The Shopkeepers are back with their top spots to head in between strolls along the Garonne and sipping French wine.
September is the perfect time to visit Bordeaux. The sunny, warm weather is perfect for exploring this French city that befits a Disney-themed princess set. Luckily I had a local guide (and her dog) to show me around this charming destination. I happily abandoned maps and GPS tools, whilst we strolled the cobbled streets. I loved walking around Bordeaux. There are wide swathes of paths for walking and cycling along the river Garonne, and there is limited traffic in the town centre. The historic old city of Bordeaux is on the UNESCO world heritage list. The majestic buildings in the old city serve as wonderful facades for their charming shopfronts. I stayed at the Mama Shelter hotel, conveniently located in the old city, perfect for exploring the streets, shops and cafes.
Sip – We started our day with flat whites at Sip Coffee Bar, a lovely vintage-style interior with high ceilings and lots of seating options to sit and plan our day.
Le Local is one of the most beautiful food shops I have ever visited. Crates of colourful, local produce displayed against the framework of the stunning original architectural features of the building, and neat rows of speciality goods line the walls.
Amour de Fleurs – The day we visited Amour de Fleurs we were lucky to witness the owner changing the shopfront decor from summer to fall. Inside it is bursting with beautiful blooms and houseplants, which you may not be able to transport home but you can certainly admire and enjoy.
La Garconnière – Behind a facade with dramatic soaring windows, is menswear lifestyle shop, La Garconnière. This beautifully designed store has a coffee shop, delicatessen, and barbershop, as well as men’s clothing and accessories.
Coutume is a modern hardware store with goods for the home and garden. The shop, with distinctive graphics, is divided into sections such as table, office, bathroom, kids and garden.
Pow Wow Kids is an enchanting children’s lifestyle shop. The displays and merchandising is charming, with clothing to the front of the shop and furniture and toys are displayed against a forest of wallpapered-trees at the back of the shop. There is a scandi feel with an emphasis on natural materials.
Mariage de Fleurs – Bordeaux has an abundance of beautiful flower shops. Across the street from Pow Wow Kids is Mariage de Fleurs. Plants decorate the unique teal green shopfront and inside plants are displayed on vintage furniture and crates.
Herbes Fauves – Yep! Another one for you greenery lovers! An abundance of colourful floral stems and foliage are grouped on a collection of tables in the centre of Herbes Fauves. Vintage furniture is used for the shop counter and a multitude of plant pots are displayed inside a cabinet.
Apache – This pretty boutique with its natural wood fixtures and pastel painted walls offers handmade jewellery inspired by Native American influences.
Be sure to head to The Shopkeepers website for more beautiful shops and eateries to drool over. Their Instagram feed is particularly fab. Thanks for sharing guys!
