My experience in Bordeaux, France - by Axel

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

Bordeaux is a great place to live. I would definitely recommend it as it's in the south and also for other reasons such as the weather, the food, the people, the wine, the scenery, the architecture...

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What's the student life like in Bordeaux?

It's really good because it's a big student city and like many others, the madness starts on a Thursday night.

Is living in Bordeaux expensive?

I think the cost of living in Bordeaux is pretty average, it's a "bourgeois" city but compared to Paris with the extortionate prices of accommodation and transport, Bordeaux seems cheap. It just depends what you're used to.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bordeaux? Is there any advice you would give when looking?

Personally I didn't have any problems when finding accommodation but I would recommend using agencies. Without trying to advertise I'd suggest Nexity and Pichet.

What was the food like in Bordeaux? What were your favourite dishes?

It's really good, I had the opportunity to go to lots of good restaurants. My favourite dishes include, the famous duck breast and duck foie gras, steak, rib of beef and many others...

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Which places in Bordeaux would you recommend going to?

"Le miroir d'eau" and "La place de la Bourse", "La place des Quinconces", "Les Quais" (particularly between spring and summer where it's nice to play sport or to walk around), "La place de la Victoire", "Le Grand Théâtre", "Gambetta"... and there's also Arcachon, les dunes du Pyla, etc. which are found just outside of Bordeaux.

And to eat? Is there anywhere you'd recommend?

There are some places I'd recommend, especially la rue Saint Rémi, la place Camille Julian, and so many others... It all depends on what type of food you're looking for.

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Where would you recommend to go out in Bordeaux?

Without question: Theatro or even iBoat. But the clubs on the quays are a good representation of the nightlife.

What advice would you give to future Erasmus students in Bordeaux?

They have chosen one of the best cities in France, I would therefore tell them to make the most of every aspect. Don't hesitate to go out, party, eat good food, experience the world, do cultural and sporting activities and practise your French... Enjoy yourself :)