When thinking of a city trip in France, you might first consider Paris or Nice, but Bordeaux attractions offer much more than you might think! This city, renowned for its wines, stunning cathedrals, and squares, was voted the most beautiful city in Europe in an online competition in 2015. Recently, the city has become even more beautiful and modern, with its most charming shopping street now paved with exquisite marble stones.
In less than two hours, you can fly to this city and start your city trip with a Baja Bikes tour. The local guide will show you the most beautiful sights of Bordeaux. We’ve already compiled some great tips for your city trip.
Want to travel worry-free? Book the best activities in Bordeaux in advance to make the most of your stay. Purchase tickets for:
Want to enjoy to the fullest? Opt for the Bordeaux CityPass and gain access to 20 museums (including La Cité du Vin), attractions, and monuments.
Bordeaux attractions
In less than two hours, you can fly to this city and start your city trip with a Bordeaux Bike Tour: the Highlights. The local guide will show you the most beautiful sights of Bordeaux. We’ve already compiled some great tips for your city trip:
- Wander through the markets
- Pont de Pierre
- Wine tasting
- Grand Théâtre
- Les Bassins des Lumières
- Shopping in Rue Saint-Catherine
- Place de la Bourse
- Saint André Cathedral
- Place des Quinconces
- Musée d’Art Contemporain de Bordeaux
- La Cité du Vin
- Baja Bikes tour
The markets
If you’re wondering what to do in Bordeaux, exploring the markets is a quintessential French experience. Here, you can find a variety of items such as clothing, books, flowers, and artisanal products. Besides the diverse offerings, it’s a complete experience with many stalls preparing and selling their delicacies on the spot. The most charming markets in Bordeaux can be found in the old district of Saint Michel.
Pont de Pierre
Bordeaux is divided into two parts by the Garonne River. The most famous and enjoyable way to cross to the other side is via the Pont de Pierre. This bridge was built in the 19th century by order of Napoleon I and was for a long time the only connection between the left and right banks. As you walk across this bridge, you can enjoy the stunning views it offers over the city. Truly a must-see!
Musée des Vins
Wine tasting is a must in Bordeaux. You’ll find various wine museums, a wine institute, and wine tasting cellars. At the Musée des Vins, you can learn all about the history of wine, the estates, and the merchants in the Les Chartrons district during the 17th and 19th centuries. On the road from the city of Bordeaux to Lesparre lies La Winery, a unique spot for wine enthusiasts. This large complex with modern architecture houses a wine shop with over 1500 wine varieties, ranging from €5 to €1000.
Grand Théâtre
The Grand Théâtre is a remarkable sight. Built in a neoclassical style, the theater boasts a façade that stretches an impressive 88 meters long. The front is adorned with 12 columns, each topped with a statue. These statues represent the nine Muses and the three goddesses Juno, Venus, and Minerva. In Greek mythology, the Muses were the goddesses of art and science, symbolizing inspiration. The term “Muse,” now used to denote a source of inspiration, is derived from this. A visit and guided tour of this magnificent building is a must during your trip. Entrance costs €6.00, and tickets can be conveniently purchased in advance on this website.
Les Bassins des Lumières
Les Bassins des Lumières is a cultural attraction in Bordeaux that opened its doors in April 2021. Located in the former submarine base of Bordeaux, it is Europe’s first digital art center dedicated to monumental artworks.
The center covers an area of over 13,000 square meters and offers visitors the chance to be immersed in spectacular 360-degree projections of famous artworks. It combines the latest audiovisual technology with the historical architecture of the base to provide a unique and immersive experience.
Les Bassins des Lumières is an exciting and innovative way to experience art and is suitable for all ages. The center provides a unique opportunity to discover the greatest masterpieces of art history in a new way. It is also a unique chance to explore the submarine base of Bordeaux, which played a significant role during World War II in the fight against the Nazis.
Tickets: Buy online
Rue Saint-Catherine
A street stretching 1.2 kilometers long (the longest in Europe) filled with shops: a paradise for shopaholics!
Not only will you find well-known big stores like Zara, Mango, and H&M here, but also charming small boutiques. Naturally, there’s also a Galeries Lafayette, a popular French department store chain. After all that shopping, you can relax in one of the side streets, where you’ll find numerous cozy bars and lunch cafés.
Place de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse is one of the most famous squares in Bordeaux, located along the Garonne River. Designed in the 18th century by the renowned architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it is famous for its stunning architecture. The square is often used for events and concerts and is a popular tourist attraction.
The most striking feature of the square is the impressive fountain, which serves as the central point. The fountain is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Palais de la Bourse and the Halle des Chartrons, both of which are worth a visit. The buildings are adorned with statues and sculptures, giving the square an artistic flair.
As you walk across the square, you experience the rich history and culture of Bordeaux. You’ll see the typical architectural style of the city, characterized by light-colored stones and beautiful façades. Place de la Bourse is a place where you can savor the atmosphere of Bordeaux and enjoy the city’s beauty.
The Cathedral of Saint André
This is a standout attraction in Bordeaux and is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is an impressive structure that towers over the city, with its high spires and expansive façade. It is an important religious center in France and a popular tourist attraction.
As you approach the cathedral, you are immediately struck by the majestic scale of the building. The towers reach high into the sky, and the façade is richly decorated with beautiful sculptures and carvings. Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive, with high vaults and large stained-glass windows that illuminate the interior in a mystical way.
The history of the cathedral dates back to the 11th century when a Romanesque church stood on this site. Over the centuries, the building has been expanded and embellished. Today, it is one of the main attractions of Bordeaux and a symbol of the city’s rich history.
The Place des Quinconces
The Place des Quinconces is one of the largest public squares in Europe and a significant cultural and historical center in Bordeaux. Designed in the 18th century, the square has a rich history as a venue for festivals, events, and political gatherings.
The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the famous Fountain of the Girondins and the Monument to the Girondins, which stand here in memory of the French Revolution. It is also bordered by beautiful trees and gardens, making it a pleasant place to walk and relax.
Visiting the Place des Quinconces gives you a good sense of Bordeaux’s rich history. The square has played an important role in France’s political history and remains a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
The square also offers a stunning view of the Garonne River and is easily accessible by public transport or on foot. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the sun, have a picnic, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of Bordeaux.
The Musée d’Art Contemporain de Bordeaux
Also known as CAPC, this is a museum of contemporary art in Bordeaux. The museum is housed in a former 19th-century warehouse and offers an impressive collection of modern art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Sol LeWitt, and Daniel Buren.
Upon entering the museum, you are immediately captivated by the spacious and light environment. The interior is designed to highlight the artworks, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the art and the context in which it was created.
The collection at the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Bordeaux is impressive and varied, featuring works from different movements and periods of contemporary art. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and events, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
La Cité du Vin
La Cité du Vin is a modern and interactive museum located in Bordeaux. This museum is entirely dedicated to the world of wine. Opened in 2016, it has become a popular attraction for both wine enthusiasts and tourists.
La Cité du Vin offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions, multimedia experiences, and tastings of wines from around the world. The museum is designed to immerse visitors in the history and culture of wine and to introduce them to the various aspects of wine production, consumption, and culture.
The building of La Cité du Vin is also impressive. It is designed as an abstract vine and is situated on the banks of the Garonne. It offers a stunning view of the city of Bordeaux and the river. A must-visit Bordeaux attraction. Below are options to purchase a ticket in advance.
Tickets: Buy online
Bike tour through Bordeaux
Complete your visit to this beautiful city with our bike tour. In about 3 hours, you’ll see all the highlights, the historic center, the stunning buildings, and all the unexpected gems. Bordeaux is a versatile city with so much beauty to offer. There’s nothing more enjoyable than experiencing both the old and new districts with an experienced guide on a bike!
Want to know more about the bike tour and how to best see Bordeaux in just one day? Click on the link Bordeaux in 1 day.
