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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Bordeaux: Saint-Michel Spire to Reopen to the Public


La flèche Saint-Michel signe son retour après 5 ans de travaux, Nicolas Duffaure

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After five years of renovation, the Saint-Michel spire in Bordeaux will soon be reopened to the public.

Residents of Bordeaux and visitors will be able to rediscover it starting from June 13.

They will be able to admire this Gothic-style edifice and its spire, which rises to 114 meters high, making it the fourth tallest church tower in France.

The bravest may also climb its 230 steps to behold Bordeaux from its summit, with a 360-degree panoramic view.


The Saint-Michel Spire: a renovation that took time

Beginning in 2022, the monument underwent a major restoration to repair deteriorated stone, cracks, and weak points in its structure.

The edifice had become considerably deteriorated.

To read: The City of Wine celebrates its 10th anniversary from June 4 to 7, 2026

Over the centuries, since the 15th century, the monument has undergone numerous modifications and renovations that have contributed to its fragility, a situation further intensified by weather-related hazards. It was therefore essential to undertake works to durably protect this heritage.

The project lasted nearly five years, with the spire being closed at the end of 2021 before reopening in June 2026. This duration can be explained by the scale of the mission and the height of the building.

To reach the highest parts, substantial technical means were required to perform precise work:

  • complete restoration of the stone claddings;
  • replacement of damaged stones and joints;
  • bring the lightning protection system up to standard;
  • restoration of the cross located at the very top.