Experience in Bordeaux, France by Juliette

What's it like to live in the city of Bordeaux? Do you recommend it? How it the city?

Bordeaux is a wonderful city, with loads of charm. It has really beautiful architecture and loads of cultural sites. It's a really lively city, with loads of places to meet and have a catch-up. It always has good weather, and there's beautiful parks and gardens where you can relax.

A garden in Bordeaux

Source

How is student life in Bordeaux?

The university atmosphere is very noticeable on the Bordeaux campus. The university isn't very pretty but it has loads of things going on, from cultural activities, sporting events and volunteering opportunities. Note that the university isn't in the centre of Bordeaux.

The campus isn't in the centre of Bordeaux, but it's easy to get there by tram

Source

There are really good bars and clubs in Bordeaux which often have lots going on.

What is the cost of living like in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is not a particularly expensive city. Accommodation on campus isn't very expensive as the university subsidies part of the rent. Rooms in the centre of Bordeaux are between 300 and 500 euros a month. When it comes to food, the prices are decent, as are those in shops. There are also really good, inexpensive, vegetable markets in Bordeaux centre, 'Le marché des Capucins'.

Olives at the market

Source

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bordeaux? Do you have any advice to give?

Accommodation spaces go quick! It's best to live in Bordeaux city centre; Victoire neighbourhood, Pey Berland district, Mériadeck area. All the neighbourhoods are close by to everything (shops, public transport, places of cultural interest... ). Go for somewhere close to tram B which goes towards the university.

Victoire neighbourhood

Source

The city has a tram network

Source

How is the city's food? What are your favourite dishes?

We eat everything here, especially dishes based around red meat. Loads of vegetables.

What places do you recommend seeing in Bordeaux?

The Grand Theatre, all of Bordeaux's museums (CAPC, the Museum of Fine Art, the Aquitaine Museum... ). Visit the general centre of Bordeaux, and St. Catherine street. Everything is beautiful in Bordeaux, you have to see it.

St. Catherine street

Source

The Grand Theatre

Source

What about eating out in Bordeaux? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Camille Julian square, Fernand Lafargue square, Parliament square, Victoire square, Saint Rémi street, Saint Pierre square.

Camille Julian square

Source

What places do you recommend for a night out in Bordeaux?

Victoire square (the bars Escale, La Grange, Bollywood, HMS, Camelot), Paludate quay (the La Plage nightclub), IBoat, Saint Pierre square.

What advice would you like to give to students coming to Bordeaux in the future?

Make the most of it, discover, go out, be happy!