Convent of the Annunciades | Bordeaux, France

If there’s one city that knows how to keep its secrets beautifully aged and uniquely intriguing, it’s Bordeaux. In a metropolis famed not just for its vineyards but also its astonishing architectural and cultural heritage, the Convent of the Annunciades stands out as a singular treasure—a testament to centuries of spiritual, social, and architectural evolution.

A Renaissance Cloister in the Heart of Bordeaux

Tucked away at 54 rue Magendie, the Convent of the Annunciades (or "ancien couvent des Annonciades") offers a rare glimpse into Bordeaux’s Renaissance past. Founded in 1520 by Jacquette Andron de Lansac under the guidance of Jeanne de France, it remains one of the only Renaissance cloisters still intact in Aquitaine. It’s more than just a historical building—it’s a living echo of the city’s layers of faith, artistry, and changing fortunes.

Women Who Shaped a Landmark

This heritage site began as the dream of Jacquette Andron de Lansac, who not only provided the funds but also recruited seven nuns from the Annonciades in Albi to establish the community. Her devotion was matched by financial contributions from Pierre Eyquem de Montaigne, father of the famed philosopher Michel de Montaigne. Contracts signed with master masons and carpenters in the early 1520s led to the construction of the iconic chapel and cloister, with the initial blessing taking place in 1521.

The convent’s layered past is as complex as its architecture:

• Periods of prosperity and expansion—including major works in the 16th and 17th centuries—saw the convent grow into a spiritual and architectural anchor for the community.
• Religious and societal upheaval—the religious wars of the 1500s and the Revolution of 1792 saw the expulsion of the Annonciades sisters and the building’s conversion to more utilitarian uses.
• A second act as a women’s refuge—the site became the Maison de la Miséricorde in the 19th century, sheltering over 300 "penitent women" seeking a new start in life.

Architectural Highlights Worth the Exploration

Fans of historical landmarks and architectural wonders will find the Convent of the Annunciades a captivating stop on any self-guided tour:

• Monumental Portal: The semi-circular Renaissance portal (1774) crowned by a sculpted Madonna is your stunning entry point to the past.
• The Chapel: Step inside and imagine Renaissance nuns at prayer. The mix of tri-lobed absides, sculpted key vaults, and family crests turns this space into a time capsule. Especially intriguing are the keys and blazons from the founding families and the classic 'Mise au Tombeau' sculpture from the 1520s, one of only three in Bordeaux.
• The Cloister: A rectangle of 32 arcades, with chapiteaux carved on all sides (despite centuries of erosion), adorned with vegetal motifs and mythical creatures. In the center, an enigmatic hexagonal base marks where a Renaissance cross once stood.
• The Galleries: Four original galleries, bathed in light from basket-handle arched windows, and modern artistic interventions like the 1995 Julian Opie stone sculptures—where history makes quirky friends with the contemporary.

A Journey Through Bordeaux’s Enduring Layers

It’s easy to see why the Convent is not just an important cultural site, but a living palimpsest of France’s history. From its time as a retreat for silent, contemplative nuns, to its 19th-century role as a haven for "fallen women," it carries stories of resilience and change. Even its 20th-century transformation—hosting court archives, then becoming home to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (D.R.A.C.) in 1995—adds to its narrative layers.

Every stone, arch, and sculpture whispers a story. With each visit, you don’t just observe a monument—you join a centuries-old conversation.

A Must for City Exploration and Heritage Lovers

For travelers hunting for unique tourist attractions in Bordeaux, the Convent of the Annunciades is a delight away from the usual crowds. Its Renaissance architecture, echoes of religious life, and social transformations make it one of the city’s most intriguing city landmarks. Bringing history to street level, it’s the kind of site that invites curiosity, reflection, and wonder in equal measure.

Experience It on a Self-Guided Audio Tour

Why not uncover Convent of the Annunciades’ hidden stories at your own pace? AllTours offers GPS-guided, expertly narrated audio tours that turn city exploration into a captivating journey. Instead of getting lost in dates and details, immerse yourself in true narratives and quirky anecdotes that make historical sites come alive.

Ready to step into centuries of history in Bordeaux? Discover the Convent of the Annunciades as part of our “Southern Artisan and Sacred Echoes” tour in Bordeaux. Book your audio tour here and prepare for a deep dive into one of the most evocative landmark tours in France!