Darwin
On the other side of the river is a place called Darwin. It’s a sustainable art precinct with tons of art installations, a skate park, vintage store and other things to check out. Be adventurous and wind through all its nooks and corners to discover some great art and spots to hangout. Babel boulangerie here is also one of the more underrated bakeries in the city.
Jardin Public
This is a must do in Bordeaux. I may be biased but this is the most beautiful park I have ever visited. Sit in the area closest to the pavilion to get the best view. It’s also home to one of Europe’s largest Bald Mexican Cypress which is my favourite tree in the city. Can you find it?
Founded in the 1700’s it is one of France’s oldest French-style gardens. It was made in the French style (think Versailles with prim and proper garden beds and very little functional spac) until Napoleon moved his troops from the North to the South. In stationing the military there, so much damaged was done to the park that it was then converted to an English style garden. The Jardin Public café located near the South-East entrance is a stunning spot to enjoy a drink.
Walk the length of Sainte-Catherine
Sainte-Catherine is the main shopping street in Bordeaux and the longest pedestrian only street in Europe at 1.3km. Walk from one end to the other and notice how the city completely changes in terms of socio-economic demographics and boutiques. In the North we generally find our wealthy French populations and in the South we find our student and immigrant populations. It makes for great people watching.
Note ** The best shopping (independent boutiques etc*) is found on the offshoots of this street.
Base sous-marine
The only remnants of German occupation during World War 2 is a sub-marine base built by 6000 war prisoners. Today it is a light projection art space which plays host to truly incredible exhibits and considered one of the best spots in the world to see this kind of art. A particularly good idea when the weather is too hot or it’s a rainy day.
