If you’re looking for your next weekend break, Bordeaux should be at the top of your list. There’s much more to this city, famous for its wines, than vineyards and wine tasting. Bordeaux is a melting pot of art, culture and gastronomy, the perfect destination for bon vivants.
The city is not overly large, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike, but it’s full of surprises on every corner. From the impressive Place de la Bourse with its iconic Miroir d’Eau, to the modern district of Bacalan with the futuristic Cité du Vin, Bordeaux knows how to mix history with modernity. And let’s not forget its vibrant nightlife, its food markets and its relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere.
But if you’re someone who enjoys exploring the more authentic, edgier side of a city, then Chartrons is not to be missed. This neighbourhood, to the north of the Old Town, is the bohemian heart of the city. It’s easy to get to: you can walk from the centre in around 20 minutes, alongside the Garonne River, or take the tram, Line B, getting off at the “Chartrons” stop. And once you’re there, get ready to fall in love.
A stroll through Chartrons
Chartrons has that unmistakeable charm of districts that have managed to undergo regeneration without losing their soul. Once known for being the epicentre of the wine trade, its cobbled streets and restored warehouses are now home to art galleries, vintage shops, charming cafés and bistros straight out of a picture postcard.
Start your stroll on Rue Notre-Dame, the district’s main thoroughfare, where you’ll find antique shops and gift stores, making you lose all track of time. And don’t miss Le village, a collection of boutiques selling everything from designer clothing to exclusive home decor.
If you’re an art lover, visiting the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Bordeaux (CAPC) is a must. Housed in a former cereal warehouse, the museum is not only renowned for its cutting-edge exhibitions, but also for its industrial architecture. And those seeking something a bit different will find some refreshing and surprising displays in the small independent galleries dotted around the neighbourhood.
Flavours not to be missed
After all that walking, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite, and Chartrons is a foodies’ paradise. Miah Café is the ideal spot for a memorable brunch; its menu combines local ingredients with international touches, and its coffee is simply unbeatable. If you prefer something more traditional, try Le Bouchon Bordelais, where classic French cuisine is served with a modern twist.
And for wine lovers (as you are in Bordeaux, after all!), Max Bordeaux offers a unique tasting experience, with an impressive selection of wines from the region for you to try by the glass.
Relax and enjoy
If you feel like taking a breather, Parc Rivière is the perfect haven. This small park is ideal for an improvised picnic or just for relaxing in the shade of its ancient trees. If you prefer to look at the river, a stroll along the Quais des Chartrons offers a unique view of the city, with terraces where you can sit and have a drink as the sun goes down.
Beyond Bordeaux
If you have longer to explore, the region surrounding Bordeaux is a real gem. You can’t leave without visiting the famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval town where wine and history go hand in hand. For nature lovers, the Dune of Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, is a stunning landscape, offering a unique experience on the shores of the Atlantic.
Bordeaux and its Chartrons district await you with open arms, offering you an experience with the ultimate combination of old and new. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
