Touring Bordeaux, France: An up-and-coming destination

Bordeaux’s reinvention of itself has earned it a spot as an up-and-coming destination that deserves your attention.

Nicknamed "La Belle Endormie" or "The Sleeping Beauty", the city has undergone a rejuvenation like few other. Restoration efforts in the 90s by former mayor and prime minister, Alain Juppé, transformed the riverfront and breathed new life into the area.

The improved downtown infrastructure and riverfront facelift created hip new micro-neighborhoods. Innovative chefs and entrepreneurs set up shop and brought new concepts and energy into the city. Even esteemed chefs like Joël Robuchon and Gordon Ramsay took notice and opened their own restaurants.

Paris-style Historic Architecture

Paris is famous for gracious boulevards, uniform neoclassical architecture, and a unique city center. It’s this that gives the city a very specific ambiance, but much of the aesthetic of the City of Lights has its roots in the graceful lines and sweeping municipal plazas of Bordeaux. This is where Georges-Eugène Haussmann, the architect of the renovation of Paris, honed his skills before he began work on the capital.

Downtown Area

In 2007, UNESCO added Bordeaux's historic downtown port to its World Heritage list for its blend of urban, classical and neo-classical styles. The protected area is nearly five times the size of UNESCO's listing for the banks of the Seine River in Paris.

Place de la Bourse

A stark contrast to the bustling downtown area, the reflecting pool and square at the Place de la Bourse gives you the chance to slow things down. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, famed for his work on the Petit Trianon chateau at Versailles, the area is a fine example of 18^th-century architecture. The square is one of the city's most iconic sites and, like many of Bordeaux's landmarks, including the sweeping plaza at the Monument aux Girondins, is open to the public throughout the year. 

Open-Air Sites

Love soaking up the atmosphere outside? You can stroll through many open-air sites, including Rue Sainte-Catherine, billed as one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. If you prefer a little guidance, take an English-language walking tour to get the most out of your visit.

Grand Théâtre

To experience Bordeaux's celebrated history in a less active, yet decidedly cultural way, take in an opera at the Grand Théâtre. The staircase design served as the inspiration for the iconic staircase at Paris's opera house.

Bordeaux Cathedral

An architectural masterpiece sure to take your breath away, Bordeaux Cathedral features stylistic influence from across the ages. The eagle-eyed will see inspiration from the Carolingian period, through to Gothic, and all the way to the Renaissance. Its stained glass windows are a sight to see, as the light shines through them, watch as the cathedral comes truly alive. A must visit for anyone visiting this splendid city.

Jardin Public

Venture here for a space of greenery and nature. Bask in the serenity that comes from the picturesque views of this beautifully designed garden. Created in 1746, it’s been a mainstay of Bordeaux for centuries and is a piece of the French countryside right in the center of the city. Honey-colored 18^th-century buildings sit alongside a beautiful pond, where swans gracefully float by. It provides ample room for picnicking, hanging out with friends or simply resting your legs for a while.

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