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VATEL BORDEAUX > Inside Vatel Bordeaux > What’s on? > About Bordeaux > Bordeaux on a budget: the smart student’s guide

Bordeaux on a budget: the smart student’s guide

Welcome to Bordeaux! Whether you want to revise, enjoy a good meal or try out the local attractions, here’s a guide to discovering the city on a budget.

Where can you study and relax on a budget?

First of all, here’s a list of quiet and affordable places to study or enjoy a guilt-free brunch.

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Bordeaux libraries:

The center of Bordeaux has 2 libraries where you can study in a quiet, studious setting.

  • The Human Sciences University Library

Here you can take advantage of a Wi-Fi network and consult all kinds of books, provided you are registered with the BU. It is free for everyone and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7pm (9am to 6pm on Saturdays).

đź“Ť Place de la Victoire (Bordeaux)

  • MĂ©riadeck library

It is open every day from 10am to 7pm (Monday/Thursday from 1pm to 7pm and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm). Access is free and the library has Wi-Fi.

📍 85 cours Maréchal Juin (Bordeaux)

Cosy cafés:

Bordeaux is full of friendly cafés, perfect for revising or enjoying a coffee break.

It offers an atypical experience with its traditional and artistic specialities in a peaceful setting, perfect for a sweet break out of the ordinary.

đź“Ť 2 Cours Alsace-et-Lorraine

With a New York vibe, this café offers the chance to work amidst chessboards and books, while enjoying a tea, coffee or homemade pastry.

đź“Ť 26 rue Saint-James

Close to the Hôtel de Ville, this working café has a pricing system that allows you to pay per time spent inside. Thanks to unlimited and all-inclusive drinks, a studious and relaxed atmosphere prevails.

đź“Ť 11 rue Duffour Dubergier

Brunch:

Bordeaux is the perfect place to indulge in brunch in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant offers a tasty brunch in a cocooning setting while adapting to all diets.

đź“Ť 71 Rue Judaique

The establishment offers an organic and gourmet menu that evolves with the seasons to indulge in a wild atmosphere.

📍 7 rue des Frères Bonie

These restaurants with trendy decor inspired by Balinese spots offer generous and original savoury and sweet brunches, right in the city centre.

đź“Ť14 Rue Ravez

This is the must-visit brunch for fans of Swedish specialities offering waffles, tartines and cinnamon rolls.

đź“Ť48 rue des Trois-Conils

In the Saint-Pierre & Intendance district, Cafeincup is a real Bordeaux institution. This lively place is a combination of coffee shop and brunch in an atmosphere that is both friendly and studious.

đź“Ť15 rue des Argentiers / 3 Rue Louis Combes

Where to eat near the school?

Next, here are the gourmet and accessible addresses for a quick lunch break near the Vatel Bordeaux campuses.

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Food addresses just a stone’s throw from the CitĂ© du Vin:

Les Halles is a must when it comes to discovering fresh, local produce. They have a number of shops perfect for students looking for fast food and a variety of choices.

đź“Ť 15 quai du Maroc

  • Labat & Co

This establishment offers refined yet accessible cuisine, ideal for a rich and tasty lunch with ease.

📍 4 Quai du Sénégal

Food addresses near Chartrons:

The team concocts a wide range of simple dishes to enjoy on the spot or to take away every day.

đź“Ť 26 Quai de Bacalan

This large Irish-style pub offers dishes such as fish & chips in a friendly and warm atmosphere.

đź“Ť 83 quai des Chartrons

Ideal for those who love healthy and exotic street food, this address stands out for its concept that fuses Asian flavours with modern dishes.

đź“Ť 38 Cours Portal

What to do in Bordeaux?

Finally, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Bordeaux to suit everyone’s tastes.

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The city’s must-sees:

Bordeaux has a wealth of iconic sites to discover.

  • The Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’eau

The Place de la Bourse is one of Bordeaux’s most famous monuments. This majestic square is a striking example of Bordeaux’s classical architecture. It is reflected in the Miroir d’eau, a large body of water opposite, which is one of the largest installations of its kind in the world.

  • The Place des Quinconces

In the heart of Bordeaux, this is the largest public square in Europe. Surrounded by imposing statues, it offers an open space where numerous events and markets are held. The monument aux Girondins, with its spectacular fountains, is an inseparable landmark of the Quinconces.

  • Les Bassins Ă  Flots

As a modern site that contrasts with the city’s historic sites, this district is undergoing a major transformation and is well worth a visit. Among the attractions, the Bassin des Lumières, a digital art centre located in a former water reservoir, reflects the innovation and creativity of Bordeaux. This immersive space offers magical and atypical visual exhibitions.

Secret places to discover:

Bordeaux is full of lesser-known but equally fascinating places to explore and discover the city from a different angle. These are discreet spaces that offer an authentic, different and unique experience.

Located to the south of Bordeaux, the RĂ©serve Ă©cologique des Barails is a haven of peace for students looking for peace and quiet and a bit of greenery, while remaining close to the city centre. In fact, it’s the ideal place for a quiet stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and for observing nature in all its splendour.

This is a unique place where art, culture and creativity meet in a renovated former warehouse. This alternative space is a contemporary art centre, an artists’ studio and a venue for cultural events.

Located on the banks of the Garonne, Les Chantiers de la Garonne is a former shipyard that has been converted into a restaurant/bar and club house. The open-air aspect of this address makes it a tranquil getaway with a stunning view of the river.

Unusual activities:

To round off this city tour, the city has some unusual activities to get you out of your everyday routine.

For those looking for a creative and calming activity, ceramic painting is a great option for an afternoon with friends or a solo outing. Whether you’re looking to make a personalised gift or simply express your artistic side, Flow lets everyone leave with a work of art they’ve created themselves.

For fans of riddles and puzzle games, the Quizz Room Bordeaux is the perfect place to challenge each other in a fun and competitive atmosphere. The different themes on offer make each session unique, making it ideal for an outing with friends or an after-school group activity.

For those who aren’t afraid of having their heads turned upside down, this museum offers a fascinating collection of perspective rooms, intriguing installations and surprising images. The exhibitions invite visitors to discover that everything is never as simple as it seems, especially in this unique and playful space.

Noor, student at Vatel Bordeaux

Passionate about art and discovery

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