Bordeaux is a holiday destination in its own right, but also the ideal base camp before heading to the Arcachon basin or the ocean. A complete, dynamic and well-connected city, it is full of specialty coffee shops, third places and coworking spaces where you can set up your laptop for a few hours. Whether you are passing through between two stops or settled in for the week, here are our addresses for fitting in your work before going for a stroll along the Quai des Chartrons or Place de la Bourse.
Bordeaux has another asset for a workation: its size. It is big enough to offer real variety depending on your mood of the day, but compact enough to get around on foot or by tram. You can string together a morning of work on the left bank, lunch at the Capucins market and a late afternoon on the right bank without ever taking the car. And when you feel like the sea, the Arcachon basin and the Dune du Pilat are less than an hour away.
Work in the morning, enjoy the city in the afternoon
The habit stays the same as everywhere: concentrate your work in the morning, when cafes are quiet and the wifi is available. You keep the afternoon for the Capucins market, a walk along the Garonne or a trip to the Dune du Pilat. Working early also lets you avoid the heat, which can be heavy in Bordeaux in summer. So schedule your demanding tasks and video calls in the morning slot.
Our cafes and third places to work from
For a focused morning, Café Piha is a safe bet: specialty coffee, outlets, a calm atmosphere conducive to work. Café Eriu also plays the calm card, ideal for a deep session. And for a bigger, more unusual venue, the third place Darwin Éco-Système, on the right bank, is a Bordeaux institution with its large tables and unique atmosphere, perfect for spending several hours. It is the ideal range, from the quiet cafe to the livelier spot depending on your mood.
For video calls, aim for a cafe-coworking space
When the day looks busy, a space designed for work spares you the noise. Mama Works, a coworking space with offices and meeting rooms in the Bassins à flot, is handy for putting in the hours. Check the day access conditions with the venue. The full selection, cafes and coworking spaces alike, is in our guide where to work in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux in summer: the stone keeps things cool
The blond stone of the buildings and the lanes of old Bordeaux hold on to a certain coolness, an asset when it is hot. In the morning, a shaded terrace is pleasant; in the hot hours, retreat indoors. For heatwave days, all our tips are in working in the cool.
Plan your workation
Spot your places in advance on the Deskover map, block your time slots and let your team know. The complete workation guide is here: remote work on holiday this summer.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I work remotely in Bordeaux without booking?
In a laptop-friendly specialty coffee shop like Café Piha or Café Eriu, or at the Darwin third place to spend several hours. The morning is still ideal to get a seat.
Is Bordeaux a good workation base?
Excellent: a complete, well-connected city, less than an hour from the Arcachon basin and the ocean. Perfect for mixing remote work, the city and coastal getaways.
Where can I take an important video call in Bordeaux?
In a cafe-coworking space like Mama Works or a dedicated coworking space, for the calm and the outlets. Check day access with the venue.
