Our Top Spots for a Weekend in Bordeaux

© Le Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes (@mondrianbordeaux) and Le Jost (@jostbordeaux) by Manon Davy (@maisouimanon_).

Bordeaux is undeniably on the rise. Just two hours from Paris (thanks to the TGV), the city boasts 18th-century architectural marvels like Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre. However, over the past few years, this trendy city has not rested on its prestigious heritage but has opened a multitude of cutting-edge venues, from the Cité du Vin to new trendy hotels, restaurants, and concept stores. Here’s a quick overview.

Opened in November 2023, Le Mondrian is the star of the latest Bordeaux openings! Boasting 5 stars, it occupies the Hanappier and Calvet warehouses, built in 1871 and expanded a decade later in neo-Gothic style. The Pichet family, owners of Château les Carmes Haut-Brion, acquired it in 2018, envisioning a hotel designed by the iconic Philippe Starck and Jean-François Le Gal. While only the historic blonde stone façade remains, the entirely redesigned interior features a blend of Bordeaux classicism with Japanese influences. The décor of the 97 light-filled rooms and suites, some with garden terraces, highlights natural and noble materials: leather seating, wooden doors, brass, mirrors… The Japanese restaurant, led by Chef Morimoto Masaharu, a Michelin-starred star in the USA, debuts its first European location here, offering a whirlwind of maki, sushi, sashimi, and the chef's signature dishes like lacquered duck. The standout? The tree-lined patio, bordered by large glass doors, opens on one side to the restaurant and on the other to a stunning pool, buzzing in the summer.

Mondrian Hotels, 81 cours du Médoc, 3300 Bordeaux. 05 35 54 10 84. Rooms from €297.

© Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes.

Just steps from Saint Jean station, Le Jost is the city’s new hybrid hotspot. With its ultra-contemporary, colorful, and joyful decor, it’s a go-to for lounging by the rooftop pool, enjoying Italian cuisine at Nonna Gioia, and staying with family or friends in rooms or dorms where privacy is ensured by curtains, individual sockets, and lamps…

Jost, 5-7 promenades des Cheminots, 33800 Bordeaux. From €91, €39 in dorms.
Nonna Gioia, 18 rue des Ateliers, 33800 Bordeaux, 05 35 56 92 01, open for lunch Monday to Thursday. Rooftop bar opens at 4 p.m., with dinner service starting at 7 p.m.

© Le Jost (@jostbordeaux) by Louis Vizet (@louis.vizet) and Manza Studio (@manza.studio).

In the historic Chartrons district, Indigo boasts the must-visit rooftop. Called Le Tchanqué, in homage to the two iconic huts in the middle of the Bassin, the restaurant-bar enjoys a 350m² terrace overlooking the Garonne: stunning views guaranteed. We love its decor: vibrant colors, Forestier lights, Moroccan artisan objects, widely spaced zellige tables… The menu highlights local specialties: oyster bar, roasted monkfish, and wood-fired meats…

Le Tchanqué, 18 Parvis des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux, 05 56 01 79 79. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

© Le Tchanqué (@tchanquebordeaux) by Timothée Hovine.

Set on the Chartrons quay, this restaurant-bar holds a secret: a speakeasy hidden behind a clock at the back of the restaurant. Enjoy one of their signature cocktails, like the Exotic and warm Zombieland (€14), or the resinous, floral, and sparkling Grand Bleu (€13), crafted by a team hailing from the best cocktail bars, including Experimental Cocktail Club and Park Hyatt Paris.

Symbiose, 4 quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux, 05 56 23 67 15. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

© Le Symbiose (@symbiosebordeaux) by Franck Juery (@franck_juery) and Mickaël Adounrak Bandassak (@mickaelbandassak).

After honing his skills as a chef at the Bistrot d’Audenge for two years, Sylvain Renzetti embarked on his solo journey in 2019 with the opening of Son, his restaurant located in the heart of Bordeaux. Set in a 19th-century mansion, the space showcases the era's charm with grand rooms, intricate ceiling moldings adorned with cherubs, and vintage wooden floors. A contemporary touch is added to the ambient classicism through the open kitchen, while each table, made from unique tree trunk slices, offers a surprising design.

On the plate, you'll find a creative, boundary-pushing author’s cuisine. For lunch, a weekly-changing market menu (€28) includes a starter, a fish or meat main, and a “surprise” dessert. For dinner, a 5-course gourmet menu (€75) features seasonal products, elegantly transformed into signature dishes and ephemeral creations. This exceptional creativity has not gone unnoticed: in 2022, Sylvain Renzetti received the Gault&Millau Jeune Talent Nouvelle-Aquitaine award, earning 2 toques and a 14/20 rating.

Son Restaurant, 14 Rue Paul-Louis Lande, 33000 Bordeaux, 05 57 67 10 46. Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 13:15 and from 19:30 to 21:15.

 © Son (@restaurant_son) by Pascal-Etienne Lattes.

Spread over 3,000 m², La Cité du Vin offers an immersive journey through the world of wine, from ancient history to modern times. Visitors explore 18 thematic modules with the help of the "Companion of Visit" , a next-generation audio guide. The experience takes you on a global tour of vineyards and winemaking regions. A highlight is the breathtaking aerial film showcasing 20 wine regions across 17 countries on three giant screens. The cherry on top? A tasting session at the Belvedere bar on the 8th floor, offering panoramic views of Bordeaux.

La Cité du Vin, 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, 05 56 16 20 20. Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. 

© ANAKA/Cité du Vin /XTU architects.

Located in Bordeaux's former submarine base, the Bassins des Lumières is already worth the visit for its unique setting. It is the largest digital art center in the world, featuring monumental immersive exhibitions dedicated to the great masters of art history and contemporary creations. Until January 5, 2025, two new exhibitions are on display: "From Vermeer to Van Gogh, Dutch Masters" as the main program, and "Mondrian, the Architect of Colors" as the short program. Additionally, "The Little Prince" runs from October 18 to December 31. An impressive experience not to be missed.

Bassins des Lumières, Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux, 05 35 00 00 90. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, Friday from 10:00 to 21:00, and Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Full price: €15.

© Culturespaces by Vincent Pinson.

Rainbow, the iconic Bordeaux house since 1908, Rainbow has undergone a stunning makeover, doubling in size to 900 m² and becoming the largest fashion/luxury concept store in Europe. Rainbow now showcases prestigious fashion and accessory brands like Gucci, Céline, Burberry, Max Mara, Pucci, and Tom Ford. You'll also find a café, books, a perfume and cosmetics section, and a private salon for evening and cocktail dresses—so chic! The cherry on top? Rainbow is designed to be multigenerational, with something for everyone—even your four-legged friends.

Rainbow, 30 Allées de Tourny, 33000 Bordeaux, 05 56 48 18 94. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.

Cigoire is the go-to concept store for perfect gifts for the whole family! Spanning 70 m² in the heart of the city, it offers responsibly-made European and French products, including fashion, home goods, cosmetics, jewelry, and culinary delights. Discover treasures from talented designers, like the "Maman d’Amour" napkin ring (€29), Nina earrings by Maison Soleil (€79), swimwear, tablecloths from Les Petit Bohèmes, and organic olive oil from Kaïa. Each week brings new arrivals!

Cigoire, 8 Rue Louis Combes, 33000 Bordeaux, 09 75 54 12 58. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.

Located on the first floor of a stunning building near the Grand Théâtre, this concept store is designed like a spacious, chic apartment. Though not the newest concept store in town, it remains a favorite! It features the latest collections from over 290 fashion designers, jewelry, perfumes, and home décor. Relax on a couch while contemplating your next purchase, whether it’s a must-have Margaux Lonnberg black jacket (€475), an American Vintage t-shirt (€65), Ugg boots, or a Gas gold cuff bracelet. The best part? The selection is constantly refreshed.

Jane de Boy, 8 Cours du XXX Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux, 05 56 30 19 08. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:30.

In a beautiful mansion spanning 800 m², Silvera showcases top design brands like Cassina, Poliform, Flexform, and Vitra, all highlighted by a stunning interior where original tiles, woodwork, and moldings have been restored. Stroll through the kitchen, office, dining room, living room, and bedroom as if you’re in an ideal family home. The outdoor furniture is also displayed in the magnificent landscaped park.

Silvera, 84 Rue Turenne, 33000 Bordeaux, 05 64 10 04 00. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.

© Silvera Official (@silveraofficial).

The iconic Grand Hotel features a luxurious Guerlain spa located on the top floor. Spanning a generous 1,000 m², this haven includes 8 treatment rooms (two of which are doubles), a sauna, a hammam, and a stunning pool beneath a large glass ceiling. The highlight is the magnificent terrace atop the hotel, which transforms into a relaxation space during warm weather and features a jacuzzi with breathtaking views! The treatment menu showcases Guerlain’s signature offerings: Orchidée Impériale, Royal Repair… and an exclusive treatment, Le Miroir d’Eau (1 hour, €170), named after Bordeaux’s beloved attraction along the Garonne River. This one-hour facial focuses on deep hydration with a complete cleanse: makeup removal, exfoliation, a 15-minute massage, and a mask, followed by a mini hand or foot treatment during the mask's application. The result? Restored skin hydration, combating signs of aging.

Spa Guerlain, InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel. Place de la Comédie, 33000 Bordeaux. 05 57 99 00 20. Open Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 9 PM.
© InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, Spa Guerlain.

Formerly the Niel military barracks, abandoned in 2005, this area has transformed into “the place to be.” Located on the right bank, Darwin spans over 3 hectares and hosts co-working spaces, start-ups, and bistros like the Magasin Général, Europe's largest organic canteen-bistro. You’ll also find community spaces, a skatepark, and Emmaus' Bric à Brac, perfect for finding unique treasures. A standout initiative? The shoe brand Veja has started a project to clean, repair, and recycle old pairs of shoes. Heading back toward Pont de Pierre, stop by Maison Musabi for a bento from Japanese chef Ayako Ota.

Darwin Eco-système, 87 Quai des Queyries, 33000 Bordeaux. 05 56 77 52 06. Check the website for individual space opening hours.

• Enjoy a drink at the Halles de Bacalan near the Cité du Vin, accompanied by tapas.
• Wander through the stalls at Marché des Capucins: butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, vegetable farmers, oyster vendors… and enjoy a delicious bite on-site.
• Stroll across the famous Water Mirror along the Garonne River.
• Discover Bordeaux’s best bakery, Bouloulam, renowned for its signature breads, including tiger-patterned loaves. Enjoy a sandwich or a pistachio croissant (their specialty) at one of their tables.
• Savor the famous canelés at La Toque Cuivrée.
• Find timeless designer pieces at L'Ile Bleue.
• Have a festive dinner at La Table de Fred, featuring a selection of tapas and excellent wines.
• Dine at the gourmet restaurant La Table de Montaigne at Palais Gallien, helmed by chef Oli Williamson, one of the 25 chefs to watch this year.

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