The square is named after the Palais de l'Ombrière, which was built in the 10C by the dukes of Guyenne. Rebuilt in the 13C, it was where the kings of England, dukes of Aquitaine, stayed. In 1462, under Louis XI, it was the seat of the Bordeaux Parliament, but demolished in 1800, making way for a street named rue du Palais.