Living in Bordeaux - What is a must know !

Bordeaux, often nicknamed "Little Paris", is the vibrant heart of a dynamic area, a city where life flows smoothly between the Garonne River and the centuries-old stones of its alleyways.

Over the years, Bordeaux has evolved while preserving its rich heritage and environment. Its metamorphosis over the last decade has made it even more attractive, draining a flood of new residents seduced by its charms. It's no coincidence, moreover, that it was voted "world's trendiest city for travel" by Lonely Planet in 2017.

Just 60 km from the Atlantic Ocean and a few hours from the mountains, Bordeaux embodies the perfect symbiosis of modernity and history, urbanism and natural beauty.

Bordeaux is much more than a city, it's an art of living. By opting for life in Bordeaux, you're adopting a rhythm that's both effervescent and peaceful. According to a study by  Le Figaro   , published on March 22, 2023, Bordeaux is one of the top 10 least stressful cities in France.

Situated on the banks of the Garonne, the city has developed in harmony with its natural surroundings, giving pride of place to green spaces, lively quaysides and lively squares. But beyond the landscape, what really stands out is the city's dynamism. Bordeaux never really sleeps: between its flourishing economy, the effervescence of its universities and the quality of its real estate developments, it offers its residents all the conveniences of a major metropolis, while retaining the warmth of a human-sized city and a peaceful environment.

Just an hour from the splendor of the Atlantic, Bordeaux is the gateway to seaside treasures such as Arcachon, Cap Ferret and Lacanau. Water-based pleasures are therefore within easy reach.

In recent years, Bordeaux has undergone a number of transformations in terms of development. These are aimed at improving the quality of life of its inhabitants and making the city more attractive, as witnessed by the arrival of the Paris-Bordeaux TGV in two hours and the emergence of Euratlantique in the heart of the Armagnac district, a notable and ambitious project.

Bordeaux is also expanding its public transport network, with an extension of tramway line A to Bordeaux-Mérignac airport. A major project is also underway in the city, with the construction of bicycle paths. By 2030, the metropolis aims to have 18% of the city dedicated to cycling, i.e. 270 km of additional paths, with the aim of preserving Bordeaux's environment.

BORDEAUX : A CITY FULL OF TRADITION AND CULTURE.

Living in Bordeaux is to immerse yourself in a city where heritage and culture are omnipresent, between singular history and plural culture. Bordeaux's cultural heritage has earned it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List (2007) as an exceptional urban ensemble.Its historical and architectural heritage, such as the majestic Cit%C3%A9 du Vin or the Place de la Bourse, is a living testimony to its rich past. Every stone, every alleyway breathes history. The Palais Rohan, former residence of the archbishops of Bordeaux, or the Porte Cailhau, the city's medieval gateway, are must-sees for admiring the city's architectural beauty. The Place de la Bourse with its water mirror is a sight not to be missed, offering a perfect combination of 18th-century architecture and modern art.The city's winegrowing heritage is a cornerstone that attracts wine lovers from all over the world to discover the secrets of Bordeaux's vineyards.

The city is surrounded by world-famous vineyards such as Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Medoc. Numerous chateaux might be visited, including Chateau Margaux and Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, to discover this winegrowing heritage.

As for Bordeaux's gastronomy, it comes in a myriad of flavors, from the most refined dishes to the simple pleasures of local markets. The city's proximity to the ocean, the estuary, and the influence of Périgord and the Basque country are just a few examples of the rich gastronomic mix of land and sea.

Dishes such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, basted with a red wine sauce, or cannelés, small pastries flavored with rum and vanilla, are a must. Local markets, like the Capucins, offer an explosion of flavors and are the ideal place to discover the region's fresh produce, such as asparagus from the sands, porcini mushrooms from the oak forests, beef from the Bazadaise or oysters from the Bay of Arcachon.

GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS TO LIVE IN.

Each of Bordeaux's 8 neighborhoods is an ode to life for all Bordeaux residents.

The historic center of Bordeaux has a warm, dynamic atmosphere. The Triangle d'Or, meanwhile, is the symbol of Bordeaux luxury, with its mix of high-end stores, boutiques and prestigious establishments. Nearby, the Jardin Public district offers a haven of peace in the heart of the city. The Chartrons district is a subtle blend of bourgeoisie and bohemian spirit, offering an unrivalled quality of life. Bordeaux Maritime boasts a rich maritime and river history. Traditional Bordeaux houses blend with new apartments, including the Ginko eco-district.

Located on the right bank of the Garonne, the La Bastide district boasts a rich industrial architectural heritage, including the former Gare d'Orléans, now home to a cinema, the green spaces of the Parc des Berges, the Jardin Botanique and the famous Espace Darwin and its guinguettes.

Bordeaux Sud is home to the Saint-Jean train station and Place de la Victoire. This district, with its modern, bourgeois architecture, aims to become Bordeaux's business district by 2027.

Close to the city center and train station, the Nansouty district is a lively and pleasant place to live, with numerous local shops and infrastructures.

The chic suburbs of Bordeaux, Caudéran and Le Bouscat are built around the famous Parc Bordelais, a magnificent green setting, and two of the city's most renowned schools: Saint Joseph de Tivoli and Sainte Maris Grand Lebrun.

For those seduced by this metropolis and looking to make it their home, Bordeaux offers a multitude of real estate opportunities, from new apartments and renovated real estate programs to historic residences in magnificent neighborhoods.

Bordeaux Sotheby's International Realty puts all its knowledge of the region to work for your real estate project in Gironde. Whether for a short stay or as part of your next property purchase in and around Bordeaux.