1686-1804: The majority of the slave trade organized in Bordeaux occurred after 1750, by which time other European hubs had already established control over …

1686-1804: The majority of the slave trade organized in Bordeaux occurred after 1750, by which time other European hubs had already established control over major West African outlets. To find its niche, Bordeaux developed the strongest trading connection of any French port to Southeast Africa and the Indian Ocean. Vessels from this city transported captives to the Mascarene Islands as well as to the French Caribbean colony of Saint-Domingue. This geographic diversification allowed Bordeaux to remain a significant player in the French maritime economy during the late eighteenth century.