The Monument to the Girondins, the Grosse Cloche, the Flèche Saint-Michel…Every corner of Bordeaux immerses us in its history. But monuments aren’t the only places that take us back in time. Founded in 1729, the Pharmacie François is the oldest pharmacy in Bordeaux. Amid antique wood paneling, century-old bottles, and herbal preparations lies a true treasure of cultural heritage.
An institution spanning nearly three centuries
The story began with the Fosse family in 1729, on what is now Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges, then known as Rue des Épiciers. Serving as a general store, herbalist’s shop, apothecary, and pharmacy all in one, Maison François brought together various areas of expertise under one roof.
Over the generations, the founding family shaped the establishment’s identity for nearly 250 years. The company also distinguished itself through several innovations. In 1932, it developed Hépascol François, a preparation made from Macau artichoke leaves designed to support liver health. The family’s pharmacists also contributed to the development of new manufacturing techniques, notably through the use of cocoa butter in suppositories. This expertise would even pave the way for a chocolate-making business.
Period décor that transports you back in time
Stepping through the doors of Pharmacie François is like discovering a remarkably well-preserved interior. Mahogany woodwork stands alongside colorful marble, antique mirrors, and gilded details that evoke the refinement of the grand pharmacies of the 19th century.
You can’t miss the famous blue glass bottles, still lined up on their shelves with their handwritten labels. Above the passageways hangs an elegant clock crafted by Guignan, the renowned Bordeaux clockmaker who also restored the Grosse Horloge.
The space as a whole creates a unique setting, where every element tells a part of the pharmacy’s history. An indescribable atmosphere permeates the space, a blend of herbal scents, antique furniture, and period pieces.
A Legacy of Herbalism
While its decor is a throwback to the past, Pharmacie François also looks toward the future. True to its rootsas a herbalist’s shop, it now places great emphasis on natural remedies. Phytotherapy, aromatherapy, and apitherapy make up a large part of its business. The plants used in its preparations come fromorganic farming and carry on a tradition dating back several centuries.
Visitors can also discover “Juliette’s Infusions,” crafted on-site as a tribute to Juliette Fosse, who once inspired several of the house’s preparations. All of this is offered in a soothing atmosphere, accompanied by soft classical music.
