a fairly quiet rush before Christmas in the streets of Bordeaux

CThis is the last straight line before arriving at the foot of the tree. The final weekend to complete (start?) your shopping list. On this Saturday, December 21 at noon, the Bordeaux Christmas market is not bursting with excitement. The effect of the morning rains, no doubt. Only the restaurant terraces are crowded with people. Maelann, 31, is taking a break with her family, very close to the Ferris wheel and a king of the forest fir tree in the heart of a children's carousel. “We enjoy the magical atmosphere. People are relaxed,” comments the mother. But the stop will be short-lived because Ewenn, 3 years old, saw Santa Claus.

Figures with maple syrup

At the Santons Escoffier chalet, Aude and Gilles are having fun. Every year, they stop at Michel Chaubon to complete their crèche. In the gift package: a shepherd, flower beds, a small elephant… Some examples among the 1,200 terracotta references made in Provence. “Christmas is above all a religious celebration. We want to respect this tradition,” emphasizes the couple. Tradition is also a question at La Cabane à Mario. But with a Quebec accent this time. Coureur des bois whiskey, biscuits, maple syrup, bison terrine… The Great North blows over the esplanade. Célia and Benjamin died. “Little extras for Christmas,” they smile before leaving for Poitiers. The move of the Allée de Tourny market to Place des Quinconces is appreciated by traders and visitors. “More spacious, crossing passages, we breathe… Even at busy times,” summarizes Max, who would nevertheless like more craftsmanship.

Online sales in force

Rue Sainte-Catherine: change of scenery and appearance. A lady, her coat rack arms weighted down with bags, moves forward with hasty steps. Please… “Sorry, no time,” she blurted. Just as loaded, a cyclist dismounted to carry his bulky packages. The son's toys. “I did it at the last moment. It was more complicated this year with work,” confides Harold, a South African who has been living in Bordeaux for three years. Maëlis, 24, is preparing to leave Promenade Sainte-Catherine with a book, chocolates and a pair of shoes. A tighter budget for these holidays. “I have just finished my studies, I am looking for a job,” she explains.

At the Mériadeck shopping center, it is 3 p.m. The flow speeds up nicely. The Kingtoy store manager is waiting until the end of the year to take stock. “Christmas shopping takes place between October and December. We had a great “Black Friday”. Digital also works very well. “Click and collect” represents 20% of our turnover,” he says. Coming out of the Nature et Découvertes boutique, Maëlle went for a nature theme with a bird house, a book on bird songs and a solar garland. “We are not very over-consumptive in the family. The idea is to buy small gifts or make them yourself, while having fun of course. »