Guided tour in one of the most beautiful districts of Bordeaux: Les Chartrons

Whether you're just passing through Bordeaux or you're a Bordeaux resident (by birth or adoption), there's no denying it: Bordeaux is a superb city. It's so pleasant to stroll through its historic center, to walk along its quays, to wander through its beautiful gardens. Many corners are worth a visit, and today I'd like to take you to discover my favorite neighborhood: the Chartrons district. I'm sure you too will be captivated by its rich history, its captivating architecture, and its captivating atmosphere. Let's go!

The History of the Chartrons District

The Chartrons district was once a mecca for foreign wine merchants. A little away from the center of the time, English, Dutch, Irish, etc. settled in this area to develop their businesses. From this time on, the inhabitants were called Chartrons, because a monk's convent called Chartreux was located nearby. To immerse yourself in this period, go to rue Boiriez-vous at the Wine and Trade Museum.

A walking route in the Chartrons

I love walking around this neighborhood. There's very little traffic in the small streets, which is a good thing because you rarely have to look straight ahead. The architecture is full of history and detail. I recommend starting your walk at the beginning of Notre-Dame Street. If I had to recommend just one street, it would be this one!

First stop, the Temple des Chartrons. Closed to the public for over 30 years, it has opened its doors a few times to reveal superb exhibitions.

Continue your walk along the famous Rue Notre-Dame and indulge in the many antique shops and flea markets. There are some everywhere and for all tastes. A 1,500m² gallery is also located in the old printing house. This is the Village Notre-Dame.

You are now in the heart of Chartrons and a few meters from the Village are 2 of my favorite places to eat a bite.

• The first is La P'tite Boulangerie. Their slogan: nothing is made anywhere else here (or not very far away). There are always people there and we understand why. Their breads are delicious (special mention for the sailors' bread), but my guilty pleasure is their walnut brownie. A delight!

• My other favorite address: Les Halles des Chartrons. It's a beautiful square that is most of the time invaded by chairs and people enjoying the nice weather. Many restaurants are set up around the square and I assure you that they are all to die for. My favorite is the restaurant Le Carré which won me over with its sea bream ceviche with yuzu.

Les Chartrons, a village overflowing with creativity

I love the village atmosphere of this trendy neighborhood. Everyone knows each other, and even if no one knows each other, contact is very easy with both passers-by and shopkeepers. While taking photos in the neighborhood, the locals approached me and gave me information. It's so nice!

This is a neighborhood that has been booming for several decades and the prices per square meter have soared! Let's get back to our discovery itinerary. After a mandatory gourmet stop at the P'tite Boulangerie, look up and admire the tallest church in Bordeaux: the Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons church.

The quays, a few meters away, have been rehabilitated and attract many walkers, roller skaters, cyclists... The wonderful liveliness that reigns there contrasts with the tranquility of the small streets where you will find designer boutiques, delicatessens...

After strolling the streets around Rue Notre-Dame, head north across Cours de la Martinique to explore another side of Chartrons. Near the Gymnase des Chartrons, there are fewer shops, but street art lovers will be amazed!

To finish this walk, I recommend you head towards the Quais des Chartrons. I love this place, it's lively and airy, especially after exploring the narrow streets of the center. Take the opportunity to go to Rue Barreyre and admire the great typical porch.

The Chatrons quays

Once on the quays, you can admire the right bank and its greenery, on the other side of the Garonne. I advise you to continue your exploration by going to your left, towards the splendid Chaban-Delmas bridge. With a bit of luck, you might even see it rise. It's a real spectacle !

This is also where you will discover the Cité du Vin. It is an incredible place but it is better to have a little time in front of you to fully enjoy the visit.

In a different atmosphere, but still on the quays, we find the largest skatepark France's outdoor scene ! Just that. I'll spend hours admiring the perseverance and dexterity of skateboarders, rollerbladers, and BMX riders...

If you are walking around there on Sunday, do not miss the Chartons market which is held on the quays. Local producers, cheesemakers, florists... You will find very good products there.

The Chartrons market in the early hours of the day

In Chartrons, there are also numerous theaters, exhibitions, yoga studios... In short, enough to spend days there without getting bored!

After this walk, you will only have one desire: to discover the other districts of the sleeping beauty.

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Article written by Mélanie Oliva for the Bordeaux Gironde Guide