I will be in Bordeaux in the beginning of February, and I have a couple of questions;
1. How safe is the train station, especially at night, for a woman traveling alone? (I am planning on day trips from Bordeaux).
2. Any recommendations for vegetarian restaurants in Bordeaux?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
MOF
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I have been in a similar situation:
For reasons unknown to me at the time, the Fates took me to Toulouse Matabiau train station late at night (11pm-1am). I had taken the wrong train and had to figure out what to do next. The station was not in the best neighborhood, so I stayed inside, within visible range of the staff. I would advise you to do the same. The SNCF staff are easy to identify - usually wearing blue. Bordeaux might also have security/police forces wandering around as well.
It%26#39;s probably safe, but %26quot;gardez un oeil%26quot; - keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
Hope that helps.
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The short answer: don%26#39;t do it.
The longer answer: as with many other large towns in Europe (and, often, in America) the areas around train and bus stations can be less than reputable. There is a new and very efficient tram line which takes you from the center of Bordeaux right to the train station, so you can easily get to it for your trips out of town.
As for vegetarian restaurants, this is a little tricky. It has been said that the French view vegetables as a waste of good space on a plate. Nonetheless, there are a couple of choices in town. For a meal without meat or fish you could try Baud-Millet, a restaurant that specializes in cheeses from all over France (and even further afield):
%26lt;http://www.baudetmillet.fr/%26gt;
(only in French, alas, but you can find the address nonetheless)
Many restaurants, although not strictly vegetarian, will have some dishes on the menu which will be meatless, so you%26#39;ll have more options than you might think.
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I have been through Bordeaux station a number of times. It is a very busy place at all times, so you should be OK. There are often a bunch of undesirables hanging about the front of the station but I have witnessed the local police moving them on. Inside the station it is not unusual to see armed military on patrol with the police, which makes you feel safe if slightly un-nerved that the authorities know something you do not!
If I have a long time to wait at Bordeaux, I sometimes sit on a bench at the far end of the platform, out in the sun and from where I can see any potential trouble coming from far away.
I cannot help with vegetarian restaurants but there is a very nice bakery just outside the station near the bus stops but I cannot remember the name of it! Opposite the station are a number of cafes and bars, some of which are to be avoided.
You must apply some common sense of course, in not leaving your baggage unattended and beware luggage thieves on the trains - at intermediate stops in larger cities you will often see people leave their seats to watch over any bags stored at the end of the train cars, as it is not unknown for thieves to dash inside the train just before it leaves and grab whatever they can!
Trust that helps.
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MOF -
I agree with the others - treat the station area the way you would treat many areas of Baltimore at night - and since it%26#39;s dark so early this time of year - taxi in and taxi out.
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MOF -
I agree with the others - treat the station area the way you would treat many areas of Baltimore at night - and since it%26#39;s dark so early this time of year - taxi in and taxi out.
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Thank you all for the quick input:)
I am leaving next week. It is my first time in Bordeaux, and I am looking forward to it.
MOF
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MOF --
If nothing has changed in the last couple of years, you%26#39;ll find numerous affordable restaurants with excellent house wines or affordable wines by the bottle - enjoy!
Bon voyage.
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This is not an entirely vegetarian restaurant but it%26#39;s as close as you will get and it%26#39;s very good. Le Poivre Vert at 172, rue Pelleport.
It%26#39;s an Italian restaurant and is on a strange but interesting concept.
It creates dishes made with the popular but humble green pepper. (The name Poivre Vert is French for green pepper.) Despite this focus, there are numerous meals to choose from, including pizzas, pastas, salads, and grilled dishes. Though some dishes are made without the simple vegetable, the dishes made with green peppers are flavorful and authentically Italian. The relaxed dining room is most crowded at lunchtime.
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