I gave my inner hedonist, “Fifi the Frivolous” a swift kick in the butt and finally made my way to the last leg of my holidays: Bordeaux! Ah, the city of wine, elegant architecture, and a cultural scene that could rival a perfectly aged vintage. Have you ever had the pleasure?
My base of operations was a charming spot on Rue de Madrid, just a few minutes from central Bordeaux and super easy to reach by tram. And speaking of trams, Bordeaux boasts a seriously cool and efficient network. It uses these neat ground-level power supplies, which means no ugly overhead wires messing up your view of the city’s stunning architecture. Pretty slick, right? It’s like they knew I was coming and wanted to make sure my photos were Insta-perfect!
Navigating Bordeaux Like a Pro (Even with a Tourist Brain)
Unlike some other cities where the public transport map looks like a spaghetti explosion after a toddler’s tantrum, Bordeaux’s system is incredibly user-friendly. I downloaded the city’s official app, TBM, which was an absolute lifesaver! I could buy tram tickets, tap into the city’s bicycle network (remember, cycle on the right!), and find my way around with impressive ease. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can!
My first culinary adventure in Bordeaux took me to “L’Entrecôte”, a true institution. They’ve got one menu and one menu only: steak, chips, and that famous, secret sauce. After queuing for what felt like an eternity under a scorching sun (and yes, my stomach was rumbling a symphony of protest), I finally got my plate. One bite and all memories of the queue vanished like a free sample at a wine tasting! So, be prepared for a bit of a wait, but trust me, your taste buds will thank you. As they say, “Good things come to those who wait… and then eat all the steak and chips.”
After a long, delicious day, I retreated to my studio and my trusty “elephant suitcase” (it practically needs its own passport!). I booked a morning tour of the city centre and promptly collapsed into bed for some much-needed beauty sleep.
Tours, Laps, and French Feasts
I’ll admit, I’m usually more of a “wander aimlessly until I find something interesting” kind of traveller, preferring to explore cities on my own. But being a bit short on time, I decided to take the plunge and give a tour a go. The Bordeaux Tourism Office offers tons of options, or you can browse them all on the Get Your Guide app. I opted for a two-hour city centre tour, which was blessedly offered in both French and English. This was a lifesaver, as I occasionally found myself trailing behind, missing some of the commentary. (Perhaps I was too busy admiring a particularly charming window box, or maybe Fifi was whispering about a nearby bakery.) Despite my occasional detours, I really enjoyed the tour and made a mental note to try it again for my next city exploration.
Feeling delightfully toasty after that tour and in dire need of a good stretch, I knew exactly what I needed: some refreshing laps. So, I headed to Piscine Municipale Galin, one of Bordeaux’s many fantastic pools. Nothing beats a cool dip after a warm exploration!
Escaping the Heat and Embracing French Cuisine
Having worked up quite an appetite after my swim workout, I stopped at Camarades a charming local restaurant just a few doors down from my studio, for some much-needed refuelling. With the afternoon sun beating down relentlessly (France was absolutely baking!), I decided the best course of action was to retreat to my studio and hide from the scorching heat. My only motivation was to sprawl on the bed with the fan on full blast, transforming into a human puddle.
Markets, Bakeries, and a Fond Farewell
My last day in Bordeaux kicked off bright and early with a visit to the city’s vibrant food markets. Like any good French city, Bordeaux has a few to choose from! I started at “Marché des Capucins” and then wandered over to “Marché des Chartrons,” which is beautifully situated by the riverbank and perfect for a bit of people-watching (my favourite sport!). From there, I crossed the Garonne and made a pilgrimage to “Darwin Eco-System“ for a much-needed visit to what has quickly become one of my favourite bakeries in Bordeaux: Babel Bread. Their viennoiseries are scrumptious, their delicatessen divine, and their bread display is a work of art. My only complaint? It’s too far for a daily visit from London!
Next, I caught a tram to “Piscine du Grand Parc” for another set of lengths in the cool water before the heat truly got the better of me. See, I’ve got a bit of Breton and Norman blood running through my veins, and after a few decades based in the UK, I simply don’t “do” scorching sun and hot weather well. My skin, bless its pale heart, prefers a gentle drizzle and a nice cup of tea.
Leaving the swimming pool, I decided to forgo going out for dinner. Earlier at the market, I’d stocked up on some perfectly ripe melon and delicious local cheeses. A quick stop at “Bouloulam“ for some crusty bread, and my evening was set! I planned to stay in, hoping to finally catch up on that holiday book I’d promised myself I’d finish (spoiler: I probably fell asleep with it on my face) and use it as an excuse for an early night, as I’d be heading back home to London the next morning.
Back at the studio, I spent some time sifting through the hundreds of pictures I’d taken of Bordeaux and realised something profound: I’d completely fallen in love with this great city. It’s big enough for a city boy like me not to feel suffocated, the architecture is simply sublime, there are tons of charming, almost village-like quarters, the sea is less than an hour away by train, and the food and wine are, well, top-notch. What’s not to like? I’ve only managed to scratch the surface of everything I wanted to do here. I guess that just gives me the perfect excuse to come back soon, right? Bordeaux, consider this a “see you later,” not a goodbye!
My adventure in Bordeaux was truly unforgettable, and I’m already dreaming of my next visit to uncover more of its hidden gems. If you’ve been lucky enough to explore this fantastic city, I’d love to hear from you! What was your absolute favourite thing to do or see in Bordeaux? Any secret spots or culinary delights you stumbled upon that you’d recommend? Share your Bordeaux brilliance with me!