One of the biggest challenges is finding a place to eat when you’re visiting Bordeaux during the December holidays. We have made a list of who is open, and when, between Christmas and New Years. Keep checking this space as I will update as much as possible. List is below, to be updated in November 2024. If you are able to make your own meal, here are some ideas and where to buy. Keep in mind, most supermarkets are closed Sunday and on Christmas day.
BORDEAUX MARKETS DURING CHRISTMAS
The Marche des Capucins will be open most regular days, only closed December 25 and January 1. Keep in mind many supermarkets will be closed these days as well (might be open in the morning only).
What should you look for? Well, I’d hurry and buy your foie gras if you’d like some for the holidays. The avian flu has decimated the supplies this year. You’ll also be able to find some great scallops, there was a great harvest this year due to the warmer waters and higher plankton supply. Black Perigord truffles will also be available with some suppliers, I go locally to the market in Langon, but there will a ‘truffle dealer’ in nearly any market you go to, even if you have to hunt them down! Ask your local greengrocer if not.
Many French families will eat a ‘chapon‘, which is a castrated chicken. Due to high demand, you will want to order this well in advance from your local butcher. A French Christmas Dinner – Aquitaine Travel Guide
The holidays are also a popular time for local oysters, when the majority are consumed. Pair this with crepinette, and you’ll have a very traditional New Year’s meal indeed! https://www.papillesetpupilles.fr/2005/12/hutres-et-crpinettes-une-tradition.html/
There is also the beautiful market in Arcachon, which is worth a visit during the holidays and is also closed December 25 and January 1 https://www.ville-arcachon.fr/marches-municipal/
If you plan on eating out…check out these locations!
BORDEAUX RESTAURANTS OPENING HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS
If you want to ensure you have a place to eat, it’s suggested you book immediately. Please be sure to cancel any reservations at least 24 hours in advance to ensure the restaurants can fill your seat. Most restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday regardless. Be sure to check hotels for their offerings, which will mostly be a Christmas day brunch but would need to be booked in advance. Some of the more impressive hotel restaurants are at the Intercontinental, Seze and Hotel Burdigalia.
Many of these restaurants have reviews on our site – https://aquitainetravelguide.com/bordeaux-restaurants/
La Tupina – Open daily as usual! https://latupina.com/ / READ MORE Classical French Restaurants in Bordeaux – Aquitaine Travel Guide
Cent33 – Open and with takeaway options / Accueil – Restaurant Le Cent 33 – Bordeaux / gastronomique menu to take away :
• Le house smoked salmon Label Rouge style “balique” & marinated daïkons
• Le torchon classical foie gras with truffle
• La lobster bisque with roasted butternut squash and chestnuts
• Pintade breast, stuffed with mushroom brioche, célery root & jus boise
• La hazelnut from Piémont, salted butter caramel with housemade praliné noisette
Price : 65 euros pp / POUR NOËL Order before December 14 / Pick up Monday, December 23 at the hour of your choice / Les précommandes sont ouvertes jusqu’au samedi 14 décembre 2024 (stock limité) / Retrait le lundi 23 décembre uniquement à l’horaire de votre choix
Avant Comptoir de Palais – open daily for lunch and dinner, closed December 24 and 25 / reservation available for large groups / https://camdeborde.com/les-restaurants/avant-comptoir-du-palais
Bo-tannique – Open Tuesday for lunch – Saturday for dinner. Closed December 24 all day and the 31 for lunch. Have a wonderful NYE menu at 95 EURO pp / https://www.bo-tannique.com/(not completely updated)
Le Gabriel – L’Observatoire is closed but open for the evening of the 31st of December. Le Bistrot is open the 27th-31st. https://bordeaux-gabriel.fr/
Les Recolants – Closed December 25-January 1. Opening back up on January 2. Don’t forget to check whats for sale in their epicerie, as well as dine there! https://www.lesrecoltants.fr/
ECHO is closed the 24, 25 and 31st, otherwise open! Accueil | Les Chais du Port de la Lune | Chai Urbain à Bordeaux / READ MORE Best Wine Bars with Food in Bordeaux – Aquitaine Travel Guide
Simone Bordeaux – Closed December 25, and January 1 https://www.simonebordeaux.fr/
SON and SONoftheson are closed after the 23rd of December for fifteen days. Son’ Restaurant – Bordeaux (son-restaurant.fr) READ MORE SON’ – Bordeaux Bistronomique Restaurant – (aquitainetravelguide.com)
Chapon Fin are closed the 24-27 of December but otherwise open! | Restaurant le Chapon Fin (chapon-fin.com)
Frida is closed between Christmas and New Years but open before and after. Frida | Restaurant – Bar à cocktails – Jardin
Casa Gaia is closed from the 24th of December until January 2. Casa Gaïa | Restaurant | Épicerie | Bio | Bordeaux (casagaia.fr)
Luna is open as usual, with the exception of closure on the 26th of December and 2nd of January. Luna – Restaurant Bistronomique Bordeaux (luna-restaurant-bordeaux.com) / READ MORE Restaurants of Rue du Ha in Bordeaux – Aquitaine Travel Guide
O’ptit Bahut – Closed from December 23-26 https://www.optitbahut.fr/ (not updated)
Modjo – Open as usual during the holidays, bookings can be made online https://modjorestaurant.com/ / READ MORE Modjo – Molecular Tendencies in Bordeaux – Aquitaine Travel Guide
Lauza – Closed December 22-January 6 but will have a special opening for NYE December 31, be sure to book in advance! https://www.lauza.fr/
And don’t forget, you can offer a gift card to many of these restaurants as a gift! Another great way to help our local businesses!
