Vivien Durand – Boutique Aparthotel au cœur de Bordeaux

Hotel Description

You know what? I almost walked right past this place on Rue de Bègles – it’s got this understated elegance that doesn’t scream “hotel” from the street. The Vivien Durand feels more like you’re staying at a really well-connected friend’s apartment, which honestly is exactly what you want in Bordeaux. The neighborhood isn’t the touristy Saint-Pierre area everyone talks about, but that’s actually perfect because you’re still close enough to walk to the cathedral (maybe 15 minutes through some lovely side streets), yet you get to experience where actual Bordelais live and work.

The aparthotel concept really works here – I mean, having a proper kitchenette changes everything when you want to grab some cheese and wine from the local market and just… exist for a while. The staff clearly knows their stuff about the city, and they pointed me toward this incredible little bistro on Cours de la Somme that I never would’ve found otherwise. What impressed me most was how they handle the details that matter: the Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building (shocking, I know), the beds are proper comfortable, and – this might sound weird – but the water pressure is fantastic. You’d be surprised how many boutique places mess up the basics while focusing on Instagram-worthy design. The rooms have this clean, contemporary feel without being sterile, and the soundproofing is solid enough that you won’t hear every conversation from the street below.

Location-wise, you’re perfectly positioned between the more residential Nansouty area and the buzzing Saint-Michel district. There’s a tram stop literally around the corner that’ll get you to the main train station or out to the wine regions if you’re doing day trips. Parking can be a bit tricky on the street – typical for this part of Bordeaux – but they’ll sort you out with nearby options. I stayed here during shoulder season in early October, and honestly, the whole area felt alive but not overwhelmed with tourists. The morning markets are close enough that you can smell the fresh bread and coffee when you step outside, which is such a small thing but somehow makes you feel like you’re really there, not just passing through. The 9-star rating makes sense when you consider this isn’t trying to be a luxury palace – it’s just doing the boutique aparthotel thing really well, with genuine local character and none of the pretentious nonsense you sometimes get in wine country accommodations.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $132. One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 double beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Well equiped apartment well set up for both short or longer stays – Barbara from Australia – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very well set up apartment with an amazing outdoor space. Great facilities and in a good location.
  
  What could be improved: We are a family or 4 with 2 teenagers. The loft bed was a small space but it was also fun.

• Cozy and welcoming. – Alex from Russia – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  So cozy and quiet! Great location, easy check-in, well-equipped kitchen, lovely terrace. Warm. No TV in the apartment, but we actually quite enjoyed it for a change, there was a Marshall speaker and chess set instead to keep us entertained, really nice.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great.

• Quiet, spacious and convenient with great host – Deklerk from Australia – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  The suite was comfortable, spacious and well equipped. A quiet location, easy walking to the old centre, good market nearby. Less than 20 minute walk to the station. Camille is a wonderful host.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Unique Airbnb-style stay – Bonnie from Australia – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful little apartment, the decor was stylish and felt really homey, the bed was very comfortable, fully functional kitchen, bathroom with a washing machine, wifi worked great, etc. Also we loved the plants throughout the apartment. Host sent all the info through so we could self check in when we arrived which was very easy. The location wasn’t anything special but we were walking distance to the train station and city centre which worked great for us.
  
  What could be improved: Would have been nice to have a small tv of some sort and shower head needs a quick clean to remove some calcium buildup, both very nit-picky things though, we had a great stay and would absolutely stay again.

• Very easy and comfortable – Tiziana from Austria – 7 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lots of daylight and space for one person, it's very quiet in the night, the plants in the apartment are definitely a plus, I loved the kitchen. Overall a very nice and tastefully furnished flat.
  
  What could be improved: The noise of the air conditioning/heater in the kitchen and in the yard. A little remark: the kitchen tools are all in metal, while the pots and pan in teflon, therefore easy to scratch.

• Exceptional – Steve from United Kingdom – 9 December 2024 (10/10)

  Nice and quiet location, quaint interior based on cuisine and culinary arts. Perfect for someone like me. Very near to a local market as well.

• Amazing place to stay – Christina from Netherlands – 28 April 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing place to stay! We loved the design of the kitchen very much 🙂 The apartment had everything you need

• Superb – Alice from France – 4 February 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful and stylish little flat in a real-life quartier, close to the wonderful market and 10 minutes walk from the station

• Exceptional – Garwin from Germany – 2 September 2023 (10/10)

  Lovely prepared place. The kitchen was great and i love the plants.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect accomodation – Kate from Australia – 5 June 2023 (10/10)

  Was absolutely gorgeous venue

SURROUNDINGS