Bordeaux in a heatwave means pale stone bouncing the heat back at you and quays that bake in the sun from early morning. Good news: the city has several genuinely air-conditioned coworking spaces where you can set down your laptop and make it through the day without sweating. Here are our favourites, and our reflexes for keeping a cool head.

The heatwave reflex: an air-conditioned coworking space

Coworking stays the safest option when it is muggy: air con, solid wifi, plugs and proper chairs. In Bordeaux, three addresses tick every box, confirmed air conditioning and day access:

  • Le Hangar, near Saint-Jean station, air-conditioned, day pass at 16 euros, the best coolness-to-price ratio.
  • MOTA Croix-Blanche, air-conditioned, day pass at 19 euros, rooms you can use without booking.
  • Le Seven Coworking, air-conditioned, day pass at 26 euros, right in the centre near the Quinconces.

Want more addresses? Our guide to the best spots for working in Bordeaux is full of them.

Cafés: play the shade rather than the air con

Let us be honest, most Bordeaux cafés do not advertise air con, and some get stifling by the afternoon. Bet instead on cool interiors, because the lovely stone rooms hold the freshness, or on a well-shaded terrace. Our selection of the best terraces to work from in Bordeaux will help you choose.

Why coworking wins when it is hot

In the middle of a heatwave, coworking has a real edge over the café: the temperature is controlled all day long, not just for the length of a single drink. Nobody pushes you to free up the table, you have a plug within reach to charge your laptop and your charger, and a noise level designed for focus. The day pass often costs about the same as two coffees on a terrace, except you gain five hours of work somewhere cool, without the guilt of squatting. It is the option to favour on the days when just leaving the house already feels like an achievement.

Your anti-heat reflexes

Arrive early, between 8am and 11am, make the most of the morning coolness and wrap up the essentials before the afternoon peak. Sit away from the windows, water bottle within reach, a light jumper for the sometimes aggressive air con. All our tips are in the guide on where to work during a heatwave.

In short

In Bordeaux, Le Hangar, MOTA and Le Seven make up a reliable trio of air-conditioned coworking spaces, from the station district to the centre. Arrive in the morning, stay hydrated, and for a café, favour cool stone and shade.

Frequently asked questions

Which coworking spaces are air-conditioned in Bordeaux?

Le Hangar, MOTA Croix-Blanche and Le Seven Coworking have confirmed air conditioning and accept day visitors, with no membership required.

How much does a day of coworking cost in Bordeaux?

From 16 euros (Le Hangar) to 26 euros (Le Seven) for a day pass, wifi included, often with a half-day option.

And what about working on a terrace despite the heat?

Aim for a shaded terrace and the morning. Our article on the terraces to work from in Bordeaux details the best spots.