Must Eat Meals in Bordeaux

Last updated on July 7th, 2024 at 01:55 am

France is the world’s most visited country. With an abundance of exquisite architecture, world class cuisine and robust wines, there’s much to appreciate in “La Republique Francaise.”

The French spend more money on food compared to any other European nation. It’s tempting to cover just one word…canard…because the French love indulging in duck, prepared in a variety of ways.

Bordeaux offers a wealth of delicious dishes. Lyon, France is the gastronomic heart of the nation, and is another one of our favorite cities to dine. Here are 5 must eat meals in Bordeaux.

1) Magret de Canard

This is a plump duck breast steak, taken from ducks specially bred for their foie gras livers. You’ll see magret de canard on restaurant menus everywhere and wonder why it costs roughly the same as a good steak. You’ll understand why after you enjoy the dish. A good cut of duck breast properly grilled medium rare, melts in your mouth. The taste is comparable to a quality venison steak, since duck is gamier than beef. Magret de canard is probably my favorite dish of the must eat meals in Bordeaux!

3) Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame

There are far worse things in life, but these are prime examples of why it sucks being lactose intolerant. Sure, there is lactaid, but there is one terrible side effect to lactaid…it doesn’t work. Anyways, a properly crafted croque monsieur is basically the best fried ham and cheese sandwich you’ll ever eat. Croque Monsieurs are made with emmentel or gruyere cheese (never plastic flavored yellow cheese). Cheese is also lathered atop the bread.

The croque madame is the same concept, except it comes topped with a fried egg as well. Fun that they are both a closed and open faced sandwich at the same time! Both sandwiches are eaten with a knife and fork – giving them the dignity they deserve.

3) Crepes

Crepes are a popular French export beloved around the world. The concept of American “French Fries” actually originated in Belgium, as half that nation speaks French. You can get a wonderful crepe in a cafe, but it’s also excellent street food in France. You’ll frequently see a stall with a large round griddle, with a man constantly pouring fresh pancake batter and spreading it out thin. A typical French street crepe is pretty simple but delicious. Sugar or strawberries are the typical flavors.

4) Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a slow-cooked casserole containing meat, pork skin and white beans. The rich dish has its origins in southern France. It is named after its traditional cooking vessel, the casserole, a deep, round, earthenware pot with slanting sides. Cassoulet is believed to have originated in the town of Castelnaudary.

A great Bordeaux restaurant to enjoy cassoulet is Brasserie Bordelaise. This lovely brasseries specializes in flavors of southwest France. Their extensive wine cellar features around 700 domestic and international choices. Selections from around France include small producers and grand crus.

5) Foie Gras

Sorry vegetarians, perhaps no dish makes PETA members cringe more than foie gras because of debatable feeding practices. Foie gras is a delicacy typically made from the enlarged liver of a duck, or sometimes a goose (“oie” in French). The bird’s livers are served whole or seasoned pate style. Pate style is the cheaper version.

Foie gras doesn’t sound particularly appealing, and it is certainly not palatable for everyone. Expertly prepared foie gras tastes like a delicious meaty butter. Additional labor is involved to produce foie gras, making it more expensive. This is why it is a luxury dish.

It can be cheaper in France than elsewhere, which is why you should eat it there. Do not waste your money on canned foie gras.

Animals rights organizations frequently target the foie gras industry. But it’s no worse to eat a gavanche fed duck than it is to eat an American Tyson chicken (America’s largest chicken farm).

Charcuterie and Cheese Picnic! 

So stereotypically French, it’s a must to visit one of Bordeaux’s great markets (or at least a grocery store) and select from an incredible assortment of sausage and cheeses. Plus it’s excellent value. Consider taking your picnic down to the Jardin Public or Le Miroir d’eau on the La Garonne river, both in the center of the city. These are both wonderful and relaxing places to enjoy one of your must eat meals in Bordeaux. Bon appetite!

Bordeaux Hotels

Luxury

Hôtel Le Palais Gallien offers a wonderful 5-star luxury stay in Bordeaux, complete with concierge and ticket service. The property features fine dining, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, bar and garden. Their 24-hour front desk can also assist with airport transfers and room service. They also provide free WiFi throughout the property. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Esplanade des Quinconces, Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and CAPC Musee d’Art Contemporain.

Mid-Range

L’Hôtel Particulier is located just 350 feet from Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux. The property offers free WiFi and is ideally located to discover the highlights of Bordeaux. All rooms at the comfortable guest house have air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a balcony or patio and feature a comfortable seating area. All rooms have private bathrooms. Concierge service is available at the property. On-site bike hire is also available.

Budget

The Ibis Bordeaux Centre – Gare Saint Jean, is a good option for budget travelers. It’s conveniently located 1,000 feet from Saint Jean Train Station and a 10-minute tram ride from the city center. The property offers a bar and free WiFi in all rooms. Ibis offers an ample buffet breakfast consisting of sweet and savory dishes like eggs, fruit salad, yogurts and juices for a surcharge. Ibis is no frills, but offers a solid base to enjoy a visit to charming Bordeaux.

Day Trip to Saint Emilion

Saint Emilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located alongside rolling French vineyards. If you don’t want to drive, it’s a 35km train ride from Gare St. Jean train station in Bordeaux to Gare de Saint Émilion. The train takes around 40 minutes each way. Consider taking a day tour to Saint Emilion in a comfortable minibus if you don’t want to stress over details. It’s one of our favorite towns in Europe.

Bordeaux Trip Plans

Read our tips on traveling to Bordeaux in summer. With school holidays and designated work vacations, summer is a popular time to visit. But if you can visit in May or September, those months are more ideal for fewer tourists and better prices. Here’s some funny Bordeaux pictures that should give you a chuckle!

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