Marché des Capucins: The Belly of Bordeaux, 5 Minutes from Our B&B

By Cécile — March 2026 — 4 min read

If you ask a Bordelais where they go on Saturday morning, chances are they'll say: the Capucins. This covered market isn't a tourist attraction. It's where locals do their weekly shop, eat standing at a counter with a glass of white wine in hand, and bump into neighbours between the cheese stalls. From our B&B, it's a five-minute walk. It's the very first address we give every guest.

A Bit of History

Bordeaux has always had its market. As far back as 1749, a covered market supplied the city with fresh produce. After several moves, it settled in 1963 in the Capucins neighbourhood, a stone's throw from Gare Saint-Jean and the Saint Michel quarter. The current building is nothing flashy — a functional 1960s hall — but that's precisely what makes it special. There's no staging here: just products, passionate traders and a genuine atmosphere.

What to Expect

The Capucins market is first and foremost a sensory experience. The moment you walk in, the smells hit you: fresh fish, spices, warm bread, roasted coffee. The stalls overflow with colour.

Oysters at the counter. This is probably the most iconic scene at the market. Several shuckers serve oysters from the Arcachon basin, opened to order, with a glass of crisp white wine. You eat standing up, at the counter or on high tables, chatting with whoever's next to you. It's simple, it's fresh, it's Bordeaux. Expect around €8–12 per dozen depending on size.

Cheese and charcuterie. The South-West of France is a land of gastronomy, and it shows here. Pyrenean tomme, Basque sheep's cheese, foie gras, duck rillettes, Bayonne ham... The vendors love offering tastings — don't be shy.

The hot food stands. Several stalls cook dishes on the spot: giant plancha paella, grilled meats, roast chicken, Creole or Asian dishes. It's generous, made to order, and the prices are kind — often between €7 and €10 per plate.

Sweet treats. You can't leave without trying a cannelé, the quintessential Bordeaux speciality. Caramelised crust, soft centre infused with rum and vanilla. You'll find them at every corner of the market, and everyone has their favourite.

Local producers. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, flowers — several growers come directly from the Gironde countryside. Saturdays bring the biggest selection.

Our Tips for Making the Most of It

Best time: Saturday morning, between 9am and 11am. It's the liveliest day, when all stalls are open and the atmosphere is buzzing. Weekdays are quieter but just as good — perfect if you prefer to take your time.

Arrive hungry. Seriously. Between the oysters, cheese tastings, the paella stand and the cannelés, you'll have more than enough for a feast without ever sitting down in a restaurant.

Bring some cash. Most stalls accept cards, but a few small producers prefer cash.

Stock up. Staying in one of our studios with a fully equipped kitchen? Make the most of it. Pick up fresh bread, seasonal tomatoes, good cheese and a bottle at the market. Preparing a meal with Capucins produce is a Bordeaux experience in itself.

Practical Information

• Address: Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6am–2pm

• Busiest day: Saturday morning

• From the B&B: 5-minute walk, down Rue des Faures

From the B&B

Some of our guests go every single morning of their stay — and we can't blame them.

And if you come back with bags full of good things, you can store everything in your studio kitchen and put together an apéritif in the evening with a glass of wine from our cellar. Best of both worlds.

The Capucins market is 5 minutes from our studios. Homemade breakfast every morning, equipped kitchen for your market finds: it's the best way to experience Bordeaux like a local. Book your studio →