Bordeaux, Here We Come!
Sunday 7 December
With the car packed and excitement levels rising, we set off for a short winter break in Bordeaux.
After arriving at Seeko’o Hotel (which came with the bonus of a small private car park – always a win when travelling by car), we checked in and immediately approved of the location. The tram into the city centre was conveniently close, making exploring easy.
Our first afternoon was spent stretching our legs with a stroll along the riverside. A Starbucks stop later, we found ourselves watching a beautiful sunset over the Garonne. Not a bad way to start the trip.
The evening was deliberately low-key. After all, Alison’s birthday was just around the corner, and celebrations were waiting in the wings.
Birthday Adventures in Bordeaux
Monday 8 December
Birthday mode: activated.
We hopped on the tram and headed into the heart of Bordeaux for a day of sightseeing. The city is wonderfully walkable, with elegant architecture, grand squares and enough cafés to keep even the most dedicated coffee lover happy.
Lunch-stop was at Books and Coffee Café, which proved to be the perfect spot for a birthday treat. Good food, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to people-watch.
After a bit more exploring, we headed back to the hotel for some downtime before rounding off the day with an evening walk and a riverside beer near the hotel.
Simple pleasures, Bordeaux style.
Discovering Darwin: Bordeaux’s Coolest Urban Comeback
Tuesday 9 December
Today’s adventure took us across the river by boat to Bordeaux’s Right Bank and one of the city’s most fascinating attractions: Darwin.
What was once a neglected military barracks has been transformed into one of Bordeaux’s most creative and vibrant spaces. Covering more than 10,000 square metres, Darwin is now a thriving urban ecosystem that blends business, sustainability, culture and community spirit.
Purchased by the Evolution Group in 2009, the site has been completely reinvented. Today it hosts more than 230 businesses, 20 associations and even a school that offers a more personalised style of education.
But Darwin isn’t just about work. It’s a place where yoga classes, workshops, festivals, exhibitions and community events all coexist. The impressive street art alone makes it worth a visit.
One of its flagship events is the Darwin Ocean Climax Festival, which combines music, debate and environmental awareness to highlight issues surrounding climate change and ocean conservation.
In short, if someone asked us where to find Bordeaux’s hipsters, entrepreneurs, artists and skateboarders all in one place, we’d probably point them towards Darwin.
Christmas Markets, Pizza and Limoncello Spritz
After returning to the city centre, we spent the evening wandering around Bordeaux’s Christmas Market.
The festive lights, wooden chalets and seasonal atmosphere made for a lovely evening stroll. It’s impossible not to feel at least a little Christmassy when surrounded by mulled wine, decorations and twinkling lights.
Dinner was at Restaurant San Pietro, where pizza and limoncello spritz were the order of the evening. Because when in France… apparently we eat Italian.
A final walk through the illuminated streets of Bordeaux provided the perfect end to another great day.
Au Revoir Bordeaux
Wednesday 10 December
All good city breaks eventually come to an end.
After a relaxed morning, it was time to begin the drive home. Bordeaux had given us beautiful riverside walks, birthday celebrations, festive markets, excellent food and the unexpected highlight of Darwin.
Would we visit again?
Absolutely.
There are still plenty of corners of this elegant French city left to explore, and we’re already looking forward to returning.
