Bordeaux has long been a slumbering giant of a city in Southwest France – known around the world because of its delicious wines and vineyards, but it seems seldom visited. In recent years the city has been given a facelift and more and more people are look at apartments to rent in Bordeaux. With winding cobbled streets unchanged for centuries and grand balconies surveying the city, Bordeaux apartments are among the best in France – and at more than half the price of Paris, it's no wonder that many people, French and Expat alike are making the switch and looking into life down South.
Apartments in Bordeaux can be found throughout the city be it in the medieval Old Town – the equally as old original suburbs or the new and more modern buildings surrounding the city – all benefitting from the Bordeaux way of life.
Types of Accommodations in Bordeaux
Moving to Bordeaux
Even at the best of times, moving apartments is one of the most stressful things that you can do – and when you add another country into the mix – things can get stressful very quickly! Fortunately, moving to Bordeaux can be relatively pain free as long as you are prepared! Bordeaux is a major city in France and so you needn't be worried about bringing all your worldly possessions – with all the fantastic shopping available in Bordeaux, you will be able to find anything you need. As far as staying in the country goes – EU Nationals have the right to live and work in France but for those coming from further afield, you will have to apply for a visa in your home country before moving to Bordeaux and then if you are planning to stay longer than a year – you will need to apply for residency no more than 2 months after you arrive in France.
Apartments Quinconces
Having an apartment in the Quinconces is the dream of almost everyone that lives in Bordeaux - in one of the city's most exclusive zip codes, the apartments here are in the lap of luxury. Apartments in the Quinconces gaze out on boulevards lined with designer shops and boutiques with landmark restaurants and cafes everywhere you can see. If you love to live life in the high lane then without a doubt an apartment in Quinconces is for you. There is of course more to the area than just shopping and indulgence. Many of Bordeaux's most famous landmarks are in the area and so this does make it a rather touristy hotspot. As such renting an apartment in the Quinconces doesn't come cheap – but that is all part of the allure!
Apartments in Chartrons
The days of Chartrons being an 'up and coming' district of Bordeaux are long gone – this former industrial and trading center has very much arrived – however there is still a creative flair and feel to the cobbled streets that beckons people in and makes it one of the best places to live in Bordeaux. Apartments in Chartrons have the best of both worlds – while the buildings themselves are grand and show stopping, the essence of past glories gone by, the apartments themselves are up to date and modern - a perfect place to call home. As soon as you step out from your new Chartrons apartment you can walk the streets and take your pick from the bistro's and cafes that are everywhere – or perhaps stroll along the waterfront and shop till your hearts content before a late supper and many of the nightspots that are thriving.
Apartments in Saint Seurin
Just South of buzzing Chartrons is the fantastic district of Saint Seurin – with the skyline dominated by the towering UNESCO protected Basilica from which the area takes its name – Saint Seurin apartments give you that old world feel with all the conveniences of modern day life. Historically this has been the melting pot of Bordeaux, traditionally dominated by different immigrants and nationalities that came to Bordeaux to start a new life. It is a cheaper part of Bordeaux that is still is close enough to the city center to almost be considered a part of the old town, with a real sense of community with events like flea markets bringing the residents together. Apartments in Saint Seurin also benefit from the Latin and North African influences with the different cultures really offering a different experience to the Bordeaux you might only see as a tourist.
Student Accommodation Bordeaux
A lot of student accommodation in Bordeaux is comprised of several halls of residence's in so called 'student villages' - imagine a grouping of several halls of residence or dorms and you get the idea. Rooms for rent here are basic but cheap – with a nicer room, possibly with an en-suite costing around $400 a month – you can get a lot cheaper but as is often the case in these villages – there is the possibility you will be sharing a small number of bathrooms with up to 20 people. Nevertheless, you will get to experience the full university experience here. Otherwise many students live in the private sector, often grouping together and renting a flat – bringing costs down for everyone as well as securing that little bit of extra independence.
Public Transport Bordeaux
Although the public transport system in Bordeaux doesn’t have a metro or an underground system, the city really doesn’t need it and is excellently served by multiple bus and tram lines that really will get you anywhere you need to go. They are punctual, safe, clean and a fantastic way to get around the city. The main train station has connected trains to get you all over France as well as Europe too – perfect for those spontaneous weekends away!