Top 15 Things to do in Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is one of those places that is perfect for a city break as well as a longer excursion into the surrounding countryside and vineyards. I knew I had to get myself over to Bordeaux after my visit to the beautiful sites in the Dordogne, and that’s exactly what I did recently on our road trip throughout the area – with a big stop in Bordeaux proper. Bordeaux has so many things to do that you’ll be spoiled for choice… it’s the kind of city that can be as peaceful, buzzing, or exciting as you want it to be. Take a peek at the top 15 things to do in Bordeaux, France.

Explore La Cité Du Vin

For wine lovers, a visit to La Cité du Vin is a must. The interactive experience at France’s greatest wine museum engages all of your senses and culminates in a wine tasting on the top floor with a panoramic view of Bordeaux.

The permanent exhibition takes you on a sensory trip through the world’s best wine areas, wine production procedures and techniques throughout the years, and everything other than wine drinking. But don’t worry, you’ll get a chance to sample on the top floor at the end of your tour.

There are also wine seminars, events, and temporary exhibitions. The Ciné Gourmand, which mixes a movie with a delectable movie-themed tasting feast with wine pairings, is one of our favorite events.

Visit Girondins Monument

With the renowned Girondins monument, this is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city… and the most emblematic of the French Revolution in Bordeaux!

This 12-hectare area, located on the river, is Europe’s largest. The phrase quinconces alludes to the staggered rows in which the trees are planted.

The Place des Quinconces hosts fairs, circuses, sporting events, and artistic events throughout the year. Quinconces station is a multimodal transportation hub with a regular flow of visitors (trams B and C, bus terminals, and Vcub share bikes).

Two rostral columns topped with statues dedicated to Bordeaux’s nautical and economic operations are located directly across from and close to the river. Large statues of the Bordeaux philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu can be located on the side of the Quinconces nearest to the city center.

The Monument des Girondins, which faces west, comprises of bronze fountains and a column with a statue of liberty breaking its bonds atop it. During the French Revolution, this provides testament to the Girondin political faction. Of course, this has nothing to do with the Girondins football team… despite a persistent urban legend to the contrary!

Enjoy Musée D’Aquitaine

The Museum of Aquitaine tells the story of Bordeaux and its region from prehistory to the present day through its regional and international holdings of archaeology, history, and ethnography. Every year, the “Museum of Civilization” hosts temporary exhibitions that explore themes related to world history and culture. He offers a cultural program to the public, including conferences, presentations, round tables, guided tours, concerts, encounters with foreign communities, and educational workshops.

Visit Rue Sainte-Catherine

It measures around 1,200 meters in length and 10 meters in width. That’s approximately 3 kilometers of storefronts to look through!

Since 1984, the street has been almost totally pedestrianized. It runs north-south from Place de la Comédie, where the Grand Théâtre is located, to Place de la Victoire, where the Theimer Column is located.

The northern portion of street Sainte-Catherine is devoted to large French businesses, while the southern part is devoted to student-oriented stores, restaurants, and other establishments. We take pride in the fact that this is Europe’s longest shopping street. Every day is busy, but Saturday is especially.

Stroll along Les Quais

Bordeaux’s quais, once an unattractive, industrialized portion of town, have been converted into the ideal spot for a promenade. You’ll see the Garonne River on one side and gorgeous 18th century buildings on the other as you travel along the quais. Parts of the walkway are lined by little parks and gardens, and you’ll see a lot of people walking, riding bikes, and even shopping at the quais’s far end.
Don’t miss the beautiful market along the quais if you happen to be in Bordeaux on a Sunday. This market features over 60 vendors, many of which specialize in local Bordeaux cuisine. Make sure to attend early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid missing out on the food (it closes about 3 p.m.) — it’s so wonderful that it’ll sell out!

See Place De La Bourse & Miroir D’eau

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C.,

is the most well-known of its kind, yet it is far from the largest (or most fascinating). The Miroir d’eau in Bordeaux is the recipient of this distinction.

The Miroir d’eau, which occupies a large square in front of Bordeaux’s Place de la Bourse, is a one-of-a-kind reflecting pool that visitors can walk across. The so-called pool, also known as the “Quay Mirror,” was constructed in 2006 and consists of a field of granite slabs that are covered in two inches of water, forming a large mirror (Miroir d’eau translates to “Water Mirror”). The massive public feature spans over 37,000 square feet, making it more of a small lake than a pool.

A mechanism hidden beneath the slabs can change the shallow skin of water into a fog of mist throughout the hot months. In some ways, it’s never deeper than when the plaza is shrouded in mist. Aside from this feature, the pool is a calm, albeit massive, puddle.

The big reflecting pool is the place to be if you’re seeking for a somewhat moist stroll or even to cool off your feet in the summer heat.

Take a day trip to Saint-Émilion

The mediaeval hamlet of Saint-Émilion is a prominent Bordeaux wine region attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the mysteries of Bordeaux wine and learn about French winemaking and classifications with extra attention from your guide. A walking tour of Saint-Émilion, three tasting sessions, and a visit to a Grand Cru Classé chateau in Pomerol are all included in the package.

• Learn about French wine appellations and cru categories.
• Walking tour of Saint-Emilion with time to shop for lunch and explore.

Eat a Canelé at La Toque Cuivrée

By visiting a Toque Cuivrée boutique, you can get your hands on Bordeaux’s delectable little pastry specialty, the canelé! But what is a canelé, exactly?

The canelé is a sponge-like pastry with rum and vanilla flavors. They feature a soft, spongy center that is encased in a dark, caramelized exterior. They are only made in Bordeaux and have been for over 300 years.

With their delectable canelés, produced fresh every day in their bakeries, La Toque Cuivrée maintains this tradition alive!

This regional specialty is available in three sizes, and they also sell other patisserie items! You can see everything they have to offer right here.

If you haven’t already, you simply must try one of these delicious snacks or desserts!

Visit St. Michel Brocante & Marche Capucins on Sunday

Saint Michel is one of Bordeaux’s most cosmopolitan and active neighborhoods, with a diverse population of students, immigrants, artists, and others drawn to the area’s modern ambiance. While it isn’t frequently included in traditional Bordeaux sight-seeing trips, the Basilica of Saint Michel and its tower are well worth the trip. Saint Michel is close to some of Bordeaux’s most affluent neighborhoods, but it has a completely distinct vibe; at times, it feels as if Victor Hugo split Bordeaux into two cities.
Some of Bordeaux’s best markets are located here, as are various locations to shop for antique clothing and furniture, as well as an infinite number of bustling restaurants and cafes.
On the adjoining twin set of squares surrounding Basilica St-Michel, Sunday morning is the best time to shop market booths for antiques, vintage curiosities, and a mind-boggling array of unexpected bric-a-brac. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, a smaller Marché Brocante (Flea Market) fills the same squares. The markets located 700 meters downstream of the city center.

Take a break in the Jardin Public

It’s simple to picture a location like this in the countryside rather than the city. The Jardin Public mixes the distinctive honey-colored stone of majestic 18th century buildings with a relaxing setting that includes a pond and centuries-old trees. People who prefer a leisurely stroll, joggers, toddlers, and grandparents all love the garden, which coexists peacefully with swans and ducks.
Since its inception in 1746, the Bordelais have held a special place in their hearts for the Jardin Public. The 11 hectares of grass, trees, flowers, and plants in the city center also include a children’s playground and the famed Guignol Guérin puppet performance.
The Jardin Public, which is surrounded by gorgeous townhouses and has a Natural History Museum, a small botanical garden, and a bar-restaurant (L’Orangerie), has been designated as a Jardin Remarkable de France.

Tour Cathédrale Saint-André

The Saint-André Cathedral, also known as Bordeaux Cathedral, is located in the heart of Bordeaux city center, on Place Bey Berland. Pope Urban II consecrated the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint-André in 1096; however, only a wall within the nave of the original Romanesque construction remains. The majority of the structure dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. The magnificent Royal Gate of the cathedral dates from the early 13th century. The entire structure, including the Tour Pey Berland bell tower, is designated as a French national monument.

Palais Gallien

It is a historic monument that was designated in 1840. Its destruction was halted on Lucien Bonaparte’s orders. The amphitheater would have been constructed to commemorate Emperor Caracalla’s entrance in Aquitaine. Since the 19th century, many archaeological excavations have taken place at the Palais Gallien.

This is the earliest Gallo-Roman relic that may still be seen in the city. During the first barbarian incursions in 276AD, it was most likely destroyed by fire. The roar of the beasts and the shouts of gladiators could be heard in this amphitheater when Bordeaux was still known as “Burdigala.”

At the time, these stadiums were 132 meters long and 115 meters broad, with a capacity of more than 15,000 people. The Gallien Palace, on the other hand, was never a palace but an amphitheater where the Romans’ beloved circus games were held.

Its remains were afterwards used as a haven for thieves and outlaws, as well as women of liberal morality, because they were located outside the guarded city. Before a mayor changed it into a public quarry during the Revolution, it was rumored to be a meeting place for witches!

Check out the Grosse Cloche

A 7800kg iron bell housed in a mediaeval belfry is known as La Grosse Cloche, or the Big Bell. It stands on the St. Eloi route, with a pedestrian passage through the monument through an entrance in the bell tower. In the Middle Ages, this was the Porte St. Eloi, a gateway into the city center. It was frequented by pilgrims on their way to the tomb of St. Jacques, which was interred in a church in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Very central and mostly surrounded by the most charming alleys in the historic district, with some of the greatest terraces for a drink just a few blocks ahead.

Above all, it’s a fantastic photo opportunity, with perspectives from both sides.

Climb Tour Pey-Berland

The Tour Pey Berland offers the greatest view of Bordeaux, with a spectacular vista of the city. This 15th-century Gothic bell tower, named after Archbishop Pey Berland, who began construction in 1440, is a valuable city heritage monument. It is connected to the Cathedral of Saint-André and houses several historic church bells. The structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.

Along with the Belvédère of la Cité du Vin, it is one of Bordeaux’s most stunning views. With its two terraces and a height of 66 meters, the tower provides a stunning panoramic view of Bordeaux. The first, at a height of 40 meters, provides a panoramic view of Bordeaux’s major landmarks and districts. The belfry’s two smaller bells can also be seen. The second terrace, which is accessible after descending 233 steps from the ground and is 10 meters higher than the first, offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and encircles the bell tower’s spire.

Visit Arcachon

Arcachon is the principal town on the Bassin d’Arcachon, an Atlantic coastal bay that draws many people from Bordeaux. Arcachon, with its magnificent villas, crystal blue beaches, and great seafood, is only 60 kilometers from the capital of the Southwest. Because this is one of France’s key osticulture (oyster growing) centers, eating oysters is a “must” when visiting the area. I know that many of my readers aren’t as fond of oysters as the French are, but don’t worry; this location is still worth visiting even if you’re not a lover of “huitres.” In this article, I’ll show you the greatest things to do in Arcachon, as well as where to eat and how to get there.

Arcachon is one of France’s most popular seaside destinations, with both visitors and locals flocking there in the summer. May-June or September are the finest months to visit. Visit one of the other picturesque villages on the Bassin d’Arcachon, such as la Teste de buch and Gujan Mestras, to avoid the crowds. Andernos les Bains and Cap Ferret are two additional fantastic communities near the bay’s north and west ends. However, if you’re visiting Arcachon for the first time, the spectacular Dune du Pilat, located south of the harbor, is a must-see.

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