Bordeaux isn’t just about wine (though let’s be honest, the wine alone is worth the trip). For me, every great city has its personality written into its markets, shopping centers, and boutiques. After all, what we bring home from a place is more than just an object — it’s a memory captured in a tangible form.
I spent countless afternoons exploring Bordeaux’s shopping scene, balancing between sleek modern malls and traditional markets brimming with charm. Here, I’ll share my experience with four modern shopping centers I personally explored and two traditional markets I recommend for authentic local souvenirs. I’ll dive into locations, items worth buying, my favorite finds, pros and cons, price ranges, and even some booking/discount tips.
Why Bordeaux is a Souvenir Paradise
Before I get into the specifics, let me set the stage. Bordeaux is one of those rare cities where history, gastronomy, and design come together. Here’s why it’s a brilliant shopping destination:
• Wine culture everywhere – from bottles to accessories, you’ll find endless ways to bring a piece of Bordeaux wine country home.
• Gourmet souvenirs – think canelés (those heavenly caramelized pastries), duck foie gras, artisanal jams, and sea salt from the nearby Atlantic coast.
• French elegance – Bordeaux’s boutiques blend Parisian chic with a regional flair.
• Markets with heart – locals truly shop in the markets, which means you can find authentic, reasonably priced gifts rather than tourist-only trinkets.
With that in mind, let’s start my journey into the four modern shopping centers I explored firsthand.
Part I: Modern Shopping Centers
- Mériadeck Shopping Center
Location: 57 Rue du Château d’Eau, 33000 Bordeaux
How I got there: A quick 10-minute tram ride (Line A, stop “Mériadeck”) from Place de la Bourse.
Mériadeck was my very first stop. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be impressed — most “central” malls tend to be overcrowded or too generic. But Mériadeck was surprisingly well-balanced.
What I Bought:
• A pair of Repetto ballet flats (€210) – Made in France, chic yet practical, I couldn’t resist.
• Several packs of canelés from Baillardran (€15 for 6 pieces) – beautifully boxed, perfect gifts.
• A bottle opener set from Nicolas wine shop (€35) – sleek and Bordeaux-branded.
Service & Experience
The service at Baillardran was impeccable; they packed my canelés in a way that felt luxurious even though the price was modest. At Repetto, the sales assistant insisted I try multiple sizes until I found the perfect fit.
Pros
• Great mix of international brands (Zara, Sephora, H&M) and French labels (Repetto, Baillardran).
• Central location — perfect if you’re staying downtown.
• Spacious food court, with regional specialties available.
Cons
• Gets crowded around weekends.
• Not many high-end luxury shops if you’re after designer brands.
Discounts & Booking Tips
• Sign up for the mall’s newsletter — they send 10% off coupons for select stores.
• Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Promenade Sainte-Catherine
Location: 25 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux
How I got there: I simply strolled down Rue Sainte-Catherine (Europe’s longest pedestrian street), and the Promenade is right in the middle.
This open-air shopping center is less about size and more about atmosphere. With its modern glass architecture and integration into Bordeaux’s oldest shopping street, it felt like the perfect balance of history and modernity.
What I Bought:
• A La Maison Darricau chocolate box (€22) – artisanal chocolate infused with Armagnac.
• A MAC lipstick (€28) from Sephora – because French Sephora always has shades I can’t find elsewhere.
• An elegant scarf from Uniqlo (€19) – lightweight, perfect for Bordeaux’s changing weather.
Service & Experience
The staff at La Maison Darricau offered free tastings, which made the purchase irresistible. The whole place felt curated, not overwhelming.
Pros
• Perfect for souvenir snacks like chocolates, pastries, and teas.
• Smaller, less chaotic than Mériadeck.
• Beautiful architecture — it feels like a modern oasis.
Cons
• Limited store variety compared to larger malls.
• Prices slightly higher in boutique stores.
Discounts & Booking Tips
• Check out seasonal sales in January and July — I scored my scarf during the “Soldes” winter sales.
- Galerie Bordelaise
Location: 11 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux
How I got there: Walking distance from Place de la Victoire — about 10 minutes.
This 19th-century covered passage is technically not a mall in the modern sense, but for me, it felt like a “boutique shopping center.” With marble floors, glass ceilings, and elegant décor, it was a visual treat.
What I Bought:
• A handmade leather wallet from La Cartouchière de Paris (€95).
• Tea blends from Kusmi Tea (€14 per tin) – my suitcase smelled divine afterward.
• A canelé-scented candle from a small artisanal shop (€25).
Service & Experience
This was my favorite shopping experience — it felt timeless. The staff at La Cartouchière talked passionately about French craftsmanship, which made my wallet feel like more than just an accessory.
Pros
• Architecturally stunning.
• Unique, artisanal shops — no big chains here.
• Great for mid-range luxury gifts.
Cons
• Limited number of shops.
• Can feel a little quiet compared to bustling malls.
Discounts & Booking Tips
• Some boutiques offer tax-free shopping for non-EU visitors (minimum €100 purchase). Don’t forget to ask!
- Bordeaux Lac Shopping Center (Aushopping Bordeaux Lac)
Location: Avenue des Quarante Journaux, 33300 Bordeaux
How I got there: 20 minutes by tram Line C (stop “Parc des Expositions”).
This is Bordeaux’s mega-mall — and I mean mega. With over 120 shops, it’s basically where locals go for full-day shopping trips.
What I Bought:
• A bottle of Château Margaux 2015 (€480) from a wine shop — my splurge souvenir.
• A set of French Laguiole knives (€110).
• Casual clothes from Decathlon (total €60) for my biking trip.
Service & Experience
Staff at the wine shop were incredibly knowledgeable. They let me sample a mid-range bottle before I decided on the Château Margaux. At Decathlon, the service was efficient, though less personal.
Pros
• Huge variety — from groceries to luxury wine.
• Easy access by tram.
• Good parking if you’re driving.
Cons
• Too large for quick trips.
• Feels more suburban, less atmospheric.
Discounts & Booking Tips
• Download the Aushopping app for digital coupons.
• Plan 3–4 hours minimum if you want to explore properly.
Part II: Traditional Markets
Now, onto the heart of Bordeaux — the traditional markets. These are where I felt most connected to the local culture.
- Marché des Capucins
Location: Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux
How I got there: 5 minutes from Saint-Michel by tram Line C.
Known as the “belly of Bordeaux,” Marché des Capucins is where locals go for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal goods.
What I Bought:
• Foie gras from Maison Paris (€45 for 200g).
• A box of canelés from La Toque Cuivrée (€12 for 10).
• Fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay (€8 for half a dozen, eaten right on the spot!).
Service & Experience
Vendors were chatty and eager to explain their products. I loved the oyster stand where they opened them right in front of me, served with a wedge of lemon.
Pros
• Authentic, local atmosphere.
• Affordable, fresh souvenirs.
• Great place to eat on-site while shopping.
Cons
• Crowded on weekends.
• Not ideal for luxury souvenirs.
Discounts & Booking Tips
• No need to pre-book — just show up hungry.
• Arrive early for the freshest products.
- Marché des Quais
Location: Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux
How I got there: Tram Line B, stop “Chartrons.”
Held every Sunday along the Garonne River, this market is a perfect mix of food stalls, crafts, and souvenirs.
What I Bought:
• A hand-painted ceramic wine jug (€35).
• Organic honey from Gironde (€12).
• A linen tablecloth with vineyard motifs (€55).
Service & Experience
This market felt festive — live music, families strolling, and the river as a backdrop. Vendors were passionate about their crafts.
Pros
• Scenic location.
• Combination of food and artisan crafts.
• Less crowded than Capucins.
Cons
• Only on Sundays.
• Some stalls are pricey compared to Capucins.
Discounts & Booking Tips
• Arrive before 11 am for the best selection.
• Bargaining isn’t common, but some artisans may give a small discount if you buy multiple items.
What Souvenirs to Bring Home from Bordeaux
By the time I packed my bags, my suitcase was heavier, but my heart was fuller. From malls like Mériadeck and Bordeaux Lac to markets like Capucins and Quais, I experienced the best of both modern convenience and traditional authenticity.
Here’s what I’d personally recommend bringing home from Bordeaux:
• Wine and accessories – because nothing says Bordeaux like a bottle (or two).
• Canelés – they don’t last long, but they’ll make you a hero when you return home.
• Foie gras or regional gourmet goods – unique and delicious.
• Artisanal crafts – leather goods, ceramics, or table linens.
• Chocolates and teas – lightweight and universally appreciated.
Pro tip: Always check luggage restrictions if you’re carrying wine or foie gras. I once had to frantically repack at the airport!
Bordeaux taught me that shopping can be more than just consumerism. It’s about conversations with artisans, tastings that leave your lips sticky with sugar or salty with oyster brine, and objects that carry a little piece of the region’s soul back home with you.
So next time you’re in Bordeaux, don’t just sip the wine — shop the city. You’ll find that the memories you pack into your bags are just as intoxicating as the vineyards themselves.