Summary of Attractions in Bordeaux
The mere mention of this remarkable city evokes its legacy in viticulture, making it an essential destination for enthusiasts. The array of distinguished châteaux and intimate wineries awaits exploration and appreciation.
It is advisable to acquire the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass, providing complimentary entry to various museums and attractions, alongside unrestricted access to public transportation.
Additionally, you may not be acquainted with the recently inaugurated Cité du Vin, a 21st-century architectural marvel that epitomizes the significance of wine to both the city and the global context. The UNESCO-listed old city presents its own allure, featuring stunning 18th-century quays, squares, and magnificent civic edifices crafted from a distinctive honey-hued stone.
Let’s delve into the best attractions in Bordeaux:
1. Place de la Bourse
Bordeaux expanded beyond its historical town walls with the construction of this splendid square on the left bank of the Garonne in the 1720s.
Commissioned by Louis XV and designed by Jacques Gabriel, it soon became emblematic of the city.
Approach closely to admire the mascarons (sculpted faces) adorning the building arches.
It is also worthwhile to cross the street to the Water Mirror, designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud.
This expansive pool, often shrouded in mist, reflects the Place de la Bourse, creating a picturesque scene.
This location is ideal for photography, and during the summer, children delight in its splashes of water.
2. Quais de Bordeaux
The left bank of the Garonne ranks among the globe’s most exquisite waterfronts.
This area forms part of the 18th-century World Heritage ensemble, characterized by the grand neoclassical facades lining the impressive 80-meter wide riverside promenade.
Located adjacent to the expansive Garonne, crossed by the graceful arches of the Pont de Pierre, these spacious locales provide an enchanting atmosphere for leisurely walks or bike rides.
Benches, flower beds, and lawns nestled beneath plane trees offer inviting spots for relaxing while soaking in the surroundings.
3. La Cité du Vin
This state-of-the-art cultural center honors all aspects of wine and showcases an ambitious, futuristic vision that is challenging to summarize succinctly.
For casual visitors, it serves as a high-tech museum guiding guests through the history, production, and global significance of wine.
With ten hours of audiovisual content, oenophiles may immerse themselves for an entire day in exploration.
The building’s striking 3,000-square-meter design, highlighted by a 55-meter tower, truly impresses, culminating in a visit to the belvedere bar where patrons can savor exquisite views of Bordeaux and the Garonne alongside their wine.
4. Bordeaux Wine
At La Cité du Vin, you will also discover valuable insights into continuing your wine journey, considering the overwhelming options available: you are in the heart of the world’s wine capital, which is also the second-largest wine-producing region globally.
Typically, guided tours entail transportation to Saint-Émilion, The Médoc, Canon Fronsac, Sauternes, and Graves.
You will be escorted through the vat rooms and cellars, gaining knowledge about the wine production process, followed by opportunities to taste a selection.
During summer, tasting sessions are frequently hosted outdoors in the picturesque estate grounds, providing an idyllic setting.
Saint-Émilion itself is notable for its ancient stone streets, ruins, and Romanesque churches.
5. La Grosse Cloche
Constructed in the 15th century, La Grosse Cloche, featuring its twin conical roofs, functioned as the historic belfry for Bordeaux’s town hall.
It stands as one of the few remnants from the medieval period, established on the foundation of the 13th-century Porte Saint-Éloy, a former city gate.
This gateway once housed a small prison for juvenile offenders, secured behind a door ten centimeters thick.
From below, you can appreciate the bell, which dates back to 1775 and weighs an impressive 7,750 tons.
La Grosse Cloche remains silent for the majority of the year, resonating only during major public celebrations such as Bastille Day.
6. Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau is another stunning remnant of the old city walls.
Characterized by a design straddling the Gothic and Renaissance styles, it dates back to 1495 and was built to commemorate King Charles VIII’s victory against the League of Venice at the Battle of Fornovo.
It served both as a triumphal arch and a city fortification.
A white statue of the king can be found in one of the niches, alongside a warning about the lintel, since Charles VIII met his untimely end at 27 from colliding with one in Amboise.
For a modest fee, visitors can enter the building and ascend for a picturesque view of the Garonne.
7. Esplanade des Quinconces
Among Bordeaux’s vast public spaces, the Esplanade des Quinconces distinguishes itself with its impressive 12 hectares.
Its generous dimensions make it a prime location for various events throughout the year.
If a major concert or fair is occurring, this area will be the venue, having hosted a ‘fanzone’ with bars and a giant screen during Euro 2016.
During quieter times, visitors come to admire the much-photographed Monument aux Girondins, featuring a column crowned with a statue of liberty and fountains adorned with galloping bronze horses below.
The monument commemorates the Gironde political group’s contributions during the French Revolution.
8. Bordeaux Cathedral
As with numerous religious structures across France, Bordeaux’s cathedral faced challenges during the Revolution, resulting in a loss of many decorative elements. Thus, most of its current embellishments are sourced from other buildings.
This does not diminish the grandeur of the medieval Gothic architecture or the historical significance of the site, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future Louis VII in 1137 when they were just 13 and 17, respectively.
Allocate a few moments to gaze at the north portal, crafted as a royal entrance in the 13th century, which features a tympanum depicting scenes such as the Last Supper.
The adjacent Tour Pey Berland bell tower also offers a splendid viewpoint of the city, though it requires climbing 282 steps!
9. Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
Designed by architect Victor Louis and completed in 1780, the Grand Théâtre is celebrated as his masterpiece.
Even without entering, visiting Place de la Comédie after dark allows one to admire the illuminated portico and the 12 statues of muses and goddesses.
Inside, the lavish decor in blue and gold, the colors representing the French monarchy, was removed following the revolution.
The ideal method to experience this venue is to attend a performance by the Bordeaux National Opera.
Featuring a permanent ensemble of 110 orchestra musicians, 37 choral artists, 38 dancers, and a rotating roster of guest soloists and conductors, it represents a significant cultural undertaking.
10. Jardin Public
Originally inaugurated in 1746 near the outskirts of Bordeaux, this park was developed in land previously occupied by unproductive vines. In accordance with 18th-century humanist ideals, its purpose was to improve the well-being of the local populace by providing green space.
The Jardin Public, designed in the English style, features lawns, historic trees, statues, fountains, balustrades, and wrought-iron bridges spanning its serpentine pond.
A restaurant situated in the former orangery enhances the park, which is surrounded by 18th-century townhouses.
This setting offers an elegant backdrop for a picnic or a leisurely read on the grass.
11. Musée d’Aquitaine
This museum adeptly encapsulates the extensive history of the Aquitaine region, emerging as one of the largest museums of its nature outside of Paris.
The expansive galleries feature numerous exhibits; should your time be limited, a few essential artifacts demand your attention.
In particular, the Laussal Venus, a lifelike stone carving of a woman dating back 27,000 years, is noteworthy. Additionally, there is a Gallic treasure discovered in Tayac, showcasing a solid gold torc and hundreds of gold coins and ingots, the most recent of which dates to the first century BC. History enthusiasts will likely find themselves captivated for hours as they explore its treasures.
12. Rue Sainte-Catherine
Situated as a direct route from Grand Théâtre in the north down to Place de la Victoire, Rue Sainte-Catherine is recognized as the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe.
For those seeking tranquility, this location may not meet your expectations, as the street is bustling with activity at all hours. If shopping is your objective, you can take a moment to unwind at a café and observe the lively crowd.
During February and July, the atmosphere intensifies with sales, complemented by temporary stalls lining the street.
The upper segment showcases international brands, while the lower section presents a younger, more bohemian vibe.
13. Place de la Victoire
At the heart of this square stands an intriguing piece of contemporary public art, envisioned by Czech sculptor Ivan Theimer.
The installation consists of marble blocks from Languedoc, forming a 16-meter tall column.
Unveiled in 2005, this monument, reflecting the city’s long wine-making heritage, represents the first acknowledgment of viticulture in Bordeaux.
Two tortoises, also crafted by Theimer, reside at the base of the column, endearing themselves to children.
Surrounding the square are charming two-story 18th-century townhouses, alongside a triumphal arch, built in the 1700s, marking the site of a former city gate.
14. Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas
This vertical lift bridge, inaugurated in 2013, is visible when looking downriver from the quays on the left bank of the Garonne. Spanning nearly 600 meters and soaring to 77 meters, it holds the title of the tallest vertical lift bridge in Europe, quickly establishing itself as an iconic feature of the city.
Despite its modernity, it harmoniously integrates with the historical landscape, offering both technical and aesthetic significance.
The public transport system includes ferries that provide a unique vantage point to observe the bridge from the water.
Visiting the quayside at night reveals captivating light displays illuminating the bridge’s four towering columns.
15. Canelés
The culinary landscape of Bordeaux is rich and sophisticated, forming its unique identity within France.
For a taste of local cuisine, one might choose a steak prepared with Bordelaise sauce, composed of red wine, shallots fried in butter, and demi-glace.
However, one delicacy that often represents Bordeaux is Canelés, petite pastries baked in scalloped molds, infused with vanilla, rum, and cane sugar.
These treats pair well with tea as well as champagne and are ideally served as desserts following a meal.
Additionally, Canelés make for excellent gifts, as they are well-packaged and travel efficiently.
