Bordeaux Bets on Local Know-How to Attract Visitors


Bordeaux mise sur les savoir-faire locaux pour séduire les visiteurs - Depositphotos.com, Dudlajzov

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The craft tourism sector continues to grow in France, and Bordeaux is determined to join this momentum.

The Bordeaux Métropole Tourism and Congress Office (OTCBM) and the Chamber of Trades and Crafts of Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Gironde (CMANA33) signed, on June 29, 2026, a partnership agreement aimed at promoting artisanal trades to both tourists and residents.

This collaboration seeks to make art founders of crafts integral players in the metropolitan tourism offer, while contributing to the territory’s economic and cultural stature.


Betting on a More Experiential Tourism

The development of craft tourism responds to evolving traveler expectations, with a pursuit of authentic and immersive experiences.

According to data from the Directorate General for Enterprises, this segment welcomed 22 million visitors in nearly 4,000 French businesses in 2024, reflecting a rise of more than 30% over five years.

For Bordeaux, this trend represents an opportunity to diversify its tourist offering by highlighting a living heritage composed of numerous workshops and artisan enterprises.

The agreement signed by Nathalie Laporte, president of the CMA Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Gironde, and Fabien Robert, president of the OTCBM, thus aims to strengthen the synergies between tourism and crafts around three objectives: better valorize artisan crafters, support their activity through promotional actions, and foster connections between tourism, culture and craft.


A Digital Map and New Tours

Among the first achievements is a digital map accessible on the Bordeaux Tourism site, listing about twenty artisanal craftspeople based in the metropolis. Visitors can locate the workshops and public spaces open to the public on it.

The tourism office is also expanding its guided tour program. Starting in September, a new tour titled “Behind the Scenes at the Philomathique” will allow visitors to discover the woodworking, fashion and furniture workshops of this arts-and-crafts school, with encounters between visitors, students and professionals.

Craftsmanship will also be more integrated into the circuits offered by tour guides. In Eysines, for example, visitors will now be able to meet the artisans of Artflo, based in the town since 2025.

The partnership also translates into a stronger presence of crafts in the reception areas of the tourism office. Its shop broadens its range with creations made by local artisans, including exclusive pieces designed by Bordeaux ceramists.


Amelia Brille Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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Amara Nambinga

Amara Nambinga

I write about tourism, culture, and emerging destinations with a Namibian perspective. Through my articles, I try to highlight the places, people, and travel stories that show how Africa and the wider world are changing.