Rue Sainte-Catherine
A 1,250-metre pedestrian street, presented as one of the longest shopping streets in Europe.
History
Rue Sainte-Catherine follows the line of the old cardo maximus of Burdigala, the north-south axis of the ancient city. Today it links Place de la Comédie, in front of the Grand Théâtre, to Place de la Victoire, over 1,250 metres. It was pedestrianised in the late 20th century. Halfway along, it crosses Place Saint-Projet and its 18th-century fountain. Two street sales, in February and July, bring stallholders out onto the street each year. Part of the area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, it remains the central shopping axis of old Bordeaux.
What to see there
- The view from Place de la Comédie all the way to Place de la Victoire
- Place Saint-Projet and its 18th-century fountain
- The Galerie Bordelaise, a covered 19th-century shopping arcade
- The old facades, from art-deco buildings to shopfronts
Our tip
Walk it in the late morning on a weekday, when it's quieter than in the middle of the afternoon.
On our walks
- The historic heart — 2h30 · 5.0 km
Nearby addresses
- Madame Pang — 16 rue de la Devise — Fusion Asian, very well executed, small space, very popular. Reservations advised. 📍
- Maison du glacier — 1 pl. Saint-Pierre — Bordeaux's best ice cream according to many. Queue is justified. 📍
- Berthom — 45 cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine — Serious Belgian beer bar, over 200 references. 📍
- LouLou — 16 rue de la Croix des Aides — Elegant French brasserie, unpretentious. Good wine list, pleasant terrace. 📍
All our neighbourhood addresses
Check availability →