5 designer boutiques to responsibly shop in Bordeaux

Tell us about the connection you have to the neighborhood your store is in Mathilde: "I arrived in Bordeaux to do my studies. Eight years later, I was lucky enough to help in its metamorphosis. Bordeaux is a really dynamic city, simultaneously artsy and trendy. I love living here, particularly in the downtown area where my store is located. The rue du Loup is a really lovely street which leads to Pey Berland Square, renowned for its vintage shops and artisinal workshops.

How do you choose the designers you work with? "It's a question of meeting: in the past by chance, but now more by recommendation. New designers regularly come to the boutique, thanks to word-of-mouth in their community. That's honestly the best business card in the industry! For my part, I need to ensure that the products and brand of a new designer are harmonious with the identity of Blue Madone.

What are your three favorite spots in Bordeaux? Always Place St Michel for the flea market on Sunday mornings. Le Mampuku, run by three chefs who are friends, originally from the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific who harmonize their different cuisines. Then, as a fan of teahouses, I can't decide between two: Piha and Michel Ma Belle

• Blue Madone
• 59, rue du Loup - 33000 Bordeaux
• From Tuesday to Saturay, from 11am to 7pm

Tell us about the connection you have to the neighborhood your store is in Maxime: Gaëlle was born in Bordeaux: since she was little, her favorite street was rue Notre Dame. So, we put our store here to honor that! And for myself, originally from Rodez, this was the first street I got the chance to discover when I arrived in Bordeaux. We both adore the "village" atmosphere that this neighborhood emits.

How do you choose the designers you work with? "Firstly, we buy the products for ourselves and test them. We generally operate by a feeling to know what's right. The guiding line of our selection is always "made in France."

What are your three favorite spots in Bordeaux? "Suzzi, a delicious restaurant opened recently, which is perfect for brunch. L'Échoppe de la Lune, a grocery store offering emblematic products from Bordeaux. And finally the essential Mollat bookstore, where we love to browse. We always leave with full arms!"

• Do you speak français ? - Concept store 100% Made in France
• 93, rue Notre-Dame - 33000 Bordeaux
• From Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm

Tell us about the connection you have to the neighborhood your store is in Muriel: "I'm from Pessac, and after traveling a bit, I knew that I wanted to come back and settle down here. We found this place, in the extension of rue Saint-James, not far from the Grosse Cloche, on the rue du Mirail. We are right next to the student district of Victoire. It's a very "alternative district" and with a lot of meeting places. We wanted to import a concept we discovered in Toulouse, in which the store associates designers and craftsmen."

How do you choose the designers you work with?

"For the most part, I've met them at trade fairs. The same spirit of mutual aid and mutual support that drives us must drive them. Today we also welcome guest designers, who are asked to submit an application. We are sensitive to the energy that radiates from each person and to the meaning of their project."

Your three favorite spots in Bordeaux?

"Le Verdenero, a café whose owners were the first to offer us a space. Le Buro des Possibles, a coworking space, and Une faim de loup, a tearoom in the Saint-Michel district. And finally: our new store, Olà, which we hope to develop soon!"

• Spécimen - Officine collective de créateurs
• 11, rue du Mirail – 33000 Bordeaux
• From Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am–7pm

Tell us about the connection you have to the neighborhood your store is in Laura: "I am Romanian, and I had the chance to come study in Bordeaux thanks to a scholarship to finish my masters in tourism. I met my partner there, and quite naturally we stayed here. I'm particularly sensitive to the architecture of this city, and to its magnificent monuments. I'm set up in the Saint-Michel district; I have always lived here and I am very attached to it."

How do you choose the designers you work with?

"Handmade is the common thread of the store. My goal is to enhance and contribute to maintaining traditional skills from around the world. This is why I have been traveling the world for 3 years, looking for wonders which I then sell in the shop. I’m open to anything. Every three months I go on a trip to a different country: Jordan, Mali…I always bring back my favorites! "

Your three favorite spots in Bordeaux?

"I immediately think of Échoppe de la Lune, which tells the story of Bordeaux through its products. It is the perfect place to discover the culinary heritage of Bordeaux. The coworking café at Buro des Possibles is another of my favorite places. Finally, my current spot is the Greek restaurant Samos. Recently opened, it's already full most nights."

• Chineurs du monde - Trouvailles d’ailleurs
• 75, rue Camille Sauvageau - 33800 Bordeaux
• Wednesday to Saturday : 11am - 12:30pm / 1:30pm - 7pm - Sunday: 11am - 2pm