Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead logo

Relaxing at a French cafe

After a long day of boating around the Bay of Arcachon, Jamie unwinds with coffee and crêpes at a quintessential French cafe.

After a long day of boating around the Bay of Arcachon during our time in Bordeaux, traveler, Jamie, was ready to unwind, so she decided to head out and find somewhere to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. She found a little cafe just across from Bordeaux Cathedral on our walking tour of the city, so she decided to check it out. Learn about her experience at this wonderful cafe in France.

red and white chairs and tables outside a cafe in france

With a cluster of tables and chairs out front shaded by umbrellas, Le Café Français is quintessentially French and exactly the kind of place I was looking forward to visiting. The waiters were warm and welcoming, the atmosphere was relaxed and most importantly, the cafe crème and chocolate-smothered crêpe that I ordered for dinner (when in France!) were both delicious.

crepes covered with chocolate on a white dish at an outdoor cafe in france

While I sipped and ate, I saw people going about their afternoons all around me—kids zooming by on scooters, people making their way home with baguettes in their bicycle baskets and others casually strolling by. As I sat there, eating great food, enjoying the beautiful weather and surrounded by conversations spoken in French, I felt completely immersed in daily life. A thrilling feeling I won’t soon forget!

Looking to learn some French phrases before your next trip? Check out these French phrases to know before you go.

people walking down street in bordeaux france

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a French cafe? Explore our tours to France for your chance to visit one or more on tour.

About the author

Jamie Burke

Always on the lookout for the next best meal ever, Jamie loves exploring the world—and all the great food in it. When she's not working to inspire new travelers, you'll find her biking around Boston, eating at her favorite sushi place, or hanging out at home with her family (and cat).

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
The New Year Sale

Save up to $400 & lock in your best price

Taking a 2025 trip is a resolution worth making, so book by 1/31 to save. Plus, beat the price increase!†

Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
Travel tips

The ultimate France Travel Guide

Destinations

28 towns in France that are straight out of a storybook

Destinations

The French Riviera vs. the Italian Riviera: Which one’s right for you?

Travel tips

24 of the best things to do in Paris that will take you back in time

Travel tips

5 of the prettiest places to visit in Provence, France

Global cuisine

The ultimate guide to France’s wine regions

Travel tips

Emily in Paris filming locations you can visit in France

Travel buzz

8 places in France you need to visit beyond Paris

Destinations

Paris travel guide: Our favorite things to do and more

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France
Destinations

Your guide to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Travel tips

48 hours on the French Riviera

Destinations

This incredible itinerary will take you to the most breathtaking cities in the European Alps

Travel tips

9 surprisingly affordable places to visit in Europe

Travel tips

10 can’t-miss, underrated places to visit in Europe

Travel tips

20 French traditions & unspoken customs that French people want you to know before you go

Global cuisine

We asked a French local what to eat in France—here are the 20 French foods she picked

Destinations

Travel Spotlight on France

Travel stories

10 questions about traveling through Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley

Travel tips

The best places for shopping in Paris

World Travel

Hemingway’s favorite spots in Paris to visit

Skip to start of carousel