Chartrons Quarter, Bordeaux

If it owes its name to the covenant of Chartreux which had been established there at the end of the 14th Century, the suburb of Chartrons owes its richness to the trade of wine. First there were English merchants, then others from Northern Europe took part in the development of this trade. The blossoming of colonial trade became associated with that of wine, allowing the formidable growth of Bordeaux during the second half of the 18th Century. The rich traders built extravagant dwellings, vestiges of which still exist in the quarter. The façades of the banks remain as symbols of this period. The Cite Mondiale du Vin was built in this district and radiates throughout the area.