The Occupied City

During the Second World War, Bordeaux lived four years under German occupation, a period that left a lasting mark on the city. This experience explores why the port and the Garonne made Bordeaux a strategic target and how the occupation unfolded, from the Armistice to the departure of German troops. The route follows the local harbor and its surrounding streets, where specific sites and events reveal how everyday life continued under constraint. As you walk, the narrative remains anchored to this setting, pointing out visible traces from the period, and placing events of the occupation within the physical landscape of Bordeaux. At the heart of the experience are three stories of men involved in the Resistance. Some actions were planned; others emerged from urgency. All were shaped by conviction and circumstance. By focusing on people and their choices, the experience invites reflection on remembrance and offers a clear, human understanding of how Bordeaux faced the war.

Fleur approaches the Second World War in Bordeaux through the people who lived it, shifting attention from military strategy and timelines to individual choices made under pressure, fears, and acts of courage. The occupation becomes understandable through the lives of those who had to decide whether to comply, adapt, or resist, often without knowing the outcome. Fleur brings a human perspective to the story. Drawing on documented histories, she has selected three stories that reveal how the Resistance formed locally: through organization, improvisation, and moral resolve. These stories show how ordinary people organized themselves or acted on impulse, driven by ideals and by the urgent need to protect their freedom. This approach offers a powerful way to grasp the wider events. By anchoring the broader history to specific places and personal trajectories, the experience allows the harbor district to be seen differently.

After more than ten years in London, Fleur Borde returned to Bordeaux in 2011 and began reshaping her professional path around what she knows and loves most: the Gironde, its landscapes, and its wine culture. She became an independent guide in 2018 and earned her official guiding license in 2023. Alongside her guiding work, she holds a WSET Level 3 certification, grounding her wine expertise firmly in the Bordeaux region. Fleur designs and leads experiences that help travelers understand Bordeaux and the Gironde beyond their labels—through walks, encounters, and carefully considered routes. Her approach is driven by curiosity, firsthand knowledge, and a sustained commitment to sharing the region with clarity and depth.

Comfortable shoes for cobbled stones. Hat, raincoat or umbrella depending on the weather. If the scheduled time doesn’t work for you, you can contact Fleur via chat to check if an alternative time is possible. If she is available, she will be happy to accommodate your request. **Note: Due to the nature of its content, this experience is recommended for adults and older teenagers and is not suitable for children.