University life in the city of Bordeaux, France: a perfect marriage of history and modernity
Claudiu Popa
Bordeaux, a city of light and elegance, offers its doctoral researchers a unique academic experience, gracefully combining a prestigious past and a promising future, the charms of a magnificent city and a historic university focused on excellence and academic progress.
Why am I telling you about Bordeaux? Because it's the city where, in 2018, I began my doctorate in law at the Faculty of Law and Political Science of the University of Bordeaux, attached to the research unit of the Institute of Criminal Sciences and Justice. It was one of the best decisions of my life.
But before discussing scientific research and other academic aspects, let’s mention the obvious.
Evenings in Bordeaux: A Sensory Delight
The sunset over the Garonne, the lights reflecting on the water, the laughter and lively conversations filling the squares. Bordeaux is a city that lives, breathes, and enchants. Evenings are rich in culinary discoveries. From traditional restaurants to trendy bistros, wine bars, and tasting rooms, the possibilities are endless. Every meal is a new adventure, an opportunity to share convivial moments with friends, celebrate your achievements, and create unforgettable memories, perfectly complementing the university experience.
The Stone Bridge, Bordeaux
An inspiring architectural heritage
The historic heart of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a real open-air museum. Its majestic buildings, with their light-filled and carefully sculpted facades, transport you back in time. Each street is an invitation to explore; the architecture is imposing, steeped in history and knowledge, nourishing the mind and stimulating creativity.
It is an inspiring city that offers the perfect setting for in-depth legal reflection, as well as an exceptional living environment for doctoral researchers, who will find an environment that nurtures success and discovery, both personally and professionally.
The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
A stimulating and innovative university research environment
Beyond its timeless charm, Bordeaux is a city dedicated to learning and research. Its university, rich in prestigious history, is at the forefront of scientific developments, including in law. Interaction with professors and fellow researchers, all passionate, interesting, and ambitious, will allow you to reach your full potential in an atmosphere of discovery and intellectual enrichment.
The University of Bordeaux promises a bright future, built on a solid academic education and precious memories etched in your heart.
A dream come true: obtaining a doctorate in law from the University of Bordeaux
After 7 years of hard work of scientific research, reflection, and legal writing, sleepless nights, dozens of drafts of the manuscript, and unforgettable moments, on April 11th, 2025, I had the honor of participating at the University of Bordeaux’s PhD Graduation Ceremony and receiving my doctorate in law: a chic ceremony for a memorable day and a dream come true.
I will always be grateful to my thesis supervisors, Professor Arthur Oulaï (Faculty of Law - University of Sherbrooke) and Professor Olivier Decima (University of Bordeaux, Institute of Criminal Sciences and Justice) for their invaluable support. I must also acknowledge the contribution of the experts who sat on the jury evaluating my thesis: Professor Charlotte Claverie-Rousset (University of Bordeaux), Professor Vincent Gautrais (University of Montreal), Professor Alexandre Stylios (Laval University), and Professor Édouard Verny (Panthéon-Assas University). Their respective contributions and praiseful reviews crowned this wonderful experience in Bordeaux.