Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bordeaux is a vibrant city located in southwestern France, renowned for its wine and historical architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 75 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD as of April 2025. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe for consumption. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and online banks such as N26 and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Homestay, and local rental agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and contactless payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Les Biches, offering dorms starting at €20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center around Place des Quinconces and Rue Sainte-Catherine. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Bastide district and Chartrons offer quieter environments with coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kowork, a popular coworking space in the Nansouty area. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Docks offers a great ambiance with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Bordeaux Digital Nomads meet bi-monthly on Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Participate in the ‘Expats In Bordeaux’ Facebook group for events and community activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Bordeaux, offering convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | V3, a bike-sharing service, is available throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Arcachon, approximately 70 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France operates regional flights from Bordeaux. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and easyJet offer budget international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A630 connects Bordeaux to nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare Saint-Jean is the primary train station in Bordeaux. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The TBM offers monthly passes for €50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train connections to cities like Toulouse and Arcachon are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CHU de Bordeaux is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Village offers various classes for practitioners of all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Bordeaux provides affordable gym access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique located in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Deliveroo are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the famous Entrecôte à la Bordelaise. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Bistronome offers a great selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Toque Cuivrée for traditional French pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marché des Capucins is a great market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Cdiscount operate with local delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Monoprix and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de la Susini and Place de la Victoire are popular areas for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Brasserie de la Lune offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar à Vin, a wine bar showcasing local Bordeaux wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Les Halles de Bacalan offers various street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tacos, sushi, and Italian options are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | La Cité du Vin and Place de la Bourse are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain de Bordeaux showcases modern art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Saint André and the Grosse Cloche. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica of St. Michael is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bordeaux Wine Festival occurs every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historic Chartrons district for antique shops and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre National de Bordeaux offers a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché des Capucins is lively on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The rock venue Le Rocher de Palmer hosts frequent concerts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The “Street Art Tour” showcases murals across the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Cuisine de Bordeaux offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Bordelaise exhibits local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palais Rohan, the city's town hall, is architecturally significant. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bordeaux's wine history is represented by the many cellars and vineyards. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parc Bordelais offers green space for picnics and walking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, is accessible within an hour. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bordeaux Greenway is a scenic route for cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of the Pey Berland Tower provides a great city panorama. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands of the Grand Parc offer rich birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Parc Bordelais are suitable for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Colissimo and Mondial Relay provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bordeaux Repair Café offers community tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Outdoor tables at Parc Bordelais. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Alliance Française offers French language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Médiathèque de Bordeaux is a great place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | La Maison des Associations offers various community services. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Reload Gaming offers PC and console gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Barrière Bordeaux provides gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €126,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €240,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate in France is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | France operates a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate in France is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 5.8% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax for non-residents on foreign income. |