Must Do Bordeaux | A Short Travel Guide To Bordeaux, France
Visiting Bordeaux and seeking it’s most unmissable sights? We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to visit Bordeaux, must do attractions, and where to stay in this stunning French city.
Though my love affair with France started in the coastal north, the charming and historic city of Bordeaux was where it really took hold. Located in southwest France, its a wonderful city and there are heaps of unmissable sights to see.
Having spent a long weekend in the city on a month-long road trip, Bordeaux quickly become one of my favourite places in France.
Situated on the Garonne River, Bordeaux is best known for its architecture, ancient gateways, cathedral, history, cafe culture, markets, and bistros, plus there are over 350 historical buildings and monuments, dozens of museums and art galleries to see. There’s a lot to explore!
Often referred to as a much smaller, and perhaps friendlier, alternative to Paris, if you’re wondering if Bordeaux is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re seeking a chic city break, weekend getaway, or charming day trip, Bordeaux is sure to appeal.
And with boutique, luxurious hotels dotted throughout - Bordeaux is a firm favourite destination and one I’ll return to time again.
Quick Book: Plan your Perfect Bordeaux trip
Hotels:
Marty Hotel by Hilton (the best city centre location, views, and stunning rooms)
Hôtel Burdigala: (the best luxury hotel and 5-star service)
Moxy Bordeaux: (the best modern hotel, roof terrace, and views)
Day trips / tours:
Bordeaux: Wine Tasting River Cruise (best selling boat trip)
From Bordeaux: Afternoon Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Trip (best selling day trip)
Bordeaux: Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Ticket and Wine Tasting (best selling museum tour)
Of course, Bordeaux is also a wine lovers dream.
With wine bars on every corner and a plethora of winery and chateaus to choose from, much like Spanish wine capital Rioja, there’re plenty of opportunities to sample one of the world’s most loved wines and Bordeaux is the perfect base for day trips to the nearby appellations.
Yet Bordeaux is so much than any of its individual parts.
A small city of grand buildings and postcard-perfect neighbours, amongst this old-world French culture is a generally laidback atmosphere that is impossible to resist. It’s the best of both worlds and a great choice for travellers seeking a travel experience that is authentically French in character yet with a gentle buzz of modernity.
This is my guide to the unmissable ‘must do’ attractions in Bordeaux, France. Plus some practical tips and advice, like how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, and few cafes and wine bars you can’t miss.
Where is Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is the largest city in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in Southwest France. Nearby, the Dordogne and its oh-so-perfect villages are an easy drive to the east. Whilst coastal Biarritz is only a 3-hour drive south.
Much like road trip perfect Normandy, Southwest France makes for an incredible slow journey, and I would highly recommend making Bordeaux a must-see if you visit this wonderful area.
How to get to Bordeaux
By plane: Bordeaux Airport is located around 40-minutes from Bordeaux city centre. Ryanair and EasyJet offer frequent flights and are your best option if traveling from the UK. Whilst visitors from the States can fly Air France/KLM.
To get from the airport to the city, the easiest option is to take the Metro (line A) which will cost 1.80€. Alternatively, a taxi is quicker at 25-minutes but will cost about 30€.
By train: Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station is only two hours from Paris on the high-speed TGV train. See timetables and book your ticket here.
By car / campervan: If you want to visit Bordeaux as part of a bigger France, or Spain, road trip (as I did) then you can drive from just about anywhere in Europe. Do note that hotels in the city usually charge for parking. Campers, you’ll want to book a campsite or aire on the outskirts and visit Bordeaux on the metro or train.
Drivers, be aware: as of 2023 Bordeaux is a low emission zone and you’ll need to display a Crit'Air (clean air) sticker on your vehicle if you’re entering the city limits (or risk a fine). Be sure to order this well in advance of your trip, as they can take some time to arrive.
How many days in Bordeaux
Strictly speaking, two days in Bordeaux is enough to see the highlights. However, with the incredible amount of restaurants, bistros, and wine bars available, I’d suggest you stay for longer. Personally, I think three/four days (or a long weekend) is the perfect amount of time in Bordeaux.
Where to stay
Marty Hotel by Hilton: This is the perfect hotel for those looking to be within an easy stroll of Bordeaux’s main attractions. Rooms are beautifully decorated, with wonderful views over the town. Downstairs, a vintage styled bar and lounge are perfect chill spots. Excellent location within walking distance of wine bars, shops, and restaurants. Check price and availability.
Hôtel Burdigala: Hôtel Burdigala is the luxury options for those seeking a 5-star Bordeaux hotel. Inside you’ll find a cinema, games room, highly rated Madame B restaurant, and cool bar. Or venture into town; the hotel is only a 10-minute stroll from Bordeaux’s centre. Check price and availability.
Moxy Bordeaux: This funky hotel is situated on the river, near the La Cite du Vin wine museum. Rooms are comfortable and bright, with quirky touches. There’s a garden, modern restaurant, and fun bar onsite, plus a roof terrace with stunning river views. From the hotel its a 20-minute tram ride, or 1-hour riverside stroll, into Bordeaux centre. Check price and availability.
Getting around Bordeaux
A flat city, the best way to get around Bordeaux is on foot. The city centre is incredibly compact and walkable, with frequent pedestrian zones. There’s also an excellent tram network which criss-crosses the city and tickets are cheap - buy your ticket in advance and remember to validate once on the tram. Unless you’re on a larger French road trip, there’s honestly no need for a car in Bordeaux.
10 Sights To See In Bordeaux, France
From it’s ancient gateways to pretty streets and the best wine bars, these are the best things to see in Bordeaux, France:
1. Stroll around the Old Town
The best way to experience the top attractions in Bordeaux is to simply follow your feet and get lost amongst the beautiful winding streets.
The city is full of wonderful architecture - frequently best viewed by looking upwards to the shuttered windows and stone carvings above the shops and bistros.
My favourite area to visit is Vieux Bordeaux, or Bordeaux Old Town. As the name suggests, this is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 18th-century. Some 150 hectares of it are UNESCO protected, with hundreds of listed buildings and over 300 monuments, so there’s heaps of history to take in.
Wander through a warren of medieval streets, discovering hidden plazas, squares, palaces, and markets. Some of my favourite streets are those around Place du Parlement, Place du Palais, and Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre. After, head to the Chartrons area, which is full of cute stores, antique dealers, wine merchants, and cafes.
2. Visit Grosse Cloche
This arched gateway is one of the oldest belfries in France and was once part of the ancient walls that surrounded Bordeaux. Nowadays, the bell only rings on the first day of the month and on six special occasions through the year.
It’s one of the best things to see in Bordeaux, looking especially grand as it stands over the narrow alleys of the old town. The building itself is very beautiful and though we admired it from the street, it is possible to go inside for a fee (6€).
One of the best views of Grosse Cloche is from cafe Books & Coffee. If you can, snag an outdoor table on the street, order a café, fresh croissant, and watch the world go by.
3. Porte Cailhau
Another beautiful gateway and a beautiful historic site to see in Bordeaux, Porte Cailhau was once the main entrance to the walled city from the port. From the same period as Grosse Cloche mentioned above, equally dramatical and incredibly beautiful, visit both ancient gateways as you wander around the oldest part of the city.
4. Try a canelé
Though not quite as famous as its wine, these sweet treats are nonetheless a Bordeaux speciality. This little French pastry is made with rum and vanilla and its sugary crust hides sweet custard inside.
With a history dating back to the 15-century, today you’ll find canelés being sold all around the city. However, the best place to try them is Cassonade, a bakery near Grosse Cloche who specialise in these sweet treats. Find it here.
5. See the Miroir d’eau
Build in 2006, the Miroir d’eau is Europe’s largest reflecting pool and the still water makes a perfect reflection of the nearby Place de la Bourse. Sadly when we visited there were far too many in the water to see a reflection, but buildings are very much worth a visit regardless. Find it here.
6. Visit Bordeaux Cathedral
Dating back to the 11th-century, Bordeaux Cathedral has a long and rich history. Once a place of royal weddings, the cathedral was badly vandalised during the French Revolution, its use finally relegated to military storage.
It wasn’t until the 20th-century that this grand building was finally restored to the beautiful cathedral we see today. A must see in Bordeaux, admire from the square or go inside for a 2€ fee. The best view, and photo opportunity, of this Bordeaux attraction is from the street opposite the square, facing the cathedral.
Other historical sites worth visiting are the 17th-century Église Notre-Dame, a very pretty and hidden church (here). And the striking Monument aux Girondins (here).
7. Go Bordeaux wine tasting
Undoubtedly, Bordeaux is best known for its wonderful wine. Exported around the world, Bordeaux produces an incredible amount of wine each year, grown in the countryside vineyards that surround the city. And sampling a glass of this lovely wine is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux.
There are two ways to go wine tasting in Bordeaux.
The first is a winery tour. These are usually done in chateaus around an hour outside of the city, in pretty villages like Saint Emilion. The second is a tasting in one of the city’s many excellent wine bars.
The latter option is by far the easiest option for those looking to stay within the city and still try Bordeaux.
As well as being available by the glass and bottle, many bars also offer set wine flights, serve 2.5ml “tastes”, or offer self-serve samples. All of which are wonderful ways of sampling different varieties of Bordeaux.
My favourite Bordeaux wine bars to go tasting are:
Le Bar à Vin: this Bordeaux wine bar is something of an institution. Located on the bottom floor of the Bordeaux Wine Council, wines are organized by different areas (known as appellations) of the region. Get here early or be prepared to queue! Find it here.
Aux Quatre Coins du Vin: friendly staff are on hand to help in this self-serve wine bar. Choose a glass, half-glass, or taster. There’s a huge selection of Bordeaux to sample plus lovely sharing plates. Find it here.
Le Vertige: this elegant wine bar came highly recommended by a friend in Bordeaux. The wine selection is vast and the friendly staff more than happy to share their favourites. We also saw the cheese and charcuteries boards coming out, which looked delicious. Find it here.
Wine More Time: if you’re looking to sample Bordeaux in a casual spot, this is the perfect bar. A relaxed spot with indoor and outdoor seating, located in the old town. Find it here.
Max Bordeaux: strictly speaking this is a wine merchant, however, they offer wine flights, glasses, and tasters inside a lovely airy room packed with bottles. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly; we learnt a lot about the different Bordeaux areas. Find it here.
Let me finish this section by saying that if you’re in any doubt about what to order, ask the bar staff for their recommendations. In my experience, they were always happy to help and passionate about their region’s wine.
Also, though I recommend learning some French ahead of your trip (it’s only polite and often necessary), I found Bordeaux a largely bilingual city; English is widely spoken across bars and bistros.
8. Visit the wine museums
There are two wine museums in Bordeaux, each very different in style.
La Cité du Vin: opened in 2016, this contemporary museum is frequently compared to the Guggenheim. Learn about the history of wine making worldwide, not only Bordeaux, through a series of sensory and interactive experiences. After, enjoy a tasting in the rooftop bar. Prices vary depending on your chosen package but this ticket allows you to skip the queue and includes a glass of wine.
Musée du Vin et du Négoce: though far smaller than its contemporary counterpart, this museum is often referred to as the ‘real’ Bordeaux wine museum. Wander amongst old bottles and barrels in an 18th-century cellar and learn about the evolution of Bordeaux wine trade. Tours are self-guided but staff share a short history lesson alongside a tasting at the end. Entry to the museum is 10€, which includes tasting two wines. Buy a ticket here.
L'Intendant: if you’d like to learn about Bordeaux wine but don’t fancy a museum (plus you’d like to buy a bottle) then I recommend a visit to L'Intendant. A very cool wine shop with bottles surrounding a four storey spiral staircase, the wine here ranges from affordable to collectors items. Find it here.
9. Visit the Jardin Public
The Jardin Public was the first place I saw in Bordeaux, and it completely took me by surprise. A leafy, green haven just a 10-minute walk from the centre, visit when you need a break from the city’s busy streets. Created in 1746, today the garden is 11-hectares of green space filled with trees, plants, a small lake, and some rather noisy geese. It’s a really beautiful place for a picnic.
10. Bordeaux Boat Trip
The most unique way to experience Bordeaux is with a boat trip on the River Garonne. Admire the beautiful sights along the river, including the centuries-old merchants houses with their elaborate facades and carvings, the bridges, and spires of the cathedral and gates that soar over the town.
This highly-rated Bordeaux cruise lasts for 1.5-hours and includes a glass of wine.
Bordeaux day trips & Wineries
You’ll need around three days to explore Bordeaux’s highlights and main attractions. Personally, I would highly recommend visiting for at least a long weekend.
However, if you’re staying for longer, you might want to take a daytrip to the surrounding Bordeaux countryside. Dotted with vineyards and beautiful villages, this is the heart of the wine region and it’s incredibly easy to visit.
Each of these tours are highly rated, include transport from Bordeaux, and a wine tasting:
From Bordeaux to Saint Emilion - this excellent half day Saint Emilion tour.
From Bordeaux to Medoc - this excellent Medoc tour also includes Saint Emilion.
Where to eat in Bordeaux
There are literally hundreds of cafes, bistros, and restaurants all around Bordeaux, their outdoor terraces spilling onto every square and street. Cafe culture is big here and you’ll find modern, funky coffee shops alongside traditional French cafes and bistros.
It’s lively and wonderful, I think only rivalled by the cosy cafes in Copenhagen.
Often, the best eats are the ones you stumble across as you wander, however, if you’d like some inspiration then here a few of my personal favourites:
Bistro Montesquieu: a classic French bistro with excellent food and even better ambience, especially if you nab a seat outside. Order the croque monsieur and fries for a delicious lunch. Find it here.
Other highly rated bistros are Bistro Bon (here) and Bistro Reno (here).
Kokomo: a casual, no-frills eatery perfect for a quick and inexpensive dinner. The cheeseburger and fries were honestly sensational! Find it here.
Books & Coffee: we stopped for cakes and coffee whilst visiting the old town and loved this little coffee shop. The staff were friendly, coffee mellow, vibe lively, and the cakes utterly delicious. Highly recommend both the Paris-Brest and tarte au citron. Find it here.
Boulangerie Jocteur: an incredible bakery, choose from bread, baguettes, sandwiches, and cakes that look almost too good to eat. Find it here.
Gllm Guillaume: one of my favourite cafes in Bordeaux, the freshly made quiche, filled baguettes, and cakes are delicious. Also inexpensive, this is a fantastic option for lunch. There are two locations: this cafe in the new town, near the opera house. And this smaller cafe in the old town, near Porte Cailhau.
Pepite Cookie: this family run, artisan cookie shop serves nine flavours of cookies, in three sizes. Each are gooey and delicious and make for a delicious afternoon snack. There are two stores but I like this one in the old town.
Enjoy unmissable things to see in Bordeaux
In my opinion, Bordeaux is not only one the best cities in France, but one of the wonderful in all of Europe.
A place of grandeur, history, and culture, expect to fall firmly in love with this charming French city. From the gorgeous streets of the historic old town to its buzzy wine bars and bistros, there’s so much to see in Bordeaux that I guarantee you’ll return time and again.
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