In 1777, Morocco was the first country to recognize the Independence of the United States of America from England. A year later, George Washington chose the build the first overseas consulate for the United States, in a location named the ‘Fenwick House’. Built to reflect the mutual respect between France and the States during the American Revolution, the first consulate position was filled by Joseph Fenwick from Maryland. The building was designed by the well known local company headed by architect Victor Louis. Jean-Baptiste Dufart personally designed and built it from 1795 until 1799. You’ll see it with a blue door and stone ships of Carthage carved into the sides found at 1 Cours Xavier Arnozan, 33000 Bordeaux, France. Visits are only on certain days of the year and sadly this is not where our consulate is in Bordeaux anymore…although we will be lucky to even have one by the end of this year the way things are moving.
Thomas Jefferson made his way to Bordeaux while he was the ambassador and stayed at Hotel Richelieu in Bordeaux. He loved trying different wines from the region, hoping to bring back vines and wines to Mount Vernon, Virginia. One of the many he loved (and a personal favorite) is Chateau Carbonnieux in AOC Pessac-Leognan. There are plaques mentioning his visit. Until the big drought of 2022, there was even a pecan tree on the property which was planted by Jefferson.
Most of us think of WWII and while of course Americans came to Bordeaux, you’ll find stories all over Gironde. The town I live in, Bazas, has a particular story of American paratroopers who were shot down by the Nazis but landed in Résistance territory and were saved. Their white parachute silks were used by local women as wedding dresses, a luxury at that time. For decades after, American families came to Bazas to say thank you, until the last survivor passed away about six years ago. My first home in Bazas was actually occupied after WWII by a US General.
Local artist Arnaud Faugas made a beautiful piece with Lafayette and Washington at Mount Vernon. When I got my French nationality I knew that is what I wanted to remember that time. Arnaud used to teach in Washington DC and has personal stories from this part of the United States, his art is one of the best items to purchase in Bordeaux and bring home. There are images of Bordeaux and many local areas and French culture, telling their own unique stories through watercolor and pen. You can also create your own watercolor with a unique workshop with Arnaud! https://arnaudfaugas.net/ and on Instagram @arnaudfaugas
The famous mayor of Bordeaux from 1995-2019, Alain Juppé, is a great friend of the United States. The relationship between the two countries, France and the USA, has withstood centuries – from being allies in wartime, to sharing secrets in the vineyards. If you’d like to know more or take a tour with a focus on Americans in Bordeaux, please reach out aquitaineguide@gmail.com! There’s certainly more to share!
READ MORE ABOUT AMERICANS IN BORDEAUX
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Ironside
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