What to See in Bordeaux

Overview

Bordeaux is a pleasant city with plenty to offer, especially since the improvements made in recent years. With its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere, the city alone deserves almost two days of exploration, and even more if you want to discover its nearby surroundings—whether the wine-growing areas or the Atlantic coast, starting with the Arcachon Basin, which isn’t far away.

Districts

Like all major urban areas, Bordeaux is made up of multiple districts, each with its own unique features. For visitors (and to keep it simple), the city can be divided into three zones:

The Old Town and its suburbs

This is the left bank of Bordeaux. The Old Town is the area within the former city walls, corresponding to the urban center with most of the sites and monuments to see. By extension, this perimeter can be expanded to include the old suburbs (Chartrons, Mériadeck, etc.) stretching up to what are known here as the "boulevards."

Right bank

This is the urban area built on the right bank of the Garonne, with districts like La Bastide. Originally more working-class and often overlooked, it has seen a certain revival in recent years with various development projects, the most well-known being the "Darwin ecosystem." Nevertheless, it remains less visited than the other bank.

The outskirts

These are the neighboring municipalities (Bègles, Talence, Pessac, etc.) that largely make up the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Roughly speaking, this is what extends from the boulevards to the Rocade ring road. Far from unpleasant, this part of Bordeaux is, however, hardly touristy at all.

Tourist sites and areas

Pey-Berland ★★★
This is the charming district of the cathedral, city hall, and Bordeaux's main museums. The northern part is also a shopping area.

Saint Pierre - Saint Michel ★★★★
Along with the Grosse Cloche area, these are the main districts of the old city center. A mix of narrow streets, small squares, historic buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants much loved by locals and visitors alike.

Old Bordeaux ★★★★
This is the area of the city once enclosed by the old city walls. It is also the most tourist-heavy and lively part of the urban area.

Monuments and architectural ensembles

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux ★★
It is one of the most beautiful in France. Built in stone in the late 18th century, it stands out with its antique-inspired façade featuring 12 Corinthian columns. The whole blends perfectly into Place de la Comédie and the Grand Hôtel opposite.

Great Bell ★★
This is the main tourist attraction in the Saint Pierre - Saint Michel district. The 15th-century belfry is adorned with two turrets, between which hangs a great bell weighing nearly eight tons, dating from 1775. Just above it, a clock from the same period enhances the façade.

Water Mirror ★★★
It is the world's largest water mirror, spanning 3,500 m². A thin layer of water reflects the façades of the Place de la Bourse opposite. In summer, it is also a popular attraction for those who enjoy wading in it and taking advantage of its water jets and mist effects.

Place de la Bourse ★★★
One of the most beautiful architectural ensembles on the Quays, with its buildings featuring richly sculpted façades. It was developed over more than 25 years in the mid-18th century.

Stone Bridge ★★
Built on the orders of Napoleon I, it is now a listed historic monument and an integral part of the exceptional urban and architectural ensemble of Bordeaux's historic centre.

Cailhau Gate ★★
This 35-metre triumphal arch stands between the Pont de pierre and the Place de la Bourse. Dating from the 15th century, it fits perfectly into the city’s historic district.

Bordeaux Quays ★★★★
Developed along the Garonne River, the Quays form the city’s most stunning architectural ensemble. In fact, they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 under the name "Port of the Moon.".

Religious buildings

Basilique Saint-Michel ★★
This church in Flamboyant Gothic style is one of the city’s main landmarks. With its 114-metre spire, it has the tallest bell tower in southern France, even though the tower is actually separate from the rest of the building. From the top, you get a superb panorama of Bordeaux.

Cathédrale Saint-André ★★
Place Pey Berland, in the heart of the eponymous district. The cathedral is Bordeaux's most significant religious building, with a length of 124 m and width of 44 m. Built in the Gothic style, it dates back to the late 11th century.

Museums

Submarine Base ★★
Built during the Second World War, it was later converted into a cultural centre for temporary exhibitions and performances. A visit to the site also offers a glimpse of what a submarine base looks like.

Parks and gardens

Bordeaux Woods-Floral Park ★★
An 87-hectare (artificial) forest and nearly as much meadowland and ponds make up this landscaped park at Bordeaux Lake, attracting joggers and cyclists in particular. It also features a large floral area with 11 world gardens dedicated to Bordeaux’s twin cities.

Bordeaux Public Garden ★★
This is the large park in central Bordeaux (or nearly so). Designed in the English style around a water feature on 14 hectares, it’s a favourite with locals and visitors for its tranquillity—though slightly less so on some days.

On the outskirts