La Course

La Course Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to La Course on Rue de la Course, you immediately get the sense that this four-star boutique hotel knows exactly what it’s doing. The building itself has that classic Bordeaux limestone facade — you know, the kind that glows golden in the late afternoon sun — but there’s something refreshingly modern about how they’ve approached the entrance. It’s not trying too hard to impress, which honestly makes it more impressive.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s what I love about the location — you’re literally in the heart of Bordeaux without feeling like you’re stuck in a tourist trap. The Garonne River is just a few minutes’ walk away, and you can easily stroll to Place de la Bourse (that famous water mirror everyone photographs) in about ten minutes. But what really sold me on this spot is how close you are to the real Bordeaux life. There’s a fantastic morning market nearby, and the wine bars along this street actually cater to locals, not just visitors.

The Room Experience

My room was on the third floor, and I have to say — the attention to detail surprised me. The design strikes this perfect balance between contemporary comfort and respecting the building’s 18th-century bones. You’ll find exposed stone walls paired with sleek, modern fixtures, and the beds are genuinely comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses). The bathrooms are compact but well-designed, with rainfall showers that actually have decent water pressure — something you can’t always count on in historic buildings.

Dining & Amenities

The restaurant downstairs focuses on regional cuisine, and while it’s not groundbreaking, it’s solid and uses quality local ingredients. I actually preferred grabbing breakfast there rather than venturing out — their coffee is excellent, and they do this simple but perfect tartine with local cheese that pairs beautifully with their fresh orange juice. There’s no spa or fitness center, but honestly, with Bordeaux’s walkable streets and riverside paths, you won’t miss them. The staff can arrange wine tours, though I’d recommend just wandering into the smaller cellars yourself.

Why Guests Love It

What keeps people coming back to La Course — and why couples rate it so highly — is that it feels authentically Bordeaux without sacrificing comfort. You’re not paying for unnecessary frills, but everything they do offer works well. The parking situation is handled through a nearby garage (the staff will direct you), which is actually more convenient than trying to navigate the narrow streets yourself. The 9.6 rating makes sense when you experience how effortlessly everything flows here. It’s the kind of place where you can slip into the rhythm of the city rather than feeling like you’re observing it from the outside.

Facilities