MY CITY

BORDEAUX

ALICE BALLU

Bordeaux native Alice Ballu grew up surrounded by the wine culture of the region. And despite several years of globetrotting - which took her as far afield as Tokyo, London and Africa - she never lost her fierce pride in her hometown and its gastronomy.

Drawing from her deep love of Bordeaux, as well as her background in marketing, Alice decided to set up Taste - Bordeaux Wine and Sea Tour, a boutique travel service offering bespoke tours of the city and its surrounding region.

Already featured in publications such as Elle, this elegant bordelaise is taking tailor-made-travel to new heights. So, who better to ask for tips on some of the best places to check out in the city?

Here are five of her favourites...

BASE SOUS-MARINE

@bsm_bordeaux_officiel

"Discover contemporary art exhibitions at Bordeaux museums like Base Sous-Marine, a disused naval base that has been converted into an 'underground' cultural location. Another favourite of mine is CAPC (Musee d'Art Contemporain de Bordeaux), housed in a beautiful old warehouse."

//

LES QUAIS DE BORDEAUX

The city's historic port

"The city's port is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring. Both the rive droite (right bank) and rive gauche (left bank) have lots to offer, from the botanical gardens and the famous bridge pont de pierre, to the place de la Bourse and the miroir d'eau."

//

LES CHARTRONS

Antiques district in the centre of Bordeaux

"The leafy district of Les Chartrons is home to many antiques dealers, as well as design stores and vintage furniture shops. I love the lively vibe of the area, especially in old streets like Rue Notre Dame, which is packed with character. It's a great place to find quirky cafes, buzzing bistros, restaurants and bars."

//

SAINT MICHEL

Quaint quarter around the old church

"I love this district in the historic centre of Bordeaux, built around the imposing Gothic basilica of the same name. Check out the regular flea market (on Sunday mornings) and the food market, Marché des Capuchins, offering all kinds of typical local foods."

//

BASSIN D'ARCACHON

An escape from the city

"Bordeaux is just one hour away from the stunning Bassin d'Arcachon (Arcachon Basin), a vast triangular bay of the Atlantic Ocean, the southwest corner of which is open to the sea. Best explored by boat or by bike, you can indulge in the area's beautiful views, beaches, restaurants and oyster huts."

//

DETAILS

Taste - Bordeaux Wine and Sea Tour offers tailor-made tours of Bordeaux and the surrounding region, catering to each client's unique likes, tastes and budget.

Follow Taste on Instagram:

@taste_bordeauxtour

http://www.taste-bordeauxtour.fr/

GET MORE INSIDER TIPS FROM THE LOCALS

EXPLORE

All photos are courtesy of Taste. This feature was not paid for in any way.