Without this district, Bordeaux might not have realized its destiny as a commercial and cultural crossroads. Essential part of the wine trade, the Chartrons district has an outstanding legacy in the history of the world's wine capital. The origin of its name comes from the convent of the Chartreux, which was founded there in 1383.
The area’s activity peaked from the 18th to the 19th centuries. Many traders from many different countries found success and wealth with the wine trade. Today visitors can enjoy the beautiful stone buildings in Louis XVI style, richly decorated with wrought iron balconies, bequeathed by the rich merchants of the city. The landscaping of this urban ensemble was created at the time as a place to walk. On the waterfront, at the foot of these architectural landmarks, congregated the sailors and laborers who loaded the barrels on the barges that would later meet up with large commercial vessels anchored farther into the Gironde estuary.
La Cité du Vin
134-150 Quai de Bacalan, 33000 Bordeaux
Tram B, stop "Cité du Vin"
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CAP Sciences (family friendly)
Hangar 20, quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
Website - tel : 05 56 01 07 07.
Variable price depending on activities. Free for children under 5 years old.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Open daily during school holidays.
Center of scientific, technical and industrial culture with many workshops (cooking and science) and exhibitions suitable for children 3 years and up. Nice view of the city from the terrace.
Pont Chaban-Delmas (2013)
A real technical and architectural feat, its broad fluid lines extend the quays of Bacalan and blend in perfectly with the landscape. Built between the Pont d’Aquitaine and the Pont de Pierre, this fifth bridge overlooks the Garonne. With a total length of 575 metres and a height of 77 metres, it is the highest lifting bridge in France and even in Europe!
At nightfall, its lighting enhances the Port of the Moon to the delight of photographers and residents. For the anecdote, the blue tint of the pylons corresponds to the high tide while the green colour indicates the low tide.
Musée du vin et du négoce
41 Rue Borie, Chartrons District, 33000 Bordeaux
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Further North, "Bassins à flots" District (The wet Docks)
Different districts presented so far retained a great architectural and urban coherence through the centuries. This area, however, seems to clash with the others. The district was included within the classified perimeter in the interest of its heritage: its industrial activity marked the history of the city thanks to its strong ties to the river and port.
Musée de la Mer et de la Marine
89 Rue des étrangers, 33300 Bordeaux
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