The Statue of Liberty @ place Picard The master Auguste Bartholdi was supposed to create a fountain for the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux at the end of the 19th century. But due to lack of funds, the city canceled its construction. The sculptor then focused on a certain Statue of Liberty, which became his masterpiece. Not bearing a grudge, he gave a miniature replica to the people of Bordeaux, which the Germans took during the Second World War. But since 2001, in memory of this event, a resin replica sits at Place Picard.
Place Picard - Bordeaux
The Balcony @ Hotel Darche d'Estrade
He may have lost his head, but you can easily make out a man on this facade on Rue Saint-François. Legend has it that during the construction of the balcony at the Hotel Darche d'Estrade, a mason lost his head after betting that he would support the foundations on his shoulders until they were fixed. In reality, this sculpture is said to be a tribute to Jean-Louis Fargue, a giant who carried the stones needed for the balcony. The passage of time seems to have... cost him his head.
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48, rue Saint-François - Bordeaux
The 1st American Consulate @ Hôtel Fenwick
In 1791, the 1st president of the United States, George Washington, appointed Joseph Fenwick as consul. A native of the Americas, this Bordeaux merchant had his private mansion built in the Chartrons district in 1796. Thus, this beautiful building, classified since 1935, became the first American embassy in France!
4, cours Xavier Arnozan - Bordeaux
The Sainte-Catherine cemetery in Bordeaux
At the end of the impasse de la Merci is nestled the only remains of the cemetery of the Sainte-Catherine chapel. Built in the 11th century, it was transformed into a garden in 1626. According to documents from that time, the place no longer existed in 1711. But the impasse still retains a door topped with a cross indicating the entrance to the cemetery...
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Photo credit @RICHARD ZEBOULON
Impasse de la Merci - Bordeaux
The Fountain of the 3 Graces @ Place de la Bourse
To replace the statue of Louis XV destroyed during the Revolution, Bordeaux commissioned a fountain from Parisian Ludovico Visconti. However, the architect died before completing his work. In 1854, Léon Visconti offered sketches of his father's design to the city. The sculptors Gumery and Jouhando then took over the project. It wasn't until 1869 that the fountain, as Visconti had envisioned it, was finally completed... adorned by the three daughters of Zeus, Euphrosyne, Aglaé, and Thalie.
Place de la Bourse - Bordeaux
The oldest house in Bordeaux
It is in the alley of Rue Neuve that the city center houses its oldest dwellings. A 14th-century hotel still stands, but the oldest house is nestled at number 4 in the alley. The building dates back to the early 13th century. 
Impasse rue neuve - Bordeaux
Text: Marie Neaud
