20 free activities and visits to Bordeaux

Would you like to visit Bordeaux without ruining yourself? We offer you a circuit of drawbacks to discover, free of charge, keys in hand.

Arm up your cameras and stay vigilant, on your journey you will surely fall on architectural and historical pepits, without even realizing it! Here are about twenty activities, visits and things to do in Bordeaux for free:

Walk along the Quais

Start your exploration by the Quais de Bordeaux , equipped with a bike path and various sports complexes: basketball, football and beach volleyball pitches to the Conservatoire de Musique, near St. Jean Train Station.

The Gate of the Mint It was built in 1758. Previously located on Rue des Arlots, Harlot meaning "daughter of joy" in English, it is one of the smallest gates in the city.

Address: Mint door, 1 rue de la Porte de la Monnaie

Make a little detour and go and admire...

Saint-Michel Basilica and its Flèche It is a UNESCO monument finalized in the 16th century, located on Place Canteloup and Meynard. Built with a flamboyant Gothic style, it has a separate tower, nicknamed "La Flèche de St. Michel", measuring 114m.

Address: Saint-Michel Basilica, Between Place Canteloup and Meynard

The Big Bell It is located in the alignment of Mirail Street, this door is the oldest still visible in Bordeaux. She still closes a gem today...

Address: Big Bell, 45 Rue Saint-James

The Porte de Bourgogne From the Grosse Cloche, go back to the Victor Hugo Course to take back the Quais and you will fall on a third door, opening onto the Pont de Pierre and the Garonne. Located on Bir-Hakeim Square, this arch is also called Porte des Salinières.

Address: Porte de Bourgogne, Place de Bir Hakeim

The Cailhau door Built in front of the Palace Square, this door dates from the end of the 15th century. Similar to a small castle, it denotes its aesthetics and refinement.

Address: Cailhau Gate, Place du Palais

Place de la Bourse and its Water Mirror Formerly known as Place Royale, it was built in the 18th century. You can admire the fountain of the Three Graces, dating from 1896, representing the three daughters of Zeus: Aglaé, Euphrosyne and Thalie.

Address: Place de la Bourse, Quai du Maréchal Lyautey

L’Esplanade des Quinconces Made on the former site of the Château Trompette, it welcomes annual fairs and fairs of all kinds. You can admire the Girondins fountain and its horses erected in the middle of the water jets.

Address: Esplanade des Quinconces, Place des Quinconces

The Golden Triangle

This space characterizes the triangle formed by the Tourny Aisles, the Intendance course and the George Clémenceau course.

The Grand Theatre and its 12 muses and goddess Opéra National de Bordeaux, you can contemplate operas and ballets. Located on Place de la Comédie, it was completed in 1780. On his forehead there are 12 statues: Euterpe, muse of music; Urania, muse of Astronomy; Venus, goddess of Love; Calliope, eloquence muse; Terpsichore, dance muse; Melpomène, muse de la Tragédie; Thalie, muse of the Comedy; Polymnie, muse of Scripture; Hera, goddess and queen of the Gods; Minerve, goddess of Wisdom and War; Erato, muse of music and finally Clio, muse of history.

Address: Grand Théâtre, Place de la Comédie

Allée Tourny In the extension of Place de la Comédié and Grand Théâtre, discover the Tourny Aisles and its wooden horse riding. This place welcomes every year a Christmas market where it is possible to buy, for example, Canadian "ice wine" and maple syrup "taken" on the ice.

Address: Alleys Tourny, Allée Tourny

The Great Men's Market This commercial gallery with metal architecture was inaugurated in 1991 by Queen Elisabeth II, nothing less! Located on the Place des Grands-Hommes, you will find various shops nearby.

Address: The Great Men's Market, Place des Grands Hommes

Near the Golden Triangle you will find:

The Public Garden Inscribed Monument Historique since 1935 and classified « Jardin Remarquable de France », you will discover the Museum of Natural History, a palm grove and a cromlech, a circle of menhirs...

Address: Public garden, Verdun Course

The Palais Gallien These are the remains of a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, an arene dating from the second century. Only a few arcades are still visible.

Address: Le Palais Gallien, 126 Rue du Dr Albert Barraud

Saint-Seurin Basilica UNESCO Monument, explore its crypt in the basement. Address: Saint-Seurin Basilica

Let's go near St. Catherine Street, cardo Roman

La Porte Dijeaux It was designed with a triangular fronton where the coat of arms of Bordeaux were carved, as well as an abundance and ly flowers, and was erected in 1748.

Address: Dijeaux door, 90 Rue de la Porte Dijeaux

Utopia It is a cinema that took root in the old church of St. Simeon on Place Camille Jullian, near St. Catherine.

Address: Utopia, 5 Place Camille Jullian

St. André Cathedral Located on Place Pey-Berland, it is a Gothic church of the 12th century. This cathedral saw the advent of two French queens: first in 1137, when Aliénor d’Aquitaine married the King of the Franks, Louis VII, then in 1615 with the Spanish Infant, Anne d’Austria, who married King Louis XIII.

Address: St. Andre, Place Pey Berland

The Aquitaine Museum From the Prehistory, through Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Bordeaux XVIIIth with the triangular trade, this museum will give you an overview of the history of the city of Bordeaux from its beginnings to today.

Address: The Aquitaine Museum, 20 courses Pasteur

Free entry every first Sunday of the month, except July-August.

The Porte d’Aquitaine It is a triumphal arc located on the place of Victory. On its two facades, the Bordeaux coat of arms and ly flowers are visible.

Address: Porte d’Aquitaine, Place de la Victoire

The Obelisk and her scalp girlfriend With all its height on the Place de la Victoire, the obelisk is accompanied by a curious turtle, straddled by a curious passenger. Student meeting place on Thursday night, the Victoire is one of the city's main public places.

Address: Obelisk, Place de la Victoire

Wishing you excellent rides!

Main photo credit: Pixabay