A graduate of the Paris Institut d’études politiques and holding a PhD in philosophy, Michèle Laruë-Charlus has made Bordeaux her muse and her home. Since joining the town hall in 1995 as City Planning and Culture Officer in Alain Juppé’s cabinet, she launched and saw through the major urban projects that have transformed the city.

From the creation of the tram networks to the development of the quays, from the construction of eco-districts to the rehabilitation of industrial wasteland, Bordeaux has completely transformed under her influence, becoming one of the most attractive cities in France.

General Director of Land Use Planning for Bordeaux and then for the entire Metropolitan Region and director of the Bordeaux Métropole 2050 project since 2018, Michèle Laruë-Charlus continues to work to revitalise the region and prepare for its future

According to Michèle Laruë-Charlus, the city must involve all stakeholders in the very heart of its transformation process. As such, the Bordeaux Métropole 2050 mission, with her at the helm, consists of a major citizen consultation where everyone is given the opportunity to suggest scenarios for the city of tomorrow and thus to influence urban public policies.

This participatory approach aims to broaden horizons, in the style of Agora, the architecture, urban planning and design biennale that Michèle Laruë-Charlus founded in 2004. Multicultural and grass-roots, this unmissable event is both a source of ideas and a decision-making tool allowing for a better understanding of the city and its inhabitants, as well as providing a testing ground for the professionals involved in its development.

As the leader of its renewal, Michèle Laruë-Charlus has been instrumental in extending Bordeaux’s reputation beyond our borders. And if the Agora architecture, urban planning and design biennale is an opportunity for French and foreign cities to present their urban development models, the Bordeaux Métropole 2050 mission is designed to act as a roadmap full of suggestions that will inspire them.