Nicola recently finished writing the new edition of Lonely Planet's Pocket Bordeaux guidebook, which is out in May Here she shares her expert opinion on how to explore the city on a budget. As French cities go in the budget-travel stakes, Bordeaux measures up admirably. Those 50,odd modern-day students, invariably living on a shoestring like centuries of alumni before them, need to be fed, watered and entertained after all.
New-school designer hostels and studio accommodation catering to short or longer stays have mushroomed in Bordeaux in recent years. Given the need for relative speed at lunchtime this is France, after all , the formule set two- or three-course meal and plat du jour dish of the day chalked on the board at noon invariably offer exceptional value and can be a real steal. The latter is also a five-star op to grab freshly shucked oysters from nearby Arcachon , shellfish platters, steaming bowls of spicy tajines and other top-notch street-food nosh at a food truck or stall.
Accommodation is likely to be one of your biggest expenses. Cut costs and plan your visit for low season — October to March — when hotel rates tumble.
The lack of crowds in museums at this time, the relative ease with which tables at the best restaurants can be snagged and the greater willingness locals have to chat all contribute to a greater sense of enjoying more bang for your buck.
It also includes a free guided tour and unlimited use of public buses, trams and riverboats. Buy it online or in situ at Bordeaux tourist office. Enjoy a free run of city museums on the first Sunday of the month. With the exception of July and August, city museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Or hook up with Free Walking Tours Bordeaux for a free, two-hour guided stroll around the main sights; book in advance online.
