Charming Chartrons: The Heartbeat of Bordeaux's Wine and Culture

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ree-uhn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va ?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi ?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais ?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé !
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours !
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en !
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police !
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin !
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte ?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh share]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il ?
  [kell uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demie
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse ?
  [kell eh lahd-rehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte) ?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus) ?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Originally a rural area outside the city walls of Bordeaux, Chartrons began to develop in the early 18th century as a center for the wine trade. Its location along the Garonne River made it an ideal hub for merchants and traders, leading to the establishment of wine warehouses that would become integral to Bordeaux's economy.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Chartrons flourished as Bordeaux's wine industry expanded. The neighborhood became synonymous with the export of Bordeaux wines, with many merchants setting up their businesses in the area. The architecture of the period reflects this prosperity, with grand mansions and warehouses lining the streets, showcasing the wealth generated by the wine trade.

The 19th century saw Chartrons become a cultural melting pot, attracting a diverse population of merchants, artisans, and immigrants. This influx contributed to a vibrant community life, characterized by markets, theaters, and cafés. The area became known for its artistic and intellectual circles, influencing the cultural landscape of Bordeaux.

As the wine trade evolved and Bordeaux's economy shifted in the 20th century, Chartrons experienced decline. Many warehouses were abandoned, and the neighborhood faced challenges. However, the latter half of the century saw a renaissance as artists and creatives began to move into the area, drawn by its historic charm and affordable spaces.

Today, Chartrons is a vibrant neighborhood that blends its historical roots with contemporary life. The area is known for its antique shops, art galleries, and trendy cafés, attracting both locals and tourists. Events such as the weekly market and the annual wine festival celebrate its rich heritage while showcasing the dynamic spirit of modern Bordeaux.

Chartrons is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Bordeaux. From the city center, you can take Tram Line B towards ‘Rocade’ and alight at the ‘Chartrons’ stop. If you're coming from the Saint-Jean train station, catch Tram Line C towards ‘Parc Bordelais’ and transfer to Line B at ‘Place de la Bourse’. Buses also connect Chartrons to various parts of the city, with lines 1 and 15 being particularly useful.

Chartrons is well-connected through public transport. The tram and bus systems are efficient, with stops throughout the neighborhood. Bicycle rentals are also a popular option, with bike-sharing schemes like VCub available. Walking is an excellent choice too, as many attractions are within easy reach. Taxis and rideshare services operate in the area, providing convenient transport options.

Chartrons is considered a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, visitors should remain cautious, particularly in less crowded areas at night. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist hotspots. It is advisable to avoid walking alone in secluded areas after dark and to keep personal belongings secure. Areas around the riverbanks, while beautiful, can be less populated at night, so exercise caution.

In case of emergency in Chartrons, dial 112 for general emergencies or 15 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available for urgent medical care. The nearest police station is located on Rue de la Course. It's recommended to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the neighborhood for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and stylishly; Bordeaux is known for its chic fashion sense. Don’t wear overly casual or beach attire when dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t use your phone loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly ‘Bonjour’. Don’t initiate conversations in English without first attempting in French. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and dishes at restaurants. Don’t eat while walking, as this is not the local custom.

To experience Chartrons like a local, explore the charming streets and visit the Marché des Chartrons, a vibrant market on Sundays. Take time to appreciate the local wine shops and art galleries that line the streets. Engage with local residents, many of whom are passionate about their neighborhood’s history. For a unique perspective, consider a wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River, especially at sunset.