Week end in Bordeaux and Cap Ferret

I have always loved the city of Bordeaux, even before it got all renovated. It’s has this relaxed chic atmosphere and meanwhile classy trendy spots are flourishing everywhere. Its proximity to the Bassin d’Arcachon (Arcachon & Cap Ferret) & to the Bordeaux vineyards add to the attraction of this lovely city.

So here is the deal for foodies, just a little selection of places I visited in June.

Impossible to miss the fantastic restaurant Garopapilles ! No A la carte choice, only a set menu with a full and a shorter version. I took the full menu and it was just amazing, such a great choice of dishes and flavours, very delicate preparations, here was absolutely nothing that I could have been unhappy with, and trust me I am ver critical when it comes to my food! Service was pleasant and professional, the place is tiny with just a few tables at the back of a wine shop and with a terrace outside for nice days. Very quiet and enjoyable place but needs early reservation!

Another great discovery was the restaurant C’Yusha. So the level of refinement is a little lower (but here we are talking about top level restaurants) but very enjoyable too. The service was amazing with lots of suggestions and lovely conversation and jokes, a great combination of relaxed cozy atmosphere with high professionalism. The food was great and creative, the place is small and beautiful with old arched whites stones, great wine recommendation. Go for it, it may well soon become difficult to make a reservation.

Oh and if you have time for a drink at the Boutique hotel before dinner do not miss the occasion. Very friendly service and cozy terrace in a patio / garden away from the street with nice garden furniture. Nice wine selection.

A tour on the Bassin d’Arcachon is a must. Take a boat in Arcachon and go for lunch in Cap Ferret. If you are a bit lazy you do not even need to walk much, just go the Pinasse café right upon arrival. Highly professional service, clearly interested in customer feedback and well being. We took a lobster with sweetbreads surf & turf dish which was perfectly prepared and delicious. Also desserts are of very high quality and creative. It is not a cheap treat due to the location but it is a very enjoyable moment.

And if you want to taste a bit of Bordeaux wine on Sunday morning without going too far away nor having to make a reservation in advance, I can recommend Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, very close to Bordeaux (Martillac) with a beautiful chateau as well as a few restaurants from the next door les Sources de Caudalie. You can play a bit with a blind wine tasting at Smith Haut Lafitte followed by lunch (tapas like with oysters, Spanish ham, foie gras, burrata, fish tartar, sheep cheese from Pyrenees, etc…) with a glass of wine at le Rouge wine bar next door which also has a grocery shop including Caudalie products, food and wine.

Finally, Bordeaux hosts La cité du vin. It is an impressive modern architecture building in which you will be able to learn all about wine. I have not had time to go through the exhibition but on the top of the building there is a restaurant (Le 7) overviewing the city. The view is great and the design as well. The menu is short but full of treasures. I had one of the new creations which is colourful, very tasty and creative with a wasabi and lime mousse and a raspberry sorbet.

Valérie Trocmé