Experience in Bordeaux, France by Vincent

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

Bordeaux is called the sleeping beauty. It is a rising city in France, with a lot to do for students. As a drawback, prices can be quite high. There are several universities so a lot of offers, but a lot of demands too. Finding accommodation can be a challenge, but every difficulty is worth it.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bordeaux?

There is plenty of bars with special days event in the center, good deals with "La Fourchette" or "MisterGoodBeer" app (several locations in France) to go out cheaper. The cultural offer is high too. I would recommend the page "Quoi Faire à Bordeaux" to know what to do every week but beware: young french speak English, but it is way easier if you speak french.

Summer is good and bad. Tourists can invade famous spots, but finding a calm one can be one of the best feeling you could have (you must look for it and be a little lucky! Try "quartier Saint Michel" crossing the bridges!).

How much does it cost to live in Bordeaux?

Prices are on the rise. A flat can be from 550 to 700 euros. You can find accommodation if you are on a budget. With good tips, the food won't be a problem: Capuchin Market for vegetables, tips from apps, Asian food, rent budget will be the main concern, and maybe transport (bike and tram/bus mostly).

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

It can be a rush because of the number of students already there. My advice would be to go on Facebook pages, reach student groups or universities. The summer will be an easier period to come for an internship for example.

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

The food proposed is very wide! There is a lot of Asian fast food quite practical when you go out, but everything is available from cheap kebabs to luxurious tables. Well-known apps will help you find your paradise! Bordeaux is in the top 3 of restaurants per person.

You can go from kebabs (Cappadoce is the best, in "Place Saint Pierre") that costs 5 euros to gastronomy tables (80 euros, or even more). In between, you have a lot of Asian food, Italian too, and French! But I would not be the best to speak about it, I want to discover other cultures when I eat.

For grocery shopping go to "Mériadeck", the biggest shop in the center of Bordeaux (take the A tram line, there is a stop with the same name).

There are markets for more trendy people, or with more money. (In "Capucins‑Victoire", "Gavinies", "Saint Michel", etc, ).

What places would you recommend visiting in Bordeaux?

"Quoi Faire à Bordeaux" page, because there are new tips every weeks. Perfect to discover hidden gems.

The naval base for adventurers and artists, or "Darwin".

Jaqen if you like craft beer.

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

Bordeaux have a lot of places to eat. When the weather is good, during summer especially, there could be a lot of tourists.

To eat and drink in a hipster craft beer bar I would recommend "Jaqen" (center +++, 2nd best craft beer bar for BrewDog this year) or "Hydrophobie", there are things to eat too, don't worry.

To eat, go to "Place Fernand Lafargue".

It is easy by tram, and there is an awesome burger place (Kokomo) and Thai (Santosha).

Rue Saint-Rémi is good too, with fufu (Asian).

Use the "Trip Advisor" app too. There is a lot of comments in Bordeaux so it make it really easy.

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

Tram lasts longer on Thursday, so you can go out more, but if you party hard, it is better to have a bike (careful with thieves, buy a good lock for your wheels too).

"Place de la Victoire" is the main place to go out, but it would be a crime to summarize Bordeaux with only this spot.

I don't go out to clubs, but I love bars. Jaqen is my fav', but you won't be a sad lad in Bordeaux, there is everything you need: Sherlock Holmes, Hydrophobie, Lucifer, Grizzly Pub, Cock and Bull, Connemara will be some of the many adresses to go!

What advice would you give future students heading to Bordeaux?

The city is not cheap if you are not careful, but there are a lot of tips to have a lower budget and still have fun. Accommodations are not cheap, but you can go out easily. Cultural offer is high, public transportation is good, beware of car transports there is a lot of jam. Studying in Bordeaux is awesome, and if you want to escape, you can go to Paris in 2h30 or in the South West (Bayonne, Biarritz) in the same amount of time.

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