France is known for a variety of culinary crafts, but there is no denying the important role that coffee plays in France’s culture and routine. In Bordeaux, specifically, coffee is an art form, and there are tons of nice coffee shops to experience.
My family and I lived in the Chartrons neighborhood for a month this summer, and it was such a treat getting to explore this vibrant and beautiful city. Every day, we would try a new coffee shop until we found our favorites, which returned time and time again. It’s no surprise that our favorite coffee shop was L’Alchimiste in the city center. We spent many mornings there watching the locals come in and out of their daily routine.
From local hotspots that maintain the charm of this historic city to more modern spots with beloved tasty pastries, coffee shops are abundant in Bordeaux. Whether you’re in need of a solid spot to do some work or a quaint and quiet coffee shop to read a new book, here are my picks for the seven best coffee shops in Bordeaux.
Planning a Trip to Bordeaux? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Bordeaux:
- Mama Shelter, for the coolest hotel
- Hôtel de Sèze & Spa, for the best luxury hotel
- Hôtel La Zoologie, for the best new hotel
- Yndo Hôtel, for the best boutique luxury hotel
For a more in-depth of where to stay in Bordeaux, read my full list of the best hotels in Bordeaux, France.
The 7 Best Coffee Shops in Bordeaux
1. L’Alchimiste Cafe Boutique
Located in the Quinconces district, L’Alchimiste Cafe Boutique is a popular coffee shop started by specialty roaster, Arthur Audibert. This beautiful coffee hotspot is split up into three different areas, including the coffee bar, a forest-themed sitting area, and a small gallery that regularly rotates its art. Though they have a pretty wide variety of roasts, the majority of L’Alchimiste Cafe Boutique’s coffee hails from Central America and Eastern Africa.
If you’re looking to do something coffee-centric yet different while in Bordeaux, visit L’Alchimiste Cafe Boutique on the first Saturday of the month for their two-hour workshop which includes both coffee tasting and brewing. This hands-on experience is a must for coffee-fanatics, and it only costs 10 Euros.
12 Rue de la Vieille Tour, 33000 Bordeaux, France
2. Café Piha
If you’re looking for quality coffee in a chic setting, Café Piha is the place for you. Since opening in 2017, this charming cafe is constantly buzzing with locals and visitors. Though they are most famous for their bold brew, Café Piha also has delicious food options like avocado toast, pancakes, and a variety of pastries.
Whether you’re looking to settle in with your laptop and get some work done or you’re looking for a cute spot to grab cappuccinos with friends, Café Piha provides the ideal setting in the heart of Bordeaux. Upon arriving, you’ll notice the stunning green exterior along with a few bistro tables out front. This truly is one of the most picture-perfect coffee shops in Bordeaux.
69 Rue des Ayres, 33000 Bordeaux, France
3. Books & Coffee
Book & Coffee boasts some of the best views of the Grosse Cloche in all of Bordeaux. If you are planning on touring the area or getting up close and personal at the bell and former dungeon, Books & Coffee is the perfect place to stop by for a bite to eat. Between the coffee that’s roasted in-house and the fresh sandwiches served at lunch, this cozy and nostalgic cafe is too adorable and delicious to pass up.
Once you’ve gotten your caffeine fix, enjoy tapas and wine in the evening. Though there are some tables inside, do your very best to snag a bistro table on the patio so that you can take in the epic views of the Grosse Cloche while sipping on some red and sharing some apps like burrata or octopus.
26 Rue Saint-James, 33000 Bordeaux, France
4. SIP Coffee Bar
With more than 15 years of coffee roasting experience under their belt, the owners of SIP Coffee Bar have proven just how decadent and creative coffee can be. From fresh-brewed cappuccinos to bottled coffee that you can grab on the go, SIP Coffee Bar caters to every kind of coffee-lover in Bordeaux.
You can also find SIP Coffee Bar at the Musee Decoratif. When it comes to food, SIP Coffee Bar has a wide range of treats ranging from seasonal salads to tasty tarts to more filling paninis for lunch.
69 Bis Rue des Trois-Conils, 33000 Bordeaux, France
5. La Pelle Café
Whether you’re looking to grab a cappuccino to-go or want to grab a package of specialty coffee to brew at home, La Pelle Café offers some of the richest and most decadent coffee in Bordeaux. When it comes to the selection process, La Pelle Café is committed to working with producers who focus on quality as well as caring for the environment.
At this classic cafe, coffee from Uganda, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Colombia are all represented, and all of these coffee beans are roasted in-house, creating an unreal aroma upon walking in. When it comes to food, many of the lunch and brunch dishes feature an Asian spin, proving how committed La Pelle Café is to multiculturality.
29 Rue Notre Dame, 33000 Bordeaux, France
6. Café Gusco
Between the black and white exterior and the sleek interior that features very organized and minimalistic shelves of coffee, Café Gusco is a modern cafe that sort of reminds me of what you’d find in the heart of Manhattan. Best of all, this creative coffee shop is female-owned, giving a great voice to women in the industry.
The white tiles behind the counter complement the airy and light decor throughout the space. In addition to coffee and decadent chocolate chip cookies (I highly recommend ordering one to-go), Café Gusco also serves simple lunch items like avocado toast. In the afternoon, switch out your coffee for a glass of vino on the patio.
2 Rue Ligier, 33000 Bordeaux, France
7. Pacha Mamma — Closed in 2022
Tucked behind traditional stone walls and a vibrant blue door frame, Pacha Mamma is one of the most charming and quaint coffee shops in Bordeaux. Guests are able to browse the menu while standing outside of the coffee shop thanks to the outdoor chalkboards that feature all of the local favorites.
Like many coffee shops in Bordeaux, the interior of Pacha Mamma is pretty small on the inside, and there is nothing but a handful of tables and a compact counter to order at. From double espressos to macchiatos, the coffee at Pacha Mamma keeps things classic, and even just the aroma of the coffee shop is enough to make an early risers mouth water.
In addition to coffee, Pacha Mamma also serves tasty toasts, pastries, and empanadas. Though there are some tables inside, I recommend snagging a bistro table outside so that you can people-watch while sipping your brew.
22 Rue du Chai des Farines, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Save This Post for Later on Pinterest
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Flights
Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Car
Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
