Discover Bordeaux: Best Neighborhoods to Explore
A provincial city in southwest France that deserves your full attention, Bordeaux is catwalk material. Wide aristocratic boulevards lined with elegant townhouses and glitzy designer boutiques vie for center stage with a labyrinthine medieval old town, industrial-cool wet docks, and an infinite sweep of silky-smooth riverside quays abuzz with cyclists, skaters, city slickers, and flaneurs – you name it.
As France’s sixth-largest city, Bordeaux is compact and a breeze to navigate on foot and by public transport. Wherever you stay, it’s fast and hassle-free to move between neighborhoods. A weekend break ticks off the main sights, but to even begin to understand this ancient, prized port where the Romans planted vines and merchant ships laden with red wine, flour, silks, and other local products set sail for far-flung lands in the 17th and 18th centuries, staying longer is recommended.
Key Neighborhoods to Explore
St-Pierre & St-Paul: Best for Cafe Life
Itching to explore the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site? Hit this central twinset – the medieval heart of Bordeaux where craftsmen plied their trade in the 13th century. Many narrow medieval streets are car-free, allowing you to lounge over un café and croissant between sights on bijou squares framed by cafe terraces. On warm summer evenings, dine at restaurant tables filling lanes off Pl St-Pierre.
Chartrons: Best for a French Village Vibe
Wine-trading history, boutique shopping, and traditional café life define Chartrons, a district that oozes the mellow charm of a French village. This ancient commercial area, gentrified by wealthy wine merchants, offers delightful walking opportunities through quaint streets filled with independent boutiques and artsy spots.
Bassins à Flot & Bacalan: Best for Industrial Cool
On the left bank, this area plunges visitors into Bordeaux’s industrial heritage. Once marshland, it transformed with the construction of a port and wet docks. Visit the spectacular wine museum La Cité du Vin and enjoy cutting-edge art at Bassins des Lumières.
St-Michel & Capucins – Victoire: Best for Student Buzz
This neighborhood offers a glimpse of everyday life in Bordeaux. Students gather for affordable drinks, and locals shop for fresh produce at the bustling Marché des Capucins. The lively squares provide a perfect backdrop for experiencing authentic Bordelais culture.
St-Seurin & Fondaudège: Best for Scenic Flânerie
Elegant and quiet, St-Seurin and Fondaudège allow you to soak in the local vibe. Discover charming public gardens and exquisite architecture, with a burgeoning foodie scene on rue Fondaudège, featuring trendy restaurants.
La Bastide: Best for Eco-Urban Culture
Dive into the quirky atmosphere of La Bastide, a once-neglected area now thriving with street art, eco-complexes, and lively weekend markets. Enjoy outdoor dining experiences at atmospheric cafes along the riverbanks, making it one of the coolest spots in Bordeaux.
