Descas Palace: A Bordeaux Icon

Discover Château Descas in Bordeaux: A historic wine cellar turned cultural hub, offering captivating architecture and diverse performances near Gare Saint-Jean.

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Descas Palace

Descas Palace, or Château Descas, is a striking landmark on the Quai de Paludate in Bordeaux, France. Originally built in 1890 as a wine cellar for négociant Jean Descas, it later served as a cabaret and nightclub. Recently renovated, it has been reborn as a cultural venue with a 700-seat theater, hosting dance, music, and theater performances. Its elaborate architecture, featuring macarons, dragon-shaped bas-reliefs, and a lookout tower, makes it a captivating sight. Located near the Gare Saint-Jean, it's easily accessible and adds to the city's vibrant waterfront. While not offering tours of its interior, its exterior and the events it hosts make it a worthwhile visit. The palace stands as a testament to Bordeaux's rich history and its ongoing cultural evolution, blending its wine-making past with a modern entertainment scene.

A brief summary to Descas Palace

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

Local tips

Check the event schedule in advance, as Château Descas now functions as a theater hosting various performances.
Take a stroll along the Quai de Paludate to admire the palace's architecture and the surrounding waterfront.
Consider attending a show to experience the palace's interior and its modern performance space.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Gare Saint-Jean, Bordeaux's main train station, Château Descas is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Alternatively, take Tram line C and disembark at the 'Gare Saint-Jean' stop, which is directly near the palace. A single 'Ticket 1 voyage' costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour of travel on trams and buses. Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Gare Saint-Jean to Descas Palace will take only a few minutes, costing approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic and the time of day. Several taxi stands are available outside the train station.
Walking

From Gare Saint-Jean, exit the station and walk straight ahead towards the Quai de Paludate. Château Descas will be visible on your right, a short walk along the quay. The walk is flat and straightforward.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking near Descas Palace is limited. There is metered street parking available, costing approximately €1.80 to €2.50 per hour, free from 7pm to 7am, all day Sunday and public holidays. Several public car parks are also located within walking distance, such as INDIGO P3 - GARE SAINT JEAN BELCIER, but these can be expensive. A parking space is available by reservation only, subject to availability – €25 per night, from 3 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Discover more about Descas Palace

Descas Palace, prominently situated at 3 Quai de Paludate in Bordeaux, France, is more than just a building; it's a symbol of the city's multifaceted history and its vibrant present. Known locally as Château Descas, this architectural gem has undergone numerous transformations, each adding a unique layer to its story. Originally constructed in 1890 by Jean Descas, a self-made wine merchant, the palace served as the headquarters and storage facility for his burgeoning wine business. Jean Descas, born into a modest farming family, rose through the ranks to become a prominent figure in the Bordeaux wine trade. Starting as a cooper, he established his own wine business and, through shrewd enterprise, acquired the land on Quai de Paludate to build his grand headquarters. He commissioned architect Jean-Alphonse Ricard to design a structure that would not only serve a practical purpose but also reflect his success and vision. The result was Château Descas, an imposing palace that quickly became a landmark on Bordeaux's southern quays. The palace was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for preparing, storing, packaging, and shipping Descas wines. Its cellars had a capacity of nearly 1,500,000 bottles and featured an innovative system of elevators and trolleys to facilitate the movement of goods. This made it an ultra-modern establishment for its time, a testament to Jean Descas's forward-thinking approach. However, the Descas family eventually sold the Maison Descas to the Merlaut family in 1979, another prominent Bordeaux family known for their contributions to the wine industry. Denis Merlaut took over management and further enhanced the company's reputation, becoming a respected figure in the Bordeaux marketplace. In the 1970s, Château Descas transitioned from a wine cellar to a cabaret and, later, a nightclub. For many years, it was a popular entertainment venue, drawing crowds with its lively atmosphere and unique setting. However, it eventually closed its doors and remained vacant for several years, shrouded in mystery. Recently, Château Descas has been revitalized and transformed into a cultural venue. After extensive renovations, it reopened as a 700-seat theater, hosting a diverse program of dance, music, theater, and comedy shows. The renovation preserved the building's architectural features while incorporating modern amenities to create a state-of-the-art performance space. The architecture of Château Descas is a major draw in itself. The building is adorned with countless macarons (ornamented faces), dragon-shaped bas-reliefs, sculpted figures representing Mercury and vines, and chimneys that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. A vertigo-inducing lookout tower offers panoramic views of the river and the city. The palace's exterior is a fascinating blend of styles, reflecting the architectural trends of the late 19th century. Located on the Quai de Paludate, Château Descas is easily accessible from the Gare Saint-Jean, Bordeaux's main train station. Its proximity to the station makes it a convenient destination for visitors arriving by train. The surrounding area is also undergoing significant development, with new residential and commercial projects transforming the waterfront. While Château Descas does not offer tours of its interior, visitors can admire its exterior architecture and attend performances at its theater. The palace is also available for private events, offering a unique and historic setting for weddings, conferences, and other special occasions. Château Descas stands as a symbol of Bordeaux's ability to blend its rich history with its modern aspirations. From its origins as a wine cellar to its current incarnation as a cultural venue, it has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the city. Its striking architecture, its prime location, and its diverse program of events make it a must-see destination for visitors to Bordeaux. As you approach Château Descas, take a moment to appreciate its grandeur and its significance in Bordeaux's history. Whether you're attending a performance, admiring its architecture, or simply strolling along the Quai de Paludate, Château Descas is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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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

Fontaine de la Grave

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre

Saint-Michel

Bordeaux Saint-Jean Terres de Borde

1 Pl. de Stalingrad

Staycity Aparthotel Bordeaux City Centre

Pl. de la Victoire

Pl. Général Sarrail

Bordeaux rue de l ombriére

Wine Ambassador

Église Saint-Pierre

ibis budget Bordeaux Centre Bastide

Saint Peter's Square

Musée d'Aquitaine

Unmissable attractions to see

Église Sainte-Croix de Bordeaux

Door of the Mint

Visite Ogoué

La Méca

Passerelle Eiffel

La Tencha

Frac Nouvelle-Aquitaine La MÉCA

Edificio de big

Rue Andronne

Escape Hunt

Place Duburg

Basilique Saint-Michel

Marché Royal (St-Michel)

Les Puces de Saint Michel

Place du Maucaillou

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