History
The Building
The building was built by a large Bordeaux family in the 18th Century.
They were one of the most important families in the development of the city of Bordeaux - both as merchants and as active developers of the city itself - including the construction of the Pont de Pierre in 1817.
Our Neighbours
On Place Jean Jaurès, we are right next to the Place de la Bourse, built according to plans drawn up in 1728 by the architect Jacques Gabriel IV and by his son Ange Gabriel in 1745. In 1869, the fountain of the "Three Graces" was inaugurated and adorns the centre of the former Place Royale, which Victor Hugo liked to describe as "simply half a Place Vendôme, set on the water's edge".
We are also very close to the Place des Quinconces, laid out between 1810 and 1828 with the plans of the architect Jean-Baptiste Dufart, in collaboration with those of the Marquis de Tourny. It was not until 1883 that a monument to the Girondins, celebrating the Republic, was built in the centre of the hemicycle. The 43-metre high central column and the fountains at its feet were completed in 1902. It is the largest square in France and takes its name from the staggered arrangement of the trees.
The Finishing Touches
Just like Bordeaux's Grand Théâtre, listed as a historical monument in 1899 - and located right next door to us - our building was built by the Parisian architect Victor Louis at the end of the 18th century in a neo-classical style. In our BEWtiful space, the floor is made of solid parquet in Versailles panels which combines elegantly with the marble fireplaces, the high ceilings, the mouldings, the large mirrors and the woodwork. It all comes together as a perfect illustration of the charm of this great architectural period.
Our windows and balconies offer a breathtaking view of the Garonne River. The Garonne is shaped like a crescent moon as it flows through the city. This is why, since the Middle Ages, the port of Bordeaux has been called "The Port of the Moon". Very active in the 18th century, the city of Bordeaux experienced a real economic expansion thanks to this port. It was in 1866 that the Port of the Moon reached its peak of activity, with 229 ships moored or docked between the Pont de Pierre and the current Pont d'Aquitaine. The port became saturated and had reached the limit of its capacity.
Today
Cocoa trading remains a form of commerce that is still active in Bordeaux, even if it is managed more remotely today. BEWtiful's own offices have housed this activity, hence the original and classy decoration around cocoa, always with the intention of remaining faithful to our history.
