Flaky Bites of Bordeaux

Follow Nikesh on a one-of-a-kind exploration of Bordeaux through its boulangeries — iconic, beloved, and full of personality. Over the years, he’s tasted his way across the city, mapping every oven and testing every crust. The result is a route refined just for Fernwayer, featuring only the most exceptional bakeries he knows. You’ll stop for fresh-out-of-the-oven viennoiseries, savoury specialties, and unexpected creations that show how inventive and local this daily ritual can be. Some of the stops are shared only on this route — places Nikesh reserves for rare occasions, chosen for their story, craft, and the connection he has built over time. Along the way, you’ll discover how different each bakery truly is, from philosophy to flour. Midway through, pause at a specialty café Nikesh loves — a moment to sip something together, talk about what you’ve tasted, and dive deeper into what makes Bordeaux’s bakery culture so remarkable.

This experience stands out for its carefully curated selection of boulangeries chosen exclusively for Fernwayer. Each bakery is nestled within a distinct, lively neighborhood of Bordeaux, allowing guests to explore the city’s rich diversity far beyond the usual paths. What makes this journey special is the chance to taste pastries crafted with care that reveal Bordeaux’s culinary soul. The experience goes beyond eating — it’s about discovering the city’s many layers, much like a perfectly leavened dough unfolding its complex texture. Every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the intimate relationship between local ingredients and artisan skill. The inclusion of stops that are exclusive to Fernwayer adds a unique dimension, giving guests access to gems cherished by Nikesh himself. Pausing at a specialty café further enriches the experience, providing space to savor, reflect, and engage with the passion behind Bordeaux’s beloved baking culture.

Australian-born Nikesh Gounden has been living in Bordeaux for over six years, where his work as a food writer has deepened into a passion for the city’s bakeries and street food. He explores with patience and curiosity, tasting and listening, uncovering the family traditions, techniques and recipes that shape Bordeaux’s pastry culture. His experiences connect history and flavor, weaving together architecture, daily rituals and sensory detail — from a buttery pain au chocolat in a courtyard to a warm canelé in an 18th-century arcade. With Nikesh, each tasting becomes a story, and each walk through Bordeaux an encounter with its living rhythms.

Come hungry, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle and a bag for any goodies you may want to take home.