Step one: plan to see the best bits of Bordeaux first. Step two: plan to see the rest. Hang on, they’re the best bits, too. Step three: plan for a longer stay. You’ll love your time in Bordeaux.

The old town

Bordeaux’s historic centre is a series of narrow, winding streets in the ‘old town’ that lies by the bend in the River Garonne, known as ‘the harbour’.

The old name for Bordeaux’ harbour was the Port of the Moon, because of its crescent shape; it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is the part of town where you’ll find the distinctive honey-coloured stone buildings on the magnificent Place de la Bourse. The square was built in the 18th-century and is probably the most recognisable spot in the city – one of the best bits of Bordeaux to photograph, perhaps.

Its famous ‘Water Mirror’ is a giant shallow pool which produces mist sprays and reflects the sweep of the magnificent buildings around it.

The beautiful Fountain of the Three Graces was placed at the centre of the square in 1869 and is a feature of many travellers’ photographs.

Make sure to visit the Basilica of Saint-Michel, Eglise Sainte-Croix and the Cathédrale Saint-André. The Cathedral is a superb example of the Gothic style. If you have the energy, climb the tower for amazing views of Bordeaux and the river.

Next to the Cathedral is the Palais Rohan, a stately building that was once the Archbishop’s place but is now the City Hall. You can find out more here.

Close by is the Musée d’Aquitaine, which focuses on the history of the region and has excellent collections and special exhibitions.

The Grand Théatre hosts many of the performances of the Opéra National de Bordeaux. It is often called the most beautiful theatre in the world. It was completed in 1780 and built on the site of a Gallo-Roman temple.

The best bits of Bordeaux for wine lovers

For many people ‘Bordeaux’ means wine. The surrounding region is famous for its wine growing areas and many superb wines.

In Bordeaux, the best place to start is La Cité du Vin, a wine museum to the north of the Old Town, which has information, historical and interactive exhibits, demonstrations and wine tastings. The building alone will amaze you.

Another place to visit is the Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux (the Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum).

You might want to take a Wine Tasting Tour. It’s educational, it’s social and, of course, you get to taste some of the world’s finest wines, so it’s definitely fun.

You can also follow the Bordeaux Wine Route and explore the surrounding vineyards and wineries of the Bordeaux wine region.

The best bits of Bordeaux streets

The markets

There are street markets at various places throughout the week. Start with the Marché des Quais, on the riverbanks, on Sunday mornings. There’s a range of markets with a plenty of different offerings: bric-a-brac- jewellery, antiques and crafts.

The Marché des Capucins is probably the city’s most famous market. It’s the place to go for local produce – especially charcuterie, seafood, cheese, wine and local specialities. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from early morning until about 2.00pm

Just wander

Flaner means to wander or roam without any goal in mind. It’s often the way to see the unexpected and the unusual.

Wander Bordeaux’ streets and see the street art, murals and installations. Perhaps, around a corner, there’ll be impromptu performances, You’ll spot unusual architecture, half-hidden parks, statues and plaques with snippets of history… It’s part of the fun.

Take a quiet moment

Bordeaux is a lively city and when you need a breather, or you want to take a rest and just enjoy some peace and quiet, there are plenty of green and serene places to go.

Parks and gardens

Bordeaux Botanical Garden is a peaceful spot that stretches for about 600 metres along the Right Bank of the Garonne. It has six sections, each focusing on different plant environments.

You can visit the greenhouses and the arboretum or walk in the cooler air among the many species of plants and trees.

Parc Bordelais is a stunningly beautiful park – the oldest and largest in Bordeaux – with magnificently laid out gardens and a serene lake.

You can have a picnic, play pétanque or take a walk among century-old trees. You can also get on and off a small tourist train that runs around parts of the park.

There are refreshments stalls available and activities for children: a carousel and playground equipment, animals to see, and even a small electric car racing circuit.

Parc Palmer is in Cenon, on a hill in the eastern part of the city. It covers 25 acres and is filled with trees and flowers, narrow paths and walkways, cliffs and lawns, as well as pieces of land left in their natural state.

The site also has the beautiful Château Palmer, a range of sporting facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre and Rocher de Palmer – a music and cultural centre, with concert halls, studios and exhibition spaces.

There’s a children’s playground, two picnic areas, walking trails and a lake.The park has beautiful views; you’ll get to see the best bits of Bordeaux from across the river.

The riverbanks

Les Quais de la Garonne are walkways, and bikeways, along the river banks. They are lined with market stalls, food stands and pop-up bars and there are often various entertainments along the riverbanks. Be surprised.

Hints

We recommend you buy a Bordeaux City Pass (available for your choice of either 2 or 3 days). It gives you free access to the best bits of Bordeaux – mainly its museums and monuments – and you can travel free on the city’s public transportation system – a major bonus.

See more Francy That! suggestions for Places To Go.

Further afield

Château de la Brède is located just a half hour drive from Bordeaux. It was the birthplace and home of the philosopher and historian Montesquieu (1689-1755). You can plan a visit to the elegant castle and its gardens from April to November
Arcachon Bay is less than an hour away. There’s plenty to see, including the Pilat Dune, the tallest sand dune in Europe
La Rochelle is a coastal town, about two hours away. It’s worth a visit for its historical significance, its charming port district and its maritime heritage.

Information

LOCATION: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, on the River Garonne.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 500 km (311miles) southwest.
POPULATION: 257,000+.
NEAREST AIRPORT: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) – domestic and international flights – about 12 km (7.5 miles) west of the city centre.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean.
TOURIST INFORMATION: 12 Cours du 30 Juillet.
MARKETS: The Marché des Capucins and the Marché des Quais.
MUST SEE: Anything to do with wine; Place de la Bourse and the Old Town; the river banks.

A few more ideas for your visit to Bordeaux and surrounding locations . . .

The Best Bits Of Bordeaux