Bastide | Off the beaten track in Bordeaux

Most visitors to Bordeaux keep to the left bank where historic Bordeaux is located, but head to the right bank for a different vibe and more fun!

Rive Droite Bordeaux | Right Bank

Bastide, or “rive droite” was until recently a sleepy neighbourhood on the opposite side of the centre of Bordeaux, across the Garonne river. In recent years, its rapid development transformed it into a cheaper, hip alternative to the city center. Traditionally, tourists used to cross the Garonne mainly to visit Bastide’s beautiful botanic gardens. Today however, there are plenty of reasons to cross Pont de Pierre, the impressive bridge connecting the city’s two banks.

A very pleasant promenade was built all along the quay connecting the two bridges Pont de Pierre and the new Pont Chaban-Delmas. It provides a great alternative to the more crowded promenade in the historic part of the city. During summer and early autumn, Bastide is vibrant with chic restaurants adorning the banks of the Garonne. It’s a spot that locals largely keep to themselves and for visitors, it offers an authentic taste of modern Bordeaux.

Darwin, Bordeaux

Local’s tip: If there’s one thing not to miss when visiting Bordeaux it’s Darwin. It’s just across the river on the right bank. The site of an old military barracks has been tranformed into a space for art and creativity with an agenda of ecological awareness.

The 10,000 m² hub hosts a work space, an incubator for startups a skate park and frequent events and festivals. There’s a huge restaurant and a shop dedicated to organic products. Darwin is also a street art paradise. You’ll find works by both famous and less known street artists, constantly refreshing the walls with their creativity. It’s seriously good. darwin.camp

By Ira Szmuk, a Bordeaux based blogger in love with the city. Her blog is about up-to-date events and places to visit in Bordeaux and the South-West of France: www.lostinbordeaux.com