ELEGANT
Bordeaux appears to have always been a neat and tidy city, whose inhabitants strive to keep it beautiful, hence the result! 10/10.
STYLISH
Undeniably the architecture and golden façades contribute to the style of the city. 10/10.
ARISTOCRATIC
For ever rich, the Bordeaux society has always known how to make the city flourish. 10/10
MODERN
Recent maintenance has made sure that the infrastructure level meets with expectations. 10/10.
URBAN
What can you say! Perfect transport, bikes everywhere, bike paths, large avenues for cars, outdoor car parks below the trees, a dream. Clean streetcars glide through the city. 10/10.
GREEN
They don’t limit themselves to three potted palm trees! Fabulous green spaces! 10/10.
AESTHETIC
Obviously very few errors or none! Including in the choice of Xavier Veilhan's lion.
TO DO
SLEEPING
I stayed at the Grand Hotel. Decor by Garcia. Papier-mâché walls. Pleasant overall. Alternatively, the Hôtel de Séze or the Hôtel des Quinconces: small hotels with a Sino-European feel. 6/10.
EATING:
For foodies: Gordon Ramsey (in the Grand Hotel), Saint James, Chapon Fin (very nice decor). Brasserie: Le 4ème Mur (in the Opera House) (not very friendly service, not very clean but trendy). For those on a tight budget, L'Entrecôte. 7/10.
TERRASSE
Lots of terraces. Pleasant.
VISITING
I recommend taking an open-top bus tour. It lasts about an hour and gives you a good overview of the city. 7/1 You can rent bikes and Segways on site to ride around the airport runways, which is really cool!
SHOPPING
There's everything but nothing special. Oh yes! The MOLLAT bookstore and a fun organic store that sells all the ingredients you need for a meal.
SPORTIVE
Lots of young people and lots of sports! And lots of beautiful people.
BéMOL
Not for me, but for the people of Bordeaux. The arrival of the high-speed train in July is already causing some discontent. You can feel that you're in a provincial town, and as soon as there are a few more people than usual, it becomes stressful.
DARWIN
This is the up-and-coming neighborhood. The city, hemmed in by the Garonne River, is trying to expand to the other side of the riverbank. A new neighborhood has emerged: Darwin. Terraces, sports, painted walls, energy, modernity—a bright promise for the future. 8/10.
MERIADECK
A neighborhood from the 70s and 80s. The mayor at the time had an entire dilapidated neighborhood demolished, just as the current mayor has renovated the Chartrons quays with its reflecting pool. Mériadeck may not be particularly beautiful, but it is clean and interesting.
OUTSIDE:
OYSTERS ARE NATURALLY CHIC by Philip Morgan Videaste
CHIC
A small fishing village in the 19th century, Cap Ferret has retained its wild and simple character despite its popularity with Bordeaux and Parisian residents who come to rub shoulders with the “stars aux petits mouchoirs” who frequent the peninsula. Its views of the Arcachon Basin, the pinasses, and the famous Dune du Pilat are unique and all the more enjoyable during off-peak periods.
NATURAL:
NATURAL
Cap Ferret nevertheless retains a laid-back, good-natured atmosphere. Visitors enjoy long bike rides through the pine trees or walks along the immense beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see on the ocean side. Don't forget to stop off at Fredelian for a coffee and a delicious cannelé while you watch the passers-by heading to the market.
OYSTERS:
OYSTERS
This is, of course, the must-try dish in the basin. The most popular place is probably the restaurant Chez Hortense, but I would recommend its new “apéro” version, which is closer and offers a breathtaking view of the basin: La Cabane d'Hortense. nse.
