The ultimate guide to shopping in Bordeaux, France: luxury, outlets & tips
You’ve just landed in Bordeaux, a French gem known for its wine and architecture, but you're wondering, where should you go for the best shopping experience?
Whether you're in search of high-end brands, local artisan shops, or vibrant flea markets, shopping à Bordeaux is an experience as refined and delightful as its wines.
In this guide, you'll discover the top streets and districts like Rue Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Michel, Rue Notre-Dame, and even hidden gems near Hôtel de Ville. Plus, we’ll show you how to save on your purchases with the Zapptax tax refund app!
Let’s explore the very best places to shop in Bordeaux, from luxe to local.
🧳 Don’t leave money behind – shop tax-free with Zapptax!
Why shopping à Bordeaux is a must for travelers
Bordeaux isn't just about vineyards and Gothic cathedrals. It’s a shopping paradise where every corner of the city offers something special. From charming boutiques to prestigious fashion houses, you'll find a perfect blend of $French elegance and bohemian flair*.
Thanks to Bordeaux’s walkable layout and excellent tram network, getting from upscale neighborhoods to quirky districts is easy and enjoyable. And with France’s VAT refund scheme available through Zapptax, shopping becomes not just pleasurable, but also profitable for tourists.
Where to shop in Bordeaux: neighborhoods & streets you can't miss
1. Rue Sainte-Catherine – The beating heart of Bordeaux retail
The crown jewel of shopping à Bordeaux, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. Stretching for 1.2 km from Place de la Comédie to Place de la Victoire, Rue Sainte-Catherine buzzes with life, offering everything from flagship fashion giants like Zara and Apple to beloved French labels such as Etam and Sézane.
Along the way, stop by Galeries Lafayette, Bordeaux’s iconic department store, offering fashion, beauty, and home decor under one roof.
📍 Tip: Go in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a coffee break at one of the cafés along the way.
2. Saint-Michel – Bohemian flair and vintage treasures
Just south of the historic center, Saint-Michel is where the creative and eclectic spirit of Bordeaux truly shines. The area around Basilique Saint-Michel is known for its flea markets, thrift stores, antique dealers, and vintage clothing boutiques.
If you love one-of-a-kind finds, handmade jewelry, or retro fashion, this neighborhood is your go-to. You can also catch the Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s oldest market, for local food and produce.
📍 Tip: Visit on a Saturday morning when the open-air market is in full swing.
3. Rue Notre-Dame – Artisans, galleries & concept stores
Located in the Chartrons district, Rue Notre-Dame offers a refined shopping experience focused on art, antiques, and independent designers. This quiet, elegant street is perfect for those who want to shop slow and discover curated items—from handmade ceramics to minimalist French fashion.
Don’t miss a visit to the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, then stroll the nearby boutiques for inspiration and souvenirs.
📍 Tip: Many shops here are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
4. Hôtel de Ville & Rue des Remparts – Central and elegant
The area around Hôtel de Ville (Bordeaux City Hall) is a well-kept secret for shoppers. Walk down Rue des Remparts to find local clothing stores, perfumeries, chocolatiers, and stylish bookshops. The architecture in this part of town adds an extra layer of charm to your retail therapy.
You'll also be near Place Pey Berland, a vibrant square where trams converge and street musicians often perform, adding atmosphere to your shopping journey.
📍 Tip : Look for artisan perfumes and French stationery. This area has several independent perfumeries and concept bookstores, perfect for unique, elegant souvenirs.
5. Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle)
Located between Place de la Comédie, Place Tourny, and Place Gambetta, the Triangle d'Or is Bordeaux's luxury shopping district. Here, you'll find high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier nestled among elegant 18th-century architecture.
📍 Tip : Combine shopping with a gourmet stop. Don’t miss Maison Baillardran for a luxury canelé (Bordeaux’s signature pastry) or enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine at Le Bar à Vin near Place de la Comédie.
🛒 Top shopping centers in and around Bordeaux
Mériadeck Shopping Center
A modern indoor mall near the city center with over 65 shops including Fnac, Sephora, and a large Auchan supermarket. Convenient for one-stop shopping.
Mérignac Soleil
Located just outside the city, this retail park has over 120 stores, including Decathlon and Maisons du Monde. Ideal if you're driving.
Quai des Marques
An outlet shopping village on the riverside with discounts on brands like Nike, Desigual, and Levi’s. Plenty of cafés and a lovely view of the Garonne make this a relaxing stop.
Can you shop on Sundays in Bordeaux?
Yes! While traditional French laws limit Sunday openings, Bordeaux is classified as a tourist zone, which means many shops stay open on Sundays, especially in areas like Rue Sainte-Catherine, Quai des Marques, and near Hôtel de Ville.
From November to January (holiday season) and during summer sales, expect extended hours and vibrant atmospheres even on weekends.
Where to find luxury shopping in Bordeaux
Looking for luxury? Head straight to the Triangle d’Or, bordered by Cours de l’Intendance, Cours Georges Clémenceau, and Allées de Tourny.
Here you’ll find:
- Louis Vuitton – Classic elegance in a stunning Bordeaux townhouse
- Hermès – Timeless accessories and ready-to-wear collections
- Cartier – Exquisite timepieces and jewelry
- Baillardran – For gourmet lovers, this boutique sells luxury cannelés (a Bordeaux specialty)
This area is perfect for high-end shopping à Bordeaux with a side of architecture and style.
Tax-free shopping made easy with Zapptax
If you’re a non-EU resident, you’re entitled to a VAT refund on purchases over €100 spent during your entire stay. But dealing with all the paperwork and administrative burden can be a pain, unless you use Zapptax.
Why use Zapptax?
- No paperwork hassle: upload invoices directly in the app.
- Shop in any store, including thrift shops, flea markets (if they issue invoices), or vintage boutiques. You can also shop online.
- Once your total spending reaches €100 (VAT incl.), Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
- Get refunded directly to your credit card, PayPal, bank account or Alipay.
- 100 % digital and fast, perfect for tourists on the go
📲 Download Zapptax before you shop in Bordeaux and maximize your savings effortlessly.
FAQ: shopping à Bordeaux
Q: Where can I shop for luxury brands in Bordeaux?
A: Head to the Triangle d’Or for boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier.
Q: Are stores open on Sundays?
A: Yes, especially in tourist areas like Rue Sainte-Catherine, Hôtel de Ville, and shopping centers.
Q: Can I get a VAT refund in Bordeaux?
A: Absolutely! Use the Zapptax app for a seamless and paper-free refund process.
Q: What's the best neighborhood for vintage and artisan shopping?
A: Explore Saint-Michel for vintage treasures and Rue Notre-Dame for artisan boutiques.
Final tips before you go
- Wear comfy shoes, shopping à Bordeaux means a lot of walking!
- Don’t miss local specialties like canelés, wine, and leather goods for authentic souvenirs.
- Use Zapptax to shop smarter and save.
- Schedule a mix of mainstream shopping and neighborhood exploration to get a full taste of Bordeaux’s style.
Whether you're hunting for high fashion, unique souvenirs, or simply enjoying the ambiance of Bordeaux's shopping districts, the city offers a retail experience that's both diverse and delightful. Don't forget to leverage tools like Zapptax to make the most of your purchases!
