Landing in Bordeaux to start your studies, an internship, or your first job? Congratulations! Between bike rides along the quays, evening drinks on a terrace in the Saint-Pierre district, and weekend surf sessions in Lacanau, the city nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Aquitaine’ has everything to make you dream. Even though the Bordeaux housing market is known for being ultra-competitive, don’t panic. There is a solution you might not have considered yet, a way to ensure that your arrival in Bordeaux is completely stress-free.
In this guide, we reveal everything you need to know to make your move to Bordeaux a success through coliving.
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The reality of the Bordeaux rental market
Bordeaux has never been more popular with students and young graduates. In fact, the city regularly ranks in the top 3 favorite destinations for young professionals (Source: HelloWork). However, this growing success means that housing demand is skyrocketing while supply struggles to keep pace. Rents have increased by nearly 5% in two years, according to the Clameur Observatory. This hike directly impacts small apartments (studios and one-bedroom flats) favored by students and newcomers.
The search is often difficult. For a decent studio in central districts, rent exceeds €600. This is a heavy burden on a budget for a student or someone who, like you, is just starting their career. Between group viewings, drastic selection criteria, and the need for a “perfect” application file, getting a positive answer is never guaranteed. It’s a frustrating situation when you want to focus entirely on your new professional project.
On average, it takes 2 to 4 months to secure a traditional furnished rental. If your internship or job starts in just a few weeks, this urgency sometimes forces you to make compromises: moving further away from your workplace or school, or sacrificing your quality of life for an exorbitant rent.
While these barriers might make you hesitate to turn your Bordeaux dream into a reality, there is a concrete alternative to bypass these difficulties and settle in peacefully: coliving.
Why choose coliving in Bordeaux?
Forget about endless paperwork and interviews with real estate agents that feel like interrogations. As a next-generation shared housing solution, coliving in Bordeaux makes your life easier. You book your room online in just a few clicks, as easily as you would book a weekend getaway. This simplicity is a game-changer, especially when you’re managing a move to a new city.
The main advantage of coliving is lease flexibility. We all know that the duration of an internship, a study cycle, or a first job contract can change for many reasons. Whether a 3-month mission gets extended at the last minute or your studies end earlier than planned, coliving adapts to your schedule without locking you into a rigid 12-month contract.
Logistically, coliving takes a huge weight off your shoulders. Designer furniture, appliances, high-speed Wi-Fi, and utilities: everything is already set up and included. Honestly, who wants to carry a fridge up the narrow staircases of downtown Bordeaux on a Saturday afternoon? In coliving, you drop your bags and you’re already home. Say goodbye to administrative chores like long application files, setting up electricity meters, or signing up for insurance and internet: it’s all already taken care of.
But the real bonus of coliving is instant integration. Arriving alone in an unknown city can be intimidating. By joining a community of colivers, you are immediately surrounded by people with similar backgrounds. It’s the best way to discover Bordeaux’s hidden gems, share a drink after work, and, why not, naturally boost your professional network.
The best neighborhoods to live and get around in Bordeaux
Choosing your neighborhood in Bordeaux is, above all, about defining your lifestyle. The good news? The TBM transport network is so well-designed that no matter where you settle, you stay connected to the essentials: your work, your place of study, shops, and social hotspots.
The city center and the Golden Triangle
This is the postcard-perfect Bordeaux, with its 18th-century blonde stone facades. The Golden Triangle (the area between Place Gambetta, Place Tourny, and Place de la Comédie) is the hub for luxury, private banks, and prestigious consulting firms. Living here solo is overpriced but, by choosing coliving, you can live in high-end apartments for a more than reasonable rent.
- The vibe? Dynamic during the day, chic and peaceful in the evening. You’ll live to the rhythm of the terraces at Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre.
- Daily life? Everything is done on foot. This is the ideal sector if you are working or interning in services, finance, or law.
- What about transport? It’s the central “hub.” Tram lines A, B, and C all intersect here, allowing you to reach any point in the metropolitan area in record time.
Les Chartrons and Les Bassins à Flot
Les Chartrons is the former wine merchants’ district, now the go-to spot for antique dealers and trendy Bordeaux families. Right next door, Les Bassins à Flot boasts a modern, industrial look with the Cité du Vin as its backdrop. Located close to the city center, this is one of the most pleasant areas to live.
- The vibe? A unique blend of historical charm and modernity. This is the place to be for young professionals. It’s home to creative agencies, digital schools, and tech startups.
- Daily life? We can already see you browsing the market on the quays on Sunday mornings or grabbing a drink in the repurposed warehouses along the river.
- What about transport? Tram line B is your best friend! If you’re feeling a bit more active, the wide bike paths along the quays make the V³ (self-service bike) the most enjoyable way to commute.
La Bastide
Long overlooked, the right bank (rive droite) has become the new “place to be.” It offers the perfect mix of a village feel and an alternative spirit. The symbol of this revival? Darwin: a former military barracks transformed into an incredibly pleasant green ecosystem, featuring workspaces, concept stores, restaurants, a medical center, and more.
- The vibe? Laid-back, creative, and eco-friendly. People come here for the coworking spaces, skate parks, and urban farms.
- Daily life? Relaxing in the Parc aux Angéliques facing the Garonne, with a breathtaking view of the historic UNESCO-listed skyline on the opposite bank.
- What about transport? You have plenty of options to reach the other side. Whether by tram (Line A), by bike, or on foot, crossing the Pont de Pierre is a pure joy. it’s the ideal compromise to get a more affordable rent while staying just 5 minutes away from the city center.
Nansouty et Saint-Genès
If you are looking for a calm and typically “Bordelais” lifestyle, this is the place to pack your bags. Saint-Genès is known for its beautiful hôtels particuliers (grand private mansions), while Nansouty cultivates a “village” feel with its local shops and famous échoppes (traditional single-story Bordeaux stone houses).
- The vibe? Peaceful, family-oriented, and authentic. It’s the perfect neighborhood to disconnect after a long day at the office or in class, all while staying close to the city center.
- Daily life? Doing your grocery shopping and tasting local gastronomy at the shops around Place Nansouty. Enjoying the quiet of the cobbled streets to read or work on sunny days.
- What about transport? You are ideally located. Tram line B runs through Saint-Genès, allowing you to reach both the city center and the Talence university campus in minutes. Numerous bus lines perfectly serve Nansouty, connecting you directly to the main train station and the hyper-center.
Coliving by Colivys: Your turnkey solution in Bordeaux
Settling in Bordeaux should never feel like an uphill battle. At Colivys, we believe your energy shouldn’t be spent chasing rent receipts. That’s why we offer much more than just a room: we offer a gateway to your success.
Imagine dropping your bags in a beautifully designed apartment where everything is ready: insurance, electricity, and even high-speed Wi-Fi are activated before you even arrive. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of the city center, the modern vibe of Les Bassins à Flot, or the authentic calm of Saint-Genès and Nansouty, we are right where you need to be.
By choosing Colivys, you make all the difference for your Bordeaux project:
- Last-minute reactivity. We know that school admissions or job offers sometimes arrive late. With our 100% digital process, you can book and move into your room in just 48 hours.
- A budget as zen as you are. No hidden fees means no bad surprises. The rent price of a bedroom in coliving offered by Colivys includes utility provisions, home insurance, and internet. This total transparency allows you to manage your money easily and, most importantly, provides peace of mind for your loved ones or guarantors.
- Flexibility to the day. The life of a young talent is full of the unexpected. An academic year, a 4-month contract, or a first job that evolves? You choose your stay dates directly on our website to align your contract with your real-life schedule, without being stuck with unsuitable standard leases.
- Tailor-made support. Our team helps you choose the right neighborhood based on your place of study or work to ensure your daily commute is as short as possible.
Don’t hesitate any longer! Choose coliving with Colivys for your next stay in Bordeaux! It’s the best way to leave your housing worries behind and focus on your professional life!
