Shopping in Bordeaux is a real pleasure: and not just on the famous Rue Sainte-Catherine, the longest pedestrian shopping street in France. The city is full of charming little streets where you can discover independent boutiques, local designers, artisan bakeries and hidden cafés. In this article, we share our three favourite streets for shopping in Bordeaux like a local.
Rue Saint-James
Our first stop for shopping in Bordeaux is Rue Saint-James: a street that starts at one of the city's most iconic landmarks, La Grosse Cloche. This medieval bell tower is one of the symbols of Bordeaux and a perfect starting point for a morning stroll. Rue Saint-James is lined with cafés, bars and independent boutiques, making it one of the most pleasant streets for shopping in Bordeaux. When your feet get tired, simply sit down at one of the terraces and enjoy a coffee: very Bordeaux.
Rue des Remparts
The second street on our shopping in Bordeaux list is Rue des Remparts. Located close to Place Pey Berland: home to the magnificent Hôtel de Ville: this street leads you straight to Porte Dijeaux, one of the grand city gates of Bordeaux. Shopping in Bordeaux along this route means combining architecture, history and retail therapy in one easy walk. It is the perfect illustration of what makes shopping in Bordeaux so special: wherever you go, beauty is just around the corner.
Rue Notre-Dame
Our third favourite spot for shopping in Bordeaux is Rue Notre-Dame, in the charming neighbourhood of the Chartrons. On Sunday mornings, the quais nearby come alive with a bustling market: the perfect place to pick up fresh bread, local wine and seasonal flowers. A walk down Rue Notre-Dame takes you past the beautiful Église Notre-Dame, not to be confused with the one in Paris. This is Bordeaux's own cathedral, and it is stunning. Shopping in Bordeaux in this neighbourhood feels slow and local: exactly as it should.
Shopping in Bordeaux: our tips
Shopping in Bordeaux is best done on foot. The city centre is compact and walkable, and most of the best streets are in the UNESCO World Heritage zone. Bordeaux was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007 for its exceptional 18th-century architecture: which means that even a simple shopping trip turns into a cultural experience. Here are a few tips for shopping in Bordeaux like a local:
- Go early on Sunday morning to the Chartrons market for fresh produce, antiques and local wine
- Avoid Rue Sainte-Catherine on Saturdays: it gets very crowded and feels less local
- Look out for independent designers and concept stores in the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul neighbourhoods
- Always end your shopping trip with a canelé: Bordeaux's iconic pastry: from a local bakery
- Learn a few words of French before you go: shopkeepers always appreciate the effort
One of the best things about shopping in Bordeaux is that the city rewards slow exploration. Unlike big shopping centres, the streets of Bordeaux invite you to wander, get lost and stumble upon unexpected treasures. A cheese shop here, a vintage bookstore there, a small gallery tucked between two cafés: this is what shopping in Bordeaux really means.
Learning a few French phrases before you go shopping in Bordeaux will make the experience even better. Our French language courses in Bordeaux will teach you exactly what to say in shops, markets and cafés. You can also discover more about Bordeaux with our cultural activities in Bordeaux.
Want to discover more about life in Bordeaux? Read our article on activities and celebrations in Bordeaux or find out where to stay in Bordeaux.
Margot Trotters: French in Bordeaux