BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Right Bank of the Garonne

After having introduced in my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne the best murals you’ll spot around the city’s historic old town, here is the best street art you’ll find alongside the right bank of the river Garonne.

Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux stands for fine wines, magnificent facades, and the French way of life. But this reputation and the city’s wealth are no coincidence. They were created through hard work. Hard work that, admittedly, not all sections of the population had to do, and I’m not just talking about the slaves kidnapped from Africa, who are responsible for a large part of the wealth that the Bordeaux bourgoisie enjoys to this day.

With all the good money, the wine merchants built their city palaces exclusively on the left bank of the Garonne. The right bank was neglected and was home to at most ugly but useful factories and industrial plants.

After the districts along the left bank began to be renovated and spruced up in the 1990s, it has been the turn of the right bank for some time now. First and foremost, living space is being created, and therefore, entire streets are still partly under construction. As construction has been rampant, the right bank is not really attractive for the average visitor, with the exception of the meadows and cycle paths directly on the water. And the creative center called Darwin, of course, but we’ll get to that later.

Street Art on the Right Bank of the Garonne

What immediately struck me in Bordeaux is that it’s primarily local artists who decorate the city’s walls. Every now and then, there’s someone born in another French city. But beyond France’s borders? It seems quite difficult to infiltrate the local street art scene.

As for the distinction between the left and right banks, this is primarily determined by urban development projects: In the quartiers on the left bank, there are more old residential buildings. Some have been renovated, but there are still plenty of spaces, old walls, and even shutters that provide the ideal surface for tags and murals.

On the right bank of the Garonne, however, construction is rampant, and the new facades are certainly not suitable for graffiti of any kind. Therefore, urban art there is concentrated in a few, but very worthwhile, locations. For one thing, school fences are decorated. But first and foremost, former industrial buildings, and especially the former Niel barracks, offer seemingly endless possibilities for street art.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s discover the street art scene on the right bank of the Garonne together.

David Selor

Even if you’re not looking for street art, you won’t be able to avoid David Selor in Bordeaux. He was born in Cognac in 1988. He has been decorating city walls for ten years. Today, there seems to be hardly a street in Bordeaux where David Selor’s fox-like character isn’t represented.

Against a backdrop of innocence, his stylized foxes float between delicate philosophical reflections with a touch of irony. Selor thus conveys his convictions and underscores social aspects in his art projects.

David Selor has participated in several group exhibitions in Bordeaux. His paintings have been commissioned numerous times for private collections both in Brazil and in Paris. This jack-of-all-trades masterfully juggles all his projects. Whether as an artist in residence, in non-profit exhibitions, or in chic galleries. Whether creating a fresco, shooting a video, or illustrating a book for the artist MR Poulet, Selor moves lightly through the world of art, constantly developing his technique.

You’ll find more pieces by David Selor in my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne.

DERF

Not as omnipresent as Selor, but still wildly represented is DERF. He was born in 1984 and is a self-taught artist based in Bordeaux. His passion first taught him the power of color, light, framing, and perspective.

Like many other muralists, his artistic journey began with the world of graffiti.

Inspired by photography, however, DERF quickly developed an iconic style in the depiction of women. Today, the combination of photographs and graffiti defines his unique style.

Celebrating the complexity and beauty of each of these women, he applies elements of the American Pop Art movement in his own artistic way.

Nevertheless, DERF leaves his art open to interpretation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in his portraits and allow them to resonate emotionally.

To see another cool mural by DERF, rush over to my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne.

Lilee Imperator

Lilee Neururer paints under her artist name Lilee Imperator, which stands for self-determination and sovereignty. She was born and raised in Sautens, a village in the Austrian Ötztal valley in Tyrol, but has also Nigerian roots. Her multicultural background and travels through various countries give her a unique perspective, enabling her to create art that appeals to a diverse audience.

Lilee’s background in design, fashion, and computer science shapes her approach to art. She studied 3D animation in Salzburg, which enhanced her ability to integrate visually captivating narratives into her murals.

Lilee’s works are characterized by fluid, figurative forms that flow into one another like liquids, creating visual motions and thus evoking emotions. Her murals are not mere decorations. They are thoughtful compositions designed to enhance spaces and evoke feelings.

One of her most notable works is the Klosterfrau mural in Cologne, commissioned by the Klosterfrau Health Group in 2024. That same year, her solo exhibition BLANC took place in the Austrian city of Innsbruck.

In France, Lilee conducted a collaborative mural project involving local youth in the design process. The mural’s goal was to transform a stressful urban area into a calming space, reflecting the community’s desire for more beauty and serenity.

Lilee Imperator currently lives in Bordeaux.

MAS.ONER

MAS.ONER is known for his dynamic and multifaceted approach to urban art. He is primarily active in France and has participated in various street art projects and exhibitions, presenting a range of techniques and styles, including classic graffiti and tagging. He uses traditional spray painting techniques and stencils to create detailed and repeatable designs in his vibrant, expressive works.

Although his work is mostly not photorealistic, his images are characterized by a high degree of realism.

MAS.ONER’s versatility allows him to adapt to different surfaces and contexts, from city walls to curated exhibitions. He has participated in several major street art initiatives, including the DéDalE project, a temporary urban art space in Vannes, France.

As a member of the art collective TCP Crew, he participates in collaborative graffiti and mural projects.

Cost

Cost TPK is a street artist and graffiti writer, born in Paris in 1982. He is an active member of several influential graffiti crews, including TPK, OVK, ER, IAC, HLM, and GB, and is highly recognized for his dynamic and elevated urban artworks.

Cost embarked on his graffiti career in 1996, deeply inspired by the hip-hop culture of the 1990s. As a self-taught artist, he honed his skills over the years, experimenting with various techniques and mediums. His work is often characterized by bold lettering, vibrant colors, and a unique approach to artistic arrangements. His association with the well-known Parisian graffiti collective TPK crew marked a significant turning point in his creative development.

Cost is particularly known for his love of heights as he often creates pieces on elevated surfaces. Hence, his pieces often adorn rooftops, high walls, and other challenging urban canvases.

Beyond street art, Cost engages in studio work and teams up with municipalities to conduct painting and drawing workshops for kids.

Cost’s murals have been featured in various locations across France, including Paris and Bordeaux.

Mokä

Mokä, also known as Möka 187, is known for his vibrant murals and community-oriented projects. Born Benjamin Le Houëzec in the French city of Angoulême, he now lives in Bordeaux. His artistic activities span France and Morocco. There, he actively contributes to the street art scene with his colorful, quirky characters.

He frequently collaborates with other artists. Also, he participates in projects that bring art into public spaces and thus make it accessible to a wider audience.

Together with fellow artists Màs and Blade, Mokä is a member of the artist collective Le Grand Cru. Together, they work on various projects that combine graffiti, illustration, and recycled art.

Mokä’s artworks can be found in various locations, but especially in Bordeaux. His works contribute to the city’s vibrant street art landscape.

LULEPI

LULEPI, who also works under the artist name Lüle, was born in Bordeaux in 1982. She first experienced graffiti at the age of 17 in a youth workshop in her neighborhood. There she discovered her passion for drawing and artistic expression. Today, LULEPI enjoys collaborating with other artists and participating in group projects and community art initiatives. Since 2009, she has devoted herself to freehand painting, developing a self-taught style characterized by improvisation and a vivid imagination.

LULEPI’s artwork often depicts female figures whimsically intertwined with various animals. One of her signature motifs is a mischievous grandmother, who is depicted in various contexts.

Although LULEPI is based in Bordeaux, her murals also adorn walls in cities such as Copenhagen, La Rochelle, and Seville. Her participation in events such as the Upfest Street Art Festival in Bristol has made her a fixture on the international street art scene.

Darwin Ecosystem

Located within the Bastide district, the so-called Darwin Ecosystem is a pioneering project that exemplifies sustainable urban regeneration. It all began in 2011 with the transformation of the former Niel military barracks into a multifunctional space dedicated to ecological and social innovation.

Today, the so-called Darwin hosts over 100 businesses and associations, providing collaborative workspaces that support startups and social entrepreneurs committed to sustainable practices. The site includes also art galleries, venues for concerts and events, and a large skatepark.

Its organic restaurant, grocery store, and markets promote local and sustainable products. But as is always the case with such projects, at the end of the day they are aimed at a rather privileged group of residents.

However, among many other opportunities, Darwin also offers street artists an incredible number of walls and other surfaces on which to express their creativity. Also, some works by the artists featured above can be found on the Darwin site. I’ve always noted this accordingly.

Why Darwin?

The project’s founders were inspired by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and his idea of adaptation to external conditions. Therefore, they chose his name to reflect the idea that businesses and individuals must adapt and evolve to thrive in the context of sustainable development and the circular economy. 

Charles Foussard

Charles Foussard comes originally from Bordeaux, yet he took his first steps into urban art in the French overseas department of La Réunion. Graffiti inspired him early on.

Foussard is known for his lively style. His surreal motifs are influenced by pop surrealism and the Californian lowbrow movement. His picture compositions are often poetic, sometimes almost hallucinogenic.

He thoroughly plans the composition of his work by carefully selecting and photographing the walls to visualize the end result in order to ensure that the interaction of his images harmonizes with the surroundings.

Foussard enjoys creating large murals in public spaces, but also detailed compositions on canvas in his studio. Therefore, his works have been shown in various exhibitions.

I’ve already introduced Charles Foussard also in my posts Best Street Art in NÎMES and BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne.

POZE

Yann Chatelin aka POZE is celebrated for his innovative fusion of calligraphy, street art, and mixed media. His work intricately explores the aesthetics of letters, blending traditional scripts with contemporary urban art forms.

Originating from the French city of Calais, POZE’s artistic path began with graffiti during his teenage years. Over time, he transitioned from aerosol sprays to tools like knives and brushes, delving into mediums such as acrylics, ink, and wood. His deep appreciation for calligraphy, especially Arabic scripts, led him to study the nuances of letterforms, focusing on their curves and structures rather than their semantic meanings. Hence, he often employs the so-called Qalam, a traditional reed pen used in Persian calligraphy, to craft his pieces.

Unsurprisingly, POZE has spent significant periods in Morocco and Nepal. Hence, today, his artwork adorns walls in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Kathmandu. Obviously, POZE also participated in the highly renowned JIDAR Street Art Festival in Morocco’s capital, Rabat. Currently, he resides in the Béarn region of France.

Committed to sharing his passion, POZE also conducts workshops and collaborative art projects. These sessions aim to engage communities, schools, and organizations in the creative process by fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Jeff Soto

Jeff Soto is a contemporary American artist renowned for his distinctive fusion of street art, pop surrealism, and traditional painting. Born in 1975 in Fullerton in the state of California, he has made significant contributions to both the gallery and mural art scenes.

A vivid color palette and a blend of fantastical imagery with urban elements characterize his work. His art often features surreal creatures, anthropomorphic figures, and dreamlike landscapes. Hence, he names artists like Max Ernst, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Amedeo Modigliani, and Paul Cadmus as influences on his style.

Jeff Soto has shown his paintings in galleries and museums around the world. Beyond galleries, Soto has created murals in various locations, including France, Taiwan, and the USA.

Soto has also published two monographs, Potato Stamp Dreams in 2005 and Storm Clouds in 2008. Not only do they showcase his artworks, but they also provide insight into his creative process. In addition to his artistic practice, he serves as an Associate Professor of Art at Riverside City College.

MIKA

Michaël Husser aka MIKA was born in 1983 in Alsace. Ever since he was a kid, he loved drawing, which eventually led to a career in graphic design and illustration. From there, it was a short step to creating murals.

As a freelancer, he had the opportunity to spend 4 years in New Caledonia. There, he created various murals that encouraged him to develop his iconic style.

After MIKA moved back to France and settled in Bordeaux beginning of 2016, the carpenter by training now keeps working as an artist of visual and applied arts.

You’ll find another amazing mural by MIKA in my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne.

Pierre ALU

Pierre ALU is a street artist renowned for his vibrant floral murals that transform urban landscapes into colorful, nature-inspired scenes. Thus, his work brings a touch of whimsy and life to cityscapes.

Pierre ALU frequently uses aerosol techniques to create his large, vivid flowers such as tulips, irises, and wild blooms. These pieces, which are characterized by their bright colors and dynamic compositions, often appear on unconventional canvases, including anti-intrusion blocks, bunkers, and underpasses. This way, they virtually soften the harshness of urban environments with natural motifs.

Pierre ALU actively engages with the street art community, participating in collaborations and festivals.

WOIZO

WOIZO is a street artist from Rennes who now lives in Toulouse. His artistic career began with studies in graphic design and illustration. However, it was in street art that he found his true creative voice. Urban art significantly shaped his career and continues to influence his artistic development to this day.

WOIZO’s work is characterized by a dynamic interplay of abstract and figurative elements. He cites artists such as Paul Klee and Victor Brauner, as well as Symbolism, as his creative inspirations. His art is also strongly influenced by his travels, particularly a significant stay on the African continent.

WOIZO’s art thrives on an exploration of space and time. He ensures that his murals are in harmony with their surroundings, creating a connection between architecture and landscape.
He uses color as a medium to convey emotions and imbue his works with a powerful aura and introspective atmosphere.

Nô

Arnaud Rabier aka Nô was born in a Parisian suburb in 1981. After receiving his master’s degree in 2005, he initially taught foreign languages ​​and social sciences before backpacking around the world for a long time. He sketched hundreds of portraits of the people he met on his journey.

Then, when he returned to France in 2018, he developed a stenciling technique that allows him to create countless faces on the walls of cities. Nô mostly portrays children who are on the dark side of life.

I’ve introduced various of Nô’s portraits in my posts Best Street Art in Marseille as well as Best Street Art in Brussels.

Nauk One

Nauk One, who lives in Gironde, France, is active in the street art scene and contributes to the region’s diverse urban art scene. He is known for his vibrant, expressive works that combine traditional graffiti elements with contemporary street art aesthetics.

Although specific biographical details about Nauk One are scarce, his art speaks volumes about his style and influences. His works are often characterized by bold lettering, dynamic compositions, and a distinct sense of color. They reflect a deep connection to the roots of graffiti and its evolution into a respected art form.

Eléart

Eléart is a French-Welsh nomadic artist born into a family of artists, including musicians, actors, and painters. From an early age, she explored various paths to express her creative side.

Her desire to deepen her artistic skills led her to study art and obtain a master’s degree. Eléart maintained an unconventional lifestyle and embarked on physical and spiritual journeys around the world to connect with people and cultures.

During a stay in Egypt, she discovered her passion for portrait photography. Over the past decade, her focus has shifted to painting, where she combines portraits with abstract elements and symbolic motifs. In her portraits, she seeks to portray souls. She also incorporates global symbols into her works. These insignia, often associated with ancient rites, are Eléart’s way of preserving vanishing cultural narratives.

Eléart’s art has found its way onto the city walls of Arcachon, Bordeaux, and Lacanau, as well as to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

…and then there is WOLS

WOLS Street Art is a Bordeaux-based association dedicated to promoting and democratizing urban art in the city and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Founded in late 2024, the association’s mission is to create public murals, organize community projects, and offer workshops to foster appreciation for urban art.

WOLS offers workshops and introductory events to educate the public on the techniques and history of street art. The association collaborates with artists and institutions to facilitate large-scale artworks.

Anyone interested in learning more about WOLS or participating in events can find the association’s offices at 9 Rue de Condé, Office 3.

If you’re planning a visit to Bordeaux and want to experience its vibrant street art scene, WOLS Street Art offers a unique insight into the city’s urban creativity.

On Instagram

To dig deeper into the subject and see more of the amazing art the above-featured artists have created, you can just check out their Instagram accounts:

How to Get Around

It’s quite a walk from the historic city center to Darwin. Obviously, you will be faster and more comfortable by bike. Bordeaux strives to be a bike-friendly city, and the bike paths along the Garonne are unbeatable anyway.

The only literal stumbling block is the tram tracks. As great as the tram is and as much as its ringing charmed me every day, the tracks are a real danger. In the few days I was in Bordeaux, I witnessed two bike accidents, one of which seemed quite serious.

This being said, you can rent a bike through the Le Vélo par TBM service. This service allows you to discover Bordeaux in an eco-friendly and convenient way. Bikes can be picked up at more than 180 stations throughout the city. They have both, conventional and electric bikes. As in most places, the first half hour is free, then you’ll be charged two €uros per hour. You can pay by credit card or a TBM subscription, which you probably won’t have if you’re in Bordeaux just for a couple of days.

Public Transport

Bordeaux boasts an efficient and user-friendly public transportation system. The network includes four tram lines, a wide array of bus lines, as well as the Bat³ river shuttle and connects both banks of the river Garonne.

A single ticket costs 1.90 €uros and is valid for unlimited travel within one hour across trams, buses, and the Bat³.
A two-trip ticket costs 3.30 €uros, and each trip is valid for one hour.
There is also a ten-trip ticket for 15.00 €uros, however, I’d argue that the 24-hour pass for only 6.50 €uros, the 48-hour pass for 11.00 €uros, or the 72-hour pass for 13.50 €uros might be a much better deal as they grant unlimited travel.
If you are planning on staying more than three days, the 7-day pass for 17.00 will be a suitable option.

Tickets are available at machines at tram stops, at TBM agencies, select newsstands, and most conveniently on the TBM app.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket each time you’re boarding a vehicle!

Map

This map should help you find the murals I’m introducing in my posts on Street Art in Bordeaux. However, I split it into two layers: One for the left bank of the river Garonne and a second one for the right bank. This way, you can open them separately.
Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map, including the legend.

Looking for urban art was only one of the awesome things I got to do during my visit to mesmerizing Bordeaux. In my post What Not to Miss in BORDEAUX, the Charming Wine Capital of France, I take you on a comprehensive city tour.

Pinnable Pictures

If you choose to pin this post for later, please use one of these pictures:

Did You Enjoy This Post? Then You Might also like these:

* This is an affiliate link. If you book through this page, not only do you get the best deal. I also get a small commission that helps me run this blog. Thank you so much for supporting me!