A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Bordeaux, France

Many consider Bordeaux to be the best city in France to live in. While being human-sized and very walkable, it still offers plenty of cultural events, and possibly the highest ratio of restaurants and bars per inhabitant! Its historic centre will definitely make you slow down and feel like you’re in a picturesque village. But in the last decades the city has done a great job re-purposing old industrial harbours and military areas, transforming them into unique experiences and up-and-coming neighborhoods.

The iBoat is a former ferry located in the middle of a post-industrial harbour in Bordeaux and was converted into a concert venue, club and restaurant. It offers a great selection of music bookings allowing you to discover emerging artists and bands. It often welcomes “Apéroboat” during weekday evenings, co-organized by non-profits or students. The beer is a bit pricey, but you can enjoy it while watching the sunset (or sunrise) on the Garonne river, so it’s worth it. Photo by manu__l.

The iBoat is a former ferry located in the middle of a post-industrial harbour in Bordeaux and was converted into a concert venue, club and restaurant. It offers a great selection of music bookings allowing you to discover emerging artists and bands. It often welcomes “Apéroboat” during weekday evenings, co-organized by non-profits or students. The beer is a bit pricey, but you can enjoy it while watching the sunset (or sunrise) on the Garonne river, so it’s worth it. Photo by manu__l.

Bassin à Flot n°, 1 Cr Henri Brunet, 33300 Bordeaux, France

Allez Les Filles is a non-for-profit music booker operating in Bordeaux and its region since 1996. It organizes the Festival Relâche, taking place every year throughout the whole summer in Bordeaux. During the rest of the year, they organize weekly small concerts and events at their HQ, La Maison (literally at home). It’s the perfect evening to meet tons of interesting people. If you are in the area for a little while, we highly recommend becoming a member of Allez Les Filles, which helps support local artists and emerging music genres, while giving you discounts and access to exclusive events.

9 Rue Teulère, 33000 Bordeaux, France
In just about 40 minutes you can be in the middle of some of the most prestigious vineyards for a day trip. The village of Saint Emilion is all ups and downs, but the views are worth it. Bring some B&W film with you to capture the medieval village, and some LomoChrome Purple when passing through the hundreds of vineyards. While red wine is most common in the region, you will pass by the Château d’Yquem, which is home to the most expensive white wine in the world, due to its very own microclimate and soil. Photo by clayclay.

In just about 40 minutes you can be in the middle of some of the most prestigious vineyards for a day trip. The village of Saint Emilion is all ups and downs, but the views are worth it. Bring some B&W film with you to capture the medieval village, and some LomoChrome Purple when passing through the hundreds of vineyards. While red wine is most common in the region, you will pass by the Château d’Yquem, which is home to the most expensive white wine in the world, due to its very own microclimate and soil. Photo by clayclay.

Saint-Émilion, France
The Utopia is an independently-run arthouse cinema venue in the heart of Bordeaux, hidden inside the gothic Saint-Siméon church. If you are an early bird, you can grab tickets for the morning viewings at just 5 EUR! This makes up for the most uncomfortable cinema seats you will ever try. Movies are shown in original versions with subtitles, and special screenings including concert & movie are also held. Interestingly, the old church had first been repurposed as a garage, until finally becoming a cultural hotspot in the 90s. Photo by vanelhato.

The Utopia is an independently-run arthouse cinema venue in the heart of Bordeaux, hidden inside the gothic Saint-Siméon church. If you are an early bird, you can grab tickets for the morning viewings at just 5 EUR! This makes up for the most uncomfortable cinema seats you will ever try. Movies are shown in original versions with subtitles, and special screenings including concert & movie are also held. Interestingly, the old church had first been repurposed as a garage, until finally becoming a cultural hotspot in the 90s. Photo by vanelhato.

5 Pl. Camille Jullian, 33000 Bordeaux, France
The heart of Bordeaux, La Place de la Bourse is a popular spot for a really mixed crowd: photographers, children and even skaters! Thanks to the Miroir d’eau (water mirror) installation reflecting the nearby river and old buildings, it lends itself to fantastic photos or videos, especially at night. We recommend taking a wide-angle camera or lens to capture the full scene. Photo by oukrid.

The heart of Bordeaux, La Place de la Bourse is a popular spot for a really mixed crowd: photographers, children and even skaters! Thanks to the Miroir d’eau (water mirror) installation reflecting the nearby river and old buildings, it lends itself to fantastic photos or videos, especially at night. We recommend taking a wide-angle camera or lens to capture the full scene. Photo by oukrid.

Pl. de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Dare to cross the river of La Garonne and pay a visit to Darwin Eco-système on the rive droite. Darwin is an alternative ecosystem and cultural center located inside an old and rehabilitated military area. Lots of graffitis, skatepark, organic and locally-sourced food market, farm, flea market, bookstore and music events. You can spend a whole day there without getting bored! Photo by popoti.

Dare to cross the river of La Garonne and pay a visit to Darwin Eco-système on the rive droite. Darwin is an alternative ecosystem and cultural center located inside an old and rehabilitated military area. Lots of graffitis, skatepark, organic and locally-sourced food market, farm, flea market, bookstore and music events. You can spend a whole day there without getting bored! Photo by popoti.

87 Quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux, France

Located in the luxurious neighborhood of Bordeaux, near the Grand-Théâtre, La Maison de la Photographie by Panajou is a carefully curated concept store dedicated to everything photography. You’ll find a large choice of equipment, cultural products and an own studio space. Founded in 1865, it is one of the oldest photographic store in France.

32 All. de Tourny, 33000 Bordeaux, France
La Halle du marché des Capucins is a huge food market where you can grab a super-early-breakfast with the freshest sea food. It is the perfect spot to sit down and do some people-watching as local suppliers and vendors hurry about. Bring your rangefinder and Minitar-1 lens for quick street snapshots. Photo by lukkas.

La Halle du marché des Capucins is a huge food market where you can grab a super-early-breakfast with the freshest sea food. It is the perfect spot to sit down and do some people-watching as local suppliers and vendors hurry about. Bring your rangefinder and Minitar-1 lens for quick street snapshots. Photo by lukkas.

Pl. des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux, France
In under one hour you can have your toes in the sand, watching surfers ride in the Atlantic ocean. If you prefer wild spots, Lacanau is best, while Arcachon is great for enjoying tasty seafood and little boutiques. Make sure to bring your underwater case and Simple Use Reloadable camera! Photo by charlie_cat.

In under one hour you can have your toes in the sand, watching surfers ride in the Atlantic ocean. If you prefer wild spots, Lacanau is best, while Arcachon is great for enjoying tasty seafood and little boutiques. Make sure to bring your underwater case and Simple Use Reloadable camera! Photo by charlie_cat.

33680 Lacanau, France

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Bordeaux

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Bordeaux to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Les Bassins des Lumières
Located inside the former Submarine base dating from World War II, Les Bassins des Lumières is now the largest digital & visual arts centre in the world. Mixing sound and visuals, each room is an own immersive experience from floors to ceilings.

Cité du Vin
Newly-built, the Cité du Vin is a whole museum dedicated to understanding wine-making, the history of the region, types of soil, vocabulary for describing a wine, etc. It has a lot of immersive activities and little experiments you can take part in, so it is also suitable for children. The cherry on top is the rooftop where you can enjoy views of the city while doing a wine tasting (bring your Spinner 360!)

From top left to bottom right: Wine film soup by yphargomol-lomo, Le Bassins des Lumières by juszezak, La Cité du Vin by berogeitabi and the river of La Garonne by amaiahodge
From top left to bottom right: Wine film soup by yphargomol-lomo, Le Bassins des Lumières by juszezak, La Cité du Vin by berogeitabi and the river of La Garonne by amaiahodge
From top left to bottom right: Wine film soup by yphargomol-lomo, Le Bassins des Lumières by juszezak, La Cité du Vin by berogeitabi and the river of La Garonne by amaiahodge
From top left to bottom right: Wine film soup by yphargomol-lomo, Le Bassins des Lumières by juszezak, La Cité du Vin by berogeitabi and the river of La Garonne by amaiahodge
From top left to bottom right: Wine film soup by yphargomol-lomo, Le Bassins des Lumières by juszezak, La Cité du Vin by berogeitabi and the river of La Garonne by amaiahodge

La Maison
A non-for-profit music booker operating in Bordeaux and its region since 1996, Allez Les Filles organizes weekly small concerts and events at their HQ, La Maison (literally at home). It’s the perfect evening to meet tons of interesting people. If you are in the area for a little while, we highly recommend becoming a member of Allez Les Filles, which helps support local artists and emerging music genres, while giving you discounts and access to exclusive events.

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Bordeaux

In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the city of Bordeaux. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing, as well as our most inspiring Bordeaux-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Bacalan neighborhood
One of the newest neighborhoods of Bordeaux, and probably its grungiest. Rehabilitated in the 2010s from being an old industrial harbour, to now being home of new eco-housings, museums, cultural centres and food markets. We recommend starting the day with a visit at La Cité du Vin, then moving to Les Halles for lunch. There you can pair small food and wine tastings. Finish the day at Les Bassins des Lumières for an immersive late afternoon experience.

From top left to bottom right: Bridge of Chaband-Delmas by materielbrouilleur, the newly repurposed Bacalan neighborhood by charlie_cat, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of Bordeaux by melissa_zi, the Basilique Saint Michel by robertofiuza
From top left to bottom right: Bridge of Chaband-Delmas by materielbrouilleur, the newly repurposed Bacalan neighborhood by charlie_cat, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of Bordeaux by melissa_zi, the Basilique Saint Michel by robertofiuza
From top left to bottom right: Bridge of Chaband-Delmas by materielbrouilleur, the newly repurposed Bacalan neighborhood by charlie_cat, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of Bordeaux by melissa_zi, the Basilique Saint Michel by robertofiuza
From top left to bottom right: Bridge of Chaband-Delmas by materielbrouilleur, the newly repurposed Bacalan neighborhood by charlie_cat, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of Bordeaux by melissa_zi, the Basilique Saint Michel by robertofiuza
From top left to bottom right: Bridge of Chaband-Delmas by materielbrouilleur, the newly repurposed Bacalan neighborhood by charlie_cat, the Pont de Pierre connecting the left and right banks of Bordeaux by melissa_zi, the Basilique Saint Michel by robertofiuza

Basilique Saint Michel
Every Sunday, a huge flea market is held in front of the church. Come early, to score the best second-hand camera deals!

Rue Saint James & Place Fernand Lafargue
Start from la Grosse Cloche and walk down the full rue Saint James until Place Fernand Lafargue. You will find the coolest fashion and design boutiques, as well as a large choice of restaurants and small wine bars. The LomoChrome Metropolis film is ideal to capture the highly-contrasting shadows on the Grosse Cloche.

Photo on the Miroir d’eau at Place de la Bourse by math0165
Photo on the Miroir d’eau at Place de la Bourse by math0165

Cover photo by mr-furet

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

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Portraits with the Lomography Color Negative films by Matthieu Quatravaux

written by florinegarcin on 2021-11-13 #gear #people
Portraits with the Lomography Color Negative films by Matthieu Quatravaux

French photographer Matthieu Quatravaux shares his amazing medium format pictures taken with our color negative films. To Matthew, the films "really match my expectations and are always able to handle all of my uses."

Tips from the Lomography School

Lomographers from Bordeaux

  • frgments

    94 Photos · joined 2023-08-05
    frgments

    « Le vrai bonheur serait de se souvenir du présent. » | Canon AE-1 ~ Canon FD 50mm 1.4 | Konika Hexar AF ~ Konika Hexar Lens 35mm f2.0

  • axgentik

    297 Photos · joined 2021-05-06
    axgentik

    young man in search of simples moments 📸: www.instagram.com/axgentik

  • mlaniee

    193 Photos · joined 2011-06-16
    mlaniee

    I'm a new fan of lomography, I hope i will improve

  • florus

    77 Photos · joined 2011-10-13
    florus

  • you_can_be_an_artist_too

    82 Photos · joined 2011-10-10
    you_can_be_an_artist_too

    17 years old French worker. Diana F+ owner. 120 films user. Analogue lover.

  • chloevo

    182 Photos · joined 2011-08-16
    chloevo

    Having a film processed is like Christmas :D More photos at http://lostincoloration.tumblr.com

  • lodorowsky

    45 Photos · joined 2015-03-28
    lodorowsky

  • manu__l

    100 Photos · joined 2012-11-05
    manu__l

  • sugarfull

    45 Photos · joined 2009-02-13
    sugarfull

    Hum... girl, graphic designer, france, bordeaux, love trips, eating, drinking cocktails, sleeping, my job, my apple, lomography, sensitivity, not everyone but i'd lke to...

Where to Develop Film and Buy Analogue Cameras in Bordeaux

Citadium Bordeaux

Promenade Sainte-Catherine, Rue Margaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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