Go on a shopping trip to Bordeaux

Are you interested in a shopping trip to Bordeaux ? Do you prefer small independent boutiques or large brands? Local shops or large shopping centers? The Bordeaux Gironde Guide has selected the best addresses and the nicest shopping streets for you to go shopping in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a city steeped in history, with a beautiful architectural heritage, which offers an elegant setting for its shops. Shopping also means strolling the pretty streets of the city center, enjoying its trendy and classy atmosphere, finding bargains in thrift stores and second-hand dealers or “Made in Bordeaux” products from designers and artisans… Take several shopping bags and let’s go!

Opening photo: © nonglak / Adobe Stock

The shops in the pedestrian streets of downtown Bordeaux

Bordeaux has been named the " world's most attractive destination for 2017 " by Lonely Planet. It must be said that the city is putting in the effort and doing its utmost to offer its visitors a quality of life worthy of this great capital of Aquitaine.

It boasts the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe, Rue Sainte Catherine ! It's THE place to go in Bordeaux, with all the major brands, luxury boutiques, and designer stores. It's a temple of fashion, design, and gastronomy! To the north of the street, don't miss its typical 19th century shopping arcade.

Sainte-Catherine Street and Saint-James Street in the Grosse Cloche district

Much of its city center is a pedestrian zone. It is home to many shops, small boutiques selling trendy fashion, vintage or modern decor, independent cultural spaces, etc. Rue Porte Dijeaux is another commercial institution in Bordeaux. Place Fernand Lafargue has a more bohemian atmosphere. In short, there is something to satisfy all your desires. You will also find many concept stores there.

The major outlet stores in Bord'eau Village

At the exit of the city center, on the banks of the Garonne, are old hangars rehabilitated into a commercial zone, the Quai des Marques. It houses " outlets ", these factory and clearance stores of the big brands. Renamed " Bord'eau Village ", it is still improving to offer you a real "village of activities" with numerous services: coworking, reception center, nursery, play area for children, stroller rental, restaurants, wifi...

The Quai des Marques in Bordeaux

Shopping for secondhand goods at thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets

For a change, why not try a different way of consuming and surf the vintage trend? To find second-hand products in thrift stores in Bordeaux, original creations made from recycled objects or local crafts, head to the Darwin eco-district. This former military zone has been transformed into a space for creativity and innovation with an eco-responsible ethic.

If you're a fan of beautiful objects, head to the Chartrons district, a bargain hunter's paradise ! There, you'll find numerous second-hand and antique dealers. It's one of Bordeaux's recommended visits.

Another emblematic place of Bordeaux commerce is the Saint-Michel district. Historically, the Garonne River carried produce from the upstream producing regions, making this area very commercial and popular. It has managed to preserve this soul in its markets: the Marché des Capucins and the Marché Neuf, and in its local shops. Today, it is one of the most multicultural districts of Bordeaux, with a very lively atmosphere.

The vibrant Saint-Michel district

Shopping centers in and around Bordeaux

The weather isn't great, or you simply don't feel like trekking across the city center to find everything you need. Bordeaux's shopping centers are home to numerous stores, both indoors and with open but protected galleries.

In Bordeaux:

• The Mériadeck shopping center, rue du Château d'Eau.
• The Great Men Gallery (on the square of the same name).
• The Europe shopping center, Place de l'Europe.
• The Saint-Cristoly shopping center, in the city center, next to Place Pey-Berland.
• Aushopping in Bordeaux Lac.
• The Promenade Sainte-Catherine, outdoors.

Promenade Sainte-Catherine in Bordeaux; Photo @ Promenade Sainte-Catherine Communication Service

Outside Bordeaux:

• The Mérignac Soleil shopping center, in Mérignac.
• The shopping mall around the Géant hypermarket in Pessac.
• The Les Rives d'Arcins shopping center in Bègles.

The Mériadeck Shopping Center Photo @LeJC CC BY-SA 3.0

Where to take a short break?

Shopping is a real physical activity! Hopping from store to store, walking for miles through city streets, or pacing the length and breadth of large shopping malls, you're bound to get exhausted...

The quays of Bordeaux under the winter sun

Now you're ready to raid the shops of Bordeaux . All we have to do is wish you a great shopping experience , treat yourself, and take care of yourself!

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Bordeaux Gironde Guide.