This Southern France Metropolis Is Well-known for Wine — However Its Beautiful Structure and Landmarks Will Steal Your Coronary heart

Tucked away in southern France, proper alongside the Atlantic coast, is France’s ninth greatest metropolis and the capital of the Nouvelle Aquitaine area. Welcome to Bordeaux!

I’ll be trustworthy, right here. I like love LOVE Bordeaux. I believe it’s some of the stunning and engaging huge cities in France.

In reality, after my first journey to Bordeaux, I got here dwelling and gushed in regards to the metropolis to my husband. After I lastly bought to carry him alongside on one other journey, it solely took a few hours earlier than he remarked, “Okay, I get it – Bordeaux is superb.”

So what makes Bordeaux so nice? It’s a metropolis of iconic landmarks, towering medieval gates, Gothic cathedrals, picturesque Haussmannian streets, elegant squares, and neighborhoods wealthy in historical past.

Town’s architectural identification is outlined by its Haussmannian type—ornate and chic stone facades developed underneath the route of Georges Haussmann, a Bordeaux native who later reshaped Paris itself. This has given Bordeaux the nickname of “Mini Paris of Southern France.”

And, after all, Bordeaux’s world status is tied to its wine tradition. Dubbed the wine capital of France, Bordeaux is the right place to dive into the world of wine—studying about its manufacturing, blends, flavors, and notes, and exploring the various wine retailers that dot the town.

24 Greatest Issues To Do in Bordeaux

So, let’s discover the highest issues to do in Bordeaux! For ease of use, this information is split up by the completely different neighborhoods that make up historic Bordeaux:

• Saint Pierre
• Triangle d’Or
• Les Chartrons
• Saint Michel
• A number of miscellaneous sights which can be simply exterior of those neighborhoods

✔️Issues to Do in Quartier Saint Pierre

Quartier Saint Pierre, the oldest district in Bordeaux, is a must-visit neighborhood in Bordeaux. Identified for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and plenty of charming squares, it’s the historic coronary heart of the town.

This picturesque space is bustling, particularly within the evenings, when locals and guests collect at outside cafes, store alongside pedestrian streets, or loosen up within the energetic squares.

The neighborhood’s structure displays Bordeaux’s 18th-century prosperity, with regal buildings that virtually transport you again in time as you wander its maze-like streets.

Lots of Bordeaux’s prime sights are situated in St. Pierre, making it an ideal spot to discover historical past and soak within the vibrant ambiance.

1. Porte Cailhau

Bordeaux was as soon as a walled metropolis with six grand gates that served as entrances. These fortifications, constructed over centuries, have been initially constructed to defend in opposition to Germanic invasions.

Within the 18th century, the medieval partitions have been demolished to permit for metropolis growth, leaving the gates standing on their very own. All six gates stay immediately as historic monuments that guests can discover.

One of the vital well-liked gates is Porte Cailhau (Palace Gate), one of many oldest and most ornate. (It virtually appears like one thing out of Disneyland!) You possibly can climb its slender spiral staircase to the rooftop, the place small home windows provide beautiful views of the Garonne River and the town.

Proper in entrance of Porte Cailhau is Place du Palais, an attractive sq. steeped in historical past. As soon as the positioning of Palais Ombrière, the medieval dwelling of the Aquitaine dukes, the sq. has reworked over the centuries.

At the moment, it’s an awesome spot for al fresco eating, providing picturesque views of the town gate.

• Hours: Varies relying on the season
• Worth: €5

2. Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche, or the “Massive Bell”, is the largest gate in Bordeaux, making it some of the iconic and simply recognizable spots within the metropolis. It holds an enormous bell that rings six instances a 12 months throughout particular events, similar to Bastille Day – a nationwide vacation that commemorates the autumn of Bastille on July 14, 1789.

Not solely that, but it surely has dungeons inside that used to jail younger individuals who didn’t comply with the curfew or public order. You possibly can see these dungeons in individual and study in regards to the historical past of this monument on a 30-minute guided tour throughout spring, summer season, and fall.

• Hours: Open to the general public throughout spring, summer season, and fall
• Worth: €6 

3. Pont de Pierre

Pont de Pierre (previously Napoleon Bridge) was the very first bridge that was inbuilt Bordeaux underneath the management of Napoleon I. For those who look carefully, you can see 17 arches on the bridge, which was intentional to match the variety of letters on Napoleon I’s title – Napoleon Bonaparte. Attention-grabbing, proper?

Because the title implies, this stunning bridge was fabricated from stones and bridge and embellished with wrought-iron lamp posts, making it appear and feel regal – particularly with the Roman-style Porte de Bourgogne at one finish.

For 150 years, Pont de Pierre was the one infrastructure that related the left financial institution and proper financial institution of Bordeaux. Toady, nevertheless, many different bridges join the communities on either side of the river.

4. Place de la Bourse + Miroir d’Eau

For those who can solely go to one of many squares in Bordeaux, it needs to be the Place de la Bourse – the largest and fanciest sq. within the metropolis. It’s the one open sq. in Europe the place the sq. is open to the river as an alternative of being enclosed by buildings or metropolis.

As talked about, one facet of the sq. faces the Garonne River. From that facet, you may also discover the long-lasting Miroir d’Eau, which is a gigantic reflection pool that additionally capabilities as a splash pad in hotter months.

By the point it was constructed, Bordeaux had been exporting wines and exchanging items with different international locations, significantly the Americas. King Louis XV commissioned the sq. to be as luxurious and chic as attainable, showcasing the grandeur of Bordeaux and his energy to the international buying and selling ships arriving within the port.

In reality, there was as soon as a statue of King Louis XV within the fountain of the sq.. Nevertheless, it was destroyed throughout the French Revolution and changed with the present statue of the Three Graces.

5. Saint André Cathedral

Saint André Cathedral is likely one of the most beautiful religious buildings in France, because of its enchanting Gothic structure and attention-grabbing historic background.

The cathedral is made stunning by its towers, high-vaulted ceilings, spiritual sculptures, stained glass home windows, its “Royal Gate” entrance, and its big organ, which is likely one of the largest in France.

That is the place the 13-year-old Eleanor of Aquitaine, a beloved French historic determine, married her first husband, King Louis VII of France, in 1137. (I do know…13 years previous!) Then, at one level, it was used to retailer fodder throughout the French Revolution till a devastating hearth occurred within the nineteenth century.

Trivia: Many of the church buildings and cathedrals again then used colourful stained glass home windows to draw folks. When most couldn’t learn, the photographs additionally helped to inform necessary tales to the inhabitants.

6. Pey Berland Tower

The Pey Berland Tower is the free-standing bell tower of Saint André Cathedral. Initially constructed in 1440, the unique bell was changed in 1853 by an 11-tone tenor bell, the fourth largest in France.

In Bordeaux, bell towers are constructed individually from church buildings as a result of metropolis’s marshy soil, which may’t help heavy constructions. That is additionally why Bordeaux doesn’t have an underground metro system and why most buildings are restricted to 4 tales.

Though you may admire its magnificence from the skin, particularly from Rue du Loup, Pey Berland Tower is finest skilled by climbing its 229-step staircase to the highest of the tower.

From there, you may gete up shut and private with the gargoyles as you admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the cathedral and the town of Bordeaux. (See the image on the prime of the Saint André Cathedral part, simply aabove).

7. Librairie Mollat

The Librairie Mollat is the oldest and largest independently-owned bookstore in France. This bookshop is so large that it occupies virtually the complete block (about 3/4 of its size). 

It has 15 completely different departments, providing 1000’s of books in several languages and genres. From artwork, literature, and science to journey, comics, and kids’s books, this bookstore offers infinite choices for bookworms and most people.

Good to know: Libraire means “bookstore” in French, whereas Bibliotheque means “library.”

• Hours: Each day from 10 am to eight pm (from 2 pm to 7 pm on Sundays)

8. Rue Sainte Catherine

Rue Sainte-Catherine, stretching 1,200 meters, is the longest pedestrian procuring avenue in Europe and a hub of exercise in Bordeaux. Beginning within the upscale Triangle d’Or district, it runs by means of the historic Saint Pierre neighborhood and ends close to the colourful Saint Michel district.

The northern facet of Rue Sainte-Catherine is dwelling to main French chains and consists of the doorway to Galerie Bordelaise, simply steps from the Grand Théâtre.

The southern facet of the road affords a special vibe, with discount clothes shops, Asian retailers, grocery shops, and North African eateries, making it a favourite amongst college students and younger adults. This finish of the road can also be the place you’ll discover the Porte d’Aquitaine, considered one of Bordeaux’s historic metropolis gates.

9. Personal Strolling Tour

For those who’re brief on time or desire a fast introduction to Bordeaux’s historical past and tradition, a private walking tour is a incredible selection. Over the course of about 1 hour and quarter-hour, an area information will lead you thru key streets, squares, and monuments, sharing charming tales and historic insights.

Whereas the tour doesn’t embody getting into church buildings or towers, it affords a wonderful overview of the town’s highlights. Guides usually present nice native suggestions, making it simple to determine which sights to revisit in additional depth later.

Getting a private guided tour was really considered one of my favourite components of visiting Bordeaux. I felt like I knew nothing in regards to the metropolis’s historical past beforehand, and ended the tour studying a lot and having a lot extra context in regards to the historical past and websites we have been seeing.

It actually made the complete journey a lot extra significant!

>>Check prices and availability for this private walking tour here

10. Promenade Alongside the River

Strolling the riverside promenade alongside the Garonne River is an effective way to soak up the views of Bordeaux. The extensive promenade subsequent to the river has loads of area and beautiful views of the river and the historic previous city, good for these searching for nice and enjoyable walks throughout the day or night time.

Plus, the promenade provides you entry to our subsequent merchandise…

11. River Cruise

One other very gratifying exercise you are able to do in Bordeaux is to ebook a soothing river cruise alongside Port de la Lune and the Estuary. It is a fascinating option to view the town from the water and sail underneath its stunning bridges.

There are a number of kinds of river cruises that you may ebook in Bordeaux.

Certainly one of them is a Sightseeing Cruise, a 2-hour cruise tour with guided commentary, glass of wine, and canelé.

One other different possibility is the Dinner Cruise, the place you may take pleasure in a 3-course meal whereas taking within the views of the town from the water.

✔️Issues To Do within the Golden Triangle (Triangle d’Or) Neighborhood

The Triangle d’Or, or Golden Triangle, is considered one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious neighborhoods, identified for its upscale lodging, luxurious procuring, and historic significance.

Within the 18th century, this was the popular space for Bordeaux’s bourgeoisie, and it stays dwelling to a number of the metropolis’s most unique addresses.

Cours de l’Intendance, one of many avenues forming this triangle-shaped district, is lined with high-end boutiques, making it a prime vacation spot for luxurious procuring.

Regardless of its compact measurement, the Triangle d’Or is a chic neighborhood with just a few distinctive sights that shouldn’t be missed in Bordeaux.

12. Grand Theatre of Bordeaux

The Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux, constructed within the late 18th century, is likely one of the metropolis’s most iconic and delightful landmarks. Throughout its building, staff found 2,000-year-old stays of a Roman temple beneath the positioning, including to its historic significance.

At the moment, the theater hosts performs and performances, and guests can enter by both attending a present or becoming a member of a 50-minute guided tour operated by the Vacationer Workplace.

The theater is situated in Place de la Comédie, considered one of Bordeaux’s most upscale squares. It’s surrounded by the Intercontinental Resort and a number of other high-end eating places, together with Le Bordeaux, owned by Gordon Ramsay, and the Michelin-starred Le Quatrième Mur, led by famend native chef Philippe Etchebest.

13. Place des Quinconces

Place des Quinconces is likely one of the largest public squares in Europe, masking a powerful 12 hectares within the coronary heart of Bordeaux. Created within the early 1800s, the sq. was designed to supply an open area for public gatherings and occasions.

Its title comes from the quincunx association of bushes planted across the sq., a sample of 5 bushes.

At its heart stands the Monument aux Girondins, a surprising fountain and column that honors the Girondin deputies who have been victims of the Reign of Terror throughout the French Revolution. The sq. is flanked by grand statues of Montesquieu and Montaigne, notable figures from Bordeaux’s historical past.

14. Place Gambetta

One other must-visit sq. in Bordeaux is the attractive Place Gambetta. Accomplished in 1770, it was one of many first main developments exterior the historic metropolis partitions.

What makes this sq. significantly notable is its darkish historical past—it served as the positioning of the town’s guillotine throughout the French Revolution. It’s chilling to think about how a lot blood was shed right here throughout that turbulent time.

Take a second to take a look at the home windows of the encompassing 18th-century buildings. You’ll discover small sculptures of human faces, often known as mascarons. A few of these intricate particulars are even modeled after actual folks.

✔️Issues to Do in Les Chartrons

Les Chartrons is a classy and classy neighborhood simply exterior Bordeaux’s metropolis heart, mixing a bourgeois and bohemian vibe harking back to Le Marais in Paris.

Developed within the 18th century by rich wine retailers, it was initially a particularly unique and upscale group designed across the wine commerce, with lengthy, slender streets particularly designed for constructing wine cellars.

At the moment, Les Chartrons is a vibrant and charming district. Rue Notre Dame, considered one of its primary streets, is lined with colourful shopfronts, native boutiques, eating places, and vineyard retailers, making it a pleasant place to discover.

The neighborhood’s wine heritage lives on, with many wine cellars nonetheless scattered all through the neighborhood and high-quality wines available at its eating places.

15. Jardin Public

I like visiting gardens in France—they really go all out for his or her inexperienced areas, and the Jardin Public is not any exception. Bordered by elegant buildings with upscale terraces, sculptures, massive flower pots, and even some cafes, the park seems like a particular place from the second you enter by means of its large wrought iron gate.

Inside the backyard, you’ll discover a playground, a carousel, a youngsters’s space, a bridge over the pond, and loads of benches to loosen up on. Regardless of its measurement, the park feels simple to discover, because of its lush greenery and scenic, winding paths.

On the far finish, you’ll uncover an attractive botanical backyard, accessible by means of an previous pavilion with an ornate stone arch. This construction, as soon as a part of the backyard’s greenhouse, is now often known as the Palais du Capitole.

• Hours: Each day, normally from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Worth: Free to go to

16. Eglise Saint Louis des Chartrons

The Saint Louis des Chartons church is a stunning and outstanding cathedral in the midst of Rue Notre Dame. It was constructed within the late 1800s by Bordeaux architect Pierre-Charles Brun with a neo-Gothic architectural type.

Greater than something, it’s praised for its stunning stained glass home windows and altars. Its large organ and baptismal fonts fabricated from Carrara marble are additionally a number of the highlights contained in the cathedral. You may additionally wish to go to throughout the heritage days in September to get a glimpse of its mahogany vestry.

Hours: Each day from 9 am to 7 pm

17. Musée du Vin

For those who’re all for studying about Bordeaux’s wine tradition, the Musée du Vin is a wonderful place to start out. Situated in a former wine store, this small museum highlights the historical past of wine-making and commerce particularly in Bordeaux and the encompassing area.

The displays cowl varied elements of the wine commerce, manufacturing processes, and even how wine barrels are crafted. To spherical out your go to, you may take pleasure in a tasting of two locally-made wines, with grape juice accessible for teenagers and non-drinkers.

Good to know: As early because the 1200s, the “Privilege of Bordeaux wines” was established, which means that solely wines from estates of the Bordeaux burghers have been allowed within the metropolis limits.

• Hours: Each day from 10 am to six pm
• Worth: €10

✔️Issues to Do in Saint Michel

The Saint Michel neighborhood is a vibrant, cosmopolitan district in Bordeaux that borders the Saint Pierre neighborhood. Traditionally dwelling to sailors, retailers, and craftsmen, the realm additionally housed Spanish and Portuguese immigrants.

At the moment, it’s dwelling to North African, Turkish, and Kurdish communities, in addition to a major scholar inhabitants.

This mixture of cultures makes Saint Michel a incredible spot for meals lovers, with quite a few North African and Turkish eating places and bakeries serving scrumptious, genuine dishes.

18. Marché des Capucins

Marché des Capucins is the most important market in Bordeaux and a must-visit for anybody in search of genuine native items. Right here, you’ll discover an unimaginable number of gadgets, together with contemporary meat, cheese, seafood, pasta, flowers, pastries, and sweets—all showcasing the flavors and craftsmanship of the area.

The market can also be dwelling to quite a few small eateries and eating places, providing a variety of dishes and cuisines. It’s a energetic and thrilling place to discover, whether or not you’re searching for native specialties or tucking right into a freshly cooked meal.

Hours: Each day from 6 am to 2 pm (closed on Mondays)

19. St Michel Basilica (Basilique Saint-Michel)

The St. Michel Basilica, initially inbuilt 700 AD, was expanded and developed between the 14th and sixteenth centuries. It options traditional Gothic structure, complemented by vintage stained glass home windows, spiritual work, and complicated altarpieces.

Sadly, the unique stained glasses have been destroyed by a World Conflict II bombing. It was then changed by the trendy stained glass artworks we now see immediately.  Nonetheless, the church and its intricate particulars stay a must-see attraction within the metropolis

Like every other cathedral in Bordeaux, St Michael Basilica has a separate spire, often known as “La Fleche,” to keep away from compromising the structural integrity of the church. This spire is acknowledged because the fourth tallest bell tower in France.

• Hours: Each day from 9 am to 7 pm

20. Meals Tour

I like doing meals excursions in huge cities in France (for instance, I’ve had the perfect time on the meals excursions I did in Nice and Aix-en-Provence) and Bordeaux was no exception. This Bordeaux food tour was an exceptionally pleasant expertise, and a must-do for anybody who’s even slightly little bit of a foodie.

The tour begins at Marché des Capucins, and takes you thru native markets and eateries by means of the Saint Michel and Saint Pierre neighborhoods, the place you may pattern conventional French meals and desserts.

Be sure that to reach hungry—parts are beneficiant, and skipping breakfast is extremely really useful. Throughout the tour, you’ll bask in a wide range of savory and candy dishes, together with:

• Cheese: Pattern high-quality varieties like comté and chèvre.
• Mussels and Fries: A French favourite usually served with cream, that includes tender mussels and not using a fishy style.
• Dune Blanche: A lightweight choux pastry full of cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Roulé: A rolled pastry with mix-ins like purple fruits, bacon, onions, or cream.
• Canelé: Bordeaux’s iconic dessert, and also you’ll get the perfect model within the metropolis.
• Crepes: A traditional French deal with, served plain or with toppings like cream and fruits.

>>Check prices and availability for this food tour here

✔️Different Issues to Do in Bordeaux

21. Cité du Vin

Cité du Vin is a must-visit vacation spot whether or not you’re a wine drinker or not. In contrast to the normal Musée du Vin, this museum affords a contemporary, immersive expertise that explores wine-making and commerce practices not simply in Bordeaux, however all over the world.

The decrease flooring are full of academic displays and interactive shows that cowl matters like world wine historical past (from Mesopotamia to Egypt), winery cultivation, and wine cultures throughout international locations. You may as well dive into the nuances of wine sorts—white, rosé, purple, glowing—and find out about their preparation and tasting.

A few of our favourite options included the “smelling station,” Through Sensoria, the place you may discover the aromas and notes of wine, and a enjoyable “grape-stomping recreation.”

On the prime flooring, take pleasure in a wine tasting with beautiful panoramic views of Bordeaux. Select from 10 to 12 wines from Bordeaux, France, and past, or go for grape juice, good for non-drinkers and youngsters.

• Hours: Each day from 10 am to six pm
• Worth: €37.40 (everlasting displays + prime flooring + sensory tasting journey)

22. Bassins des Lumières

The Bassins des Lumières is a wide ranging gentle and artwork set up inside a submarine bunker that was constructed by Germans throughout World Conflict II after they managed the south of France.

The construction in itself is only a piece of huge grey concrete, however when you step within it, you may be transported to a big piece of shifting artwork.

It options 4 spacious, interconnected rooms, every with a big water basin that displays the beautiful gentle present, all set to enjoyable music.

Whereas the complete compound shows the identical artwork set directly, strolling by means of the completely different rooms by no means feels boring or repetitive. The shifting artwork is designed to always change, develop, and shift, making a dynamic and interesting expertise. Whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not, this can be a must-visit!

• Worth: €15
• Hours: Each day from 10 am to 7 pm (till 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)

23. Eat Canelé

No go to to Bordeaux is full with out making an attempt a canelé, the town’s signature pastry and some of the scrumptious regional foods you can eat in France. This iconic dessert contains a darkish, caramelized crust and a delicate, custard-like heart, flavored with rum and vanilla—a mix that’s merely irresistible.

Believed to have originated within the sixteenth century, canelés have been first made in convents round Bordeaux’s wine area. Over time, they turned a beloved native delicacy and stay a must-try deal with for guests.

You will discover canelés all through the town, however for an genuine expertise, head to one of many seven La Toque Cuivrée places in and across the metropolis heart.

24. Go to Saint Emilion

Saint Emilion is a quintessential wine-making village simply half-hour by automotive or prepare from Bordeaux. This medieval village, with over 2,000 years of winemaking historical past, is surrounded by world-famous vineyards and in addition identified for its beautiful medieval structure and monuments.

The village is called after Emilion, a monk who fled from Vannes and sought refuge right here. He lived within the space for many years, serving the native folks and performing miracles that led to his sainthood.

Saint Emilion’s distinctive geology and microclimate make it splendid for rising grapes like merlot and cabernet sauvignon. In reality, it turned the primary winery on this planet to be acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

If you wish to have some wine-tasting experiences, you may join a guided winery tour and tasting or take pleasure in connoisseur picnics, mixing classes, or a glass of wine at an area restaurant.

>>>Check prices and availability for this guided day trip with winery tastings in Saint Emilion

Map of Bordeax Sights

How Many Days Do You Want in Bordeaux?

Whereas 1-2 days provides you with a pleasant style of the town, I’d advocate 3-5 days to essentially see and do the whole lot on this checklist at a leisurely tempo, with time to simply stroll round and absorb the ambiance.