When did Parisians start flocking to Bordeaux in droves? Was it before the pandemic, or was it the pandemic itself that sparked this migration? They came for the sunshine, the laid-back lifestyle, and the more favorable cost-to-value ratio, but also for the exceptional gastronomy that has always been woven into the city’s fabric. This influx of new residents has given the former grey shipping hub along the Garonne River a welcome boost, transforming it into a vibrant center of art, culture, and culinary excellence. The new energy infused into Bordeaux is intoxicating—and it’s not just the wine, which is among the finest in the world, that makes the city so captivating.

Thanks to an ambitious restoration project led by longtime mayor and former Prime Minister Alain Juppé, Bordeaux’s historic center has been beautifully opened up, with expansive squares now extending toward the Garonne River. The façades around the Place de la Bourse shine once again in their original hues, thanks to meticulous sandblasting. The historic port district of Les Chatrons, with its endless wine cellars, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city—affectionately known as "Little Paris" by the French—delights with its vibrant charm and a youthful scene that was once absent, adding an exciting new layer to its storied history.

Above all, Bordeaux excels with its culinary offerings. The city boasts an array of fine restaurants, brasseries, wine bars, as well as patisseries, fromageries, and wine cellars. You could easily spend the entire day eating and drinking in Bordeaux, if the city didn’t also have so much else to offer. Wonderful museums like the CAPC Musée de l'Art Contemporain, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design, surprisingly good antique stores—many of which are located on the cobbled Rue Notre-Dame—and cool bars such as the Frida cocktail bar, the rooftop bar at Mama Shelter hotel, or La Dame, a nightlife hotspot located in a former tanker barge. Bordeaux may be renowned for its exceptional wines, but the true joie de vivre cannot be bottled—it must be experienced firsthand.

Where to stay

Villas Foch
Nestled in the heart of the city, this 19th-century building offers 20 rooms and suites that beautifully blend classic charm with bold, contemporary design elements. The seamless integration of modern touches into this heritage property creates an inviting atmosphere that feels both timeless and innovative. Bright rooms are equipped with all the amenities one could desire, complemented by the chic Le Ferdinand bar, a heated pool, sauna, and fitness center. Double rooms from 236€

InterContinental Bordeaux
With 130 rooms and suites designed by Jacques Garcia, this luxury hotel, part of the IHG Group, is undoubtedly a reliable choice. Its prime location only adds to its appeal, as it occupies an elegant 19th-century building directly across from the Grand Théâtre at Place de la Comédie. Guests enjoy access to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, a Guerlain spa, and a rooftop terrace with a bar offering spectacular views of the city. Double rooms from 288€

Marty
More than just a hotel, Marty is a vibrant new meeting point in Bordeaux’s iconic Mériadeck district. With 61 creatively styled rooms, a trendy bar, and an abundance of art throughout, it’s a cultural hub in its own right. The lobby, divided into several cozy nooks, provides ample space for artistic and creative events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and art exhibitions. Locals flock to the restaurant and are especially drawn to the bar. Double rooms from 106€

Where to eat

Le 1544
Enjoy the finest bistro cuisine in a chic ambiance, complete with vintage furniture, coffered ceilings, and parquet floors, all set in the central pavilion of the iconic Place de la Bourse. The view of the iconic "miroir d'eau" sometimes distracts from the delicious Oeufs Mimosa, oysters, and roasted Côte de Boeuf. The bistro is part of the renowned Château Angélus, and its wine list is equally impressive.

French House
A relaxed spot in the heart of the so-called Golden Triangle, right by the famous Place de la Comédie. The menu offers a colorful mix of culinary creations, dishes from around the world, and French classics – all made with predominantly seasonal ingredients from local producers. The French House also doubles as a cocktail bar, with a great wine selection and a terrace out front.

Cent 33
Since 2019, Chef Fabien Beaufour, originally from Grenoble, has been delighting guests with innovative, cosmopolitan, and environmentally conscious cuisine. Drawing inspiration from his travels, his dishes have earned him a well-deserved place in the French gastronomic hierarchy. Standout dishes include grilled black cod glazed with miso, warm octopus salad, and a dessert made with Piedmontese hazelnuts and salted butter caramel.

Vivants
Behind a façade of glass and weathered wooden frames, Chef Tanguy Laviale offers a relaxed, minimalist version of his fine-dining restaurant, Ressources. Guests can choose the chef's surprise tasting menu or order à la carte. Among the highlights are sea bass with pear and buckwheat broth, and gnocchi with Tokyo turnips and wild garlic. With a wine list boasting over 1,000 selections, Vivants shows a strong preference for natural wines, making it a true haven for wine enthusiasts.

Soif
Large windows, a Formica bar, and a few charming wooden tables create a warm, inviting atmosphere at this cozy restaurant. There’s food on offer, allowing guests to linger and savor a few extra glasses of the mostly natural, carefully crafted wines. The restaurant is popular with a young, local crowd, who pair the wines with treats like pâté with caramelized onions or mussels from Le Croisic, all served by the glass for easy sampling.

Where to drink

Bar à vin
With its simple name, this bar offers an extraordinary experience. Located on the ground floor of the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, housed in a refined 18th-century building opposite the Grand Théâtre, it’s operated by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux. It’s no surprise, then, that the bar showcases the full spectrum of the region’s vineyards, offering around 30 ever-changing wines by the glass. Served by knowledgeable sommeliers who are always happy to answer questions.

 

Symbiose Cocktail Bar
At first glance, Symbiose seems like a pleasant restaurant by the riverbank—but there’s more than meets the eye. Behind the few wooden tables lies the unassuming entrance to a once-secret speakeasy bar. In the candlelit cellar, insiders and well-informed visitors gather to enjoy a glass of wine or an inventive cocktail.

Where to shop

L’intendant
Arguably the most spectacular wine shop in France, L’Intendant offers an unparalleled selection of 1,600 wines, all sourced from the region’s vineyards. A striking spiral staircase ascends through five floors, each lined with wine racks showcasing Grand Crus Classés, rare small producers, exclusives, and special cuvées. Whether you’re looking for an affordable bottle or a rare collector’s item, the knowledgeable staff provides expert advice to guide your selection.

Cassonade
Canellés are a specialty from Bordeaux, and nowhere are they finer than in one of the three patisseries of Cassonade. These ridged mini Gugelhupfs are baked fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors—vanilla, vegan, or the classic rum-infused version. For an authentic experience, enjoy them with a coffee at the small terrace there.

Marché des Capucins
Known to locals as the “Belly of Bordeaux,” a stroll through this historic market is an absolute must for anyone visiting the city. Open daily (except Mondays), the covered market spills out into the surrounding streets, where vendors sell fresh herbs, oysters, fruit, and artisanal cheeses. Be sure to indulge in the delicious Crêpes Bretonnes from O'Billig, filled with goat cheese and honey.

What to discover

La Cité du Vin
81 million euros in development costs, nearly 3,000 square meters of exhibition space, and almost half a million visitors annually – the Cité du Vin is one of the top attractions of the wine capital. You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the innovative architecture of this striking building or its interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the museum offers a wealth of knowledge: from virtual tours of vineyards around the world to insights into terroirs, grape varieties, and the winemaking process.

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Just a tram ride from the city center lies Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, a 16th-century estate in a unique location—Bordeaux’s only winery within the city itself. During a guided tour, visitors can delve into the rich history of the estate and learn about the distinct characteristics of its vineyards. The tour continues in the cellar, where the secrets of winemaking are unveiled, followed by a tasting session that brings the process to life.

Wine World Excursions
Anyone visiting Bordeaux probably knows that the best and most expensive grapes of the Grand Nation grow around the city. Known as the wine capital of the country, this region boasts 57 appellations (AOCs) and over 6,000 vineyards, most of which produce red wines. Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions offers full and half-day excursions to select estates and châteaux, with popular trips to Saint-Émilion and the iconic Château Margaux.