In the elegant covered passages of Bordeaux, you will be transported back in time and discover traditional boutiques.
Bordeaux, the jewel of the New Aquitaine region, is a destination that embodies elegance and the art of good living. A perfect blend of historic heritage, majestic architecture and vibrant gastronomy, this city is known as the “Pearl of Aquitaine”. Its main landmarks, like the Place de la Bourse with its famous reflecting pool, the imposing Saint Andrew’s Cathedral and the Cité du Vin, reflect its rich cultural heritage and its passion for wine.
If you are seeking to go beyond the usual tourist spots and want to immerse yourself in lesser-known but equally fascinating spots, the covered passages of Bordeaux offer you a unique experience that combines history, architecture and shopping in an intimate and sheltered environment.
What are covered passages?
Covered passages, or shopping arcades, emerged in Europe in the 19th century as places where passers-by could take shelter from the weather while enjoying shops, cafés and social get-togethers. These arcades, adorned with elegant architectural details, became symbols of modernity and urban sophistication.
The most outstanding passages in Bordeaux
Of the ten covered passages in Bordeaux, two stand out for their historical and architectural importance: the Galerie Bordelaise and the Passage Sarget.
Galerie Bordelaise
Opened in 1834, the Galerie Bordelaise bears witness to the bourgeois splendour of the period. The gallery, designed by the architect Gabriel-Joseph Durand, connects Rue Sainte-Catherine and Rue Saint-Rémi, two of the city’s most prestigious shopping streets. Its structure creates a space of visual harmony and elegance, combining wrought iron, marble and wood. The glass roof floods the interior with natural light, revealing the ornamental details that adorn the interior facades.
Passage Sarget
Built in 1833, Passage Sarget is one of two remaining covered arcades in Bordeaux, the other being Galerie Bordelaise. This passageway links the Cours de l’Intendance to the Place du Chapelet and is crowned by a 19th century canopy, a characteristic feature of Restoration buildings.
Initially private, it was financed by the Bordeaux merchant and shipowner Jean-Auguste Sarget. Opened to the public in 1878, its main façade unfolds over three levels and five sections, reflecting the architectural elegance of the period.
What can you find in these passages?
These passages are not only architectural treasures, but also living spaces that are home to a variety of shops, cafés and establishments that invite you to discover Bordeaux’s local essence.
Shopping
Galerie Bordelaise offers visitors a range of fashion boutiques, jewellers and specialist shops selling everything from local products to international brands. Passage Sarget, meanwhile, is home to antique shops, art galleries and bookshops, ideal for those browsing for unique items and special memorabilia.
Gastronomy
Both passages have charming cafes and bistros where you can enjoy local cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. These places offer the perfect break from a city tour, from a glass of local wine to traditional regional dishes.
Dining recommendations near the passages
- Le Chapon Fin: This gourmet restaurant, founded in 1825, serves top-quality traditional cuisine from the Gironde region. Dishes such as mi-cuit foie gras of duck and blue lobster are among the must-try house specialities.
- La Brasserie Bordelaise: A traditional restaurant featuring regional cuisine and a comprehensive selection of local wines. With its spacious tables, it is the perfect place to socialise while enjoying top-quality charcuterie and succulent grilled meats.
- Le Grill Au Thym: Specialising in grilled meats, this restaurant serves French and regional cuisine in a convivial atmosphere with an open fireplace and exposed brick walls.
A stroll through the covered passages of Bordeaux is a step into the city’s living history, a chance to discover spaces where architecture and daily life blend harmoniously. In settings that evoke the elegance of bygone eras, these lesser-known but charming places offer a unique shopping and dining experience. Bordeaux is thus the ideal destination for those who wish to combine the pleasures of shopping with the indulgence of a glass of wine and a wander through its bohemian districts, which reveal indoor secrets that will enrich any visit.
