🌍 Overview
Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, has been gaining popularity as a digital nomad destination due to its unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure. As a remote work hub, Bordeaux offers a relatively low cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $601 per month, making it an attractive option for digital nomads looking to stretch their budget. The city’s nomad scene is growing, with a number of coworking spaces and community events catering to remote workers. While Bordeaux may not have the same level of digital nomad infrastructure as other cities, with a score of 47/100, it makes up for it with its stunning architecture, world-class wine, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for focusing on work and enjoying life.
One of the main draws for digital nomads in Bordeaux is the city’s relaxed vibe, which allows for a great work-life balance. The city’s social scene is also worth exploring, with a number of cafes, restaurants, and bars that are perfect for meeting new people and making connections. However, it’s worth noting that Bordeaux’s social and nightlife scene scores are relatively low, at 32/100, so it may not be the best fit for those looking for a thriving party scene. On the other hand, the city’s cultural attractions, with a score of 40/100, offer a wealth of opportunities to explore and learn about the local history and customs.
As a digital nomad in Bordeaux, you can expect to find a mix of traditional French culture and modern amenities, with a growing expat community that’s always eager to meet new people. English is widely spoken, especially among the younger population and those in the service industry, making it relatively easy for non-French speakers to navigate the city. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Bordeaux is an ideal destination for remote workers looking for a unique and inspiring experience.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Chartrons
Chartrons is a charming neighborhood located just north of the city center, known for its historic architecture, trendy bars, and lively atmosphere. The neighborhood is a favorite among digital nomads, with a number of coworking spaces and cafes that offer a productive and social environment. Rent prices in Chartrons are relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $550-700 per month. However, the neighborhood can get quite noisy, especially at night, so it’s not the best fit for those who value quiet and peace.
Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Bordeaux, known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene. The neighborhood is home to a number of cafes, restaurants, and bars that are perfect for meeting new people and enjoying the local cuisine. Rent prices in Saint-Pierre are slightly higher than in Chartrons, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $700-900 per month. However, the neighborhood offers a unique and inspiring environment that’s perfect for remote workers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Bacalan
Bacalan is a trendy neighborhood located just west of the city center, known for its modern architecture, hipster bars, and vibrant arts scene. The neighborhood is a favorite among young professionals and digital nomads, with a number of coworking spaces and cafes that offer a productive and social environment. Rent prices in Bacalan are relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $500-650 per month. However, the neighborhood can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s not the best fit for those who value peace and quiet.
Caudéran
Caudéran is a residential neighborhood located just south of the city center, known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful parks, and family-friendly environment. The neighborhood is a great option for digital nomads who value quiet and peace, with a number of cafes and restaurants that offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Rent prices in Caudéran are relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $450-600 per month. However, the neighborhood is located a bit farther from the city center, so it may require a longer commute to access the main attractions and amenities.
Digital Nomad Guide
Bordeaux has a growing number of coworking spaces that cater to digital nomads, including Le Garage, which offers a monthly membership for around $200-300, and La Cantine, which offers a daily pass for around $10-20. The city’s internet infrastructure is relatively good, with an average speed of 20 Mbps, although fiber optic connections are not yet widely available. For remote workers looking for a productive and social environment, the city’s cafes are a great option, with popular spots like Café des Arts, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and reliable wifi, and Le Comptoir du Marché, which offers a cozy environment and a wide range of coffee and food options.
The nomad community in Bordeaux is growing, with a number of meetups and events that cater to remote workers, including the Bordeaux Digital Nomads group, which meets regularly at Le Garage, and the Bordeaux Expats group, which meets regularly at La Cantine. For those looking to explore the local culture, the city’s museums and galleries are a must-visit, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which offers a wide range of art and cultural exhibitions, and the Musée d’Aquitaine, which offers a unique insight into the region’s history and culture.
In terms of visa options, France offers a number of options for remote workers, including the “Passeport Talent” visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in France for up to a year, and the “Visa de Long Séjour” visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in France for up to a year. For banking and practical setup, the city’s banks and financial institutions offer a range of services, including account opening, money transfer, and credit card applications, with popular options including BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Bordeaux is a city that’s steeped in history and culture, with a unique blend of traditional French customs and modern amenities. The city’s food scene is a highlight, with a wide range of local specialties, including escargots, foie gras, and wine, which can be found in popular restaurants like Le Chapon Fin, which offers a traditional French menu, and Le Pressoir d’Argent, which offers a modern take on local cuisine. The city’s nightlife scene is also worth exploring, with a number of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes and preferences, including the popular Le Bar du Marché, which offers a wide range of cocktails and live music, and the trendy Le Café des Arts, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide range of coffee and drinks.
In terms of local customs and etiquette, Bordeaux is a city that values tradition and respect, with a number of unique customs and practices that are worth learning about, including the traditional Bordeaux wine tasting, which involves a specific sequence of steps and rituals, and the local festival of Saint-Michel, which takes place in September and involves a number of traditional music and dance performances. The city’s language situation is also worth noting, with French being the primary language spoken, although English is widely spoken, especially among the younger population and those in the service industry.
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the Cité du Vin, a unique wine museum that offers a interactive and immersive experience, with a wide range of exhibits and tastings, and a stunning view of the city from its rooftop bar.
- Explore the historic neighborhood of Saint-Pierre, with its charming streets, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, and visit the popular Café des Arts, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and reliable wifi.
- Take a stroll along the Garonne River, which offers a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings, and visit the popular Le Comptoir du Marché, which offers a cozy environment and a wide range of coffee and food options.
- Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which offers a wide range of art and cultural exhibitions, and explore the city’s vibrant arts scene, with a number of galleries and studios that showcase local and international artists.
- Attend a wine tasting at one of the city’s many wine bars, such as Le Bar du Marché, which offers a wide range of wines and a cozy atmosphere, and learn about the city’s famous wine production and tradition.
- Visit the Basilique Saint-Michel, a stunning church that offers a unique insight into the city’s history and culture, and explore the city’s many parks and gardens, such as the Jardin Botanique, which offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
💡 Practical Tips
- Visa requirements: France offers a number of visa options for remote workers, including the “Passeport Talent” visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in France for up to a year, and the “Visa de Long Séjour” visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in France for up to a year. The cost of these visas can range from $60 to $300, depending on the type and duration of stay.
- Getting around: Bordeaux has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, with a single ticket costing around $2, and a monthly pass costing around $40. The city is also bike-friendly, with a number of bike lanes and rental options available.
- Safety considerations: Bordeaux is generally a safe city, although it’s always a good idea to take precautions, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas. The city’s main tourist areas are well-patrolled, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Best time to visit: Bordeaux is a year-round destination, although the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The summer months can be hot and crowded, while the winter months can be cool and rainy.
- Local tips and warnings: Bordeaux is a city that values tradition and respect, so it’s a good idea to learn about local customs and etiquette, especially when interacting with locals or visiting cultural attractions. The city’s streets can be narrow and winding, so it’s a good idea to get a map or use a GPS to navigate.
- Money matters: Bordeaux is a relatively affordable city, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $11, and a coffee costing around $2.7. The city’s ATMs and banks are widely available, although it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting local markets or small shops.
- Healthcare and insurance considerations: France has a comprehensive healthcare system, although it’s always a good idea to have health insurance, especially if you’re planning to stay in the country for an extended period. The city’s hospitals and medical facilities are well-equipped and staffed by qualified professionals, although it’s always a good idea to research and choose a reputable provider.
