On Friday, April 11, 2025, a strong symbol was laid down: the first stone of Canopia, an innovative urban project that boldly reimagines the surroundings of Saint-Jean station, blending golden stone, lush greenery, and new modes of transportation. On 4 hectares of unused land, where the INSEE building once stood, a new chapter is opening for Bordeaux, as part of the Bordeaux Euratlantique National Interest Operation.
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©Apsys-Canopia-Vincent Desmet
A 600 m² Tree-Lined Pedestrian Zone
Designed as the new gateway to the city, Canopia is driven by developer Apsys, in partnership with architect Edouard François and landscaper Michel Desvigne. By 2027, the neighborhood will feature a charming 600-meter pedestrian street, 600 trees, 12,000 m² of green roofs, and a lovely blend of homes, shops, hotels, offices, and cultural spaces, all while respecting the strict guidelines of the Bordeaux architectural heritage listed by UNESCO.
©Apsys-Canopia-Vincent Desmet
Like a city within a city
With 30,000 m² of commercial space, 15,000 m² dedicated to dining and entertainment, 6,400 m² of housing, 6 rooftops, and a neighborhood designed entirely for gentle mobility, Canopia aims to be a vibrant laboratory for the Bordeaux of tomorrow. The reuse of ancient stones, the recycling of 95% of materials from deconstruction, and passive cooling of buildings using water from the Garonne make it an exemplary environmental project.
©Apsys-Canopia-Vincent Desmet
The construction project will create 900 jobs during its building phase and 1,200 jobs once operational. It will progress in stages: the first buildings will rise as early as summer 2025 on the Saget side, followed by the Descas side in the fall, while a 630-space underground parking garage will be developed between mid-2025 and mid-2027.
A breath of fresh air between the city and the river on a former urban wasteland
Nestled against the future Descas park, two hectares of greenery will replace an old road junction, with partial opening planned as early as ...In 2025, Canopia will connect the Garonne River and the Saint-Jean train station, with traffic expected to increase by half by 2040. For Christine Bost, President of the Metropolis, « Canopia illustrates the city's ability to envision an urbanism of connection, togetherness, and ecological transition ».
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©Apsys-Canopia-Vincent Desmet
« Architectural, environmental, urban », summarizes Maurice Bansay, Founder and President of Apsys. Because beyond just a development project, Canopia embodies a vision: that of a lively neighborhood open 7 days a week, inclusive and vibrant, where responsible commerce, Social and Solidarity Economy, and nature finally find a wonderful place at the heart of the city. More than just a neighborhood, the proponents promise a new breath, weaving a sweet connection between the historic center and the new districts on both the left and right banks.
©Apsys-Canopia-Vincent Desmet
Expected delivery in a single phase in the second quarter of 2027 after more than 2 years of work.