Descas Palace: A Bordeaux Icon

Discover Bordeaux's architectural gem, Descas Palace: From historic wine cellar to vibrant performance venue, experience its rich past and cultural present near Gare Saint-Jean.

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Descas Palace, a striking architectural landmark on Bordeaux's Quai de Paludate, boasts a rich and varied history. Built in the late 19th century by wine merchant Jean Descas, it served as a state-of-the-art wine cellar, capable of storing over a million bottles. Its flamboyant architecture, a mix of styles, immediately catches the eye. After its wine-trading days, the building transitioned through various phases, including a cabaret and nightclubs, before falling into disuse. Recently renovated, it has been reborn as a modern performance venue, hosting concerts, theater, and other cultural events. Its location near the Gare Saint-Jean makes it easily accessible, and its imposing presence continues to captivate visitors and locals alike. The palace stands as a testament to Bordeaux's commercial past and its vibrant cultural present.

A brief summary to Descas Palace

3 Quai de Paludate 2, Bordeaux, 33800, FR
+33557541414

Local tips

Check the event schedule in advance, as Descas Palace now hosts a variety of concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events.
Explore the surrounding area near Gare Saint-Jean, which is undergoing significant urban renewal and offers new parks and commercial spaces.
Take a walk along the Quai de Paludate to admire the palace's architecture from different angles and capture its beauty in photographs.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Gare Saint-Jean (Bordeaux's main train station), Descas Palace is easily accessible. Exit the station and walk north along Quai de Paludate. The palace is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Alternatively, take Tram line C and disembark at the 'Gare Saint-Jean' stop, which is directly in front of the train station and a short walk to the Palace. A single tram ticket costs approximately €1.70.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (like Uber) are readily available throughout Bordeaux. A short ride from Gare Saint-Jean to Descas Palace will typically cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic and time of day. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your journey.
Walking

If you are already in the city center, such as near Place de la Bourse, you can walk to Descas Palace along the Garonne River. Follow the quays south, passing under the Pont de Pierre and continuing along Quai de Paludate. The walk is approximately 30-40 minutes and offers scenic views of the river. No costs are associated with walking.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking near Descas Palace can be limited. There is street parking available, but it can be difficult to find a spot. Several paid parking garages are located within walking distance, including INDIGO Brienne and Parking Descas, with hourly rates typically ranging from €2-€3 and daily rates around €20-€25. Consider pre-booking a parking space online to ensure availability.

Discover more about Descas Palace

Descas Palace, prominently situated at 3 Quai de Paludate in Bordeaux, is more than just a building; it's a captivating chronicle etched in stone and brick. Its story begins in the late 19th century when Jean Descas, a self-made wine merchant, envisioned a grand edifice to house his burgeoning wine business. The location itself is steeped in history, as the palace stands on the former site of the Hôpital de la Manufacture, which served as Bordeaux's first general hospital and hospice for abandoned children from 1661 until just before Descas purchased the land. Jean Descas, born into a family of modest means, rose through the ranks to become a prominent figure in the Bordeaux wine trade. He commissioned architect Jean-Alphonse Ricard to design a building that would not only serve a practical purpose but also reflect his success and ambition. Completed in 1893, the palace was a marvel of its time, equipped with advanced technology for wine preparation, storage, packaging, and shipping. Its location near the newly constructed Gare Saint-Jean was strategically chosen to facilitate the transport of wine. The architecture of Descas Palace is a flamboyant blend of styles, often described as eclectic or even "nouveau riche" by contemporary critics. The façade is adorned with countless mascarons (ornamental faces), dragon-shaped bas-reliefs, and sculpted figures representing Mercury and vines. A prominent lookout tower tops the structure, offering panoramic views of the city. The initials of Jean Descas are proudly displayed above the main entrance, a testament to his personal triumph. Inside, the palace was equally impressive. The 10,000-square-meter warehouse could store up to 1.5 million bottles of wine. A sophisticated system of elevators and wagonettes facilitated the movement of goods throughout the multi-level facility. The palace quickly became a symbol of Bordeaux's thriving wine industry and a landmark on the city's skyline. However, the glory days of Descas Palace as a wine cellar were not to last forever. By the 1970s, the wine business had waned, and the palace was sold to the Merlaut family in 1979. The building then entered a new phase, transforming into a cabaret and later a series of nightclubs, including the infamous Rikiki Palace and Mystic Club. These ventures, however, proved unsuccessful, and the palace eventually fell into disuse, becoming the subject of a lengthy legal battle between the Descas family and the city of Bordeaux over unauthorized structural work. For many years, Descas Palace stood as an empty shell, a faded reminder of its former grandeur. Its dilapidated façade intrigued passersby, prompting questions about its history and future. The palace became a symbol of lost potential, a building caught between its glorious past and an uncertain future. Fortunately, the story of Descas Palace did not end there. In recent years, a group of entrepreneurs recognized the building's potential and embarked on an ambitious renovation project. The palace has been reborn as a modern performance venue, complete with a 630-seat theater equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The renovated palace hosts a diverse program of concerts, theatrical performances, and other cultural events, breathing new life into this historic landmark. The renovation of Descas Palace is part of a larger urban renewal project in the area surrounding the Gare Saint-Jean. The "Canopia" project aims to create a new commercial artery connecting the train station to the Garonne River, with a two-hectare park planned directly across from the palace. This revitalization effort promises to transform the area into a vibrant and attractive destination for both locals and tourists. Today, Descas Palace stands as a testament to Bordeaux's rich history and its commitment to cultural innovation. Its transformation from a wine cellar to a performance venue reflects the city's ability to adapt and reinvent itself while preserving its architectural heritage. Visitors to Bordeaux can now experience the grandeur of Descas Palace firsthand, attending a concert, a play, or simply admiring its magnificent façade. The palace is a reminder that even the most faded landmarks can be reborn, finding new purpose and relevance in the modern world. As you approach Descas Palace, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of its architecture. Notice the mascarons, the bas-reliefs, and the lookout tower. Imagine the bustling activity that once filled its halls, the clinking of bottles, and the laughter of patrons. Consider the many lives this building has lived, from a wine cellar to a nightclub to a performance venue. Descas Palace is a living monument to Bordeaux's past, present, and future, a place where history and culture converge.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Descas Palace: A Bordeaux Icon

A brief summary to Descas Palace

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

Unlock the Best of Descas Palace

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Descas Palace

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Square Dom Bedos

Door of the Mint

Fontaine de la Grave

Flèche de la Basilique Saint-Michel

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre

Saint-Michel

Bordeaux Saint-Jean Terres de Borde

Pont de Pierre

1 Pl. de Stalingrad

Staycity Aparthotel Bordeaux City Centre

Pl. de la Victoire

Pl. Général Sarrail

Bordeaux rue de l ombriére

Place du Palais

Bordeaux Wine Trails - Wine tours

Unmissable attractions to see

Église Sainte-Croix de Bordeaux

La Méca

Passerelle Eiffel

La Tencha

Edificio de big

Rue Andronne

Place Duburg

Basilique Saint-Michel

Place du Maucaillou

Place Meynard

Porte de Bourgogne

BAG_Bakery Art Gallery - La Galerie

Pl. de Stalingrad

Place de la Victoire

Colonne de la Vigne et du Vin

Essential places to dine

La Tupina

L'appart 18

Le Passage Saint Michel

Le Bistrot du Cachalot

La Terrasse Saint-Michel

Ô Saint Michel

Bistro Poulette

La Mère Michel

Le Ginkho

Le Petit Atelier des Faures

L'assiette musicale

Arcada

Restaurant C'yusha

Restaurant

L'Exquis

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

La CUV Saint-Michel : Vins, bières et spiritueux

Boutique Marcelle

MCV My Wine Cellar

Feral - Art & Vin

The House of Two Fairies

Warehouse Saint Germain

Autour de Bordeaux

Art and Wine

Mieux Boutique

Wine More Time

À l'Ombre des Marques | Bordeaux

Richy’s

Les Comptoirs de Magellan

Oxbow Bordeaux

Ma Première Boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bar Cave de la Monnaie

Les Furies Bergères