How long does it take to walk through the Chartrons district?

A thorough self-guided walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This allows for time to admire the architecture on Rue Notre Dame and walk along the Garonne riverfront toward the Cité du Vin.

Is the Chartrons district worth visiting in Bordeaux?

Absolutely, it is often called the 'Soho of Bordeaux.' It offers a unique history separate from the city center, focusing on the wine trade, merchant wealth, and a more local, bohemian atmosphere.

Where is the best place to see wine history in Bordeaux?

The Musée du Vin et du Négoce on Rue Borie is the top choice for historical context, as it is housed in authentic 18th-century wine cellars. For a more modern, global perspective, the Cité du Vin is the primary destination.

Are the antique shops on Rue Notre Dame open every day?

Most antique shops and boutiques on Rue Notre Dame are open Tuesday through Saturday. Some may close on Sundays or Mondays, though the street remains beautiful for an architectural stroll regardless of shop hours.

Is this walking route Bordeaux stroller-friendly?

Yes, the route is largely flat and manageable with a stroller. While Rue Notre Dame has some narrow and uneven sections, the Quai des Chartrons is wide and perfectly paved for easy navigation.

Can I see the Garonne River on this walk?

Yes, the latter half of the walk follows the Quai des Chartrons directly along the Garonne River, offering excellent views of the water and the city's modern bridges.

What are the most famous landmarks in Chartrons?

Key landmarks include the twin-spired Église Saint-Louis, the iron-and-glass Halle des Chartrons, the historic merchant houses on the Quai, and the futuristic Cité du Vin.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the aristocratic heart of the global wine trade with this self-guided walk through the Chartrons district. Long before Bordeaux became the polished city it is today, this neighborhood was a separate entity—a bustling, cosmopolitan enclave where foreign merchants, known as 'negociants,' built their fortunes and their grand residences. As you explore this walking route, you will discover how the marshy outskirts of the city transformed into a sophisticated 'village within a city,' defined by its unique blend of 18th-century architecture and bohemian spirit. This stroll begins at the towering spires of the Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons and winds through the narrow, antique-lined Rue Notre Dame, where the echoes of rolling wine barrels once filled the air. You will learn the secrets of the wine trade at the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, housed in historic cellars that once stored the region's liquid gold. The route then leads you toward the Garonne River, following the Quai des Chartrons where ships from around the world once docked to load Bordeaux’s finest vintages. This walking tour Bordeaux experience culminates at the futuristic Cité du Vin, a striking architectural marvel that bridges the gap between the neighborhood's industrial past and its modern role as a global wine capital. Whether you are interested in the history of the Anglo-Gascon merchants or simply want to soak in the atmosphere of the city's most stylish district, this neighborhood stroll offers a deep dive into the soul of the wine trade. Discover at your own pace the hidden courtyards, historic market halls, and riverfront vistas that make Chartrons an essential part of any visit to the region. This self-guided adventure provides the flexibility to linger in a boutique shop or enjoy a glass of local Merlot while surrounded by centuries of history.

Highlights

The stunning Neo-Gothic spires of Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons

The charming antique shops and boutiques of Rue Notre Dame

The historic 19th-century Halle des Chartrons market hall

Ancient vaulted wine cellars at the Musée du Vin et du Négoce

Panoramic river views along the historic Quai des Chartrons

The iconic, swirling architecture of the Cité du Vin

Tour Stops (6)

Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons

Welcome to the starting point of your neighborhood stroll. This Neo-Gothic masterpiece, completed in 1880, was built to serve the wealthy merchant families of the Chartrons. Notice its twin spires that dominate the skyline; they were a statement of the neighborhood's growing prosperity during the 19th century. Inside, the church is famous for its magnificent Cavaillé-Coll organ, one of the finest in France. The church is dedicated to Saint Louis, but its location in the heart of the 'foreigners' quarter' meant it was the spiritual home for the English, Irish, and German wine merchants who shaped the city’s economy. Take a moment to admire the intricate stained glass before we head into the village-like streets nearby.

Rue Notre Dame

This is arguably the most atmospheric street in Bordeaux. Rue Notre Dame was once the main artery of the wine trade, where merchants lived above their warehouses. Today, it has transformed into a hub for antique dealers, art galleries, and independent boutiques. As you walk, look for the 'porte-cochères'—large wooden carriage doors designed to allow horse-drawn wagons filled with wine barrels to enter the interior courtyards. The street maintains a distinct 'village' feel, separate from the grander, more formal boulevards of the city center. It’s the perfect place to see how the neighborhood's commercial heritage has evolved into a center for local craftsmanship and style.

Halle des Chartrons

Standing in this circular plaza, you are looking at the Halle des Chartrons, a beautiful iron and glass structure built in 1869. It was originally designed as a covered market to serve the local population, replacing a former Carmelite convent. Its elegant architecture, featuring 18 arched windows, reflects the industrial aesthetic of the era. While it no longer functions as a daily food market, it remains a vibrant cultural center used for art exhibitions, concerts, and community events. The square surrounding the hall is a favorite local spot for an 'apéro,' surrounded by cafes that perfectly capture the relaxed, bohemian vibe of the modern Chartrons district.

Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux

To truly understand the history of this area, you must look below the surface. This museum is located in the historic cellars of the house of the King’s broker, dating back to 1720. It chronicles the three centuries of the wine trade in Bordeaux, from the rise of the merchant families to the evolution of the port. Inside, you can see how wine was aged, bottled, and shipped across the globe. The museum highlights the role of the 'negociants' who acted as the essential link between the chateaus of the countryside and the international markets. The vaulted stone cellars provide a cool, atmospheric look at the labor and expertise that built the city's reputation.

Quai des Chartrons

Exit the narrow streets and breathe in the river air at the Quai des Chartrons. For centuries, this waterfront was a forest of masts. Ships from Northern Europe and the Americas would dock here to unload wood, coal, and salt, and reload with thousands of barrels of wine. The grand buildings facing the river were the headquarters of the great wine houses. Notice the lack of balconies on some of the older buildings; this was to allow cranes to hoist goods directly from the street into the upper floors. Today, the warehouses have been converted into shops, outlets, and restaurants, creating a lively promenade that connects the historic port to the modern city.

Cité du Vin

Our walking route concludes at this spectacular landmark. Opened in 2016, the Cité du Vin is more than just a museum; it is a global cultural center dedicated to the heritage of wine. The building’s architecture, designed by Anouk Legendre and Nicholas Desmazières, is intended to evoke the swirl of wine in a glass and the flow of the Garonne River. Its shimmering gold and silver panels reflect the changing light of the Bordeaux sky. While the interior offers an immersive journey through world wine cultures, the exterior itself has become a symbol of the city's 21th-century renaissance. From here, you can see the Chaban-Delmas bridge and the revitalized Bacalan district, marking the end of our journey through the spirit of the wine trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route starts at the Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons, follows Rue Notre Dame for its antiques and history, and ends at the Cité du Vin. This path covers approximately 2.5 kilometers and showcases the district's transition from a merchant hub to a modern cultural center.