Resolutely turned towards the green economy, the capital of New Aquitaine is a city in the South where life is good. And not only when you are fans of its wines. On the fringes of the beautifully preserved city center and full to bursting with bars, restaurants, shops and museums, Bordeaux is full of new spots in sight. Like Darwin Eco-Systeme, a former disused barracks, now eco-rehabilitated and focused on responsible entertainment. It is also one of the most visited places in Bordeaux. For its street art frescoes, but also for its skate-park, and for the Magasin General, its eco-responsible bistro, which also does groceries.
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Because in Bordeaux, we eat organic, local and seasonal. Even the unavoidable canelés have gotten into it. While the “battles” between craftsmen, specialists in this cult delicacy (which has its origins in the winemaking practices of Bordeaux vineyards), are still topical, some outsiders have invited themselves into the small molded cake niche. This is the case with Cassonade, whose vegan recipe based on St-James rum has neo-epicureans running wild. The manufacturer’s pretty shop is also located on rue Saint James, under the big bell of Bordeaux, a corner of town where it is good to stroll.
If the new gastronomy has the wind in its sails on the banks of the Garonne, the people of Bordeaux remain a true epicurean. Evidenced by the number of restaurants in the city: 1 for 280 inhabitants, we are told. In addition to very media-friendly names such as Philippe Etchebest and his restaurant Le Quatrième Mur located on Place de la Comédie in the Grand Théâtre, or Gordon Ramsay and his Pressoir d’Argent, which officiates just opposite, in the heart of the InterContinental Hotel, a a slew of young cooks revisits the Bordeaux terroir in a creative and sustainable approach.
The “New cuisine” spirit
Finally, it is impossible to pass through Bordeaux without testing the “new cuisine” style tables, which are springing up there like mushrooms. We particularly appreciated Ganache, a new trendy place on two floors designed by the architecture firm Where is Bryan. Created by a couple, the address displays a slap decoration enhanced by the frescoes of the artist Amo, a local glory. We liked the bistronomy-style dishes, the pretty cocktail menu and the regressive desserts. Normal: the place is also a chocolate factory!
Do not consider a visit to the Cité du Vin without trying Le 7, a panoramic restaurant hidden on the 7th floor of the building. On the menu: breathtaking view of the Port de la Lune and seasonal cuisine with, as a suggestion, a dish on the theme of the current exhibition.
We will also point out Casa Gaïa, a totally locavore address that we love for its location, in the heart of the Notre-Dame district, its atmosphere and its very cool welcome, its small patio with resolutely Mediterranean charm, its ultra-traceable small dishes and its beautiful wine menu.
If Bordeaux is green, it is also inclusive and festive. For a cappuccino or a simple dish prepared and served by a team of employees with mental disabilities, we settle in the morning at the Café Joyeux, rue Sainte-Colombe; a good starting point for exploring medieval Bordeaux revisited in a trendy spirit: the Chartrons district, a sort of little Marais in Bordeaux where bars and bobo chic restaurants rub shoulders, antique dealers and small shops, but also the rue du Pas St-Georges , in the Saint-Pierre district, and rue Bouffard, just behind the cathedral, two thoroughfares that also have pretty shops.
In practice
Bordeaux is a city that can easily be explored on foot, by scooter, boat, bus or tram. The car is therefore completely superfluous. You can reach Bordeaux from Liège or Brussels by Thalys, then by TGV with change in Paris
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