Discover Bordeaux’s unusual cafés: tea rooms, cat bars and literary cafés
Bordeaux is bursting with warm, intimate places to take a break. Somewhere between British tradition and French modernity, between feline purrs and literary atmospheres, the city has a varied offering for all those who love cosy moments. Discover our selection of the 6 best places in Bordeaux to enjoy a cup of tea, stroke a cat or read a book in a cosy atmosphere.
Download the audio tour to discover Bordeaux on foot and on your own
Let our interactive tour guide you on your discovery of the “Sleeping Beauty”. This audio tour of Bordeaux will take you through the historic districts, from the quays of the Garonne to the Golden Triangle, via Saint-Pierre and the Chartrons. It’s an authentic way to discover the soul of Bordeaux, before settling down comfortably in one of our cosy restaurants.
Also in the Bordeaux guide:
- Best culinary specialities in Bordeaux
- Best hotels in Bordeaux
- La Cité du Vin Bordeaux
- 15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Bordeaux
- Weekend around Bordeaux
1. Le Boudoir de Léa: pastry excellence in the heart of the Golden Triangle
Open since July 2024, Le Boudoir de Léa (7 cours de l’Intendance, 33000 Bordeaux, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 150 reviews) is the new jewel in the crown of Bordeaux tearooms. Created by Gaëtan Fiard, head pastry chef at the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, this establishment combines refinement and culinary excellence in a hushed, powdery setting.
The salon offers a menu of signature pastry creations such as Boudoir de Léa (vanilla and caramel) and Boudoir Signature (chocolate and hazelnuts), accompanied by a selection of exceptional teas. The soft, feminine ambience and meticulous decor make this the perfect address for a prestigious tea party. To discover this emblematic district, don’t hesitate to visit Bordeaux thanks to our guided tour, which will take you to the most beautiful corners of the city.
2. Any’Teas: authenticity in the intimate passage Sarget
Tucked away in the heart of the Passage Sarget (16 passage Sarget, 33000 Bordeaux, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 380 reviews), Any’Teas has a charming, confidential atmosphere and an impressive list of over 60 teas from all over the world. This tea room, a real little cocoon, also offers home-made pastries such as cookies, muffins and cupcakes, the perfect accompaniment to the infusions.
The establishment also operates as a brasserie at lunchtime, offering a lunchtime menu in a welcoming setting. Its location in this discreet pedestrian passageway, a stone’s throw from rue Sainte-Catherine, makes it an ideal break from exploring Bordeaux’s historic centre.
3. Le Comptoir des Chats: pioneers of the concept in Bordeaux
The first cat café in Bordeaux since 2016, Le Comptoir des Chats (8 rue Pierre de Coubertin, 33300 Bordeaux, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 1292 reviews) welcomes young and old to a cosy tea room in the company of eight cats of different breeds. The establishment offers a unique hot chocolate and a soothing atmosphere where the felines roam freely.
Access is restricted to children over the age of 10 to ensure the animals’ well-being. The concept, inspired by Japanese cat cafés, offers an original experience that appeals to both cat lovers and the curious looking for something new. A must-visit address that has been delighting visitors for almost a decade.
4. Books & Coffee: where literature and coffee meet
Located in the Saint-James district, Books & Coffee (26 Rue Saint-James, 33000 Bordeaux, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 520 reviews) combines the art of speciality coffee with a love of books. This coffee-roasting bookshop offers a studious atmosphere reminiscent of English tea rooms, perfect for working or just relaxing.
The establishment serves high-quality coffees roasted on site, as well as artisanal pastries and popular brunch options. The cosy atmosphere, with its comfortable armchairs and book-lined shelves, makes it an ideal refuge for lovers of literature and good coffee. An authentic place that perfectly illustrates the spirit of Bordeaux, combining culture and the art of living.
5. Les Chats Touilleurs: adoption at the heart of the concept
Open since 2021, Les Chats Touilleurs (35 rue du Palais Gallien, 33000 Bordeaux, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 280 reviews) stands out for its unique concept: this cat bar operates like a foster family where all residents are offered for adoption. The establishment combines a restaurant at lunchtime and a tearoom in the afternoon, all in an original setting in the heart of Bordeaux.
The owners, who are passionate about the animal cause, have created a space where customers can not only enjoy the company of the cats but also potentially offer them a permanent home. This social dimension adds great depth to the concept, making Chats Touilleurs much more than just a café.
6. La Vie en Rose: authentic charm in Chartrons
Located in the Place du Marché des Chartrons (8 rue Sicard, 33000 Bordeaux, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 589 reviews), La Vie en Rose has been cultivating its authentic charm in the antiques district for years. This cosy tearoom has a sophisticated pink decor and a soothing, feminine atmosphere.
The restaurant serves homemade dishes, from soups to pastries, in a cosy setting with a patio in fine weather. Its location in Les Chartrons makes it a perfect stop-off point on your stroll through this historic district, particularly after exploring the surrounding wine cellars or browsing the antique shops.
These six exceptional addresses are a perfect illustration of the wealth of cosy, authentic places on offer in Bordeaux. Whether you’re a lover of exceptional teas, literature or animals, Bordeaux will seduce you with the diversity of its intimate spaces. Each of these addresses tells a different story of the city, between tradition and modernity, creating enchanting interludes in your discovery of the sleeping beauty. Don’t hesitate to extend your exploration with our Bordeaux guided tour itinerary to discover all the hidden treasures of this magnificent city.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of these establishments?
Most of these places are open from Tuesday to Saturday, with opening times varying between 9am and 7pm. Any’Teas and Books & Coffee offer extended opening hours into the evening on certain days. It is advisable to check the specific opening times before your visit, particularly for Le Boudoir de Léa, which is new and may have special opening times.
Do I need to make a reservation at a cat bar?
Reservations are strongly recommended for Le Comptoir des Chats and Les Chats Touilleurs, especially at weekends. These establishments limit the number of simultaneous visitors to protect the animals’ welfare. A reservation guarantees you a place and avoids disappointment.
Are these addresses accessible to families?
Most of these establishments are family-friendly, with the exception of Comptoir des Chats, which only accepts children aged 10 and over. Books & Coffee and Any’Teas are particularly family-friendly, with their relaxed atmosphere and comfortable spaces.
Can we work in these places?
Books & Coffee is the ideal place to work, with its studious spaces and Wi-Fi connection. Any’Teas also has a quiet atmosphere. Cat bars, on the other hand, are designed more for relaxation than for work.
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