Experience in Bordeaux, France by Charles

What is it like to live in Bordeaux? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Bordeaux is a really young city, perfect for students. There are a lot of students on the different campuses, and lots of things to do in the center of the city. The hypercenter of the city turns slowly in a walking area only so it is really nice.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bordeaux?

The student lifestyle is really cool. There are lots of things organized by the Universities, and people are open. You are at 2h of train from Paris so it is really easy to visit Paris for a week-end if you live in Bordeaux.

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How much does it cost to live in Bordeaux?

The life in the center of Bordeaux is not cheap, and the apartments are really difficult to find starting from August. But if you go to the university in Talence (a city stuck to Bordeaux where a lot of Universities are), you can rent a place there which is a lot cheaper.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bordeaux? Is there any advice you can give?

It is difficult to find accommodation if you start searching late. The only advice I can give is to start early, and to not search via DirectLocation which is known to make you pay fees without giving access to flats afterwards. If you are a foreigner, you can call the Crous which provides accommodation for people in financial difficulties and for people who can't visit the apartments.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is good, and you have markets every week-end if you want to go shopping. You have easy access to wine too :).

What places would you recommend visiting in Bordeaux?

I would recommend to just walk around in the center of the town, and to visit the Wine City which is a brand new museum in Bordeaux.

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Is it good to eat out in Bordeaux? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is really good to go, depending on the type of things you want to eat. You can find pretty much everything you want to eat, from a 2€ Kebab (not recommanded) to the Gordon Ramsay restaurant, passing by salads and Chinese restaurants.

Is the nightlife good in Bordeaux? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is really good there. You have plenty of bars with different ambiances, such as different clubs with radio music or others with techno music. You can just go to the "Place de la Victoire" and find lots of things to do during the night.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Bordeaux?

Start early searching for accomodation, avoid DirectLocation and enjoy yourself in the town.