Rue Sainte Catherine

The street has been almost entirely pedestrianized since 1984. It divides the city in two along a north-south axis from Place de la Comédie, where the Grand Théâtre is, to Place de la Victoire where the Theimer Column is.

The northern part of rue Sainte-Catherine is devoted to major French chains and the southern part to shops, restaurants, etc. that are more popular with students. We are proud of the fact that this is the longest shopping street in Europe. It is busy every day, but especially crowded on Saturday. The busiest time is undoubtedly during the clearance sales that take place twice a year, in February and July. Merchants and itinerant traders set up stands all along the street at these times, and people come in droves looking for a bargain.

The entrance to the Galerie Bordelaise is located on the northern side of the street, near the Grand Théâtre. This 18th century gallery will shortly be renovated.

There are cafés and small restaurants all up and down the rue Sainte Catherine, so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy a pleasant break.

Buying on-line has its limits, and it's well worth braving the crowd to find exactly what you want. So, my girlfriends and I are putting on our walking shoes on and heading down to rue Sainte Catherine!