Rue Saint-James in Bordeaux: History, Shops and Property

Where is the Rue Saint-James?

In the heart of Bordeaux's left bank, the Rue Saint-James runs from the Cours Victor-Hugo northwards, passing beneath the Grosse Cloche bell tower before reaching the Rue Bouquiere and the Place Fernand Lafargue. This short pedestrianised street of fewer than 200 metres sits parallel to the Place de la Ferme Richemont, roughly 350 metres from the Garonne quays at the level of the Pont de Pierre and less than 400 metres from the Place Pey-Berland. The Rue Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux's principal shopping street, runs parallel just 150 metres to the west.

The origins of the Rue Saint-James

Saint-James is the Gascon form of Saint-Jacques. The street passes through the Grosse Cloche gate, built on the remains of the medieval Porte Saint-James, one of the waypoints on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The Grosse Cloche itself is among Bordeaux's most recognisable landmarks, and its bell, Armande-Louise, weighing close to eight tonnes, still rings six times a year.

In 1540, the philosopher Michel de Montaigne, then mayor of Bordeaux, had the first edition of his celebrated Essais printed on this very street. The Rue Saint-James later fell into decline, choked by traffic and neglect, before a comprehensive renovation in 2006 returned it to pedestrian use. Since that restoration, independent shops and artisans have steadily moved in, and the street now embodies a lively, eclectic quarter where luthiers, ceramicists, bicycle repairers, tapas bars and jewellery workshops sit side by side.

Shops and local life

The Rue Saint-James is a favourite walking route for Bordelais heading towards the Saint-Pierre quarter. Quieter than the parallel Rue Sainte-Catherine, it has the feel of a village high street, a character that took hold after the early-2000s redevelopment. Among the addresses are Popins, the well-known Bordeaux bicycle shop, a tea room, a vintage bar, a fine grocery, independent clothing boutiques, a coffee roaster, a Japanese grocery, a hairdresser, a haberdashery, a wine bar and a wine merchant. National and international chains are absent, and the result is a bohemian atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.

Property on the Rue Saint-James

Apartment prices on the Rue Saint-James generally range from around 4,100 to 5,750 euros per square metre, while houses tend to fall between 3,750 and 5,100 euros per square metre. The average price across all property types is approximately 4,650 euros per square metre, placing the street slightly above the surrounding area. For apartments specifically, the average is close to 4,850 euros per square metre, and for houses around 4,350 euros per square metre.

The Rue Saint-James sits at the crossroads of several of Bordeaux's most desirable central neighbourhoods, where period apartments with stone facades and characterful townhouses 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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