23 High Issues to Do in Bordeaux, France (+ Itinerary & Day Journeys)
Guests are drawn to Bordeaux, France for the wine since it’s the second-largest wine-producing area on this planet, however there are additionally loads of issues to do in Bordeaux that don’t contain wine. Solely two hours from Paris by practice, Bordeaux has the very best variety of preserved historic architectural websites outdoors of the capital and its historic metropolis middle is a UNESCO Heritage Website. Mixed with a various and youthful inhabitants, nice meals, fewer worldwide vacationers, decrease costs, and a vibrant metropolis life, there are a lot of causes to go to the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine area in Southwest France.
Bordeaux is commonly thought-about a “little Paris” due to its comparable 18th-century structure, but additionally due to its cosmopolitan attraction. Whereas it has an fascinating historical past as a part of the English territory for hundreds of years, at present Bordeaux feels 100% French. I fell in love with Bordeaux after spending 5 days within the metropolis after which one other week exploring the area on my Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWaterways.
In case you are planning a visit to Bordeaux, on this article I’ll stroll you thru get to Bordeaux, how lengthy to remain, the greatest issues to do in Bordeaux, the place to remain within the metropolis, some beneficial eating places, and day journey concepts.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bordeaux
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I’ve highlighted an important factors of curiosity on the map beneath that will help you plan your go to. As well as, I’ve grouped these points of interest beneath right into a pattern itinerary for 3 days in Bordeaux:
Map courtesy of Google My Maps
Day 1 in Bordeaux
In your first day in Bordeaux, it’s nice to get a really feel of the town by means of a self-guided strolling tour of the next sights and points of interest. This listing is designed to take you on a considerably massive loop by means of many of the metropolis middle, passing by the primary Bordeaux highlights. Alternatively, you might take a bike tour or guided tour by side car in case you don’t need to do a number of strolling.
Stroll by means of Grosse Cloche
The Grosse Cloche (which suggests Large Bell), is without doubt one of the most recognizable symbols of Bordeaux. This metropolis gate dates again to medieval occasions when it welcomed a gradual stream of St. James’ Approach pilgrims passing by means of Bordeaux en path to Santiago de Compostela. Immediately the bell tower homes The Grosse Cloche, which was solid in 1775. The huge bell was as soon as used to sign curfews, warn of fires, and announce vital occasions to the residents of Bordeaux. Immediately, the Grosse Cloche continues to chime on particular events.
On the south facet of the gate, you will see that a clock and a dial that was initially constructed between 1756 and 1759 to the designs of the mathematician and astronomer Paul Larroque. On the north facet of the gate, you will see that a sister clock face that shows the completely different phases of the moon through the lunar month and two reproductions of the town’s coat of arms. Simply contained in the gate, make sure to cease for a conventional cannelle, a pastry created in Bordeaux, at Cassonade.
Cross by Porte d’Aquitaine
In 1154, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who later turned King Henry II of England, bringing the Duchy of Aquitaine, together with Bordeaux, underneath English management. Eleanor of Aquitaine performed a big position throughout this time as she was a robust and influential determine in each English and French courts.
Tensions between the English crown and the French monarchy ultimately led to the Hundred Years’ Struggle (1337-1453), throughout which Bordeaux switched allegiances a number of occasions, which culminated with the French reclaiming Bordeaux from English rule in 1453. All through the town, you will notice many references to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, because the area is now known as.
The Porte d’Aquitaine, also referred to as the “Gate of Aquitaine,” is without doubt one of the many stunning metropolis gates and archways that when served as a major entry level to the town. Constructed within the 18th century, its Neoclassical design and stylish façade are a testomony to the architectural tendencies of the time with intricate detailing and sculptures.
Browse the Marché des Capucins
The Marché des Capucins is the primary marketplace for the town of Bordeaux, open all yr from Tuesday by means of Sunday. You will discover stands providing fruit, greens, meat, cheese, espresso, seafood, and different delicacies. In case you are staying in an Airbnb, it is a great place to fill up in case you are cooking your personal meals. Nevertheless, there are additionally ready meals in addition to restaurant stalls to be able to take pleasure in a meal on-site.
Go to Basilique Saint Michel
Basilique Saint Michel is a Gothic-style church constructed between the tip of the 14th and sixteenth centuries and a part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and a UNESCO World Heritage Website. The spire of the Basilica dominates the skyline and also you don’t even notice how massive the Basilica is till you see the skyline from a distance. Along with visiting the church, guests can sometimes climb the slim steps of the bell tower (though it was underneath refurbishment after I visited.)
Take photographs by the Bordeaux Signal
From Saint-Michel, in case you stroll alongside the Garonne River, you’ll quickly come to the Bordeaux signal, which makes an excellent picture reminiscence out of your go to. This space can also be utilized by skate boarders and given the scent of weed within the space, I might watch out who you ask to take your picture (possibly persist with a selfie?) That’s in all probability too judgemental however I’m all the time a bit of cautious in relation to handing my cellphone to a stranger.
Stroll throughout the Pont de Pierre Bridge
The Pont de Pierre, or “Stone Bridge”, is the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, connecting the left financial institution of the Garonne River to the suitable financial institution Quartier de la Bastide. It’s the bridge that you just see on many postcards and photographs from Bordeaux. It’s particularly fairly when it’s lit up at evening.
Take photographs of the Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau is one among my favourite spots within the metropolis as the realm across the gate is so vigorous and bustling with optimistic power. The monument dates again to 1494 and it was constructed to commemorate Charles VIII’s victory at Fornovo, Italy and his likeness decorates a distinct segment on the riverside and a discover asks guests to concentrate to the lintel and reminds them that Charles VIII died from strolling shortly into simply such a lintel.
Guests can climb the thirty-five meter tall monument and admission is free on the primary Sunday of every month.
Window store alongside Rue Saint Catherine
Rue Sainte-Catherine is without doubt one of the most well-known streets in Bordeaux and one of many longest pedestrian purchasing avenues in Europe, spanning over 1.2 kilometers in size. It may be a bit touristy, providing a various array of retailers, boutiques, cafes, and eating places. In case you are on the lookout for extra upscale designer outlets and boutiques, maintain off in your purchasing till you hit the Golden Triangle space later.
Go to the Cathedral Saint Andre
Cathédrale Saint-André was constructed over a number of centuries, beginning within the twelfth century, and has a mix of architectural types that encompasses Romanesque and Flamboyant Gothic parts. The cathedral has witnessed quite a few historic occasions, together with the primary wedding ceremony of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Louis VII of France. Guests can stroll by means of the Cathedral to soak up its spectacular options, corresponding to intricate stained glass home windows that bathe the nave in a kaleidoscope of colours, and the “Gates of Paradise,” an ornate entrance adorned with intricate biblical scenes.
The cathedral’s bell tower stands adjoining to the primary construction in order to not impression the structural integrity of the Cathedral (a lot of this space was swampland earlier than the Dutch arrived). For a panoramic view of Bordeaux’s cityscape, you possibly can climb the tower’s spiraling staircase of 231 stairs.
Close by additionally, you will discover the Lodge de Ville metropolis corridor of Bordeaux and throughout the road is a small park the place you can even typically discover a e book market.
Stroll Previous Porte Dijeaux
From the Cathedral, stroll up Rue des Remparts, previous galleries and boutiques to Porte Dijeaux. The streets that run parallel are additionally lined with cute outlets. Porte Dijeaux is one other elegant archway that when marked the doorway to the medieval city and dates again to the 1700s with a Neoclassical design and complicated carvings. The world surrounding the gate has a vibrant mix of up to date outlets, charming cafes, and boutiques and is crammed with locals within the evenings.
Store within the “Golden Triangle”
The “Golden Triangle” in Bordeaux refers to an space that’s identified for its luxurious purchasing, upscale boutiques, and stylish environment. This district types a triangle form, therefore the title, and is bounded by three major streets: Cours de l’Intendance, Cours Georges Clémenceau, and Allées de Tourny.
See the Grand Theater
Stroll down the vast Cours de l’Intendance to the Nationwide Opera of Bordeaux on the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. This architectural masterpiece stands because the cultural coronary heart of the town. Designed by architect Victor Louis and accomplished in 1780, this neoclassical constructing has a shocking façade, adorned with Corinthian columns and ornate sculptures.
Inside, the theater showcases an array of operas, ballets, performs, and musical performances, however even in case you don’t get tickets to a efficiency, you possibly can nonetheless take a guided tour. The Place de Comedie in entrance of the theater is a lovely sq. and close by, you possibly can take a trip on the Carousel Palace 1900 or hop on board the Petit Vacationer Prepare.
Go to Place des Quinconces
As you stroll from the Opera Home to the Place des Quinconces, you’ll move by the Bordeaux Vacationer workplace, which is an effective spot to cease in to ask questions, choose up a map, or buy a Bordeaux City Pass. Hop on and hop off busses additionally go away from right here.
Quickly you’ll arrive at Place des Quinconces, a sprawling sq. in Bordeaux, that’s house to out of doors concert events, festivals, and cultural happenings. At its coronary heart lies the Monument aux Girondins, a towering fountain adorned with sculptural representations of characters from the French Revolution. Nearer to the river, you will see that a towering Ferris wheel that gives panoramic views of Bordeaux.
Stroll Alongside the Garonne River
When you arrive on the Garonne River, flip proper to loop again in direction of the Pont de Pierre. Watch out when crossing bike lanes as a result of bikers have the suitable of manner and all the time make sure to search for oncoming trams when crossing the tracks.
See the Miroir d’Eau in Place de la Bourse
Quickly you’ll arrive on the Miroir d’Eau, probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bordeaux and portrayed in lots of photos of Bordeaux. The Miroir d’Eau, or “Water Mirror,” is a big reflecting pool. Simply bear in mind that the pool gently fills after which recedes and youngsters like to stroll by means of the cool mist and play within the water, so it’s arduous to seize a photograph of it really reflecting the Place de la Bourse throughout the road until you get there very early within the morning. In any other case, there are all the time ripples within the water from folks, even when the fountain isn’t operating for the time being. It’s nonetheless a enjoyable spot for locals and vacationers to assemble and loosen up.
By this time of the day, you should have executed a number of strolling and doubtless be desirous to get off your ft and loosen up for some time. However don’t fear, there are a lot of extra issues to do in Bordeaux over the subsequent couple of days.
Day 2 in Bordeaux
In your second day in Bordeaux, I might counsel diving deeper into the town’s meals scene and exploring extra of the realm north of the town middle.
Take a Meals Tour
My favourite method to discover a brand new metropolis is thru a meals tour. After completely having fun with our meals tour with Devour Excursions in Paris, I knew that I had to join the Devour Tours Ultimate Food Tour in Bordeaux as effectively. Over the course of three hours, we tasted cannelles, chocolatines, croissants, Croque Monsieur, native cheeses, hand-crafted candies, and cream-filled choux pastries, and completed up with a incredible wine tasting. My tour information did a superb job of blending in native historical past and major sights into our meals tour as we walked by means of the town.
As a result of I’m such a foodie, I additionally took a tour of the best boulangeries and patisseries in Bordeaux, which was surprisingly filling and supplied a fantastic perspective on many alternative neighborhoods all through the town.
See the Palais Gallien
If you wish to see proof of Historical Roman affect on the realm, take a stroll round Palais Gallien. Constructed through the Roman period within the late 2nd century AD, this was as soon as an imposing amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and different types of leisure. As one of many metropolis’s oldest surviving constructions, at present a lot of the amphitheater has been dismantled for its stones and supplies, leaving solely remnants. Whereas the unique construction is lengthy gone, you possibly can nonetheless stroll by means of its ruins and recognize the historic significance of the place.
Stroll by means of the Jardin Public
For a stunning spot of inexperienced in the course of Bordeaux, take a stroll by means of the Public Backyard. There are 11 hectares of grass, bushes, flowers, and vegetation to discover, together with a kids’s playground in case you are visiting with youngsters. The park is surrounded by stunning townhomes and can also be house to the well-known “Guignol Guérin” puppet present.
Discover the Chartrons Neighborhood
The Chartrons neighborhood is the place what they name the “bo bo” (bohemian bourgeois) dwell, which to Individuals is one thing just like the “yuppies” or younger city professionals. Often known as the historic wine service provider district, Chartrons exudes a singular old-world allure, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved 18th-century structure. Probably the most well-known sights right here is the Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons, a sublime Neo-Gothic church.
One other spotlight to not be missed is the Marché des Chartrons, a bustling market that gives a pleasant array of recent produce, connoisseur meals, antiques, and crafts. At evening, sidewalk cafes encompass the market and it’s a hub of exercise. The primary thoroughfare, Rue Notre-Dame, is lined with quaint boutiques, classic outlets, and artwork galleries. For eating, the realm round Rue de la Course boasts a various number of eating places, bistros, and cafes.
Take a Sundown River Cruise
If you happen to aren’t leaping on a weeklong Bordeaux river cruise like I did, you must not less than take a brief cruise on the Garonne River and sundown is a perfect time when you possibly can see the town illuminated because the solar goes down. Additionally, you will move by the architectural marvel of the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas bridge, which rises within the center to permit massive ocean liners entry to Bordeaux. You possibly can go for an evening cruise with an aperitif or go for a full dinner cruise.
Day 3 in Bordeaux
In case you are taking a river cruise from Bordeaux, these points of interest will doubtless be a part of your official tour choices. On our AmaWaterways river cruise, we had the choice of a motorcycle tour or a strolling tour of Bordeaux within the morning, each of which ended with a tour and tasting of the Les Halles de Bacalan market. And within the afternoon, we might select from both the Cité du Vin or the Bassins des Lumiéres.
Since I actually needed to see each, I visited the Bassins des Lumiéres by myself and the Cité du Vin as a part of the cruise tour. To be sincere, I preferred the Bassins des Lumiéres higher however that was very subjective as not everybody I talked to felt the identical.
Go to Bassins des Lumiéres
If you happen to take pleasure in interactive artwork reveals (take into consideration Group Lab Planet in Tokyo or the Van Gogh interactive reveals), you’ll love the Bassins des Lumiéres! This outstanding cultural venue breathes new life right into a former World Struggle II submarine base. As soon as a strategic naval facility, it has been reworked into an immersive artwork and light-weight exhibition house and it serves as a canvas for mesmerizing multimedia reveals that fuse artwork, music, and know-how. The interactive artwork and light-weight reveals on the Basins des Lumières are nothing in need of spectacular.
Once I visited, they have been placing on a present involving the artwork of Salvador Dali and Gaudi. There are gigantic digital projections that cowl huge surfaces with ever-changing artworks. This was all set to music, which was particularly spectacular given the acoustics of the venue. Dali was set to the music of Pink Floyd and it was an ideal match for his considerably weird and summary artwork. It’s a fascinating fusion of historical past and modernity, the place the ability of digital artwork meets the echoes of the previous.
The one draw back is that it’s a little bit of a ache to get to utilizing public transportation. There’s a bus that stops about 10 minutes away from the venue, or you possibly can take a tram and stroll for about 15-20 minutes. I might suggest getting tickets online in advance. The Bordeaux tourism workplace additionally sells a mix ticket that features a shuttle service from the Place des Quinconces. Additionally, in case you get disoriented at midnight, or have points with flashing lights, this may very well be an issue for you. It takes a bit to get used to the darkness and comply with the pathways across the massive water basins that was submarine bays. If you happen to stroll by means of to the again although, there are bleachers the place you possibly can sit and watch the present for its whole 75-minute loop.
Eat Lunch at Les Halles de Bacalan
Situated within the Bacalan district alongside the banks of the Garonne River, the Les Halles de Bacalan is an area market and meals corridor that embodies the town’s gastronomic spirit. Inside, you will see that an array of stalls providing recent seafood, artisanal cheeses, natural greens, and a variety of delectable treats. It’s a spot the place meals lovers can savor the very essence of Bordeaux’s culinary scene, with choices to take pleasure in a meal on-site or buy substances to take house. I undoubtedly suggest making an attempt the native oysters! It is usually the proper spot to have lunch earlier than heading throughout the road to the Cité du Vin.
Go to Cité du Vin
Formed like an enormous, fashionable wine decanter, the Cité du Vin opened in 2016 with a singular goal—to rejoice the world of wine in all its sides. This avant-garde construction serves as a wine museum and cultural middle, specializing in wines of the world, and never simply these of Bordeaux. Inside, there are interactive exhibitions that take you on a world journey by means of the historical past, tradition, and science of winemaking. The museum showcases a considerably overwhelming mix of multimedia shows, sensory experiences, and informative shows that invite you to discover wine’s many dimensions.
Past the museum, you can even dine on the onsite eating places, providing a various number of delicacies, or go to the rooftop tasting bar that gives panoramic views of the town and the Garonne River whereas having fun with a number of wines. I might counsel that you just buy a timed entry ticket prematurely and attempt to go on a day when there’s not a big cruise ship on the town (or go early to keep away from crowds!) As a result of the reveals don’t comply with any explicit storyline or timeline, I discovered all of it a bit overwhelming with the crowds, and the interactivity, whereas cool, may very well be a bit of distracting.
If you happen to would quite study extra concerning the wines of the Bordeaux area, you can even go to the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, which is devoted to the town’s illustrious wine historical past and its historic position within the wine commerce. Housed in a sublime 18th-century townhouse, this museum invitations guests to step again in time and discover Bordeaux’s vinous previous. Inside, an in depth assortment of wine-related artifacts, together with classic wine labels, cooperage instruments, and vintage bottles, gives insights into the wine commerce’s evolution over the centuries.
Day Journeys from Bordeaux
There are lots of different museums and such to see in Bordeaux, however that is about what you possibly can match right into a three-day go to. You probably have longer to remain in Bordeaux, I’d extremely suggest taking a number of day journeys to go wine tasting and discover the area. Listed here are a number of of the preferred day journeys from Bordeaux. In fact, one other nice method to see extra of the area with out having to fret about transportation logistics or arranging guides is on a Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWaterways.
Saint-Émilion: Situated simply 40 kilometers east of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village nestled within the coronary heart of the Bordeaux wine area. As soon as in Saint-Émilion, discover its charming cobblestone streets, go to famend wineries for tastings, and don’t miss the beautiful underground catacombs and the awe-inspiring Monolithic Church, a UNESCO World Heritage website. Book a full-day Bordeaux to Saint Emilion tour with wine tasting and lunch!
Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat: Arcachon, about 55 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux, is a lovely coastal city identified for its sandy seashores and recent oysters. Right here you possibly can go to the close by Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, providing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and discover the picturesque cities surrounding the Arcachon Bay. Another choice is to take a ship journey to Cap Ferret, a captivating fishing village, or go to the oyster farms on Île aux Oiseaux. Book a half-day tour to Arcachon with an oyster tasting!
Medoc: Discover the wine-growing area of Medoc and get to know the “left financial institution” purple wines, that are extra Cabernet Sauvignon-forward. Observe Medoc’s well-known Chateau Street, house to over 1,500 vineyards, and style among the greatest purple wines within the space. Book a full-day wine tour of Medoc!
Périgord (Dordogne Valley): Roughly 150 kilometers east of Bordeaux, the Dordogne Valley boasts picturesque villages, prehistoric cave artwork, and luxurious landscapes. Discover the medieval city of Sarlat-la-Canéda, go to the Lascaux Caves for historical cave work, and savor the native delicacies in one of many area’s charming eating places.
Attending to Bordeaux
Attending to Bordeaux is pretty simple, because of France’s practice system. Nevertheless, now that France is transferring to eradicate flights shorter than two hours, trains are much more crowded and you must e book your ticket prematurely. Trains from Paris go away from the Gare Montparnasse practice station and it’s about two hours to Bordeaux Saint Jean on the TGV INOUI service.
I’d suggest downloading the SNCF app to buy tickets and simply save your ticket to your cell pockets. The app additionally sends alerts in case your practice is delayed, what platform it’s departing from, and when it is able to board. Plus, for the reason that bulletins on the practice are in French, it’s useful to trace the progress of your route in order that when your cease is approaching. Simply understand that in case you e book a seat on the highest ground of the practice, it’s good to carry your baggage up a slim staircase.
Fortunately, each Gare Montparnasse and Bordeaux Saint Jean have lifts to the platform, however in Bordeaux, you should still want to hold your bag up or down some stairs relying on the place you are available. When you arrive on the Bordeaux Saint Jean practice station, you possibly can take a bus, tram, or taxi into the town middle. Google Maps is kind of useful in figuring out the perfect choices.
You may also fly into Bordeaux from outdoors of the nation. Most flights will join by means of Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport. I’d suggest leaving not less than 1.5 hours as a layover to have time to clear immigration and passport management (longer throughout busy journey occasions.) Flights arrive on the Bordeaux-Merignac airport (BOD), which is about 25 minutes outdoors of the town middle.
One factor to remember is that site visitors round Bordeaux has gotten fairly dangerous in recent times as many individuals have moved to Bordeaux from Paris for cheaper housing. You possibly can take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the town middle. I often use Welcome Pickups to rearrange a switch prematurely so I don’t want to fret about ready for a taxi.
How Lengthy to Keep in Bordeaux
Whereas not everybody can keep every week or longer within the Bordeaux area, I like to recommend a minimal of two full days to discover the town. In case you are taking a river cruise, plan to reach two days earlier than embarkation as a pre-trip extension. If you happen to can spend 5 days to every week in Bordeaux, you should have time to take day journeys across the area and expertise extra of the area’s fabulous wine.
The place to Keep in Bordeaux
When selecting the place to remain in Bordeaux, I like to recommend staying inside the metropolis middle in both the Previous City or Saint-Pierre neighborhood or the Chartrons neighborhood. Saint-Pierre and Saint Paul district is the town’s coronary heart and the place you will see that among the most stunning landmarks, purchasing areas, and eating places. It will probably get a bit of touristy, particularly alongside the pedestrian Rue Saint Catherine, however additionally, you will see loads of locals gathering in squares and out of doors cafes.
The Chartrons district is what locals seek advice from as “bo bo” or bohemian bourgeois, with an prosperous, younger demographic. This leafy neighborhood gives tons of eating places frequented by locals, vintage outlets, boutiques, and bars. Plus it gives easy accessibility to the port or the historic metropolis middle. The Saint Michel quarter is another choice in case you are on the lookout for one thing much less touristy however nonetheless near the town middle. It’s a in style neighborhood for current immigrants from North Africa so you will see that some fascinating markets, bakeries, and a extra numerous group.
I stayed in a wonderful two-bedroom Airbnb, simply off Rue Saint Catherine within the metropolis middle, and thought it was excellent. Nevertheless, in case you are on the lookout for a lodge, I might suggest the Intercontinental Bordeaux, for a luxurious keep within the coronary heart of the town proper throughout from the Opera Home. Additionally, proper across the nook is the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona, which was beneficial by one among my tour guides. I wouldn’t suggest staying close to the practice station, because it isn’t in a fantastic neighborhood for exploring.
Discover different lodging in Bordeaux:
Getting Round Bordeaux
As I discussed earlier than, I used to be warned by many locals that site visitors in and round Bordeaux could be a bit horrendous so it’s best in case you can keep away from Uber or taxis in case you can. I discovered the Bordeaux tram system extremely simple to make use of. One trip is just one.80€ (together with any transfers), or you might purchase a day move for under 5€ in case you plan on transferring round rather a lot. You buy the tickets at a kiosk on the tram stops and there’s an easy-to-follow English display possibility. When you board the tram, it’s good to validate your ticket by tapping it towards one of many sensors close to the doorways. The stops are well-marked and it’s simple to make use of, even in case you don’t communicate French.
The place to Eat in Bordeaux
Since I visited Bordeaux in the course of my month in France (in between my barge cruise through Burgundy and river cruise with AmaWaterways), I made some extent of in search of out extra than simply French meals and since Bordeaux is such a cosmopolitan metropolis, it wasn’t arduous to seek out quite a lot of cuisines. Listed here are a number of eating places that I might suggest in Bordeaux, in addition to recommendations I collected from locals:
- Avant Comptoir du Palais — we had beforehand eaten at Avant Comptoir in Paris so we knew we have been in for scrumptious meals. Avant Comptoir is understood for mild bites and nice wine. With a location within the sq. in entrance of Porte Cailhau, additionally it is a fantastic spot for people-watching and hanging out with locals
- Echo – additionally close to Porte Cailhau, this was beneficial by my Greatest Boulangerie tour information for extra fashionable French delicacies.
- El Nacional – in Chartrons this Argentinian steak home is the place to go in case you are within the temper for a superb, wood-grilled reduce of meat. Plus it has a fantastic location simply off the central sq. within the Chartrons neighborhood. We had such an excellent meal right here on our final evening in Bordeaux.
- Frida – positioned close to Gros Cloche within the metropolis middle, Frida has a captivating courtyard and a fantastic number of cocktails and tapas. Alternatively, you possibly can order the prix fixe menu.
- Chez Dupont – one among our tour guides on our river cruise lives within the Chartrons neighborhood and he instructed Chez Dupont for a extra conventional French meal.
- Le Bocal de Tatie Josée – makes a superb croque monsieur with truffle and is ideal for lunch!
- Fromagerie Chez Delphine – is a tremendous cheese store that additionally gives a full menu for an excellent lunch spot or cheese tasting.
- Boulangerie Louis Lamour – this bakery has the perfect chocolatine (what they name ache au chocolat within the south) I had throughout my whole month in France.
- Cassonade and Le Boulanger de L’Lodge de Ville – make the perfect do-it-yourself cannelles that I had whereas in Bordeaux. Keep away from these locations with purple awnings which can be rather more business and never as freshly made.
- A number of different locations that I made observe of that didn’t get to strive embrace: Le Berthus, Gustave Creative Street Food, Umami Ramen Bordeaux, and The Breakfast Membership (this was proper subsequent to my Airbnb).
- Some others I attempted included Les Moules du Cabanon for Belgian-style mussels with nice folks watching close to the river, Delizia da Bartola for Italian, and Bao Burger for a enjoyable twist on a hamburger.
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