Darwin Eco-système — Attraction in Bordeaux

This was an interesting place the visit. It reminded me a bit of the art communities that you used to get in Berlin before most of it got gentrified. Being Bordeaux though I would say this is more at the hipster end of art than hippy end. There are many art murals and it was interesting to see some of the activities going on in some of the warehouses. There is a restaurant there that serves the usual food of burgers or duck. There was insect salad, but there is no hope in hell of me trying that. There was a kids tent, that was a bit dirty with tattered old toys, but I suspect that is the grungy feel they were going for. The toilet mirror was a series of wing mirrors. There was a shop selling free range and fair trade food too. There was also some pods which I presume was for artists to work in or something. There didn't look like there was air conditioning so probably to help those artists achieve the tortured artist nirvana and create great art...if they aren't baked to death in the process. Maybe they then become the art piece? Definitely an interesting place to walk around for something off the tourist trail. I liked it as something a bit different and...

Interesting attempt for alternative urban development. Bringing together multiple small companies, with an alternative, social and/or green mission. The chocolate company is nice and smelling really good! Bakery unfortunately closed for a few weeks, which seems strange in the middle of the tourist season.... It was not mentioned on the website or at Google, which was unpleasant because I got here for the artisan bread. Anyway, skateboard track seemed really nice, but we did not try it. Lack of experience.... Many shops/ateliers and the main restaurant were closed. Also a missed opportunity I would say. Toilets really messy and one even overflowing without anyone taking care of it. Long lines for a drink at the bar. Looks like they could use more staff here.... I missed good international food trucks or a simple standard dish available any time. Also better sign posts on what is where would be helpful for visitors from outside the community. Hopefully they continue the developments and both variety and service...

My trip to Darwin was fascinating. I found myself totally captivated, from taking in the art, furniture and buildings, to reading about how rainwater is recycled for sanitary systems and urine is composted. Items are repaired or recycled, food is sustainable and locally sourced, and a number of shops explain the steps they're taking towards more sustainable practices.

For example, the Veja store highlights the Veja x Darwin initiative, which collects used Vejas that cobblers repair and resell at discounted prices. If they can't, the shoes are recycled.

If you're downtown, Darwin's slightly out of the way, but totally worth the trip. I took the river shuttle from Quinconces to Stalingrad, and then walked through the lovely Jardin Botanique to get there. If you take the same route on a hot day, I recommend...