Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the Bordeaux Water Mirror, witness to the evolution of our world. This emblematic monument has fascinating surprises in store for you and invites you to travel through time.
A Modern Masterpiece in the Heart of Bordeaux
Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its architectural and urban treasures. Among them, the Water Mirror particularly stands out. Located between the Place de la Bourse and the Garonne, this superficial water basin has become an essential symbol of the city. Inaugurated in 2006, it is the largest reflecting pool in the world, with an impressive surface area of 3,450 m². ✨
Ingenious Design and Spectacular Effects
Designed by architect Michel Corajoud, the Water Mirror brilliantly alternates between two visual effects: the mirror and the fog. When a thin layer of water (around 2 cm) covers the granite slab, it creates a reflective surface which reflects the majestic image of the Place de la Bourse and the surrounding quays. 🤩 This spectacle is particularly striking in good weather, when the sky is reflected in the water.
Alternatingly, hundreds of small injectors scattered in the slabs create a cloud of fog which can rise up to 2 meters high. This misty effect gives an atmosphere of lightness and freshness to the whole, ideal for cooling off during hot summer days. 🌫️
A Place to Meet and Relax
The Miroir d’eau quickly became a favorite place for Bordeaux residents and tourists. Free to access, it operates every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (except in winter due to the risk of frost). The operating cycle is simple and captivating: 3 minutes of filling, followed by 15 minutes during which the pool transforms into a giant mirror, then 5 minutes of emptying, and finally 3 minutes of thick mist. 🌊
Children love to splash around there, while adults enjoy walking there or relaxing while observing the magnificent reflection of Bordeaux’s historic buildings. 🏛️
Other Mirrors of Water Around the World
The Bordeaux Water Mirror, although the largest, is not unique. In France, similar water mirrors are found in Nice, Nantes, Montpellier and Lorient. Internationally, sites like the Taj Mahal in India and the National Mall in Washington, DC, also feature reflecting pools that add an aesthetic and contemplative dimension to these iconic locations. 🌍
Some key figures
- 2006: inauguration of the Miroir d’eau.
- 3,450 m²: the surface area of the pool.
- 2 cm: the height of water present in the pool.
- 2 meters: the height of fog clouds.
- 900: the number of small injectors inserted into the tiles which create the fog effect.
- 800 m³: the size of the underground tank which supplies the whole.
- Half an hour: the approximate duration of a complete cycle of the Water Mirror, from filling to mist effect.
An Evolving Monument Testifying to Modern History
The Bordeaux Water Mirror is not only a feat of engineering, it is also a witness to the urban and cultural evolution of our time. It symbolizes the harmony between modernity and historical heritage, offering a new perspective on the timeless beauty of Bordeaux. Ultimately, this development highlights the importance of dynamic and interactive public spaces in our contemporary cities. 🏙️
Whether you are a resident of Bordeaux or a passing visitor, the Miroir d’eau is an unmissable experience that leaves a lasting impression and perfectly illustrates the continuing evolution of our world. 🌟
