Explore the vibrant city of Bordeaux with our travel guide. Discover the rich history, exquisite wine culture, architectural marvels, and culinary delights of this iconic French city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bordeaux depends on your interests, particularly if you are keen on exploring the vineyards, enjoying the city's cultural scene, or experiencing local events. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Spring (April to June):
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Bordeaux, as the weather starts to warm up and the vineyards come to life. This season is ideal for wine tours and outdoor activities, with fewer tourists and more moderate temperatures. Late spring also sees the start of some wine-related events.
Summer (July to August):
Summer is peak tourist season in Bordeaux, characterized by warm weather and a lively atmosphere. This is a great time for exploring the vineyards, enjoying the beaches along the Atlantic coast, and participating in cultural events. However, it's also when Bordeaux is busiest, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is a particularly special time for wine enthusiasts to visit Bordeaux, as it's the harvest season (vendanges). The region buzzes with activity, and there may be opportunities to participate in harvest-related events. The weather is still pleasant, and the changing colors of the vineyards add to the scenic beauty.
Winter (December to March):
Winter is the quietest season in Bordeaux, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's a good time to explore the city's cultural attractions, like museums and galleries, without the crowds. Some vineyards may have limited hours, but the city's festive decorations and Christmas markets in December create a charming atmosphere.
Getting to Bordeaux and Getting Around Bordeaux
Getting to Bordeaux and navigating the city and its surroundings is quite straightforward, thanks to its well-developed transport infrastructure and manageable size. Here's a guide to help you plan your trip:
Getting to Bordeaux
By Air:
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) is the main international gateway, located about 12 km west of the city center. It serves numerous domestic and international flights, offering direct and connecting routes to various destinations.
By Train:
The Bordeaux Saint-Jean Train Station is a major rail hub, with high-speed TGV trains connecting Bordeaux to Paris in around 2 hours. Regular intercity and regional trains also link Bordeaux with other major cities in France and some neighboring countries.
By Road:
Bordeaux is well-connected by the French motorway network, making it accessible by car or long-distance bus. The A10 motorway is a direct route from Paris, while the A62 and A63 connect Bordeaux to Toulouse and the Spanish border, respectively.
By Sea:
Although less common for tourists, Bordeaux is accessible by its port, one of the largest in France, which can accommodate cruise ships and private boats.
Getting Around Bordeaux
Public Transport:
Bordeaux has an efficient public transport system operated by TBM, including trams, buses, and river shuttles, making it easy to navigate the city and its suburbs. The tram network, in particular, is extensive and connects major points of interest, including the train station and downtown areas.
Bicycles:
The city is bike-friendly, with numerous dedicated bike lanes and the VCub bike-sharing service. Cycling is a pleasant way to explore Bordeaux, especially along the Garonne River and through its historic streets.
On Foot:
Bordeaux's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, particularly around the Old Town and the riverfront, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Many of the city's main attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Car:
While a car might be useful for exploring the Bordeaux wine region and surrounding countryside, driving and parking in the city center can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking spaces. Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and relying on public transport within the city.
River Shuttle (Bat3):
The river shuttle is a scenic way to travel between points along the Garonne River, offering an alternative view of the city and convenient access to several areas, including the Cité du Vin.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in The City of Bordeaux
Top 20 Attractions
Bordeaux, a city renowned for its wine, history, and culture, offers a plethora of attractions that cater to diverse interests. Here are some of the top attractions in Bordeaux City:
Place de la Bourse: Renowned for its 18th-century architecture, this iconic square reflects Bordeaux's grandeur, with its mirror-like water feature, the "Miroir d'Eau," adding a modern touch.
The Water Mirror (Miroir d'Eau): Situated opposite the Place de la Bourse, this contemporary water installation is one of the city's main attractions, creating stunning reflections of the surrounding architecture.
Porte Cailhau: A magnificent piece of architecture from the transition between Gothic and Renaissance styles, celebrating King Charles VIII's victories.
La Grosse Cloche: A 15th-century belfry that is one of the few remnants of medieval Bordeaux, known for its twin conical roofs.
Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux: An architectural masterpiece by Victor Louis, known for its neoclassical façade and luxurious interior.
St. Andre Cathedral: A beautiful 17th-century church that stands as one of Bordeaux's key religious sites, offering insight into the city's medieval past.
Palais Gallien: the Palais Gallien, an ancient Roman amphitheater, offers a unique glimpse into the region's distant past. Its ruins provide a stark contrast to the surrounding cityscape and serve as a reminder of Bordeaux's long history.
Palais Rohan (City Hall): An elegant neoclassical building serving as the city's administrative center.
Pont de Pierre: Built by Napoleon Bonaparte, this stone bridge with 17 arches stretches over the Garonne River, marking an iconic sight in Bordeaux.
La Cité du Vin: This high-tech museum is dedicated to the history of wine, offering audiovisual material and a belvedere bar with stunning views of Bordeaux.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux: This museum, nestled in the Jardin de la Mairie, showcases European art history from the 15th to the 20th centuries, including works by Titian, Rubens, and Picasso.
Musée d'Aquitaine: This museum presents the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times to the present, featuring artifacts like the Laussel Venus from 25,000 BC.
Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC): Showcases a broad range of contemporary art in a former warehouse.
Esplanade des Quinconces: One of the largest public squares in Europe, it features the Monument aux Girondins and offers peaceful waterfront views.
Marché des Capucins: Bordeaux's largest public market, offering local delicacies and fresh produce.
Rue Sainte-Catherine: Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street, bustling with activity and lined with cafes, international brands, and bohemian boutiques.
Bordeaux Botanical Garden: Showcases the region's native flora and plants from similar climates.
Jardin Public: A lush English-style park in the heart of the city, offering a serene escape with historic trees, statues, and a picturesque pond.
Bassins de Lumières: The world's largest digital art center, presenting immersive digital exhibitions devoted to major artists in the history of art and contemporary art, housed in a former submarine base.
Darwin Ecosystem: A sustainable hub of cafes, coworking spaces, and skate parks in a converted military barracks.
Top 12 Activities
When visiting Bordeaux city, immerse yourself in a range of engaging activities that go beyond the usual attractions:
Wine Tasting Sessions: Participate in guided tastings at local wine bars or wine schools to learn about and savor Bordeaux's renowned wines.
River Cruise on the Garonne: Enjoy a scenic boat tour along the Garonne River, offering unique views of Bordeaux's historic facades and bridges.
Culinary Workshops: Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare regional dishes using local ingredients, paired with perfect Bordeaux wines.
Cycling Tours: Explore Bordeaux's picturesque vineyards, riverfront, and city landmarks on a guided bike tour.
Vintage Shopping: Delve into Bordeaux's vibrant vintage and antique scene with a visit to its many flea markets and boutique shops.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Workshops: Discover the art of pairing Bordeaux wines with French cheeses in specialized tasting sessions.
Street Art Exploration: Take a guided walk through Bordeaux's evolving street art scene, highlighting the work of both local and international artists.
Architectural Photography Tour: Capture the beauty of Bordeaux's classical and contemporary architecture on a photography-focused tour.
Nightlife and Live Music: Experience Bordeaux's lively nightlife, from jazz clubs and wine bars to live music venues.
Spa and Wellness: Relax at one of Bordeaux's luxurious spas, many of which offer vinotherapy treatments using grape-based products.
French Language Café: Practice your French language skills in a casual setting with locals and other travelers at a language exchange café.
DIY Perfume Workshop: Create your own signature scent inspired by the aromas of Bordeaux's wines and natural landscapes in a perfume-making workshop.
Best Shopping
Shopping in Bordeaux city and its region offers a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary shopping experiences, ranging from high-end boutiques and antique shops to vibrant markets and wine shops. Here's a guide to the best shopping in Bordeaux and its surroundings:
Rue Sainte-Catherine:
The heart of Bordeaux's shopping scene, this pedestrian street is one of the longest in Europe, lined with a mix of high-street brands, department stores like Galeries Lafayette, and smaller boutiques.
Cours de l'Intendance & Triangle d'Or:
For luxury shopping, head to this area where you'll find high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and chic fashion houses, offering everything from designer clothing to fine jewelry.
Marché des Capucins:
Bordeaux's largest public market is a must-visit for foodies. You can find a vast selection of local produce, cheeses, meats, and seafood, along with stalls selling flowers, spices, and regional delicacies.
Quartier Saint-Pierre & Saint-Michel:
These historic districts are known for their charming streets filled with independent shops, vintage stores, and artisan boutiques, offering unique finds from clothing and accessories to home decor and handmade crafts.
La Toque Cuivrée for Canelés:
No visit to Bordeaux is complete without trying canelés, the region's famous pastry. Visit La Toque Cuivrée or Baillardran to buy these delicious treats as souvenirs.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Entertainment and nightlife in Bordeaux city offer a vibrant mix of options that cater to various tastes and preferences, making the city a lively destination after dusk:
Wine Bars: Savor local and international wines in Bordeaux's diverse array of wine bars, from historic "bar à vin" to chic modern lounges.
Live Music Venues: Explore Bordeaux's dynamic live music scene with genres from jazz to rock at venues like Le Rocher de Palmer and IBoat.
Theatres and Performances: Enjoy plays, operas, and concerts at Bordeaux's theatres, including the architecturally stunning Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux.
Nightclubs and Dance Floors: Dance to diverse music styles at Bordeaux's nightclubs such as Le Monseigneur and Le Hangar FL.
Jazz Clubs: Delve into the city's jazz scene, featuring local and international jazz artists.
Pub and Craft Beer Scene: Experience Bordeaux's flourishing pub scene with a wide selection of craft beers at spots like The Houses of Parliament.
Riverside Hangouts: Unwind along the revitalized quays of the Garonne River with food trucks, open-air cafes, and scenic picnicking spots.
Rooftop Bars and Terraces: Enjoy cocktails and stunning city views from rooftop bars like Mama Shelter's rooftop.
Local Food Scene
Bordeaux's local food scene is a delightful blend of traditional French cuisine and innovative culinary trends, deeply rooted in the region's rich gastronomy and world-renowned wine culture. Here's a snapshot of what to expect:
Canelés: These small, caramelized pastries with a soft and tender custard center are a Bordeaux specialty. They're a must-try for any visitor, perfect as a sweet treat or souvenir.
Oysters from Arcachon Bay: The nearby Arcachon Bay is famous for its oysters. Many Bordeaux restaurants and markets offer these fresh, succulent delicacies, often paired with a crisp, white Bordeaux wine.
Entrecôte à la Bordelaise: This classic Bordeaux dish features a rib steak cooked in a rich sauce made from the region's red wine, bone marrow, shallots, and butter, showcasing the deep connection between Bordeaux's cuisine and its wines.
Lamprey à la Bordelaise: A traditional dish that may not be for the faint-hearted, this recipe involves cooking lamprey, a jawless fish, in a sauce of Bordeaux wine, leeks, and blood, resulting in a rich, distinctive flavor.
Duck Confit and Foie Gras: The Southwest of France is renowned for its duck dishes, and Bordeaux is no exception. Duck confit and foie gras are widely featured in local menus, offering a taste of the region's culinary heritage.
Bordeaux Wines: No meal in Bordeaux would be complete without wine. The city's eateries pride themselves on extensive wine lists that highlight local appellations, from bold reds to crisp whites and sweet Sauternes.
Marché des Capucins: For a true taste of Bordeaux's local food scene, visit the Marché des Capucins, the city's largest market. Here, you can sample a variety of regional products, from cheeses and meats to seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Seafood Platters: Given Bordeaux's proximity to the Atlantic coast, seafood platters featuring a variety of fresh shellfish and fish are a common sight on restaurant menus, often enjoyed with a glass of white Bordeaux.
Wine Bars and Bistros: Many of Bordeaux's wine bars and bistros offer a casual dining experience, serving tapas-style small plates or "assiettes composées" that allow diners to sample a range of local flavors.
Gourmet Restaurants: For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Bordeaux boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants where innovative chefs blend traditional French techniques with modern culinary trends, all paired with exceptional wines.
The local food scene in Bordeaux city is a feast for the senses, offering everything from traditional regional dishes to contemporary culinary creations, all designed to complement the world-class wines that define this iconic region.
Accommodations
Staying in Bordeaux city offers easy access to cultural sites, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The city is well-connected by public transport, making it convenient to explore.
City Center (Centre Ville): The heart of Bordeaux, including the areas around Place de la Bourse, Place des Quinconces, and the Grand Théâtre. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of major attractions and the scenic riverfront.
Chartrons: Historically the wine merchants' quarter, Chartrons is now a trendy area known for its antique shops, boutiques, cafes, and the Cité du Vin. It offers a more local, laid-back atmosphere.
Saint-Pierre & Saint-Michel: These vibrant, historic districts are filled with narrow streets, charming squares, and a variety of dining and nightlife options, offering a more authentic Bordeaux experience.
Travel Tips
Visiting Bordeaux, with its rich history, culture, and status as a wine capital, offers a multifaceted experience. Here are some travel tips to enhance your visit to both Bordeaux city and the surrounding wine region:
Utilize the Bordeaux CityPass: Consider purchasing the Bordeaux CityPass for free or discounted access to many attractions, public transportation, and even some wine tastings.
Explore on Foot or by Bike: Bordeaux is a pedestrian-friendly city with extensive bike paths. Walking or biking is a great way to discover hidden gems and enjoy the city's beautiful architecture up close.
Winery Visits: Many châteaux require advance booking for tours and tastings. Research and reserve ahead, especially for the more renowned estates.
Wine Tours: Consider joining organized wine tours for a hassle-free experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the region or prefer not to drive.
Driving: If you plan to rent a car, familiarize yourself with local driving laws. Remember that drinking and driving laws are strict in France.
Wine Shipping: If you plan to purchase wine, inquire about shipping services directly to your home country, as many châteaux offer this convenient option.
Plan for the Weather: Bordeaux has a temperate climate, but it's wise to check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly. Summers can be warm, while spring and fall may require layers.
Enjoy Bordeaux's Green Spaces: Take time to relax in one of Bordeaux's many parks and gardens, such as the Jardin Public or Parc Bordelais.
Learn a Few French Phrases: While many locals speak English, knowing basic French phrases will enhance your interactions and show respect for the local culture.
Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi spots are available throughout the city, but consider a local SIM card for more reliable internet access, especially if you plan to venture outside the city.
Be Mindful of Opening Hours: Some shops and restaurants may close for a few hours in the afternoon, and many museums are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Day Trips: Bordeaux is a gateway to exploring the broader Aquitaine region, including the UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion, the Arcachon Bay, and the Dune of Pilat.
