Madagascar and the Prince of Wales also came to appreciate the chef’s talents, as did many artists, including Sarah Bernard, considered to be the greatest French actress of the 19th century, the painter Toulouse Lautrec and politicians such as George Clémenceau and Aristide Briand. This icon of French gastronomy has certainly witnessed the passing of many distinguished people. If you wish to, you could visit the covered market, before continuing on to Diderot street.