The Best Travel Guide to Bordeaux (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Bordeaux

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Overview

Bordeaux The guide was updated: 2024-04-25

Celebrating wine, gastronomy, arts and culture, Bordeaux is a city that represents the very essence of the French spirit. Located in the southwest of France, on the Garonne River, Bordeaux casts its charms around the region through its broad pedestrian boulevards, gorgeous squares, modern buildings and historical architecture. Pay a visit to Bordeaux on your next trip to France and see why the city was once elected as "European Best Destination".

Facts

Population:	Over 260,000
Currency:	1 Euro = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 17 Fire Brigade: 18 Ambulance: 15 If you are calling from a mobile telephone dial: 112
Newspapers:	Courrier Français — courrier-francais.com Sud Ouest — www.sudouest.fr Bordeaux Tourisme — www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/derniers-articles
Website:	www.visiter-bordeaux.com/en www.bordeaux-metropole.fr
Opening hours:	Most stores are open from 10 am to 7:30 pm. Shopping malls stay open until 9 pm and supermarkets until 8/10 pm.
Tourist information:	Office de Tourisme & des Congrès de Bordeaux Métropole 12 Cours du 30 Juillet, Bordeaux +33 5 56 00 66 00 Daily 9am–6:30pm

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Section in Bordeaux

History, sights, landmarks, architecture, arts and tons of activities have turned Bordeaux into a beautiful and exciting city. Consistently renewing itself, for example with the recent construction of the Cité du Vin, Bordeaux is typical and modern at the same time, with sights and entertainment for everyone. One thing is for sure: hold on to your camera, because everything here is highly photogenic.

Place de la Bourse & the Water Mirror

Place de la Bourse & the Water Mirror

Extremely scenic, the Place de la Bourse is a good spot to get a first impression of Bordeaux and find yourself in complete awe. It is also a very photogenic square, especially thanks to the Water Mirror which creates a perfect reflection of the buildings. The emblematic site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its incredible architecture and its history.

Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

Spend a day sipping French reds and whites in the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region on a day trip from Bordeaux. Visit two chateaux to taste the region’s famous wines and then stroll through the charming streets of the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin

This gigantic cultural centre devoted to wine was opened in June 2016 and offers an experience close to that of an amusement park. The post-modern building itself is worth the detour, but the visits are almost impossible to exhaust with 19 thematic modules, tours given in 8 languages and over 120 audiovisual productions. The Cité is also to be experienced through performances, concerts, tastings, a multi-sensory space, a panoramic restaurant and more.

Arcachon Bay

Arcachon Bay

Just an hour's drive away from Bordeaux, the Arcachon Bay offers deep blue waters, shiny white sand, a "bird island" and stunning views in a pleasant micro-climate. It has inspired poets, writers, singers, but also movies and is ideal for a day at the beach or a long bicycle ride. Shaped by oyster culture, it is also a great dining spot.

Bordeaux Jet

Bordeaux Jet

If you are looking for some serious sensations, go rent a jet ski on the other side of the Garonne. Ideal for a super fun afternoon or a bachelor/bachelorette party, Bordeaux Jet will make your stay in the city unforgettable. You can also go on a jet ski tour in the area.

Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion

Just 35 kilometres northeast of Bordeaux lies the world's first active UNESCO-designated wine region. This medieval city is truly breathtaking, brimming with historical monuments and museums. Some of these intriguing sites are even tucked away underground! It's a must-visit for any wine enthusiast or history lover.

AviaSim Bordeaux

AviaSim Bordeaux

If you are among those who are always tempted to press the big red button, this is your chance. Jump aboard the cockpit of an Airbus A320, fasten your seatbelt, fly and attempt the hardest landings of the world in this flight simulator. A dream come true for many, an incredible adventure for everyone.

National Opera

National Opera

The National Opera of Bordeaux, or Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, is a stunning building constructed on a Roman temple's site. Inaugurated in 1780, it hosts operas, ballets and classical music performances, with ticket prices varying based on seating categories. Featuring 12 Corinthian columns and a splendid auditorium with perfect acoustics, it's an architectural gem steeped in history — be sure not to miss the rare guided tours to fully appreciate this French treasure.

Bordeaux Cathedral of St Andrew

Bordeaux Cathedral of St Andrew

Yet another astonishing religious building in Bordeaux. The first version of the cathedral was constructed in the 11th century, though the structure has undergone many changed through the ages. Outside the cathedral you will find a square with many cafes, perfect for a short coffee break. You can also see the St Andre Cathedral from a different perspective by climbing the Tower of Pey-Berland.

Wine School

Wine School

Bordeaux’s wine school, L'École du Vin, offers courses on wine and the Bordeaux vineyards, as well as on the topic of pairing wine with cheese and other foods. Of various duration and existing both in English and French, these short training classes will allow you to act like a true connoisseur. To perfect the practice, each course also features several wine tastings.

Grosse Cloche

Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, literally the Big Bell of Bordeaux, is a belfry on the old Medieval Town Hall, above a former dungeon for juveniles. You can see two 40 meter towers standing to the sides of a central building. The 18th-century bell has an impressive weight of 7,800 kilograms and rings out to mark special occasions.

Cinéma Utopia

Cinéma Utopia

Hosted within the former St Simeon's church, Utopia is a unique fusion of a film theatre, cafe, lunch spot and cultural hub. Specialising in alternative films shown in their original language with French subtitles, Utopia offers a memorable movie experience in a comfortable and nostalgic setting. Even if you're not in the mood for a film, the building itself is a noteworthy French cultural landmark worth exploring. Aside from its cinematic offerings, Utopia features a charming bar and restaurant with indoor seating and a street terrace. Enjoy a variety of delicious lunch options and drinks in this cool, atmospheric space. While the service may be leisurely, it's a perfect spot to unwind and savour the experience.

Church of Our Lady of Bordeaux

Church of Our Lady of Bordeaux

The Notre-Dame de Bordeaux, an 11th-century Roman Catholic church, is a significant landmark in Bordeaux. Renowned for its Romanesque architecture, the church's statuary-adorned west front is a masterpiece of religious art. Inside, you'll find the walls covered with beautiful murals. Whether bathed in sunlight or under the soft glow of street lamps, the church is a stunning sight, with its facade transforming with the changing light. It's truly an architectural marvel worth visiting both day and night.

Museum of Aquitaine

Museum of Aquitaine

The Museum of Aquitaine is a treasure trove of regional and non-European archaeological and ethnological artefacts. Housed on a site that was once a 16th-century convent, it offers a fascinating insight into the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine. With over 70,000 pieces tracing the region's history from prehistoric times to the present day, alongside 5,000 artefacts from Africa and Oceania, the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the city's rich past and harbour history.

Bordeaux by Bike

Bordeaux by Bike

Embark on a bike tour to explore the expansive city of Bordeaux in a unique way — this experience follows a meticulously planned route that takes you to all the must-see spots. Guided by a local, you'll traverse a 14 km path discovering street art, lush green spaces, and historical sites, all while unravelling Bordeaux’s rich history and hidden gems. This bike tour not only allows you to cover more ground than walking, but it also helps you uncover sights and picturesque spots that could easily be missed when exploring alone.

Petit Train Touristique

Petit Train Touristique

A classic of tourism in France, le Petit Train might be a bit kitsch but it is a good way to see the old town and learn all its stories, especially if you have children or simply do not wish to walk. Each seat has headphones where you have multiple language options for the ride.

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