Located in the heart of the Bacalan neighborhood, La Cité Bleue continues its transformation. Once a Beghin Say sugar refinery, symbolizing a strong working-class tradition, the site closed its doors in 1984 against a backdrop of social struggles that left a mark on the Bacalan neighborhood.
From Industrial Past to Social Experimentation
In 1986, the Bret Gaubaste family purchased the site, which was then an industrial wasteland, and managed rental activities there for several decades. Concerned about the social and environmental issues of their time, the owners decided in 2020 to reinvent the site, positioning it as a resource hub for the community in various ways.
A Laboratory of Togetherness
La Cité Bleue houses 80 professional structures: craftsmen, associations, players in the social and solidarity economy, cultural creators all coexisting on 45,000 m² of built space. The association La Cité Bleue, founded in 2023 to promote this revival, energizes the site daily: participatory working groups, organization of unifying events, and support for cooperative projects.
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Events that bring the neighborhood to life
- La Cité Bleue in celebration: This annual gathering brings together locals, creators, associations, and shopkeepers for fun activities, concerts, artisan markets, and more!
- Christmas at La Cité Bleue: From tastings and workshops to shows, flea markets, and soapbox races, the magic of Christmas is experienced with family and neighbors in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
- Music Festival: Enjoy live concerts, DJ sets, and activities in partnership with Le Garage Moderne and Mégaphone, making Bacalan come alive with music.
“The idea is not to turn the site into a kind of tourist center. We want it to primarily be a place that serves its..."> residents and its neighborhood.”
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The Blue City isn't just a business area; it's a "neighborhood hub" where we rethink community living. Here, you'll meet artisans, artists, families, and entrepreneurs, all united by the desire to create connections and support one another. Social and solidarity economy initiatives are multiplying, green spaces are expanding, and the public square hosts exhibitions, markets, and festivals, strengthening the sense of belonging and village spirit.
Address: 176 Achard Street, 33300 Bordeaux, France
