Bordeaux is often called “the classical city”: in a single century, from 1720 to 1820, the capital of the Guyenne dressed itself in a décor of golden stone of rare coherence, which today earns it its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This guided walk takes you to the heart of Bordeaux's 18th century, from the quays to the Place de la Bourse, from the Grand Théâtre to the Allées de Tourny.
The golden age of the Port de la Lune
Colonial trade and wine made Bordeaux one of Europe's leading ports in the 18th century. The intendants Boucher and Tourny opened up squares, laid out boulevards and imposed orderly façades: mascarons, wrought-iron balconies and sculpted pediments tell of the prosperity of the shipowners and merchants. We will read these façades like an open book.
From the Place de la Bourse to the Grand Théâtre
Facing the Garonne, the Place de la Bourse and its water mirror open the walk. We then head for the Place du Parlement, the Rue Sainte-Catherine and Victor Louis's Grand Théâtre, a neoclassical masterpiece whose staircase inspired Garnier for the Paris Opera. Anecdotes, characters and little stories punctuate the route.
Practical information
Duration: about 2 hours on foot, in the city centre. Tour suitable for individuals, families and groups, in English, French or Spanish. Price and programme on request: contact me to organise your walk through classical Bordeaux.
