Are People in Bordeaux Friendly? Let’s Find Out Together

The Bordeaux Vibe: What’s it Really Like?

So, you’re thinking about visiting Bordeaux or maybe even moving there, and the burning question on your mind is: Are people in Bordeaux friendly? I get it. We all want to know what the vibe is like before jumping in. I recently had this chat with my buddy Sam, who moved there last year, and he had some interesting thoughts. The answer, like many things in life, isn’t entirely straightforward, but let’s dive into it.

The First Impression: A Warm Welcome (or Not?)

When you first arrive in Bordeaux, it’s easy to get the impression that people might not be as immediately outgoing as in some other places, like Paris or the South of France. It’s a city that feels a little more reserved at first. But, hold on, that doesn’t mean people aren’t friendly—far from it.

Sam, who’s been living there for over a year now, mentioned that he initially felt the locals were a bit distant, but once he got to know them, they were incredibly warm and welcoming. It's like that feeling when you meet someone who’s not super chatty right away, but then, out of nowhere, they start sharing stories about their lives. It’s a kind of delayed warmth.

Bordeaux: A City of Traditions and Hospitality

The Influence of Wine Culture

One thing you’ll notice about Bordeaux is its deep connection to wine. It's the wine capital of France, so naturally, there's a certain hospitality that comes with it. People in Bordeaux are passionate about their wine, and this passion often translates into a warm, welcoming attitude toward visitors, especially those who show interest in the city’s rich heritage. I had a conversation with a local winemaker last time I visited, and honestly, I felt like I was talking to a friend within minutes. The way he spoke about Bordeaux’s vineyards and its history made me feel so at ease.

Wine Tours and Friendly Locals

If you’ve ever been on a wine tour in Bordeaux, you’ll know exactly what I mean. The guides here are often super friendly—eager to tell you all about the wine, the history, and sometimes even invite you to a little after-tour chat at the local bar. It’s one of those places where you’re more likely to bond over a glass of Bordeaux red than not.

A City With a Relaxed Pace

One of the things that make Bordeaux feel like home for many people is the city’s slower pace. Sure, it’s a major French city, but it doesn’t have the frantic, hustle-and-bustle energy of Paris. People here take their time to enjoy their surroundings, whether it’s a stroll along the Garonne River or a leisurely meal in one of the city’s charming cafés.

When I spoke to Marie, a friend who’s been living in Bordeaux for about five years, she mentioned how refreshing it is to have that slower pace. It’s not uncommon for people to strike up conversations while waiting in line at the bakery or sitting on a bench by the river. That’s something you don’t always get in larger cities, where people are often rushing around.

What About the Locals' Attitude Toward Strangers?

The ‘Not-So-Obvious’ Friendliness

Okay, so now that we’ve discussed Bordeaux’s overall vibe, let’s talk a little more about how the locals behave toward strangers. It’s not that they’re unfriendly—it’s more that they might not be as openly chatty as some other places. If you’re expecting immediate hugs and high-fives, you might have to adjust your expectations.

However, once you show an interest in their city or culture, you’ll see that warmth start to shine through. I made a rookie mistake when I first visited Bordeaux by thinking the locals would engage with me right away (my bad, right?). But after a couple of days, I noticed that once I started talking about Bordeaux’s history or, even better, its wine, the conversation flowed easily.

Language Barrier? It’s Not That Bad

Another thing I’ve noticed is that, while French is obviously the primary language, many people in Bordeaux are willing to communicate in English, especially in the more touristy areas. Sure, there’s a bit of hesitation, but I didn’t feel like it was a huge barrier. In fact, after I fumbled through a couple of French phrases, I found that locals were really supportive and patient.

The Bordeaux Community: Strong and Welcoming

Small City, Big Heart

One of the things that makes Bordeaux truly special is its sense of community. It’s a city that values its locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a place where you can easily feel at home, this is definitely a city worth considering. Whether you’re participating in a local festival, grabbing a coffee, or just walking through the city’s beautiful squares, you’ll get the sense that people are willing to share a moment with you.

And speaking of festivals, Bordeaux is known for its lively events, which bring the whole city together. I went to a music festival last summer, and honestly, the friendliness of the locals was overwhelming. It was as if the entire city was united by a shared love for good music, food, and, of course, wine.

Is Bordeaux the Friendliest Place in France?

Alright, here’s the kicker—Bordeaux may not have the immediate friendliness that some smaller towns or more tourist-heavy cities might have, but it makes up for it in other ways. The friendliness here is often subtle, built on a foundation of respect, shared culture, and local pride.

Final Thoughts: Friendly? Absolutely, But in a Bordeaux Way

So, to answer the question: Are people in Bordeaux friendly? Yes, they definitely are—but in their own way. The warmth might not hit you all at once, but once you’re in, you’re in. Bordeaux has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that grows on you the more you get involved with the city and its people. It’s the kind of place where friendliness emerges from genuine curiosity and respect, rather than immediate extroversion.

If you’re heading to Bordeaux, don’t expect everything to be handed to you with a smile at first glance. But, trust me, if you’re open to their culture and willing to strike up a conversation, you’ll find that the people of Bordeaux have plenty of warmth to offer.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.