Bordeaux contemporary architecture
From 2000 to 2008, the quays of Bordeaux underwent a major redevelopment, led by landscape and urban designer Michel Courajoud. It's now one of Bordeaux's favorite places to stroll. Since then, contemporary architecture has been gradually appearing in other parts of the city. Here's a selection of the finest buildings, the work of renowned international architects, that embody the "new Bordeaux".
Arkéa Arena
This is Bordeaux Métropole's largest concert hall. Inaugurated in January 2018, the Arkéa Arena is described by its architect Rudy Ricciotti as a building that is both functional and beautiful, in tune with the times. Located at the mouth of the pont Simone-Veil, the rounded concrete structure is reminiscent of a galet on the banks of the Garonne. Its seating capacity ranges from 2,500 to 11,300, depending on the configuration: seated, standing and "sport". This adaptability enables it to host a wide variety of events.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- 48-50, avenue Jean-Alfonséa, Floirac
- Accessible by bike and on foot via the Simone Veil bridge or by Bus line 6 or 25
Simone-Veil bridge
After the opening of the Chaban-Delmas bridge in 2013, the pont Simone-Veil, inaugurated in 2024, is the 8th crossing of the Garonne in the Metropole. The structure, which links Bordeaux and Bègles to the Arkéa Arena in Floirac, is the work of architects Rem Koolhaas and Gilles Guyot of the OMA agency, and landscape architect Michel Desvigne.
Thought of as a living place, the 44 m-wide bridge features urban and landscape amenities. It offers a comfortable two-way cycle lane and pedestrian walkway, providing a nice unobstructed view of the river and the city.
Cité du vin
The opening of the Cité du vin, in 2016, has injected new impetus into the Bacalan district, which is undergoing a complete transformation. Between the Garonne and the Bassins à flot, architects from the XTU architects agency, Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières have imagined a building with round shapes. It represents either the wine that is turned and rises in a glass or a carafe. In addition, the museum's facades are composed of aluminum panels with golden highlights evoking Bordeaux's blond stones.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- 134, quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux
- Tram B (Cité du Vin stop) or Bus line 25
La Cité du Vin
Stade Atlantique
The "grand stade", built for the Euro soccer 2016, has 42,000 seats. Designed by renowned Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, it is distinguished by the simplicity and elegance of its lines. The white, rectangular building features 644 steel posts representing the region's pine trees. The Stade Atlantique, known as Matmut until summer 2025 under a naming contract, hosts matches for the Girondins de Bordeaux as well as some matches for Union Bordeaux Bègles.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Cour Jules Ladoumegue, Bordeaux
- Tram C (Parc des Expositions - Stade Matmut Atlantique stop)
MECA
Hosting the MECA (Maison de l'Économie Créative et de la Culture), Bordeaux has acquired an ambitious new creative space. Located on the banks of the Garonne, the building is the symbol of the new quartier Corto Maltese - Paludate. It's an outsized work of dynamic design by Danish Bjarke Ingels, whose kinetic, monumental architecture creates the illusion of perpetually renewed movement.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Parvis Corto Maltese, 54, quai de Paludate, Bordeaux
- Tram C or D (Gare Saint-Jean or Sainte-Croix stop) and Bus line 1 (Gare Saint-Jean stop) or 31 (MÉCA stop).
Musée Mer Marine
Innovative in its scale and design, the Musée Mer Marine was conceived by renowned Bordeaux architect Olivier Brochet. He had already made a name for himself in France thanks to the realization of outstanding spaces, such as the new Musée de l'Homme in Paris and the Musée Fabre in Montpellier. The building is inspired by the marine world. For example, aquatic motifs can be seen on it, and its shape is reminiscent of a ship. Since 2019, the museum has hosted exhibitions dedicated to the world's maritime heritage.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- 589 rue des Étrangers, Bordeaux.
- Tram B (stop Rue Achard) and Bus line 5
Palais de justice
The new courthouse, home to the Tribunal de Grande Instance, was unveiled in 1998. It is thus one of the first buildings of the new Bordeaux. This remarkable architectural work, signed Richard Rogers, architect of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, catches the eye of passers-by. Seen from the Cours d'Albret, the glass and steel edifice reinforces the idea of transparency, openness and real accessibility of the French judicial system. On the other side, imposing wooden "eggs" or "beehives" face the ramparts of Fort du Hâ.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- 30 rue des Frères Bonie, Bordeaux
- Tram A (stop Palais de Justice) or Bus line 1, 16 and G (stop Palais de Justice)
