Bordeaux: what to visit in the capital of the wine region

The historic center of the city, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, impresses with its magnificent architecture of the 18th century. Majestic buildings made of limestone, decorated with columns and arches, create the atmosphere of ancient Europe. Wide boulevards, cozy squares and embankments along the Garonne invite you to stroll and enjoy the calm, measured atmosphere of the city.

The heart of Bordeaux is the Saint-Pierre district, where numerous wine cellars, restaurants and wine boutiques are located. Here you can taste the best wines of the region, get to know the winemaking tradition and feel the unique taste of the French terroir. Among the sights are the Gothic Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Andre and the Bourse, reflected in the waters of the Garonne.

Bordeaux is a city for romantic walks, gourmet discoveries and immersion in refined French culture. Its streets, filled with the aromas of fresh bread and vines, leave an unforgettable impression on everyone who has the opportunity to visit this charming city.

Rail connection with Bordeaux available

What to visit in Bordeaux:

Stock Exchange Square (Place de la Bourse)

The Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux is one of the most famous and most beautiful squares in the city. It is located on the banks of the Garonne River and is an important architectural complex of the 18th century.

The central dominant of the square is the Exchange building, built in a classical style. Its facade is decorated with columns and sculptures, giving the building majesty and elegance.

It is a favorite strolling spot for locals and tourists who come to admire the magnificent architecture and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful corner of Bordeaux.

City of wine (La Cité du Vin)

La Cité du Vin is an impressive architectural masterpiece located in Bordeaux. It is a unique cultural center dedicated to wine and its history, culture and heritage.

The building, designed by architects Norman Foster and Philip Mayer, has a unique design that resembles waves of wine rising to the sky. This impressive structure of glass and metal creates a sense of lightness and movement, as if the wine itself is flowing through the building.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, La Cité du Vin also offers temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops and tastings, making this cultural center an unforgettable destination for wine enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history, culture and taste of wine.

From the observation deck on the roof, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the picturesque banks of the Garonne and the historic center of Bordeaux, combining a visual experience with a rich wine culture.

Grand Theater (Le Grand Théâtre)

Le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is a majestic architectural marvel that occupies a central position in the heart of the city of Bordeaux. This monumental opera house, built in the 18th century, is a prime example of the classical style of French architecture.

The majestic facade of the building impresses with its columns, sculptures and luxurious decor. Under the grand dome is a spacious, luxuriously decorated auditorium, capable of accommodating more than 1,200 visitors. The theater stage is one of the largest in Europe, which allows large-scale opera and ballet performances to be staged.

The interior of Le Grand Théâtre is simply breathtaking - from the luxurious wall decorations to the painted ceilings and luxurious chandeliers. There is an atmosphere of grandeur and elegance that transports the audience to the heyday of French art.

Street Sainte-Catherine (Rue Sainte-Catherine)

Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the most famous and most visited streets in Bordeaux, France. It is the heart of the historic city center, known for its architecture, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions.

The street stretches for several blocks, from Gambetta Square to Saint Catherine Square. It is paved with cobblestones and surrounded by beautiful buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries, which add to its unique charm. The facades of the houses are decorated with stucco, balconies and windows with arcades, creating a truly elegant and refined atmosphere. Along the street there are many shops, restaurants, cafes and boutiques that attract both local residents and tourists.

In addition to shops and eateries, Rue Sainte-Catherine is also home to attractions such as the Church of Sainte-Catherine, one of the oldest in Bordeaux, and the Palais de Rohan, the former residence of the archbishops.

Big bell

The Great Bell in Bordeaux is one of the most famous sights of the city. It is located in the heart of the historic quarter of Saint-André, next to Saint-André Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest Gothic cathedrals in France.

This bell, which reaches 8 tons, is a symbol of the city of Bordeaux. It was installed in 1495 and since then has served as a bell for the cathedral. Its massive bronze body is decorated with intricate engravings of religious scenes and ornaments. The dimensions of the bell are impressive - its height reaches more than 2 meters, and its diameter is almost 2 meters.

Bordeaux Park and Public Garden (Parc Bordelais and Jardin Public)

Parc Bordelais and Jardin Public are two beautiful public parks located in the city of Bordeaux. These picturesque green oases offer wonderful opportunities for relaxation and walking in the city center.

Parc Bordelais is a large city park that stretches over 60 hectares. Here you can find wide avenues lined with trees that lead to picturesque ponds with fountains. The park is decorated with numerous sculptures and flower beds that create a truly picturesque view. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, play sports or just relax on the benches under the shade of the trees.

Jardin Public is an ancient public garden founded in the 18th century. It is known for its wonderful French park scenery, with avenues lined with cypresses and plane trees. Here you can find flower beds, fountains, as well as a small zoo that attracts the attention of children. The garden is a favorite place for walks and recreation of local residents and tourists.

Stone Bridge (Pont de Pierre)

The Pont de Pierre, or Stone Bridge, is a landmark of the city of Bordeaux. This majestic bridge crosses the Garonne River, adding unparalleled charm and harmony to the cityscape.

The bridge was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1819 and is one of the oldest stone bridges that have survived to this day. Its length reaches more than 500 meters, and the structure consists of 17 arches, each of which has its own unique architectural detail.

Walking along the Pont de Pierre, you can't help but admire the incredible views that open from here on both banks of the Garonne. You will see ancient buildings lined up along the embankment, as well as modern buildings that harmoniously fit into the historical architecture of the city. Especially impressive are the views to the west, where the famous Bridge of the Wizards is visible - another symbol of Bordeaux.

Square near St. Andrew's Cathedral

The square near the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Bordeaux is a wonderful place where you can feel the atmosphere of the old French city. It is a spacious square surrounded by majestic buildings dating back to the 18th century. The central place on the square is occupied by the majestic St. Andrew's Cathedral, which impresses with its Gothic architecture. Its slender spiers and ornate facades make this building a real Bordeaux gem. It is especially beautiful on the square at night, when St. Andrew's Cathedral is illuminated, creating an incredible atmosphere.

Saint Andrew's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André)

St. Andrew's Cathedral is a majestic Gothic church that dominates the central part of Bordeaux. Its calm, balanced proportions and exquisite architecture make the cathedral a real gem of the city.

The construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century and lasted for several centuries. This led to a combination of different architectural styles - from Romanesque to late Gothic. The main facade of the cathedral impresses with its slender bell towers reaching 114 meters in height.

Chartrons District (Chartrons District)

Chartrons District is one of the most attractive and dynamic places in Bordeaux. Located on the left bank of the Garonne River, it is a former industrial area that has undergone a massive transformation in recent decades.

Today, the Chartrons district impresses with its unique atmosphere, combining historical heritage and modern urban dynamics. Here you can find numerous galleries, designer shops, trendy restaurants and cozy cafes located in 19th century buildings with characteristic red brick facades.

The Chartrons District is the true heart of Bordeaux's cultural and artistic life. Art festivals, exhibitions and fairs are regularly held here, attracting tourists and local residents. This area is a vivid example of the successful reconstruction of an abandoned industrial zone into a modern, attractive urban space that successfully combines history and modernity.

Darwin Ecosystem

Darwin Ecosystem is an exciting place in Bordeaux that combines innovative technologies, sustainable development and creative space. Located in a former industrial area, the site has undergone a massive transformation into a modern, multi-functional hub that attracts entrepreneurs, inventors and technology enthusiasts.

A key feature of Darwin Ecosystem is its emphasis on sustainable development. The buildings of the complex are designed using environmentally friendly materials and energy efficiency technologies, creating a harmonious combination between nature and modern architecture. The offices of companies working in the field of clean technologies, innovative startups and social enterprises are located here.

Visitors to the Darwin Ecosystem can enjoy a variety of areas for work, study and recreation. There are co-working spaces, laboratories, workshops and creative studios that provide an opportunity for collaboration, exchange of ideas and implementation of projects. Cafes, restaurants, shops and public spaces are also located on the territory of the complex, creating an atmosphere of a lively, dynamic environment.

Monument to the Girondists on the Place de Cancons

The monument to the Girondists on Place de Cençons in Bordeaux is one of the most important historical monuments of this French city. It is located in a picturesque square surrounded by elegant buildings of the 18th century, creating a majestic and harmonious architectural ensemble.

The monument, erected in 1902, perpetuates the memory of the Girondists - a group of moderate-republican politicians of the period of the French Revolution, executed by order of the Jacobins. The massive bronze sculpture depicts the figures of the Girondists raising their arms in a tragic gesture, conveying the drama and sacrifice of their fate.

Capuchin Market (Marché des Capucins)

Located in the heart of the city, the market takes up an entire block, consisting of two large covered pavilions, complemented by numerous outdoor stalls. Here you can find everything your heart desires - from fresh fruits and vegetables to aromatic cheeses, delicate meat products, seafood and exclusive wines of the Bordeaux region.

Entering the market, you get into the atmosphere of real French market life. The hum of the voices of sellers loudly offering their goods mixes with the aromas of freshly baked croissants, roasted coffee and the delicate perfumes of seasonal flowers.

Medoc Saint Emilion Margot vineyards

The vineyards of Medoc, Saint-Émilion and Margot are the three most famous wine regions of Bordeaux, located on the left bank of the Garonne River in France. These regions are famous for their high-quality red wines that are world famous.

Médoc is an area northwest of Bordeaux known for its grand châteaux and magnificent vineyards. Grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are grown here, producing powerful, full-bodied wines with a long aftertaste.

St. Emilion, located east of Bordeaux, is known for its refined, elegant wines. Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties prevail here. The vineyards are spread over the hills, which creates ideal conditions for the ripening of grapes.

Margot is a legendary appellation in the Medoc, famous for its full-bodied wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties prevail here. The most famous chateaux of Margot are Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour and Chateau Margot.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE - Bordeaux

The traditional cuisine of the Bordeaux region of France is known for its sophistication and use of high-quality local ingredients. Here are some typical dishes and features of this culinary tradition:

1. Bordeaux Oysters - The Bordeaux region is famous for its fresh and delicious oysters, served with lemon and bread.

2. Bordeaux-style roast beef - beef is prepared by slow stewing in wine, garlic and spices.

3. Canelo is a traditional beef, veal or lamb stew, prepared with vegetables and wine sauce.

4. Lamprillon - small river lampreys, fried in beef fat and served with potatoes.

5. Goose liver - foie gras, which is widely used in Bordeaux cuisine, for example for preparing pâtés.

6. Bordeaux wines - the region is known for its high-quality red, white and dessert wines, which are often used in cooking.

In general, Bordeaux cuisine is famous for its exquisite meat dishes, seafood and wines that complement each other.