Au cœur des Chartrons

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Au cœur des Chartrons? The name literally means “in the heart of Chartrons,” and honestly, they’re not kidding around. This three-star place sits right on Cours de la Martinique, which – if you’ve never been to this part of Bordeaux – is basically where the old wine merchant district starts to feel alive again. I mean, you’re talking about a neighborhood that used to be all about shipping Bordeaux wines to England, and now it’s got this perfect mix of antique shops, wine bars, and locals who actually live there (not just tourists stumbling around).

The hotel itself has that kind of understated French charm that’s hard to fake. It’s not trying to be a palace – it’s a solid three-star that knows exactly what it is. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with those thick stone walls that keep things surprisingly quiet even when the trams are running on Cours de la Martinique. Actually, speaking of trams – line B stops literally right outside, which means you can get to the city center in about ten minutes without dealing with Bordeaux’s… let’s call it “creative” parking situation. The staff genuinely seems to care about the place, which you notice in small things like how they remember your coffee preference or actually give useful restaurant recommendations instead of just pointing you toward the tourist traps.

What really sells this place for me is the location intelligence. You’re a five-minute walk from the Saturday morning market at Marché des Chartrons, where locals actually shop (try the cheese guy in the corner – he’ll let you taste everything). The Garonne riverfront is right there too, perfect for those evening walks when the light hits the water just right. And here’s something most visitors miss – you’re walking distance from some seriously good wine bars that don’t have English menus, which usually means you’re onto something good. The neighborhood gets quiet after about 10 PM, so if you’re looking for crazy nightlife, you’ll want to hop that tram into the city center. But if you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere real, where you might actually run into the same café owner two mornings in a row, this is your spot. That 9 rating makes total sense when you consider you’re getting authentic Bordeaux neighborhood life without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $81. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Bonne prestation. – Christian from France – 4 July 2025 (8/10)

  Petit appartement très bien placé, sous les combles. Fonctionnel, propre. Propriétaire attentif et prévenant.
  
  What could be improved: Rien de bien méchant, mais l'appartement est sous les combles. Il y fait donc un peu chaud, mais en ouvrant les 2 velux, l'air circule. Soyez prévenus en cas de fortes chaleurs. Il y a tout de même un petit ventilateur à disposition. Matelas un peu mou mais confortable.

• Exceptional – Anonymous from France – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS