Wine & Food Grazing in Downtown Bordeaux

Below are the don’t miss spots in Bordeaux for any serious gourmand or wine-lover.  As all are located in the town's central area, they can be reached on a walking tour---which means more available calories for indulging.  Skip lunch and opt for a grazing journey across the city.

                                             Canelés are culinary treasures from Bordeaux

Canelés at Baillardan

Don't even think of visiting Bordeaux without having one of these petite dark-caramel pastries which are a specialty of the region.  There's no better place to have them than at Baillardan.  Made from an ancient recipe, these addictive morsels should be front and center on any foodie's list. (http://www.baillardran.com/en/)

                                      The goat cheese section at Fromager Jean d'Alos

Cheese at Jean d’Alos
Passionate Monsieur d'Alos has run the city’s premier cheese shop for nearly 40 years.  He treats his assortment of >150 cheeses as if they were jewels…which they are.  Don’t miss a tour of his 15^th century aging caves located below his shop.   (http://www.jean-dalos.com/)

                      Pain et Bricoles is extremely popular...one bite & you'll know why

Bread at Fabrique Pain et Bricoles                                                     You’ll need some bread to go with your cheese and there’s no better place to procure it than at this artisanal boulangerie.  Be mindful, however, that the line can often stretch out the door, so plan accordingly.  Rather than a baguette, opt for the killer crusted rustic country bread, Pain de Campagne. (https://www.facebook.com/La-fabrique-pains-et-bricoles-166564966870338/)

                                        L'Intendant is mecca for wine lovers 

Wine at L'Intendant

This is the Bentley of Bordeaux wine shops.  A four floor emporium of who's who in the wine world, this superstore is a must for any lover of wine. Most affordable wines are on the ground floor and prices rise as you ascend the spiral staircase to the oldest vintages on the top floor.  There are about 15,000 bottles.  (http://www.intendant.com/eng)

                  The best of the Bordeaux region's food products await at this covered market

Covered Market:  Marché des Capucins

While it is Bordeaux's largest market, is is not a building of beauty...but it is a fabulous larder that showcases the best of the French southwest culinary world.  And, it offers great gourmet items to bring home for gifts.  Who wouldn't love a beautifully decorated box of fleur de sel from the nearby Atlantic? (http://marchedescapucins.com/)

                                           Your walk's reward at Saunion

Chocolate at Saunion

After too much walking, certainly a little treat from one of the city's best chocolate shops is in order, non?   The same family has been producing chocolates at Saunion for four generations and their pieces are works of art. Expensive?  Oui.  Worth it?  Main oui!    (http://www.saunion.fr/) 

Bon voyage.