Bordeaux mascarons: what they are and what they mean

Bordeaux is renowned for having over 3,000 mascarons—possibly the largest collection of these decorative sculptures in any city worldwide.

Mascarons date back to ancient times, where they were used in Greco-Roman architecture to adorn buildings and ward off evil spirits. They often symbolized deities or mythological figures.

The word “mascaron” comes from Italian language and means “mask”. Mascarons became popular in Italy during the Renaissance, in the 15th and 16th century. Then they spreaded to France during the wars of Italy.

Nowdays, you can find mascarons in many European capital cities such as Paris and Rome, or in Venice for example.

What’s special with the mascarons in Bordeaux is that there around 3,000 of them, mainly in the historic center. Those are made of limestone, carved by known or unknown artists.

In Bordeaux, their proliferation coincides with the prosperous period of classical architecture in the 18th century, when the city was entirely rebuilt under the influence of the intendant Tourny.

But the first mascaron was carved in the late 16th century by an architect named Henri Roche.

Some mascarons are realistic, others grotesque or fantastic, with sometimes exaggerated expressions. They all have different stories and tell us not only about the artist, but also about the society of the 18th century.

They represent human faces, mythological figures (Zeus, Bacchus), or allegories of water and wind, linked to the port of Bordeaux and its maritime trade. Some mascarons also bear witness to historical links with slavery, because Bordeaux was an important centre of the triangular trade.

Bordeaux also has a rich history of Freemasonry dating back to 1731. By the 18th century, the city had around 3,000 Freemasons among its 100,000 residents. It’s no surprise, then, that many of Bordeaux’s mascarons are adorned with Masonic symbols.

Want to discover the most beautiful mascarons during your stay in Bordeaux? Join our free walking tour through the historic center! We’ve tracked down the most stunning and intriguing mascarons in the city—and we can’t wait to share their stories with you!