Cultural & institutional Paris
Between large facades and grandiose interiorsWe don't deny ourselves anything.
Bordeaux, rich in history and culture, abounds in historic places that rival the elegance and prestige of the most famous Parisian sites. Bordeaux is full of architectural details and history, providing an ideal setting for scenes set in varied historical contexts. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, an architectural masterpiece of the 18th century, undoubtedly evokes with its majestic facade, its Corinthian columns, its ornamental sculptures the grandeur of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. And more than a resemblance, Charles Garnier himself was inspired by the majestic staircase of the Bordeaux Opera for the design of that of the Paris Opera.
Some of its structures can even be compared to emblematic Parisian places. The Palais Rohan, which houses the Bordeaux town hall on Place Pey-Berland, is a striking example. Built in the 18th century, this monumental neoclassical building, sober and majestic, is reminiscent of Parisian public buildings such as the Élysée Palace. The Crédit municipal de Bordeaux, with its interior courtyard, evokes Parisian mansions.
Other Bordeaux buildings bear witness to this architectural wealth. The Palais de la Bourse, for example, with its imposing appearance and refined details, is reminiscent of some of the most beautiful Parisian palaces. The Sainte-Croix Church, with its Gothic style, could easily replace the famous Gothic churches of Paris.
The Victoire campus of the University of Bordeaux will be a perfect understudy for the prestigious Parisian universities, such as La Sorbonne for example. Corinthian columns, sculpted pediments, classic architectural elements, remarkable libraries, stone staircases... are all details which give the Bordeaux campus a majestic and historical appearance similar to those of Paris.
Did you know?
As at the Sorbonne, at the Université de la Victoire we find large reading rooms, dark wooden shelves, reading and research furniture, all flooded with natural light. The Bordeaux university campus of La Victoire is built in the heart of 19th century buildings. Its architect JLPascal, of Parisian origin, also worked on two wings of the National Library of Paris, the main courtyard and the “Carré Vivienne”.
The film Our Brothers by Rachid Bouchareb was able to seize the potential of this space to reproduce scenes of demonstrations which took place in the 1980s at the Sorbonne University, thus highlighting the cinematographic potential of the Université de la Victoire.
Focus on: Baron Noir Season 2
“I asked myself where we could recreate Paris. I did a quick overview of French cities and architecture, both exterior and interior, and my choice very quickly fell on Bordeaux”
Thomas Bourguignon – Producer Baron noir
Black Baron S2
Producer: Thomas Bourguignon
Baron Noir is the perfect example of this Bordeaux appropriation. The city was in fact chosen by the production to embody Paris through numerous interior and exterior scenes. For example, during 46 days of filming, the Gironde prefecture was transformed into the Élysée Palace, the reception room transformed into a presidential office, the Salle des Pas Perdus of the Bordeaux Court of Appeal was changed behind the scenes of the National Assembly, the Mériadeck and Aubiers business districts were invested to recreate the atmosphere of the Parisian business districts.