Top Topics: Discover Bordeaux, through the Triangular Trade Tour
Why was Bordeaux linked to the Slave Trade ?
By being a port city, Bordeaux distinguished herself in commercial trade very early on. In the 17th century, Bordeaux was in the center of a triangular trade, connecting the city to both Africa and America, in which its proximity to both destinations permitted a really rapid growth in its colonial ambitions. The city became, during this period, the most important slave trafficking port in France and Europe. Today as it is recognised more and more and intriguing most of us, let’s discover Bordeaux’s historical relations to slave trade and humanity while finding its sinister past.
How was working the Triangular Trade ?
The triangular trade was a transatlantic commercial route in between Europe, Africa and America. Ships departed from Bordeaux taking merchants in order to acquire slaves in Africa and finally reach America where they would work intensively. Slaves would be manufacturing colonial goods like Cocoa, cotton, sugar, and Coffee from which Europeans could benefit and earn money from. Bordeaux even became one of the leading ports in Europe affiliated with the slave trade.
The commercial slave trade shaped the city economy and its urban landscape. The wealth earned during this period helped build entire neighborhoods and enriched Bordeaux's families. While being an important chapter of the city’s legacy, it can also be affiliated with one of its darkest history, the slave trade also reveal memory and responsability issues, understanding Bordeaux's history is essential to acknowledging years of injustice and beginning the path to reconciliation.
And in Bordeaux ?
Bordeaux was a strategic hub for commerce which facilitated commercial exchanges. Many of the landmarks visited are directly linked to colonial affairs, docks and houses are the results of years of racial inequality and violence. This conflictual history is still engraved in the city’s past. Thus on this tour, you will come across Bordeaux’s hidden history. Long associated with commerce, the city has always been presented as a seaport, but behind this lucrative advantage lies a darker history, in which Bordeaux has participated : The triangular trade.
How to discover the Slave's Trade History in Bordeaux ?
You will discover through key landmarks how the city started to take part in an inhuman system. Along the docks, see how merchants were organised and lived around this fruitful commerce, while discovering hotels and houses in the city. Take part on a journey to learn which products were brought back to France from the different colonies and see how it helped finance the most prestigious building of Bordeaux.
Finally take a step back to think of the memory left in the city, as slaves embarked from Bordeaux. What traces are left in this city ? On this exploration, see how Bordeaux remembers the millions of lives that departed from its docks.
Tag along, travel back in time and go through years of forgotten history with our guided tour.