Chartrons, a Bordeaux neighborhood with an almost village-like charm, that’s calling for exploration. Nestled to the north of Bordeaux’s historic center, Chartrons is a delightful mix of bourgeois and bohemian, a place where past meets present, and where every stroll will leave you coming back for more.

Walking through Chartrons feels like stepping into a different era. You’re welcomed by lively streets filled with antique shops and small restaurants that spill over onto the pavements, inviting you to indulge. Notre-Dame Street is the soul of Chartrons; it’s the place-to-be where you can find everything from wine merchants to trendy boutiques, all under the shadow of Saint-Louis church’s gothic steeples.

For those who prefer an active outing, the Chartrons riverbank also offers space for biking, rollerblading, or skateboarding, and there’s even a children’s playground and skate park for the young at heart.

The open-air Sunday market on the riverfront

Every Sunday, Chartrons turns into a vibrant marketplace at the quays. Here, the Chartrons market offers an unmissable event for locals and visitors alike. With 60 stalls, it’s the perfect place to shop, have a picnic, and walk around enjoying the magnificent view of the riverbank.

The Transformation of Chartrons District of Bordeaux

What once was an ancient 14th-century neighborhood built around the Chartreux abbey, Chartrons has evolved into a contemporary haven that celebrates wine, antiques, and bric-a-brac traders.

With the riverfront quays on one side and the Public Gardens on the other, Chartrons prides itself on turning Bordeaux from the “Belle Endormie” to the “Belle Attractive”. Longtime locals think of the transformation as a positive one, with a new generation embracing vintage styles.

The Chartrons district’s unique architecture, including the Cité-Mondiale glass-covered conference center, contrasts and complements the surroundings, adding a modern touch to the historic charm.

Whether you’re shopping at the Chartrons market, savoring a meal at one of the local restaurants on the square, or simply enjoying a drink outdoors on a beautiful day in Chartrons Square, this neighborhood offers a taste of life’s sweetness that’s hard to resist.

The river’s edge offers breathtaking views, and the area’s restoration, including its wine cellars, has contributed to making Chartrons one of Bordeaux’s most attractive neighborhoods. It’s a place where cruise ships have long replaced trading vessels, giving it a touch of cosmopolitan flair.

LOCAL TIP: For a unique bakery experience, visit “Au Pétrin Moissagais” Boulanderie on Cours de la Martinique, close to Notre-Dame street. It’s a hole-in-the-wall bakery with treats that are all freshly baked in a wood-fired oven from 1765!, the oldest in the city. Enjoying a croissant there on a sunny morning is a pleasure that captures the neighborhood’s ambiance, and we swear you can taste history in each bite of your quiche.

Chartrons, with its unique blend of history, art, and lifestyle, makes for an unmissable addition to your Bordeaux adventure. So why not make a visit and discover what makes Chartrons truly special?

More Sightseeing: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Base Sous-Marine, a fascinating submarine hanger built by the Germans in World War II, now a base for art exhibitions—a stark contrast to the stone buildings of Chartrons.