Bordeaux history

The history of Bordeaux is a tale of strategic location, wine, and shifting cultural influences that have shaped one of the most elegant cities in France.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city's history began in the 3rd century BC when the Celtic tribe of the Bituriges Vivisci established a settlement known as Burdigala on the left bank of the Garonne River. In the 1st century BC, this territory was conquered by the Romans led by Julius Caesar. Under Roman rule, Burdigala developed rapidly, transforming into the capital of the province of Gallia Aquitania and an important commercial centre. The Romans laid the foundations of urban planning, built aqueducts, temples, and an amphitheatre, and, most crucially, planted the first grapevines, determining the region's future.

Key Factors of Development

• Geography: Its location on the navigable Garonne River, near the estuary flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, made the city a natural port and trading hub.
• Trade: Since Roman times, the city's economy has been closely linked to trade, particularly in tin, lead, and, of course, wine.
• Political Power: A key moment in the history of Bordeaux was the year 1152, when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, the future King Henry II of England. As a result of this marriage, Bordeaux and all of Aquitaine came under English rule for nearly 300 years, leading to a "golden age" of the wine trade with England.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Under English rule, Bordeaux wine, known as "claret", became incredibly popular in the British Isles, ensuring the city's stable prosperity. During this period, many iconic Gothic structures were built, including the expansion of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Even after the end of the Hundred Years' War and its return to France, Bordeaux retained its status as a leading winemaking and trading centre, which led to a new flourishing in the 18th century, gifting the city its famous elegant architectural appearance.

Chronology of Key Events

• 3rd century BC — The Celtic tribe of the Bituriges Vivisci founds the settlement of Burdigala, the predecessor of the modern city.
• 56 BC — Roman troops under the command of Julius Caesar occupy the city, turning it into the prosperous capital of Aquitaine.
• 1152 — The marriage of Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine to the future King of England, Henry II, brings the city under English sovereignty for three centuries.
• 1453 — The Battle of Castillon marks the end of the Hundred Years' War, and the city finally returns to the crown of France.
• 1462 — King Louis XI establishes the Parliament of Bordeaux, securing the city's status as an important administrative and judicial centre.
• 1581 — The famous philosopher Michel de Montaigne is elected mayor of the city, attempting to maintain peace during the era of the Wars of Religion.
• 1743 — Intendant Louis-Urbain de Tourny begins a massive urban reconstruction, forming the classical architectural ensemble of quays and squares.
• 1780 — Opening of the Grand Théâtre, a neoclassical masterpiece by architect Victor Louis, which became a cultural symbol of the era.
• 1822 — Construction of the Stone Bridge (Pont de Pierre) is completed, the first fixed crossing connecting the left and right banks of the Garonne.
• 1870 — The city becomes the temporary capital of France for the first time, hosting the government during the Franco-Prussian War (a status repeated in 1914 and 1940).
• 1944 — The city is liberated from occupation by the forces of the French Resistance and Allied troops.
• 1995 — Start of a comprehensive city renovation programme led by Mayor Alain Juppé, including the launch of a modern tramway and the cleaning of historical facades.
• 2007 — The historic centre "Port of the Moon" is officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique urban ensemble of the Enlightenment era.
• 2016 — Opening of the futuristic "Cité du Vin" (City of Wine) museum, cementing the city's status as a global wine capital.

Key Milestones in Bordeaux's Development

The history of Bordeaux is a succession of vivid eras, each leaving an indelible mark on its economy, culture, and architectural appearance. From a Roman outpost to a modern metropolis, the city has constantly evolved while preserving its uniqueness.

• English Rule (1154–1453): This 300-year period became the first "golden age" for Bordeaux. Thanks to the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II Plantagenet, the city gained exclusive access to the English market. The export of wines, known as "clarets", turned Bordeaux into a thriving trading port, second only to London in importance to the English crown.
• The "Golden Age" of the 18th Century: This period brought the city not only economic prosperity through maritime trade but also a radical urban transformation. Under the guidance of intendants, magnificent architectural ensembles were created, including the famous Place de la Bourse, wide avenues, and elegant quays, which formed the modern look of the historic centre.
• Official Wine Classification of 1855: By order of Napoleon III, a classification system for the best winemaking estates of the Médoc region was created. This event formalised the hierarchy of Bordeaux wines, strengthening its reputation as a world capital of winemaking and creating a recognisable brand that still defines the luxury wine market today.
• Industrial Development and Transport Revolution of the 19th Century: The construction of the first bridge across the Garonne, the Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge), and the arrival of the railway connected Bordeaux with the rest of France, giving new impetus to trade and industry. The city began to develop not only as a wine hub but also as an industrial centre.
• Post-War Economic Diversification: In the 20th century, especially after World War II, Bordeaux's economy became more diverse. Alongside traditional winemaking and trade, the city became an important centre for the aviation and space industries, as well as automotive manufacturing with Ford and Michelin plants.
• Urban Renewal (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): A large-scale reconstruction programme led by Mayor Alain Juppé transformed the city. Historical building facades were cleaned, a modern tram network was created, and the Garonne quays and pedestrian zones were revitalised. These changes returned the city to its former splendour.
• Inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List (2007): The recognition of Bordeaux's historic centre, the "Port of the Moon", as a World Heritage site was the culmination of efforts for its revival. This status confirmed the unique value of the city's Enlightenment-era ensemble and significantly increased its appeal to international visitors.

The architectural appearance of Bordeaux is the visual history of the city captured in stone. Walking through its streets, one can trace how eras and styles changed, creating a unique and harmonious ensemble that today delights travellers from all over the world.

Middle Ages and Gothic

Bordeaux's medieval heritage is most vividly represented in its majestic religious structures. The powerful silhouettes of Gothic churches still define the panorama of the old city. Key monuments of this era include:

• Cathédrale Saint-André (Saint Andrew's Cathedral): This grandiose cathedral, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, impresses with its size and magnificence. Its architecture combines elements of Romanesque style and mature Gothic.
• Basilique Saint-Michel (Basilica of Saint Michael): Built in the 14th-16th centuries, this church in the "Flamboyant Gothic" style is famous for its freestanding bell tower, 114 metres high — one of the tallest in France.
• Porte Cailhau (Cailhau Gate): These graceful gates, erected at the end of the 15th century, served simultaneously as a defensive structure and a triumphal arch. They are a fine example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

The "Golden Age" of Classicism (18th Century)

The 18th century was truly a "golden age" for Bordeaux, radically transforming its appearance. Thanks to thriving maritime trade, the city underwent massive urban redevelopment under the leadership of intendants Marquis de Tourny and Claude Boucher. It was during this time that the elegant and cohesive ensemble in the Classicist and Neoclassical styles was created, for which the historic centre of Bordeaux, the "Port of the Moon", was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Iconic landmarks of this period:

• Place de la Bourse: This magnificent ensemble, designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, became a symbol of a new, open city. Originally the Royal Square, it was the first in France to be open to the river, which was an innovative urban planning decision.
• Grand Théâtre: A masterpiece by architect Victor Louis, built in 1780, it is considered one of the most beautiful theatres in the world. Its facade with a Corinthian colonnade and statues of muses and goddesses is a benchmark of Neoclassicism.
• Garonne Quays: Along the river, extensive building facades were erected in a unified style, creating the famous panorama of the "Port of the Moon".

19th Century and Modern Times

In the 19th century, the city continued to develop. By order of Napoleon, the first bridge across the Garonne was built — the Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge), which linked the historic left bank with the right. Wide boulevards appeared, reminiscent of Haussmann's renovation of Paris, along with the monumental Gare Saint-Jean railway station.

Modernism and Contemporaneity

Bordeaux has not frozen in time and continues to develop, integrating bold modern projects into its historical fabric. This contrast between the old and the new gives the city a special charm.

• Mériadeck District: An example of 1960s-70s urban planning, built in the Brutalist style on concrete slabs.
• Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas: Opened in 2013, this vertical-lift bridge has become a new futuristic symbol of the city.
• Cité du Vin (City of Wine): A building with fluid, futuristic forms resembling the movement of wine in a glass, it is a striking example of modern architecture and is dedicated to the region's main heritage.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux and its surroundings have been the birthplace or sphere of activity for many outstanding individuals who have left a significant mark on world history, culture, and politics. Their legacy still defines the character and fame of this renowned region.

• Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204) — one of the most influential women of the Middle Ages. Duchess of Aquitaine and Gascony, she was Queen of France and later England. Her marriage to Henry II Plantagenet in 1152 transferred Aquitaine to the English crown, initiating a 300-year period of prosperity for Bordeaux due to the export of wines to England.
• Richard II (1367–1400) — King of England, born in Bordeaux. His birthplace highlights the city's close ties with the English crown in the 14th century. He was the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty, which ruled the region during its economic prime.
• Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) — a prominent philosopher and writer of the Renaissance, author of the famous "Essays". Montaigne not only lived in a castle near Bordeaux but also served as the city's mayor (1581–1585), actively participating in its political and public life.
• Charles de Montesquieu (1689–1755) — a great philosopher, jurist, and writer of the Enlightenment. Author of the fundamental work "The Spirit of Law", he was president of the Parliament of Bordeaux and spent most of his life at his Château de La Brède, located south of the city.
• Odilon Redon (1840–1916) — a French artist and one of the founders of Symbolism in painting. Born in Bordeaux, he created a unique world of mysterious and mystical images that greatly influenced 20th-century art.
• François Mauriac (1885–1970) — a famous writer, playwright, and poet, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1952. Mauriac was born in Bordeaux, and the atmosphere of this city and its surroundings permeates many of his novels, in which he deeply explored the human soul.
• Jacques Chaban-Delmas (1915–2000) — a prominent French political figure, hero of the Resistance, and Prime Minister. He was the long-serving mayor of Bordeaux for almost half a century (1947–1995) and played a key role in the city's modernisation in the post-war period.