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Once again we explore another neighborhood in Bordeaux, Chartrons. Chartrons is located on the left bank of the Garonne River. The left bank boasts all the pedestrian streets, esplanades, shopping streets, squares, restaurants, nightlife, etc that you expect from a city. Chartrons is located at the north end of this hub of activity. This makes it easily accessible to all amenities but again, like Bastide, slightly removed from it so it remains a little quieter. 
Much of the activity in Chartrons centers around the Place du Marché Chartrons. It is an old Halle or covered market that is now lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and stores. There is lots of seating in and around the place. It is less densely populated than its neighboring quartiers, St Paul and St Pierre, so it is the perfect spot to rest during an afternoon walk.
Virtually self-sufficient, the Chartrons district has a village atmosphere and plenty of special boutiques. Chartrons includes L’iglise Notre Dame, Rue Notre Dame, a street full of antiques dealers, second hand shops, and art galleries, as well as Rue du Faubourg des Arts, which has recently become devoted to art and designers in a variety of fields. Some people like to think of it as like a little Soho. It is clearly a part of the city but a little enclave inside of it as well. It is just off the beaten path to be pleasant and lively but not crowded like Rue St Catherine.
If you tire of browsing in the shops, eating in the restaurants, or drinking in the cafes of Chartrons you can head toward the banks of the Garonne to the Quai de Chartrons. The buildings of the district of the Chartrons, including the Quai, are all constructed in a blond limestone of Aquitaine are covered in roof tiles, of 3 or 4 floors on the banks of the Garonne and 2 or 3 behind the Quai. They were built in the 18th or in the 19th centuries, with some houses dating of the 17th century. Many saw their restored facades, notably on the front of Garonne, being registered to the historic monument inventory. This Quai links to the Esplanade de Quinquonces and forms the longest continuous waterfront in Europe and some say the world. If you do nothing else, stroll along the waterfront and take lots of pictures of the buildings, they are magnificent. On Sunday morning a large market is located all along the waterfront. Aside from normal market fare locals eat oysters and a drink a dry white wine, yes on Sunday morning.
There are so many things to do in this neighborhood it is hard to list what is available. For us it was a respite from the bustling nearby neighborhoods. It is also walking distance to the Jardin Public. Make Chartrons a stop on your next trip to Bordeaux, let us know what else we forgot to mention about it, we love learning more.
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It looks like a place I would like to visit. Plenty of shops and character, I really need to go there!
Shopping is quite possible there. People watching was also atop our list of things to do there. Of course all after, sampling the wine, it is really that good.