I arrived in Bordeaux for the first time in 2009. Overwhelmed by this city’s beauty and soul, I never stopped striding along its streets and always preferred my legs or my bike instead of public transports to make sure that I wouldn’t miss anything J

In almost 10 years, I cannot count the amount of people and friends who came to visit us or/and the city. Oh how much I love showing them around!

Today I made a big effort by limiting the amount of things to do to 10, knowing that I could have easily done it until 100… That’s why I decided to publish a list of things to-do, places to see, shops not to miss, restaurants to try… for each suburb of the city ! There are so many great things…

For now, there you go: here is the list of the 10 unmissable things to do according to Love From Bordeaux:

1) Go to the « Marché des Capucins » 

Nothing better than spending a moment in this typical market. You can go there just to immerse yourself in its soul but also to enjoy a glass of wine, eat some great tapas, a fruit, a fresh yogurt, oysters or even delicious olives. I love this market for its authenticity, its atmosphere, smells… A must-do for someone visiting Bordeaux as well as a weekly must-do for someone living in Bordeaux 😉 When you’re done, walk towards Saint Michel Basilica, this square is fantastic !

2) Stroll in rue Camille Sauvageau 

The street itself is beautiful with its stunning front windows and flowered balconies but also its great little shops make it a gem in Bordeaux. Feels like you are in a bubble, in a peaceful and creative bubble-street from Bordeaux.

3) Gaze at la Grosse Cloche (the big bell)

Take photos from every angle and slowly walk rue Saint James down to Place Fernand Lafargue… I insist on « slowly » because this street offers a lot of great shops, cafés, bars of all kind. Place Fernand Lafargue, which is the square at the end of this street, is one of my favorite squares. Great place for a lunch or a dinner: perfect to immerse yourself in Bordeaux’ soul. 😉

4) Bike along the docks

Rent a Vcub (bikes for rent from the city) or take your bicycle and bike along the docks, from Pont de Pierre (bridge) to Pont Chaban Delmas (or the opposite). You’ll be able to see these two bridges as well as Porte de Bourgogne, Porte Cailhau, the water mirror (le Miroir d’eau), the Quinconces square, Bordeaux’ skate park and the hangars who have been turned into shops, cafés and restaurants. This is something you can also do by night and that is going to blow you away, trust me ! 🙂

5) Taste some good wines

Go and taste (drink) some wine in Bordeaux’ wine bars. For those who want to know more about wines, la Cité du Vin is a great interactive museum located on the docks, behind the bridge Pont Chaban Delmas.

6) Take a walk in the cute street rue Notre Dame

Start walking from Quinconces towards rue Notre Dame: a unique street, a bit dangerous (for the bank account ;)) and so typical of Les Chartrons suburb… How charming ! It is always difficult to leave this street.. go and see it, you’ll understand why!

7) Spend some time in DARWIN

Take the BatCub (public transport on a boat to go from one side of the Garonne to the other one) and go to spend time in DARWIN : ecological and artistic complex located on the other side of the bridge (Bordeaux Bastide). This area is amazing and has so much to offer. A great restaurant/bar/café with local products. Everything is homemade and there is a zero-waste policy. You’ll find a great organic and local shop, awesome graffiti to stare at, a cool skate park, an op-shop, some veggie patches and so on! DARWIN often organizes events so there might be something happening when you go J

8) Enjoy rue du Loup and its second hand shops

Take a walk rue du Loup and enjoy its shops and especially second hand shops. Then, take a sit at one of Pey Berland’s bars to have a drink in the sun with a view on the cathedral. It’s possible to climb the stairs of Pey Berland’s tower for a great view on the city (free for kids) and to visit the cathedral (free).

9) Picnic like a local

Get your picnic ready and go to enjoy it in Jardin Public or by the docks. Think about buying a baguette as well as a bottle of red wine if you want to do it the super french way 😉

10) Take a drink with a view on the city (must-do for the sunset!)

End the day with a drink on Mama Shelter’s rooftop (or the Grand Hotel’s one if you don’t mind spending 17€ in a cocktail 😉 ) for an unobstructed view on Bordeaux and a cool atmosphere.

What do you think about this list ? Does it make you feel like coming to visit our marvelous city ?

Anyway, lots of Love from Bordeaux!