Bordeaux
« Imagine a city that is as mystical and sublime as Pagan, as rich and bourgeois as Bordeaux » - Amélie Nothomb
Bordeaux the wine is now better known than Bordeaux the place. True, a visitor here can enjoy some first-class plonk, but they can also enjoy first-class scenery, arts, and food.
Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All of it. This gives an idea of the depth of history behind the place. Settled by the Romans in 300 BC, the city still has the ruins of an amphitheatre, the Palais Gallien [Gallic Palace]. The Grosse Cloche, a medieval bell tower in the centre of the city, is one of the oldest in Europe. More recent additions, if you can call them that, include the Grand Theatre and Opera House, both built in 1780. All this has remained thanks to Jacques Chaban-Delmas, former mayor of Bordeaux, who slapped a preservation order on the city in the 20th century.
The food is delicious. Bordeaux’s close neighbour, Spain, has had a strong influence on local cuisine: you’ll find variations on tapas here. Longstanding trade routes have also brought oysters, saffron, and spicy Sichuan peppers from China.
The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts houses works by artists as diverse as Picasso, Matisse and Titian, while the newly-opened Marine Museum offers a quirkier take on the museum experience. Finally, the vineyards surrounding the city make for rich, green scenery to frame your visit. These are fed by the Garonne River, which also runs through the city centre. The Garonne is crossed by the grand Pont de pierre [Stony Bridge], built on the orders of Napoleon.
Top Attractions Bordeaux
Unique Boutique: Shopping in Bordeaux
Where to Eat in Bordeaux
Places to Stay:
Activities
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Arc en Rêve Centre d’Architecture, Bordeaux
The Arc en Rêve Centre is dedicated to architecture, its history, trends and development. It shares a building with the Museum of Contemporary Art, so you can hit both in one visit.
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BAAAM, Boutique, Bordeaux
A concept store next to Porte Dijeaux which offers a great selection of unique design objects, clothes and a lot more.
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Books & Coffee, Café, Bordeaux
Whether it’s for a start to your day or a break in between, Books & Coffee is the perfect pitstop café. And it’s right down the road from the Grosse Cloche.
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Cathédrale Saint-André, Bordeaux
Go and see the famous UNESCO World Heritage site 13th century Cathédrale Saint-André, the national monument of France, Bordeaux's famous Roman Catholic cathedral with an independent bell tower, consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1906.
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Grand-Théâtre, Bordeaux
Gracing the Place de la Comédie is the neoclassical wonder, the Grand Théâtre. One of Bordeaux’s most beautiful buildings, it is home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux.
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Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux
Don't miss the 13th century Grosse Cloche, one of Bordeaux's most popular landmarks, which was built in the medieval times to announce important events, fires, and even the start of harvest season.
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Musée d'art Contemporain (CAPC), Bordeaux: All year
This warehouse-turned-art museum houses one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art in France.
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Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux: All year
Don't miss the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, one of the largest fine art museums in France displaying famous paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th century, including masterpieces from Rubens, Titian, Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Delacroix and other world-renowned artists.
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Møna, Café, Bordeaux
A cosy and charming cafe near Porte Dijeaux and place Gambetta, known for their selection of cakes and pastries (yum).
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Palais Gallien, Bordeaux
Go and see the Palais Gallien, the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre from 56BC, Bordeaux's only historical remains of the Roman era.
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Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux
Place de la Bourse is one of the most prominent squares of Bordeaux and a symbol of the city. Charming by day and even more captivating when lit up at night.
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Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux
Right in the heart of Bordeaux, Place des Quinconces is one of the largest city squares in Europe, decorated with 19th century monuments and fountains.
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Place du Parlement, Bordeaux
If you’re near the Place de la Bourse, then pay a visit to the lovely italian-style Place du Parlement as well.
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Porte Dijeaux, Bordeaux
The Porte Dijeaux has stood the test of time, acting as a western gateway into the city since the Roman era.
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Église Notre-Dame de Bordeaux
A remnant from the medieval era, this wonderful baroque church from the 17th century is just a few minutes walk from the Opéra National.
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Église Saint-Pierre de Bordeaux
A Gothic church built right in the heart of the old town. A beautiful exterior and a peaceful interior, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit.
