Visit Bordeaux

Bordeaux is both a wine region and a city in southwest France. The city was first settled in 567 BC, and some of the oldest ruins in the city, dating back to the 4th century, can still be visited in the crypt beneath the Basilica of Saint-Seurin.

Bordeaux has prospered over the centuries thanks to the wine trade. Construction during its golden age in the 18th century was responsible for thousands of buildings that still stand today. Bordeaux's well-preserved architecture - second only to Paris in France - and deep history are the reasons for its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although most wine lovers have heard of Bordeaux wine, it is interesting to note that no wine is produced within the city limits. The vineyards of the Bordeaux region are generally located within an hour's drive of the city of Bordeaux, making them easy to visit on day trips.

Are you planning to spend a weekend in Bordeaux? Are you wondering what to do to discover the city of Montaigne? Then this article is for you! The city of Gironde, nicknamed "The Sleeping Beauty", is famous all over the world for its vineyards and its great wines.

Things to do in Bordeaux

1.The Miroir d'Eau and the Place de la Bourse

The famous Miroir d'Eau and the Place de la Bourse are the most photographed places in the city! And for good reason, located between a facade dating from the 18th century and the Garonne River, the Miroir d'Eau is now listed as a Contemporary World Heritage Site. Designed by the landscape architect Michel Corajoud, this monumental work is unique. Come and admire the poetry of the site and have fun photographing the facades and the sky reflected in the water.

2. Les Bassins des Lumières, a different way to visit Bordeaux

You like art and sound and light shows? You will love the Bassins des Lumières! The submarine base of Bordeaux dating from the Second World War, houses the largest digital art center in the world. With 12,000 m2 of projection surface, 4 basins and 90 video projectors, the place offers a new experience. From floor to ceiling, paintings by the great masters of painting come to life to the rhythm of the music and stretch out in the reflection of the water. You are at the heart of an exceptional concept that allows you to discover the most beautiful masterpieces in a different way.

3. La Cité du Vin

Did you know that National Geographic magazine ranked La Cité du Vin 7th among the best museums in the world? The place, inaugurated in 2016, is the pride of the city of Bordeaux. This building with its contemporary architecture is much more than a museum. It is a true symbol of Bordeaux wine tourism. Come and discover all the richness and diversity of the world's wine industry! The Cité du Vin is a unique sensory experience. Once the visit is over, go up to the terrace to enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the panoramic view of the city.

4. The Place des Quinconces and the Place de la Comédie

These two famous squares of Bordeaux are the pride of the inhabitants! The Place des Quinconces, located on the banks of the Garonne, has a surface area of 12 hectares, which makes it the largest square in Europe. This tree-lined esplanade (planted in staggered rows) is adorned with two rostral columns and the Monument to the Girondins. All year round, it hosts numerous events, fairs and sports and artistic gatherings.

One of the most photographed sites of the city is certainly the Place de la Comédie. Located in the heart of the Bordeaux golden triangle, it hosts the Grand-Théâtre de Bordeaux. With a very Bordeaux elegance, this square perfectly combines historical charm and modernity.

5. La Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche located in the heart of the city of Bordeaux is a place not to be missed! A true emblem, this vestige of the ancient ramparts of the city is also one of the oldest belfries in France. The bells of this very photogenic monument give rhythm to the life of the inhabitants of the district since the XIIIth century.

6. Musée Mer Marine de Bordeaux

The Mer Marine Museum in Bordeaux opened its doors in June 2019 and is located in the heart of the Bassins à flot. Having for neighbor the submarine base and its Bassins des Lumières, this very beautiful museum traces the history of the sea and the links we have with it. Its 6000 m2 of exhibitions are particularly well presented. Numerous multimedia supports, maps, models of boats and marine objects enrich its collections.

7. La Flèche Saint-Michel

The Flèche Saint-Michel is the second highest bell tower of the hexagon and culminates at 114 m. From the top of the isolated bell tower of the Saint-Michel basilica, you can admire a unique panorama on Bordeaux and in particular on the Port of the Moon. For the anecdote, its carillon dates from 1865 and counts 22 bells.

8. The Dune du Pilat

Mainly known for its exceptional dimensions and its 40 centuries of history, the Dune du Pilat is also famous for the beauty and diversity of its natural environment. The dune of Pilat is located at the entrance of the Arcachon basin and presents exceptional landscape components: a grandiose forest-dune-ocean panoramic pictureBelonging to the regional coastal dunes, it is to this day the only dune still in movement in this system. Between ocean and forest, it moves from 1 to 5 m per year towards the east under the influence of prevailing winds and tides. Thus, it gradually covers the adjacent forest. Made up of about 60 million m3 of sand, the Pilat Dune is 100 to 115 m high depending on the year. Climb to the top from the steps installed from Easter to All Saints' Day, or for the most courageous by the sand! Go along the Dune beyond the stairs to enjoy the Grand Site in all tranquillity. At its foot, the beach of the Corniche invites you to a refreshing break or a stroll by the water!

 

 

And that's it, our Bordeaux stroll ends here! We hope that this overview will have given you the desire to visit Bordeaux!

-Jade