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Trace Bordeaux’s role in the Atlantic slave trade, from merchant mansions to memorials, then sail the Garonne to see the river that powered both commerce and tragedy.

Highlights

• Walk the historic Quai des Chartrons, hub of the slave trade
• Explore merchant houses and hôtels particuliers of Bordeaux
• See Place de la Bourse, built on slavery-linked wealth
• Pause at the Slave Memorial honoring 150,000 victims
• Cruise the Garonne to view Bordeaux’s grand 18th-century façade

Description

This 2.5-hour walking and boat tour explores Bordeaux’s complex past as one of France’s main slave-trading ports. Starting at the Quai des Chartrons, once the hub of merchant activity, you’ll learn how nearly 500 slave expeditions were armed here. Stroll past the sober façades and elegant interiors of the merchants’ houses and hôtels particuliers, symbols of fortunes built on sugar, coffee, and colonial trade. At the Place du Palais and Place de la Bourse, discover how Bordeaux turned to Atlantic commerce in the 17th century and financed its grand 18th-century architecture through slavery-linked wealth. See the merchant mansions like Hôtel Fenwick, once home to the first U.S. consulate in France, highlighting Bordeaux’s transatlantic ties. At the Slave Memorial on Quai Louis XVIII, reflect on the 150,000 people deported through Bordeaux expeditions, with moving words from Aimé Césaire and Victor Schoelcher. Finally, board a riverboat on the Garonne, the artery of colonial trade, and admire the monumental waterfront from the water—the very stage of Bordeaux’s prosperity and its darkest history. This is both a historical journey and a memorial experience, blending commerce, culture, and remembrance.

Includes

Live tour guide Boat tickets

Important Information

• Be prepared for muddy conditions, wear appropriate footwear. The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Remember to bring a waterproof camera to capture the sites, as well as rain gear just in case.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund