During our little stroll through the oldest shops in Bordeaux still in operation, we couldn’t help but get interested in the François pharmacy, a classified building nestled at 70 cours Alsace-Lorraine. Just look at its façade, it is the oldest pharmacy in Bordeaux. On its front, you can see the inscription "Established in 1729". A unique place, unlike any other, that has managed to keep its charming old-world vibe.
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©Bordeaux and beyond, I eat therefore I am
François in Bordeaux: The Oldest Pharmacy in Bordeaux
It was established nearly 3 centuries ago when the Fosse family opened the pharmacy near the Peugue River (which... takes its source in Pessac and crosses Bordeaux until Mérignac). At that time, the entrance was through rue du Pas-Saint-George. In 1865, when the Alsace-Lorraine course was created by covering the river, the pharmacy then opened onto the new street.
In this drugstore that combines the skills of herbalism, grocery, and pharmacy, the family made original medications like Hépascoll François, made from artichoke leaves to treat liver and stomach aches. Even today, the François pharmacy remains an expert in natural care.
A sanctuary dedicated to the benefits of nature
On the menu, you’ll find a whole range of phytotherapy (treatment with plants), aromatherapy (essential oils), gemmotherapy (treatment with plant buds), and even apitherapy (treatment with products from the hive). As you can see, here, Mother Nature takes charge to heal her inhabitants. The aim of the François pharmacy is to find alternatives to traditional chemical solutions. In this approach, they even offer micronutrition with a more preventive focus.
Each of our partner brands is carefully selected for its naturalness. "Organic is a plus, but I don't make it my battle cry," tells us Yannick Frullani, the new owner of the pharmacy since 2015.
A cherished heritage treasure
With a total area of 300 m2, the François pharmacy has deep-rooted ties to the past. All of its authentic period decor has been lovingly preserved. You can still admire the blue glass vials from the 19th century with their handwritten labels amid the splendid red hues of mahogany woodwork and the yellow of the caducées. As you wander through the corridors, your gaze will be captivated by the clock signed by the Bordeaux craftsman Guignan, the innovator behind the grand clock located on Victor Hugo Square.
A renovation is planned for the end of the month to refresh the lighting, signage, and product display furniture in the pharmacy. But don't worry, the structure and woodwork will stay just as they are. The enchanting scents of plants will continue to mingle with the echoes of the past, with its old moldings, copper accents, and vintage packaging that evoke childhood and nostalgia. A beloved institution steeped in history and excellence. It is timeless, and it will remain so.
Pharmacie François Bordeaux
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