The Most Hipster Hangouts In Bordeaux

Bordeaux has become increasingly cool over the past few years – ranked by many international publications as one of the best places to visit or live in worldwide, it is now France’s ‘place-to-be’. Here is a selection of the most hipster hangouts in Bordeaux.

Mama Shelter Bordeaux

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Rooftop anyone? If you’re a fan of panoramic views, why not stay at Mama Shelter Bordeaux? If you can’t afford to stay there, you can still come for breakfast, brunch or an evening drink and enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the city. This amazing boutique hotel located in the Saint Christoly was just voted ‘Rooftop with the best design’ by GQ France. There is a risk that hipsters will soon look for a new place to hang out, as this one just became ‘too mainstream’.

Darwin Ecosystem

The 3-hectare space built in a former fire station is a unique venue in Bordeaux dedicated to economic development, eco-responsibility, environment and social entrepreneurship. You should come here for brunch on Sunday, wander around and admire the open-air exhibitions or stop by the Magasin Général, a food grocery where you can purchase natural products only. If you’re in a hurry, you can stop by l’Alchimiste, where you can see the employees roasting and serving fresh coffee.

CanCan

Bar

Don’t forget to pay a visit to CanCan, an atypical and very special bar. Hidden in Rue du Cerf Volant, you can only enter through a secret door, which from the outside looks like a phone booth. Once in, you will immediately be charmed by the vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere enhanced by outstanding musical performances.

Bordeaux’s Vintage Stores

Every hipster knows that flea markets and vintage stores are where the cool kids like to refine their look. Hello Vintage, in the vibrant Chartrons neighbourhood, is a great place to buy unique pieces and souvenirs. In the city centre, you will also find carefully selected clothes at Trafic and Freep’Show shops.

Hello Vintage, 39 Rue Notre Dame, Bordeaux, France +33 06 47 97 45 94

Trafic, 73 Rue du Loup, Bordeaux, France +33 09 73 57 68 54

Freep’Show, 80 Rue du Loup, Bordeaux, France +33 07 82 59 36 84

Saint James Street

Right at the end of the Fernand Lafargue Square, this street perfectly embodies Bordeaux’s coolness. With arty clothing boutiques, cozy wine bars, coffee shops and restaurants, it will make easily you want to spend the whole day (and evening) there.

The Capucins neighbourhood

For years, The Capucins area (also known as ‘Les Capu’) near Gare Saint-Jean train station was considered a rough area in Bordeaux. But with the effort from the city to rehabilitate this neighbourhood, and particularly its market, ‘Les Capu’ has become increasingly hip. Buying your food from the local producers at Le Marché des Capucins and sharing seafood or a charcuterie plate with your friends at one of its restaurants is a great way to help the local economy – while being cool at the same time.

Eat in Bordeaux’s food epicentre

If you are a foodie in Bordeaux, you must go to either Place du Parlement or Rue Saint Rémi. Both places are close to each other and filled with so many great restaurants, tapas and wine bars and it might be hard to pick one. If you go to Place du Parlement, try the wine bar l’Autre Petit Bois or Guys and Sons for a relaxed atmosphere and to-die-for burgers in Rue Saint Rémi.

Kitchen Garden

Restaurant

If you have a negative opinion about vegans, it may change after eating at Kitchen Garden, a restaurant right on the corner of Sainte Colombe street that only serves vegetarian and vegan food. The staff are extremely friendly and very good at helping you pick a dish that will match your taste.

Utopia Cinema and Place Camille Jullian

Church, Cinema

Have you ever felt left out during a conversation in which everyone seemed to know about some obscure Moldavian director and all you could thing about was the movie Borat (which is not about Moldavia by the way)? Well, next time you feel trapped in a conversation with cinema snobs, you can mention the work of a genius but unknown director that you discovered in a picturesque art and essai movie theatre in Bordeaux called l’Utopia. Built in a former church, you can watch a range of eclectic films at a very affordable price. Once you’re done with your movie, have a drink at the terrace in front of the cinema and check out people passing by the Place Camille Jullian.

About the author

Jennifer Migan

Jennifer is a speechwriter and a public speaking coach based in Bordeaux, France. She is also a former professional tennis player. She is the founder of The Speech House which helps people (in English and French) to overcome their fear of public speaking and become better communicators. You can follow her on Instagram @jennifer_migan and on her storytelling platform Unique Stories @uniquestories.co.