Jean-Christophe Malige

I discovered Bordeaux in 1972, when it was still in its “sleeping beauty” period; a grimy, polluted, congested, black city.

The Awakening of Bordeaux
Bordeaux awakened in the 2000s, following an ambitious redevelopment programme whose stroke of genius was to return the city’s focus to the river – its true central and historic axis – transforming the riverfronts into scenic and lively walkways.

At the same time, the renovation of the historic centre was launched; the restauration of our monuments, the cleaning of the facades and, of course, the new tramway which allowed the redirection of traffic and reinvention of our neighbourhoods.

2007, a Symbolic Year for Bordeaux
It was in light of this rebirth that Bordeaux became listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. It seems that Bordeaux has accomplished its renovation, that of the lunar orb that poetically identifies its port “the port of the moon”.

Bordeaux Today
This is the Bordeaux that is accessible to us today, the Bordeaux whose history I will introduce you to, by foot or by bike, as we stroll through its cobbled streets, discover its architectural treasures, charming squares, terraces, fountains, public gardens and possibly some hidden, out-of-the-way places that will enchant you.