La Maison Bord'eaux ★★★★

Bordeaux is a typically French city. There’s the rustic streets lined with neoclassical architecture, a sprawling square around every corner, plenty of places to sip on a coffee in the morning, and no shortage of whimsical, fairytale architectural details. Known for many years as ‘La Belle au Bois Dormant’, or ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in English, it has since been woken up from its slow and backward ways and is now a thriving urban hub in southwest France.

Walking down the bustling pedestrianised boulevards that remind me so much of a smaller, more rustic Paris, it is difficult to imagine the city as ever being asleep. In fact, its beautifully restored buildings, impressive new transport systems, and the lively student population make it seem like the exact opposite – a city that is wide awake. I could almost feel the pulse of the city beneath the cobbled pavements, feel its energy surging through the narrow streets, and hear the hum of activity around every corner. Bordeaux is a city that is not only alive, but one that is very much awake and active.

Despite its busy atmosphere, I managed to find a quiet corner tucked away in the heart of the city centre. La Maison Bord’eaux is, like Bordeaux, characteristically French. Greeted first by the neatly manicured garden at the front, I then noticed the blue painted entrance and the neoclassical edifice. Inside, the attention to detail continued, with the sleek white design punctuated with elegant accents in olive, peach, teal, and red. Quirky lampshades dangled from the ceilings, casting a warm glow over the hotel and the simple, chic block colours were contrasted by rustic walls and swirly bannisters. It is modern and classic all at the same time – typically French, of course. I’m pretty certain nowhere else in the world could pull off this style, but it works perfectly in this small, peaceful corner of bubbly Bordeaux.

I particularly liked the intimate feel to the hotel - with only 14 rooms it was certainly an exclusive experience. The attention to detail is exquisite: especially at breakfast in the stylish dining space, complete with brightly coloured crockery and cutlery. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the delicious spread and vibrant décor certainly lived up to this. But it was the beautiful, quaint garden in the front of the property that really caught my fancy. In the warm evenings I would venture out there with a glass of wine and soak up the calming ambience, enjoying the pocket of quiet in the lively centre of Bordeaux.

The location of La Maison Bord’eaux really is fantastic. Just moments from the Garonne River that slices through the city, it is surrounded by indulgent patisseries, a collection of boutique stores, and it is a stone’s throw from the botanical gardens. Bordeaux boasts a never-ending list of things to see and do, but I enjoyed simply sitting in one of the many squares, sipping on a coffee, and watching the world go by. The buzzing backdrop provided all the entertainment I needed and, when I wanted something a little more peaceful, I’d head back to La Maison Bord’eaux and soak up the quiet, charming ambience in the garden, the lounge area, or my luxuriously comfortable and stylish room.

Yes, as I explored the twists and turns of Bordeaux, amazed at the grand, ornate architecture, I couldn’t imagine the city as ever being asleep. The vibrant atmosphere is very much alive with people, sounds, smells, and sights, but there are also pockets of calm and tranquillity to be found. La Maison Bord’eaux is a typically French affair. My typically French affair. The intimate space provided a quiet haven just moments from the hustle and bustle of Bordeaux’s beautiful centre.