200 years of history

GRANDS HOMMES BORDEAUX SHOPPING MALL

The Recollets market

“This is where the monks used to grow vegetables in the garden adjoining the convent. “

In the early 19th century, the marché des Récollets was built on the place des Grands Hommes. Its name comes from the Récollets convent that occupied the premises more than three centuries ago. Over the years, the market has become one of the city’s most popular, known for its friendly atmosphere and fresh produce. Today, it’s still a place where people meet, trade, and do business. If you are going to Bordeaux, be sure to check out the shopping mall for an authentic local experience.

DEDICATION OF THE COVERED MARKETS

“As a result of considerable population growth, the markets had become inadequate and had to be renovated and expanded. “

After four years of construction, the Halles de Bordeaux were dedicated in 1869 to meet the city’s increasing population. The decision to build a market covered with a metal structure and to expand the venue by 20 meters was made to meet the needs of the inhabitants. The architect Charles Burguet was tasked with designing the building, which quickly gained national fame for its innovative design and unique architectural style.

THE DEMOLITION OF CHARLES BURGET’S METAL MARKET

“Razed for its centennial, the Grands-Hommes market will be reborn even younger within two years. “

In 1961, the metal markets designed by the architect Charles Burguet in the Grands Hommes shopping mall were demolished. This decision was made to build a new market out of concrete to better meet the modern, functional requirements of that time. The new architect, Alfred Duprat, wanted to expand the ring road and lower the market’s elevation, while improving the ventilation and handling. This 2-year project did not interrupt the merchants’ businesses but the demolition of Charles Burguet’s metal market marked the end of an era in the mall’s history.

THE DEMOLITION OF THE CONCRETE MARKET: LET’S CUT SOME CAMEMBERT!

“It can’t compare to what we used to have, but when it's really cold, like today, the closures aren't airtight."

In 1988, Jacques Chaban-Delmas, then mayor of Bordeaux, approved the reconstruction of the Grands Hommes market, along with 370 parking spaces. Since the new generation of merchants insisted that “no parking, no business”. The concrete Grands Hommes market was thus demolished. A clean, unstructured square awaiting reconstruction was revealed. The Bordeaux people rediscovered the beauty of the Triangle D’or square and some even wonder why not leave it as it is. The new shopping center project is clearly controversial, in particular because of the inconveniences that the work causes: loss of sales for the shopkeepers, noise pollution from the construction work, etc. For others, the efficiency of the work and the opportunities that this new transparency-focused shopping mall can bring is stirring up excitement about its opening.

OPENING OF THE GRANDS HOMMES SHOPPING MALL

“We shop there. We chat there. And when we leave Bordeaux, we feel “homesick for the market.”

March 5 marked the opening of the Grands Hommes shopping mall, a milestone event in Bordeaux’s history: “Combining a municipal market with major brands was an obvious choice. “(excerpt from a March 1991 newspaper article). It was a success, merchants and locals praised the opening and architecture of the new mall. Several months later, on May 16, 1991, the Pierre Cardin fashion show, an equally memorable event, took place.

The opening of the Grands Hommes shopping mall and the Pierre Cardin fashion show both reinforced Bordeaux position as a commercial fashion hub. These events also marked a turning point in the city’s history, giving it international visibility and attracting large numbers of visitors. Today, the Grands Hommes shopping mall continues to be a popular place to shop and discover the latest fashion trends.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II’s VISIT TO THE GRANDS HOMMES SHOPPING MALL

On June 12, 1992, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Grands Hommes shopping mall and market during her State visit to France. This royal visit was an important event for the city of Bordeaux and marked another moment in the Grands Hommes shopping mall’s history.

A BIT OF ART AT THE GRANDS HOMMES SHOPPING MALL

In 1994, a major art event took place at the Grands Hommes shopping mall: painter Jean-Claude Dauguet delivered a live painting performance in the mall. This event attracted the attention of many art lovers and was a unique opportunity to see an artist at work in a public setting. Jean Claude Dauguet’s performance added an important artistic dimension to the shopping mall, which has long been a place of business. This performance was also an example of how artists can use public spaces to share their work with a wider audience and bring a venue to life.

AND NOW?

The Grands Hommes shopping mall, rooted in growth, continues to grow. On the second floor, it turns into a modern business lounge, while a new Carrefour Market flourishes in the basement, offering convenience and variety. Such is the mall’s ability to adapt to the demands of the times. Celebrating the major holiday, such as the end-of-year holiday season, it transforms to amaze visitors with a new decorative designs.

And, did you know that the Grands Hommes shopping mall has been the scene of many marriage proposals, testifying to its romantic atmosphere?