5. Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux’s prosperity in the 18th century was deeply intertwined with the slave trade and the commerce of colonial goods like sugar and coffee, all produced through enslaved labor. The city’s grand façades and elegant riverfront bear silent witness to fortunes amassed through exploitation. In recent years, Bordeaux has taken steps to acknowledge its role, unveiling memorials and updating museum exhibits to confront its history openly. To explore Bordeaux’s evolving relationship with this past, visit France 24.
