A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Information
- Eating & drinking in Bordeaux
- Night life in Bordeaux
- Things to do in Bordeaux
- Where to stay in Bordeaux
- Bordeaux street map
Bordeaux may be renowned for its excellent wines, but it’s also home to some great local cuisine which (understandably with such a reputation) tends to complement the wine, rather than the other way around. Thanks to the city’s proximity to the Atlantic coast, seafood is a particular specialty.
To the north of the city center, travelers will find a range of sit-down eateries around Place du Parlement and Place St-Pierre to satisfy most tastes and budgets. To the south, rue Ste-Catherine has a studenty vibe and a host of sandwich bars and fast-food outlets.
The central market at Place des Grands-Hommes has fresh, affordable goods perfect for self-catering travelers, or those simply seeking an afternoon picnic. During the summer, local seafood can also be picked up cheaply at open-air riverside stalls ('guinguettes') that line the quai des Chartrons.
Visitors hoping for a taste of the famous Bordeaux wine will have no trouble finding a café or bar serving an affordable bottle, even on a budget. There are around 7,000 chateaux in the region, many of which produce reasonably priced, good quality wines.
Place Camille Jullian in quartier de Saint-Pierre (just to the north of the main shopping area) is packed with stylish cafés and bars that make a great spot for relaxing in the company of a good glass of Bordeaux – the outdoor tables here also make for perfect al fresco drinking in the summer months.