A local’s city guide to kitesurfing & cafe hopping in Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Along the west coast of France where the river Garonne spills into the Bay of Biscay lies the wine region of Bordeaux with that city at its center. With history stretching back millenia, Bordeaux is known for many things; kitesurfing and cafes are not often among them.

Pierre Guérin discovered kitesurfing and coffee in New Zealand, and brought his love for both back to France’s Atlantic coast. He co-founded Café Piha in 2017, naming it for the northern New Zealand beach where he picked up kitesurfing.

*Pierre Guérin co-founded* *Café Piha* *in 2017, naming it for the northern New Zealand beach where he picked up kitesurfing. Photos courtesy of* *Café Piha*

Filter: What specifically do you like to do for fun around Bordeaux?

Going kitesurfing at La Salie Beach, between the Arcachon Basin and Biscarrosse, a little spot known only by true connoisseurs.

Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them?

We’d start the day with a delicious chocolatine from Louis Lamour, then get lost in the narrow streets of Saint Pierre before walking to Piha for a great coffee. Next, I’d take you to Baston, the amazing canteen-bakery on Rue du Hâ with an open kitchen and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. After that, a stroll along the quays, passing by the Miroir d'eau, visiting the CAPC (the city’s contemporary art museum), and then a second round of coffee at Deus (where we’d buy a stylish hat). Afterward, we’d cycle to Au Bon Jaja for an apéro, where we’d spend hours reinventing the world while drinking incredible bottles of red wine.

Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city?

Go to the Public Garden and join an open air with a picnic blanket, a pack of Azimut beers or a good bottle of red wine, and some cheese! It really takes the edge off!

Filter: What touristy things in Bordeaux are worth the hype?

The Bassin des Lumières in the old submarine base at the docks and the Dune of Pilat at the entrance of the Arcachon Basin, (the largest dune in Europe and one of the best spots for watching shooting stars in August!) The tip of Cap Ferret is also great for a beautiful sunset while eating fresh oysters.

Filter: Where are your favorite quiet corners or hidden gems there?

The Roger Lapébie bike path towards Citon, built on an old railway line, is a delight!

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and what about them stands out to you?

Homies, a café-canteen born from the shared passion of three childhood friends for cooking and traveling. Chamade (the best pancakes in Bordeaux), French House (pharaonic elegance), Michel ma belle (for incredible alternative pastries), Samos (you’ve never had pitas like these!)

Filter: What do you love most about Bordeaux?

The great food, the laid-back Bordeaux lifestyle, the music scene, the proximity to the ocean.

Filter: How did you end up in the Bordeaux coffee scene?

I'm from Normandie, crème fraîche represent! I got into the coffee world thanks to a trip to New Zealand, where I fell in love with kitesurfing and coffee.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move, and what shop would be the biggest reason?

I would go back to New Zealand to have the chance to meet the team of the Red Rabbit!

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