Yarra

Yarra is a French-Australian bar at 18 Rue Notre-Dame in the Chartrons district of Bordeaux, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. Chartrons is the former wine-merchant quarter north of the centre, now known for antique shops, independent bars and a relaxed riverside feel, and Yarra fits that profile with an international, informal personality. The room is designed around an industrial front bar, with a separate sofa area at the back that suits groups and longer conversations. The crowd is mixed and cosmopolitan: local residents of Chartrons, English speakers, young professionals and visitors who prefer a neighbourhood bar to the tourist centre. There is no dress code and casual clothes are the norm. Guests are mainly adults from their twenties upward. Music is background rather than the main draw, though the bar is known for cultural evenings and for screening games, so atmosphere varies with the programme. The drinks programme is built on wine, reflecting both French and Australian influences, alongside the usual beer and spirits found in a social bar. The menu includes vegan options, which is useful for visitors with dietary requirements and still unusual in many Bordeaux wine bars. Yarra is listed as open Wednesday to Sunday, so Monday and Tuesday are closed. Exact closing times are not confirmed and should be checked locally. Midweek evenings are relaxed, while Friday and Saturday are busier, and match or event nights can fill the bar quickly. No cover charge is expected for ordinary evenings, and bottle service is not part of the offer. Reservations are not normally needed for small groups, but groups planning to watch a screening should consider asking ahead. Prices are mid range. The bar works well as a first or second stop on a Chartrons evening, combined with a walk along the Garonne quays.