Best areas for students in Bordeaux

Victoire

Located in the city centre, Victoire is one of the best student neighbourhoods in Bordeaux. Its atmosphere is youthful and very lively, with movement at all hours.

In this neighbourhood’s the main campus of the University of Bordeaux, so it’s ideal for those who are going to study there.

Victoire has a wide variety of cheap restaurants, from kebabs and pizzas to French bistros. In addition, the area is full of bars and cafes that offer “happy hours” and affordable menus, especially on Thursday nights, the traditional day for student outings.

Many of these restaurants, as well as a large number of shops, are located in Sainte-Catherine street. Also, from Victoire you can easily reach the Parlement Saint-Pierre street, one of the areas with the largest number of bars and nightclubs.

The Place de la Victoire is the neighbourhood's focal point, with its iconic arch and obelisk. It's often the setting for cultural events and social gatherings, and has a lively atmosphere every day of the week.

As for transportation methods, there are several options. It’s mainly connected by the B tram and several bus lines. In addition, you can walk to the historic centre in about ten minutes, and it has several stations of the shared bicycle service, Le Vélo.

Chartrons

Chartrons is an area with historic, artistic and bohemian charm, as well as a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for students looking for a cultural and relaxed environment but with good access to the liveliest area. In fact, it extends north of the centre of Bordeaux, being very close to it, and on the banks of the Garonne River.

Chartrons is divided into two parts, one that’s near the centre and is older and another to the northeast that’s more modern. In the first one, you can find local shops and small businesses, while in the modern part there are large supermarket chains and a shopping centre by the river.

Most of the restaurants and bars in Chartrons are located in the surroundings of the Paul Doumer square and along the Garonne River. Students also often gather along the riverside promenade to hang out.

In this neighbourhood, there are several cultural sites worth visiting, including:

• The Science Museum (Cap Sciences)
• The CAPC Contemporary Art Museum (Musée d'art Contemporain de Bordeaux)
• The Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum (Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux)
• The City of Wine (Cité du Vin), which is not specifically in this neighbourhood but borders it and is one of the city's main attractions.

The nearby City Garden (Jardin Public) is one of the most popular green spaces for students for picnics, walks or outdoor exercise. Also, the walk along the Garonne River (Quais de la Garonne) is another of the spaces chosen to enjoy the day.

As far as public transport is concerned, it has tram, bus and boat lines. In addition, you can reach the centre by walking in a short time and there are several Le Vélo bicycle stations.

Bastide

Bastide is another of Bordeaux's best student neighbourhoods. It’s located on the other side of the Garonne River from the city centre. This neighbourhood has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades: from being an industrial area it has become a modern and dynamic area, ideal for students looking for a quiet and cultural environment.

Living in Bastide is also convenient for those looking for more economical accommodation options that aren’t in the city centre, but with good access to it. In addition, it’s worth noting that here’s the Bastide Campus of the University of Bordeaux, so it’s a good option for those who want to be close to it.

In Bastide there are several green spaces to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, including:

• The walk along the Garonne River
• A large park on the banks of the river, called Parc aux Angéliques
• The Botanical Garden of Bordeaux (Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux)

This neighbourhood has very good public transport connections with the rest of the city, through tram, bus, and train lines, as well as with the public shared bicycles.

FAQ about neighbourhoods in Bordeaux