The 15 things to do in Bordeaux • Wanderlix

The world wine capital has more than one round in its bag. Discover all the must-see during your visit to Bordeaux!

Bordeaux is first, of course, famous throughout the world for its first-class wines. This was not what earned him the recognition of Unesco in 2007. Indeed, it is rather the impressive concentration of historical monuments and the particularly homogeneous architecture of the centre that are celebrated in World Heritage. In fact, Bordeaux has first the face of its proud Haussmannian facades and spectacular squares.

Undeniably elegant, until it was sometimes nicknamed “beautiful sleeping”, Bordeaux nevertheless managed to find a new youth. With its demographic dynamism and the emergence of contemporary neighbourhoods, the city is reinventing itself and revitalizing itself. Thus, visiting Bordeaux today is plunging into a city in the middle of a boil! Wanderlix takes you for a tour of the unmissable things to do in Bordeaux.

Historical Bordeaux

Located at the crossroads of commercial roads, Bordeaux has taken a prominent place in history from Antiquity. Moreover, the city still bears the mark of its prestigious past and is full of remarkable monuments.

1. Spread in the Unsco perimeter

Bordeaux has been registered in UNESCO World Heritage since 2007. Specifically, it is a perimeter representing more than half of the city’s surface that has been registered. If more than 300 monuments are classified, it is rather its unparalleled architectural coherence that Unesco highlights. Because strolling through the streets of Bordeaux is discovering a superb set of classic and neoclassical buildings perfectly renovated.

Without a doubt, Bordeaux has plummet, with its large squares, its proud avenues and its elegant facades. This is why walking around the Unsco perimeter is the first thing to do in Bordeaux! And to complete your walk, the visit to the exhibition site "Bordan World Heritage" brings interesting historical lighting.

2. Admire the squares of Quinconces and Comédie

Among the majestic surroundings of Bordeaux, its places come out particularly from the lot. And among them, place des Quinconces is probably the most remarkable. Indeed, with its 12 hectares, this esplanade on the banks of the Garonne is Europe’s largest square. Both sober and monumental, it is mostly treed. Thus, it will be perfect for a shaded break during which you can admire the statues and columns.

Direction then Place de la Comédie . With its proud facades and monumental clock, it embodies the elegance of Bordeaux. In addition, it welcomes the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux . Its colonnades architecture and impeccable programming make it another must in Bordeaux!

3. Climb on Pey Berland Tower

What if you take the height to discover Bordeaux under another day? To do this, go to Pey Berland Tower. This high campanile is no other than the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint John. And besides being a jewel of Gothic art, the tower offers a breathtaking view of the city. So don't let them be discouraged 231 steps to access the terrace, because it offers a must-see view of Bordeaux.

4. Visit the Aquitaine Museum

For history enthusiasts like the simple curious, the Musée d’Aquitaine is really a visit to Bordeaux. This is one of the largest museums in history in the province, with collections ranging from Prehistory to the present day.

As you visit, you will dive into the rich and enlivened history of Bordeaux and its region. We especially recommend the highly documented part on triangular trade and slavery. In addition, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and conference cycles.

Reflets and lights

The architecture of Bordeaux is unlocked by itself. But she also knows how to look at the lights and play with the reflections of the river.

5. Play with the water mirror of the Place de la Bourse

We mentioned a few more places in Bordeaux, but that of the Bourse is just as essential. Built in 1720, this symmetrical royal square was one of the first symbols of modern Bordeaux. However, today it is a much more contemporary addition that makes its reputation: the water mirror .

This spectacular work by landscape artist Michel Corajoud dresses the ground from the square of a fine water mat. Its surface reflects the surrounding facades, but also the sky and its changing colors. This poetic place is undoubtedly a must-see in Bordeaux, which will notably make the happiness of herbal photographers.

6. Cruise on the Garonne

What if you would rediscover Bordeaux over the water? Many river companies invite you to sail on the river to admire the city otherwise. If the walk in itself is conducive to dreaming, the thematic cruises allow you to experience a custom experience. Thus, history enthusiasts will easily find guided tours around the heritage and past of the city.

As for the good living, they will enjoy the aperitif cruises or gastronomic walks by boat-restaurant. Finally, families will not be left with adventures specially designed for the young public.

7. Walk the bike docks at sunset

To explore the docks of Bordeaux, it is to admire the harmonious architecture of the city and its majestic bridges. But it is also to let his eyes vanish with the reflections of the Garonne and the clouds in motion. Take a bike, and a wind of freedom will blow on your escape. Finally, choose the sunset time, and your ride on the docks will become truly magical.

8. Marvel at the Basin of the Lights

City of brilliance and reflections, Bordeaux has illuminated the vestiges of dark hours with the Basin of the Lights. Located in a submarine base dating from the Second World War, this living museum is a breathtaking place.

From the walls to the ceiling, to the surface of the basins, the master’s paintings went out and animated, forming a superb sound and light show. During an unpublished sensory experience, one dives into the heart of masterpieces. For these reasons, the Basin of Lights is a visit to do absolutely in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Epicurienne

The world capital of wine, Bordeaux is undoubtedly an epicurean city. Here, the vineyard and the gastronomy are celebrated with passion. So, treat yourself with these few activities to do in Bordeaux!

9. Explore the City of Wine

Inaugurated in 2016, Cité du Vin soon became a real lighthouse in Bordeaux. Within this monumental and contemporary building there is an exciting museum around winemaking. There you travel in space and time to trace the rich and living history of wine and its place in the cultures of the world.

Do not hesitate to devote half day to the visit, to have time to discover all the treasures that the City has to offer. For you will have understood, this visit is one of the great must-sees of Bordeaux!

10. Tasting local wines and specialties

After exploring the wine in all its seams at the Cité du Vin, it will be time to taste it. It goes well: in all logic, Bordeaux is full of excellent wine bars. Your visit to Bordeaux will also be the perfect occasion to offer you a tasting guided by an oenologist. And chic bars with good-child bistros, everyone will find a place to their taste.

On the catering side, you will also have no trouble finding your happiness. The fine gourmets will be able to turn to the beautiful gastronomic addresses of the city, which has some starred restaurants.

Moreover, the adventurous will not remain, since Bordeaux gastronomy has been able to reinvent itself. From street food at bistronomy, the culinary scene is particularly dynamic. But above all, don't miss the real must-see in Bordeaux, the delicious carnal , to find in all bakery.

11. Enjoy the atmosphere of markets

If you see Bordeaux as a beautiful sleepy, a visit to the market will be enough to dig you. Start with the most unavoidable market in Bordeaux, the covered market Capuchins . Known as the “sky” of the city, it constantly boils a cosmopolitan wave of badauds. On its colorful stalls, you find a mix of flowers, fruits and vegetables, whole fish...

In addition to this large permanent market, others come to animate the city the weekend . The dock market Chartrons offers a beautiful walk Sunday at the edge of the Garonne. As for Royal market , it deploys every Saturday a host of food and non-food stands.

Bordeaux en mouvement

Your stay in Bordeaux will soon take you away from the ideas received and clichés of a bourgeois city and relaxed. Indeed, Bordeaux is today an ever-growing city that will inspire you.

12. Discover the new Bordeaux

Beyond the Unsco perimeter where classicism is built as a living art, architects have been able to deploy treasures of inventiveness in Bordeaux. As mentioned above, the undulating curves of the Cité du Vin are a perfect illustration. But we can also quote Méca , Creative and Cultural Economy House surprising lines. Or again, MMM or Marine Museum , and its facade engraved with bubbles and waves.

For architecture lovers, a small visit outside Bordeaux is required. Indeed, the neighboring town of Pessac welcomes the famous city Frug/ès, work of the Corbusier classified at Unesco.

13. Be inspired by Darwin Ecosystem

Darwin ecosystem is like a city in the city. This ambitious third place occupies an old rehabilitated barracks on the right bank. We live there, we eat there, we create there, we stroll there: between open-air galleries, skate park and organic shop, Darwin is a complete alternative. At the General Store, you can enjoy good small organic dishes created from local products.

In short, Darwin is a paradise for hipsters, but not just! Nice and friendly, the place also welcomes families and curious in all kinds, around a rich cultural programming. Thus, Darwin ecosystem is probably the great must-see of contemporary Bordeaux.

14. See a movie in a church, at Utopia cinema

Let's stay on the side of alternative cultural places with Utopia cinema. This room is not unusual, since it is nestled in the heart of an ancient church. From the entrance hall, vaults and warheads create an incomparable atmosphere. But beyond this theatrical setting, the Utopia is also a place for art programming and diversified testing.

Moreover, it also offers numerous meetings around the films, and regularly hosts thematic festivals. Finally, in order not to spoil anything, the places are particularly cheap. You will have understood it, the Utopia is undoubtedly the must-see cinema of Bordeaux!

15. Sortir à Bordeaux

With more than 100,000 students, Bordeaux offers a particularly dynamic nightlife. To party in Bordeaux, the Saint-Pierre district is absolutely essential. At the turn of its paved streets, there are countless bars, restaurants and clubs where the noctambules of all ages are rushed.

At the edge of the Garonne, the queai de la Paludate offers a lot of bars, clubs and barges where to dance until the end of the night. As for the place de la Victoire , she is the epicentre of the endiabeted student evenings. Thus, those looking for a more peaceful atmosphere will instead turn to the wine bars of Notre Dame district .

How to get to Bordeaux?

By train

With 260 trains a day, including 25 round-trips to Paris the station Bordeaux Saint-Jean is particularly well served. These include direct links to Lille or Strasbourg . TGV Paris-Bordeaux , it is now enough for her to barely more 2 hours to cross France. In short, the train is an excellent way to come to Bordeaux.

By plane

Located in 12 kilometres downtown, airport Bordeaux Mérignac serves about 100 national and international destinations. Since Paris, there are many air links. Think about using the flight comparison Ulysses to find the plane you need.

By car

With no less than four highways, Bordeaux is a crossroads of France. So it is easy to reach the city by car from Bayonne or Toulouse only Nantes or Lyon , and many more.

Where to stay in Bordeaux?

In order not to miss the must-sees in Bordeaux, we recommend you stay in the city centre. In terms of accommodation and catering, there are for all tastes. The city offers many luxury hotels, but also more authentic guest rooms. For small budgets, hostels and rentals Airbnb will be ideal. Finally, another option is to get green in a castle or rural cottage away from the city... Anyway, the hotel comparisons will be your best friends to find the perfect accommodation.

You will understand, Bordeaux is full of must-see visits. Between History, heritage, cultural life or gastronomy, you will have the assurance of a rich and varied stay! And once you've explored the must-sees of Bordeaux, think about turning around the city. From the Arcachon basin to the Bordeaux vineyards, you will discover breathtaking territories.