Outsite Bordeaux Coliving Review and Walkthrough
You've probably heard of Paris. Maybe even Lyon or Nice. But Bordeaux? That's where the magic happens for remote workers who want to experience authentic French life without the chaos of an overrun tourist trap.
I spent time exploring Bordeaux twice in 2025. What I found was a city perfectly designed for the digital nomad lifestyle without the overtourism of Lisbon. Think 18th-century architecture meeting fiber-optic internet. Medieval streets that lead to modern coworking spaces. And yes, wine. Lots of wine. If you're considering working from Bordeaux for a few weeks, months, or longer, here's what you need to know about making the most of this southwestern French gem.
Why Bordeaux works for remote work
Before we get into the fun stuff, let's talk logistics. Because having a solid work setup isn't optional when you're holding down a full-time remote job. Most cafes, coworking spaces, and coliving spots offer speeds that rival what you'd get in San Francisco or London. The city has invested in digital infrastructure, which means you won't spend your mornings hunting for a connection that can handle video calls.
The time zone situation depends on where your company is based. If you're working US hours from Bordeaux, expect late afternoons and evenings at your desk. East Coast time means roughly 3pm to midnight. West Coast pushes you to 6pm to 3am. It's doable, but you'll become a night owl. The upside? Your mornings are free to explore while everyone else is at their 9-to-5.
European time zones are obviously easier. UK-based? You're one hour behind. The rest of Europe? Same time zone or close enough that it doesn't matter.
Bordeaux coworking spaces that don't suck
Outsite Bordeaux is where I spent most of my time, and it's worth checking out if you want the full coliving and coworking experience. It's not just a desk and WiFi. You're getting a community of other remote workers, private rooms, or and shared spaces. The Outsite model works because it removes the friction of working abroad. You show up, your room is ready, the internet works, and you can focus on your job instead of figuring out where to buy a French SIM card or how to get the landlord to fix the router.
Other coworking spaces in Bordeaux
Le Node Bordeaux: Central location, day passes available, and a solid mix of freelancers and remote employees.
Cocoshaker: More of a startup vibe, but good if you need a desk for a day or two.
Anticafé: Pay by the hour, unlimited coffee and snacks. Good for variety when you're tired of your usual spot.
Things to do in Bordeaux when you're not working
Here's where Bordeaux gets interesting. This isn't a city where you show up, see three monuments, and leave. It's a place you settle into. You're in the world's most famous wine region. Ignoring that would be like working from Tokyo and never eating sushi.
The Cité du Vin is the obvious starting point. It's a wine museum and cultural center that looks like a giant wine decanter. Touristy? Sure. But it's well done, and you'll walk out understanding why Bordeaux wines are what they are. The rooftop tasting room has views over the Garonne River, which beats drinking at your desk.
For a more authentic experience, skip the museum and head to the wine bars. Bar à Vin near Place de la Bourse pours regional wines by the glass. The staff knows what they're talking about, and you can try bottles you'd never find back home. Go on a Wednesday evening when locals outnumber tourists.
Day trips to vineyards are easy. Rent a car or book a tour to Saint-Émilion, a medieval village 40 minutes away that's built on limestone caves used for aging wine. You can tour châteaux, taste wines, and be back in Bordeaux before dinner. The UNESCO World Heritage town is worth wandering even if you don't drink.
Food that matters
French food is either incredible or trying too hard to be incredible. Bordeaux leans toward the first category.
Canelés are Bordeaux's signature pastry. Small, rum-soaked cakes with a caramelized crust and custardy center. Get them from Baillardran, the local chain that's been making them since 1987. Eat one warm. Thank me later.
The Marché des Capucins is the city's main market and right next to Outsite Bordeaux. Open every morning, it's where you'll find produce, cheese, charcuterie, and seafood that hasn't been sitting in a grocery store for a week. Grab ingredients for lunch or eat at one of the market stalls. The oysters are fresh from the Atlantic coast, two hours west. Order a dozen, squeeze some lemon, and pair them with a glass of white Bordeaux.
For sit-down meals, Le Bouchon Bordelais does traditional French bistro food without the pretension. Steak frites, duck confit, the kind of cooking that makes you understand why French cuisine has a reputation. Reservations help, especially on weekends.
The world opened up for remote work. Bordeaux is waiting for those who want to take advantage of it.