Top 10 Bordeaux Attractions

From immersing yourself in the world-topping Bordeaux Museum of Wine, to mingling with the crowds on the beautiful Pont de Pierre, tourist Bordeaux is a wildly varied mix of attractions. Here are the most ‘Bordeaux’ things to do during your French escape.

Bordeaux Museum of Wine

Before you start searching for the best Bordeaux wine tours, it’s wise to study your grapes at arguably the world’s greatest wine museum – the Cité du Vin. The building itself is designed to look like the swirl of wine vapor in a glass.

Inside, there’s an unbelievable wine shop with 800 wines, state-of-the-art tasting rooms with expert-led sessions, and high-tech interactive displays providing an engrossing overview of the world of vino. If you’re not driving and plan on going wine-tasting in Bordeaux, start here.

Cathédrale Saint-André

Don’t miss Bordeaux Cathedral and the opportunity to climb to the top of its gargoyle-strewn Tour Pey-Berland. The latter is the cathedral’s bell tower, built in the Gothic-style between 1440 and 1446, complete with a re-gilded 19th-century statue of Notre-Dame-d’Aquitaine, and breathtaking views across the city. The cathedral dates back to 1096 and is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city.

Pont de Pierre

Pont de Pierre is the ultimate photo opportunity among Bordeaux tourist attractions. Constructed in the 19^th century at the demands of Napoleon Bonaparte (its 17 arches correspond to the number of letters in his name) it was the first bridge to span the Garonne River. What makes Pont de Pierre so special is it overcame the architectural challenge posed by the river’s strong currents.

Golden Triangle (Triangle d’Or)

Visit Bordeaux and you’ll immediately be struck by its 18th-century grandeur. This elegance peaks in the heart of the city with the three-boulevard-spanning Golden Triangle. The triangle itself is made up of Cours Georges Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance, and Allées de Tourny. Wander gold-hued buildings browse high-brow stores, dive into lavish restaurants, and douse the soul in Bordelais sophistication.

Saint Pierre

Bordeaux’s tourist guides will generally point you in the direction of the picturesque buildings lining the quays. However, we recommend turning left when everyone else turns right and you’ll find the historic hub of the city: Saint Pierre. Bordeaux’s inhabitants first shifted from the quays to this district after the departure of the Romans – a stroll through the tangle of medieval-meets-modern streets will feel like stepping into a French time warp.

Garonne River

A Garonne river cruise is a must for any tourist’s itinerary. Flanked by honey-toned buildings, the Garonne promenade is a shining example of Bordeaux’s upheaval.

If you’d strolled through the port 15 years ago, it would’ve been filled with derelict buildings, no-go zones, and litter. Its dramatic makeover transformed it into one of the hippest, jauntiest places to visit and hang out. Think green spaces, cool shops, slick bars, and feel-good cafes.

Place de la Bourse

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Place de la Bourse is an unmissable 18th-century royal square in the Golden Triangle. Perched on the edge of the Garonne, this architectural gem was built under the demand of King Louis XV to celebrate himself as the true symbol of France. Make sure your camera has space for the star of the show, Le Miroir d’Eau – the world’s largest reflective pool. Conceived by landscape architect Michel Corajoud and developed by fountain expert Jean Max Llorca, its beauty alone is a sure-fire reason to linger at Place de la Bourse.

Grand Théâtre Bordeaux

On the edge of the Place de la Comédie is the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Its magnificent columns and sculptures dating back to 1780, when it was at the height of its wealth staging ballet premieres. Its neoclassical facade is grand and impressive, but the best way to experience the theater is within the sumptuous blue and gold auditorium for a concert. Check out the Grand Theatre Bordeaux programme to see what’s on when you visit Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Market Days

Bold, vibrant, and full of charm. What’s true of Bordeaux market days is true of the city as a whole. Bookworms will fall in love with Marché des Bouquinistes, a buffet of ancient books, original postcards, and rarities. Linger in the Golden Triangle and you can while away the hours staring at the mesmerizing glass ceiling of Le Marché des Grands Hommes. But don’t stare for too long – take time to sample the sparkling fresh fish too.

CAPC: musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux

If you’re one for scoping out cool contemporary art, Bordeaux is a treasure trove. From the curious to the absurd, you’ll strike gold in the CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux – a collection of brash and brilliant works. Masterpieces include a cage full of gravel, so you won’t be alone if you’re not quite so sure about the meaning of some pieces.

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