Follow the Chef! Philippe Etchebest takes you through Bordeaux
Philippe Etchebest, a renowned Michelin-starred chef from Bordeaux, takes you on a tour of some of Bordeaux’s neighborhoods. These are neighborhoods he knows well, as they’re home to his most renowned restaurants in Bordeaux: Maison Nouvelle in Les Chartrons, Le Quatrième Mur and La Table d’hôtes in the “Golden Triangle,” and Le Classique in Saint-Pierre. That’s enough to make for three wonderful walks, each ending with a meal of refined dishes!
He is one of France’s most famous chefs. Named a “Best Artisan in France” in 2000 and awarded multiple Michelin stars, Philippe Etchebest has, of course, built his reputation on his immense culinary talents. But it’s also his high-profile appearances on several culinary TV shows that have made him popular. So he’s naturally very comfortable in front of the camera. Just as much as he is behind his drum set when he joins his rock band, “Chef and the Gang”! For one morning, the chef took on the role of tour guide for an immersive tour of the neighborhoods where his finest restaurants in Bordeaux are located.
In Les Chartrons with Philippe Etchebest: a village in the heart of the city
Philippe Etchebest describes this neighborhood as “a little village within the city.” Indeed, you can practically live in Les Chartrons without ever leaving its boundaries. You’ll find everything you need right there to lead a peaceful and fulfilling life: plenty of outdoor cafes, shops of all kinds (antique stores, home decor, food shops…). “Bordeaux is a city with a real terrace culture. Here, it’s a neighborhood where people come to stroll and take their time,” says the chef.
In addition to its undeniable charm, the Chartrons neighborhood is also an open book on the history of Bordeaux wine. It was here that the first wine merchants settled between the 17th and 19th centuries. In some streets, you can almost picture the wine workers rolling their barrels from the riverbanks to the cellars. After a lovely stroll through this charming neighborhood, come enjoy a meal at Maison Nouvelle. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Chef Etchebest, is an intimate and welcoming spot where the finest ingredients from the Aquitaine region take center stage.
- Maison Nouvelle - 11 Rue Rode, 33000 Bordeaux - Reservations
A Stroll Through Bordeaux’s “Golden Triangle,” Following in the Chef’s Footsteps
As Philippe Etchebest points out, “In the heart of Bordeaux, visitors and locals mingle. Here, everything exudes Bordeaux elegance.” The chef invites you to stroll with your head held high, taking in the pale stone facades bathed in morning light and the architectural details to be discovered as you wander the streets, such as the famous mascarons. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment, head over to the Cour Mably, a true “haven of calm in the heart of the city.”
Every year, on the evening of the Fête de la Musique, Philippe Etchebest swaps his apron for his drumsticks. He then takes over the plaza in front of his brasserie and takes the stage with his band, Chef and the Gang. The rest of the year, he runs Le Quatrième Mur, located inside the Grand Théâtre, one of Bordeaux’s iconic landmarks. In this prestigious setting, the brasserie offers hearty cuisine served in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere.
For an even more unique experience, take a seat at the Table d’hôtes, also located behind the scenes of the Grand Théâtre. This Michelin-starred meal is enjoyed right in the heart of the kitchen, up close to the bustling kitchen staff: a true gastronomic immersion, designed as a spectacle for all five senses.
- Le Quatrième Mur - 2 Place de la Comédie - Reservations
- La Table d’hôtes, 2 place de la Comédie - Reservations
From medieval alleyways to gourmet dining in Saint-Pierre
“It’s a neighborhood that’s always bustling. People come here to stroll, enjoy an ice cream, have lunch on a terrace, or go shopping,” says Philippe Etchebest. It’s true that this vibrant neighborhood, adjacent to the Triangle, has “a unique charm that’s very popular with young people.” There are numerous outdoor dining areas as well as independent shops. It’s also one of Bordeaux’s oldest neighborhoods, where medieval and classical styles blend together. The names of its streets often evoke the trades of yesteryear, such as Rue des Argentiers or Rue du Chai des Farines. The Porte Cailhau and the Church of Saint-Pierre are two remnants of the medieval era that are must-see attractions. After this stroll, round out the experience with a meal at one of Chef Etchebest’s excellent restaurants, Le Classique. The restaurant lives up to its name, serving the great classics of French cuisine in an old-world atmosphere.
- Le Classique - 3 Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges - Reservations
