BORDEAUX HISTORY

A Brief History of Bordeaux

Part 7: The Golden Age of Bordeaux
From 1648 to 1653, the city participated in a series of urban revolts known as Les Frondes resulting in Louis XIV entering the city in 1653 and effectively annexing Bordeaux to the Kingdom of France. Further defense fortresses were built to watch over Bordeaux but it was a newfound trading opportunity that shifted the focus of the Bordelais away from rebellion and ignited The Golden Age.

In 1720, the colonial “triangular” trade began which brought a new wealth to Bordeaux and the region.

Ships left the port of Bordeaux, stopped at the African coast to load up slaves, and then went to the Antilles where the slaves were traded for sugar, cocoa, coffee, vanilla, cotton and precious wood. This established Bordeaux as France’s leading port by 1750. Its wine exports to England, Germany and the West Indies also flourished and Bordeaux enjoyed a strong trading relationship with the Dutch

Bordeaux’s commercial success financed an exceptional policy of urban expansion which shaped Bordeaux into an amazingly beautiful city. Overseen by the two intendants – powerful provincial administrators appointed by the King – Boucher and Tourny, the medieval ramparts were replaced by wide avenues (“cours”), majestic facades sprung up along the quays, public gardens planted, and the town was filled with elegant squares and beautiful buildings (around 5,000), many still standing today.

Apparently Victor Hugo found the town so enchanting he commented: "Take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you have Bordeaux". This is the Bordeaux that remains for our pleasure in the twenty-first century.