2020-08-18
Rue de Pessac in Bordeaux: History, Shops and Property
A guide to the Rue de Pessac, a historic route linking central Bordeaux to the wine estates of Pessac. Roman origins, local shops and property prices.

Where is the Rue de Pessac?
The Rue de Pessac runs through the northern part of the Saint-Genes neighbourhood, stretching roughly one kilometre from the Rue Villedieu, close to the Cours Aristide-Briand, south-westwards to the Boulevard Georges V. Beyond the boulevard it continues as the Cours Marechal Gallieni towards the commune of Pessac. The eastern end of the street is close to the Hopital Saint-Andre, the Meriadeck district and the Place de la Victoire, placing it within easy reach of the commercial heart of the city.
The origins of the Rue de Pessac
The Rue de Pessac follows the line of an ancient road that once linked Roman Burdigala to La-Teste-de-Buch on the Arcachon Basin. Until the early twentieth century, its primary purpose was to connect the city to the prestigious wine estates that occupied much of the territory of Pessac. In 1841, the Embarcadere de Segur, Bordeaux's first railway station, was built at the far end of the street as the terminus of the Bordeaux-La Teste line.
The architectural character of the Rue de Pessac reflects its past as a fashionable faubourg. Traditional Bordelais echoppes stand alongside neoclassical bourgeois residences and more modern constructions, creating an eclectic streetscape. The street remains the only one in the area to carry two-way traffic, and plans for its redesign are under discussion.
Shops and local life
The Rue de Pessac is primarily residential. A convenience store and several banks occupy the first few numbers, followed by cafes and food shops along the initial stretch. Medical practices, a computer shop and a pharmacy add to the mix of neighbourhood services. Local shops cluster at the main junctions, with a small supermarket, a tobacconist-newsagent, a bakery and a hair salon grouped around the Rue des Treuils and the Rue Fernand Audeguil.
A second concentration of shops appears near the Boulevard Georges V, with hairdressers, a jeweller, an optician and several restaurants. The street's position between the university area and the city centre ensures a steady flow of residents and students throughout the day.
Property on the Rue de Pessac
Apartment prices on the Rue de Pessac range from around 4,100 to 5,750 euros per square metre, with an average close to 4,850 euros, slightly above the surrounding area. The wide spread reflects the length of the street and the variety of its housing stock, from echoppes in need of renovation to well-maintained bourgeois residences. Houses sell for between 3,750 and 5,100 euros per square metre, averaging approximately 4,350 euros.
The Rue de Pessac offers a blend of period charm and city-centre convenience, where traditional echoppes and elegant stone houses come onto the market regularly. A full selection of properties is available among the properties for sale in Bordeaux.
The consultants at BARNES Bordeaux know the city centre street by street and can advise on the best opportunities in this area, from the initial property valuation to the final signature. The team is available via the contact page.
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