Guided tour in one of the most beautiful areas of Bordeaux: The Chartrons

No one can deny it: Bordeaux is a beautiful city . It is so pleasant to walk in the historic center, to walk around the quays, to stroll through its beautiful gardens. Many corners are worth visiting and today I would like to take you to discover my favorite neighborhood: the Chartrons district . I'm sure you too will be seduced by its rich history, captivating architecture and mesmerizing atmosphere. Let's go !

The History of the Chartrons District

The Chartrons district was once the Mecca of foreign wine merchants . A little away from the center of the town, English, Dutch, Irish etc. had settled in this area to develop their activities. From this time, the inhabitants are called the Chartrons because a convent of monks named Chartreux is located nearby. To plunge back into this period, visit rue Boirie at the wine museum .

A walk in the Chartrons

I love to walk around this neighborhood. There is very little traffic in the small streets and that's good because we rarely look ahead! The architecture is full of history and details. I advise you to start your walk at the beginning of Notre-Dame Street . If I were to advise you only one street, that would be good!

First stop, the Chartrons temple . Closed to the public for more than 30 years, it has recently opened its doors to unveil a superb exhibition on the environment. I can not wait to discover the next because the place is really beautiful.

The temple of the Chartrons. Incredible to find such a building in the city center!

Welcome to the bargain hunter's paradise

Continue the walk in this famous street Notre-Dame and let yourself be tempted by the many antique shops and flea markets . There are everywhere and for all tastes. A 1,500m² gallery is also installed in the old printing works . It's the Village Notre-Dame .

You are now in the heart of the Chartrons and a few meters from the Village are 2 of my favorite places to eat a tip. The first is La Petite Boulangerie . Their slogan: here nothing is done elsewhere (or not so far). There are always people and we understand why. Their breads are succulent (special mention for sea bread), but my sin-cute is their brownie with nuts . A delight!

The Little Bakery and its adapted

And here is the best brownie in the universe (without exaggerating)

My other favorite address: the halls of the Chartrons . It is a beautiful place that is mostly invaded by chairs and people enjoying the beautiful days . Many restaurateurs are installed around the place and I assure you that they are all to die for. My darling is the restaurant Le Carré which conquered me with its ceviche of sea bream with yuzu.

A small café at Les Halles des Chartrons to start the day well

The Chartrons, a village brimming with creativity

I love the village atmosphere of this trendy neighborhood. Everyone knows each other, and even if we do not know you, contact is very easy with passers-by and traders alike. While taking photos in the neighborhood, the inhabitants approached me and informed me. It is so nice !

This neighborhood has been on the rise for several decades and prices per square meter have gone! Let's go back to our discovery itinerary . After an obligatory stop gourmand at the Small Bakery , raise the eyes and admire the highest church of Bordeaux: The church Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons .

The superb Saint-Louis church that reigns over the Chartrons

The docks a few meters away have been rehabilitated and attract many walkers, rollerbladers, cyclists ... The great animation that reigns there contrast with the tranquility of the small streets where there are designer shops, delicatessens .. .

Will you go for a walk and lose yourself to make beautiful discoveries

The impasse of the convent

After strolling through the streets around Notre-Dame Street , cross the course of Martinique northward to explore another facet of the Chartrons . Near the Chartrons Gymnasium , there are fewer shops but street art lovers will take full eyes!

The Chartrons Gymnasium - a superb work of art

Stress art that brighten up the streets with its beautiful colors

To end this walk , I advise you to head to the docks of Chartrons . I love this place, it's alive and airy , especially after exploring the narrow streets of the center. Take the opportunity to pass rue Barreyre and admire the typical super porch .

The Barreyre street porch

The Chatrons docks

Once on the docks, we can admire the right bank and its greenery , on the other side of the Garonne . I advise you to continue your exploration by going on your left , towards the splendid bridge Chaban-Delmas . With a little luck, you can even see him get up. It's a real show !

It is also on this side that you will discover the City of Wine (click to read our article) . It is an incredible place but better to have a little time in front of you to fully enjoy the visit.

In another atmosphere but always on the docks, we find the largest skatepark outdoor France ! Just that. I will spend hours admiring the perseverance and dexterity of skateboarders, skaters and bxm ...

If you walk around on Sundays , do not miss the Chartons market on the waterfront . Local producers, cheesemakers, florists ... there are some very good products.

The Chartrons market in the early hours of the day

At the Chartrons there are also many theaters, exhibitions, yoga studio ... in short, what to spend days without getting bored! If you are looking for a good address to extend your stay , I have what you need: Casa Blanca . This is a beautiful guest house in a typical building that offers quality services !