Saint Paul

History of the Saint-Paul district

In the Middle Ages, the city of Bordeaux in full swing enjoys great attractiveness. Originally born outside the walls during the 12th century, the medieval St. Paul's suburb becomes a neighborhood when new fortifications are built to integrate it into the walled city in the 13th century. We will now enter through the Porte Saint-Eloi, known as the "Big Bell". The district is so popular and very lively: it hosts a large market still alive today. He saw the animation of the quays, the arrival of merchants and visits of pilgrims on the paths of Compostela. With its integration into the walls of the city, the chapel of St. Eloi built in the previous century is replaced by a new Gothic building. She will be the church of the Bordeaux Jurade, a medieval city council that governs the city around its mayor.

The essentials of the Saint-Paul district

Medieval neighborhood barely newer than the Saint-Pierre district, Saint-Paul is also full of historical and architectural treasures. The Saint-Éloi church, built against the ramparts, is emblematic of the district and closely linked to its history and that of Bordeaux as a whole. Place Fernand Lafargue still hosts the large market that traditionally animates the area since the Middle Ages. The route of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle path goes to the heart of the district. The Saint-Paul sector also houses the college of Guyenne attended by Montaigne, and the birthplace of Mauriac, former home of the Dukes of Aquitaine. The entry of the district is marked by the monumental door Saint-Eloi which opens on the course Victor Hugo: belfry of the old town hall, it shelters the big bell of Bordeaux, sounded in case of fire and to give the starting signal of the harvest period. The Bordelais hear it today ringing every first Sunday of the month and on the occasion of the eight secular holidays.

Living in the Saint-Paul neighborhood

Charming neighborhood, St. Paul is ideally located in the historic center of Bordeaux, near the banks of the Garonne. Served by the three tram lines A, B and C, it is also a 20-minute walk from Saint-Jean train station. Its recently refitted squares are lined with restaurants with lively terraces. The Palais des Sports, housed in former 19th century covered halls, hosts very high level meetings. The variety and number of services, businesses and schools make this neighborhood a popular area for the quality of life it offers its residents. Real estate prices are a little lower than in the neighboring Saint-Pierre district.