10 Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Place de la Bourse is a historic place for Bordeaux, located in the Saint-Pierre district, right in the centre of the city. Built during the 18th century, it marked the end of the medieval period for Bordeaux by expanding the city beyond the old walls. Part of the historical district of Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse was upgraded in 2006 with the addition of le Miroir d’Eau – the water mirror. The reflection of the historical buildings in the water is definitely worth a photo or two, especially at night. Have a drink on the terrace of Le Gabriel, a gastro restaurant located right on the square, behind the Fountain of the 3 Graces.

Head to La Cité du Vin – The Wine City – on the Quai du Bacalan to learn everything about the Bordeaux châteaux and wine labels. You’ll also be able to book wine-tasting tours at some of the most famous châteaux in the region, like Saint-Émilion, Saint-Julien, Margaux, and Médoc, just to name a few. Excellent wines are produced all around France, but Bordeaux is considered the wine capital of the country. Going to Bordeaux is like a journey into the rich world of wine. 

The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is at the same time an impressive mid-18th-century neo-classical building and a lively venue that host operas, dance and music performances. Located on the Place de la Comédie, its façade features 12 columns on which stand 9 muses and 3 goddess statues, making the edifice like an antique Temple of the arts. Even if you don’t want to see a show, you should join a guided tour to visit the theatre. The backstage areas and the sumptuous interior décor and ornaments are worth an hour of your time.

Located in Blanquefort, an hour’s drive northeast from Bordeaux city centre, the Parc de Majolan offers a serene and unique place for a stroll in a beautiful natural environment. Designed at the end of the 19th century, the park features a 4-hectare lake, artificial caves, and fountains and geysers designed in a baroque style. This family-friendly park features a large kids’ playground and animals such as swans, peacocks and coypus freely roam the place. You can lunch at La Maison des Jardiniers, a cool restaurant located at the entrance of the park, or bring a picnic and find a place to lunch on the lawn.

The Marché des Quais is the perfect place to discover and sample fresh and cooked products from the region of Bordeaux. Held every Sunday on the Quai des Chartrons, just north of the city centre, you’ll find an assortment of delicacies that include oysters, crepes, cheeses, wines, and delicatessen that you can eat on the spot, along with a lot more. It’s an affordable version of a 5-star hotel brunch, which you can enjoy on the bank of the Garonne River.

Originally built in Roman style in the early-11th century, Bordeaux Cathedral went through the tumultuous history of France, and was almost entirely rebuilt in Gothic style during the 14th century. Declared a National Monument of France, it’s home to an impressive art collection dating from between the 14th and 17th centuries, that includes statues, paintings and religious artefacts and ornaments. Being right in the centre of Bordeaux, you’ll find a good choice of cool bars and restaurants nearby. Guided tours are available.

Port de la Lune – Port of the Moon – is the nickname given to the crescent-shaped Port of Bordeaux along the Garonne River. Stretching from the Quai de Bacalan to the Quai de Paludate in the centre of the city, the Port of the Moon incorporates the Place de la Bourse and the Quays Market. Lined with quaint boutiques, chic bars and restaurants, it’s a very pleasant and classy area to wander around. That’s to its historical beauty, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

Rue Sainte-Catherine is the most famous shopping street in the centre of Bordeaux. Stretching for over 1 km from the Place de la Comédie to the Place de la Victoire, it’s considered one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Here, you’ll find an astonishing choice of boutiques, stores, and shopping malls selling almost anything. Bars and restaurants interspersed between the shops offer opportunities to take a break as well as providing excellent people-watching spots.

The Museum of Aquitaine shows you the history of Bordeaux and of its region from the Stone Age to the 19th century through a good variety of exhibits. Controversially, the displays include reflections on French colonialism and the relation between Bordeaux and the slave trade. From splendid model ships to Montaigne’s Tomb, the museum is home to rare artefacts and objects as well as a reconstruction of an early 20th-century grocer's shop. It’s a nice place to visit upon arrival in Bordeaux, to get into the mood of the region.

Adjacent to the Place de la Bourse, Saint-Pierre District is as lively by night as it is by day. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to make your evening. Among the recommendable venues in this area, you should definitely have a glass of wine at Le Bar à Vin on Cours du 30 Juillet. If you fancy an evening in a warm and festive South American ambience, head to Calle Ocho, Café Cubano on Rue Piliers de Tutelle. Last but not least, go to The Houses of Parliament on Rue Parlement Sainte-Catherine to enjoy a genuine English pub atmosphere.