May 19th 2024.
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful city of Bordeaux in France, and let me tell you, it was a vintage-lover's paradise. As much as I adore Paris, I have to say that Bordeaux has its own charm and unique treasures that you won't find anywhere else. It's like a secret Alladin's cave for vintage enthusiasts like me, and I couldn't wait to dive in and see what I could find.
One of my favorite activities while traveling is to explore flea markets and second-hand shops, and Bordeaux did not disappoint in this regard. There were bargains galore just waiting to be discovered. The biggest flea market in town is Les Puces de St Michel, which is located along the river by Quai des Salinières. It's a treasure trove of knick knacks and antiques, and I could have spent hours lost in its maze of stalls.
As I made my way through the market, I couldn't help but feel cool and French as I tried on a black vintage men's jacket that I found for just £2.50. It was definitely my best buy of 2024 so far. But Les Puces de St Michel is not just for vintage lovers, it has something for everyone. From furniture and art to unique souvenirs, you could easily spend a whole day here.
After browsing through the stalls, I decided to take a break and enjoy an espresso in the sun by the Basilique Saint Michel before heading over to the local book market in Place Jean Moulin. While most of the books were in French, it was still a beautiful setting to browse and appreciate the love for literature in this city.
But vintage shopping in Bordeaux is not just limited to flea markets. There are also many second-hand shops scattered around the city, conveniently located on either side of d'Alsace-et-Lorraine. One of my first stops was the newly opened Kilo Shop on Rue Saint-James, which had an overwhelming amount of stock. Thankfully, everything was neatly organized, and I was able to find a gorgeous beige trench coat for around £45.
I also stopped by Tilt Vintage, a slightly smaller shop, but still a hipster's dream with its collection of cheap hats and sunnies. Marina, the shop worker, shared some of her shopping secrets with me, and I also took her recommendation to visit Docks Caviar, the biggest second-hand shop in the city. It was an impressive two-floor store with a focus on US workwear brands like Levi's and Carhartt.
But vintage shopping isn't the only thing to do in Bordeaux. The city offers many other activities such as visiting the "water mirror" or taking a stroll in the public park. For a taste of the city's hipster culture, I highly recommend visiting the Darwin "ecosystem," a former military barracks turned into a mini-village with street art, skateparks, and more.
If you're traveling with kids, don't miss the fun fair that takes place in the city every March and October. And for the wine lovers out there, Bordeaux Wine Trails offers tasting workshops and a new electric e-bike tour through St Emilion's vineyards.
After a long day of shopping and exploring, I couldn't resist indulging in some of Bordeaux's famous wine. And what better place to do that than the la Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to all things wine. I was pleasantly surprised by how fun and interactive the museum was, and my boyfriend, who doesn't drink alcohol, also enjoyed the experience.
To get a bird's eye view of Bordeaux, we took a stroll on the 360-degree outdoor walkway while sipping on different wines from around the world. It was the perfect way to end our trip and celebrate our fashion finds.
If you're planning a trip to Bordeaux, I highly recommend staying at the charming Marty Hotel Bordeaux, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection. The rooms may be small, but they are cozy and full of character. And if you fall in love with the art displayed around the hotel, you can even purchase some of it from the staff.
Bordeaux truly has something for everyone, from vintage shopping to sightseeing and indulging in delicious food and wine. It's a city that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Bordeaux. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
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