Hall B’s Café Général scores a rare 10/10 at BOD
Café Général sits airside in Hall B, a short walk from the main security lanes and close to several Schengen gates. It’s a standard café counter on paper, but the consistently high rating of 10 makes it stand out in Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, where most food options lean basic and rushed.
Opening hours track the morning and evening bank of flights in Hall B, typically from the first departures around 05:30 until the last wave near 22:00. Prices run very typical for France: an espresso hovers around €2, a cappuccino about €3–3.50, and pastries like croissants and pains au chocolat usually sit in the €2–3 range. Budget about €8–12 per person if you pair a drink with a light snack or sandwich.
The safe order here is coffee and pastry; airport reviews of other BOD spots regularly mention stale viennoiseries, so the 10/10 rating for Café Général suggests they turn stock over faster in Hall B. If you need something more substantial, grab a cold sandwich or quiche and skip anything that looks like it has been under a heat lamp for more than 30 minutes. Service tends to move in waves, with peak queues right after the 08:00–09:00 security rush.
Seats nearby are shared with the general Hall B waiting area, so don’t count on dedicated café tables at 100% occupancy. Power outlets in this section are sporadic; figure one usable plug bank for every 3–4 seating clusters. Plan to order, then carry your tray to the gate area if you’re within 20–30 minutes of boarding, since boarding for some Schengen flights at BOD can start as early as 30–35 minutes before departure.
- Tip: clear security in Hall B, grab a coffee and pastry at Café Général, and only then check your gate; BOD sometimes posts gate changes within the last 45 minutes before departure.