If you’re like me the first thing you think about when someone mentions Bordeaux are the big, bold red wines. Leading to many people not fussed about drinking or even into this style of wine into dismissing Bordeaux as a place to visit, but think again. This city was a real surprise and it has so much more to offer than just delicious wines. From the longest shopping street in Europe, incredible restaurants and markets, a massive skating park and the world’s only wine museum, there is something to excite most people. The unique architecture also makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
We spent an amazing month in the city nicknamed, La Belle Endormie (The sleeping beauty), and we loved it here. Even the nightlife! Here’s our recommendations to make the most of this special city…
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO:
- Get snapping at Mirior d’eau.
- Master wine at La Cité du Vin.
- Feast on local delights at Marché des Quais & Capucins.
- Picnic at Jardin Public.
- Explore trendy Darwin on the right bank.
- Wander the romantic streets of old Bordeaux.
- Experience Bordeaux’s vibrant nightlife.
- Taste wines that made Bordeaux world-famous.
- Visit the stunning Sainte-André Cathedral.
- Shop Europe’s longest street, Rue Sainte-Catherine.
1. Get snapping at Mirior d’eau – Mirror Fountain
One of the most famous sites in Bordeaux is the Mirior d’eau. A reflective pool of water along the river Garonne that creates a mirror vision of the Place de la Bourse just across from it. Once you see the relfection (it creates mist every 15 mins, so you might have to be patient) but it is worth the wait as it’s an impressive sight to be seen. Afterwards be sure to check out Place de la Bourse over the road.
2. Master wine at La Cité du Vin.
Whilst I said Bordeaux isn’t just about wine, it is still a really big part of the city. This museum is the only dedicated Wine Museum in the world and it is a must see if you are a wine lover. Even if you’re not it’s a really interactive museum including the history of wine, different styles & processes that are used around the world, sensory experiences and tasting options. There is a lot here, so allow plenty of time. There is also a wine shop, cafe and restaurant, which offers great views and delicious fine dining food.
3. Feast on the local delights.
Bordeaux has some of the best food markets I’ve ever been to. Make sure you take a trip to one of the many markets to sample some of the local delicacies and just soak up a big part of the cities culture amongst the variety of stalls on offer. Some of my favourites included, Marche Des Capucins where you can sit and eat at one of the market restaurants as well as do your shopping. (Bordeaux’s largest market mainly undercover, closed Monday’s and open most days until 2pm) or on a Sunday visit Marche des Quais, outdoor market, where you can stroll along the Quais de Chartron along the river, tasting your way around the local farmer stalls. (The crepes and rotisserie chicken were particular highlights). Other must tastes include the canele, which on every corner – Toque Cuivree is the place to go to try these little french pastries filled with rum and vanilla.
4. Picnic at Jardin Public
In the middle of the city is a beautiful Jardin (park) that makes you feel like you are in a totally different place. Go to the market and bring a picnic along to this tranquil spot to soak up the sun and relax in amongst the trees or enjoy lunch at the restaurant in the park.
5. Explore trendy Darwin on the right bank.
On the right -side of the bank is one of Bordeaux’s newest and family friendly areas called Darwin. This eco-district has the biggest hangar for skate-boarding and is full of eco-shops, bars and different activities to keep both parents and children entertained. Across the road is a quirky bar on the river that has some alternative live music on most weekends.
6. Wander the romantic streets of old Bordeaux.
I was amazed at the size of Bordeaux as a city. It was so much bigger than I expected, but the old narrow streets of the city and the bustling squares make it the perfect place to aimlessly wander, stumbling across beautiful buildings and cute shops and cafes as you go. There is so much to see and take in along the way – check out the Grosse Cloche, Porte Cailhau, Grand Theatre and Place des Quinconces as you amble. The fountain here is quite something to see. Plus if your feet get tired it is easy to hop on the tram and get back to where-ever you need to be.
7. Experience Bordeaux’s vibrant nightlife.
Whilst Bordeaux is often referred to as “Sleeping Beauty” this is becoming a thing of the past, with the city becoming young and vibrant with lots of great nightlife available for those looking for it. For great restaurants and bars check out the Chartrons area, this as our favourite. The square beside Marche de Chartrons is surrounded by delicious restaurants and bars full of locals. If you’re looking for a more casual evening head over to the Halles Des Baclan food hall, where you can choose from a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks, to be enjoyed out on the bustling streets or inside the food hall. If you want to kick on late into the night there are a few nightclubs around here too or some late night bars closer to the city behind the Place Gambetta.
8. Taste wines that made Bordeaux world-famous.
Whilst there are plenty of activities and things to see that don’t involve wine, no visit to this city is complete without tasting some of the most famous and expensive red wines in the world. I’d highly recommend taking a wine tour to really appreciate the uniqueness about this wine region and sample some wines you won’t have access to otherwise. Alternatively pay a visit to Bar a Vin, where you can sample a wide selection of local wines at very affordable prices and be educated by the highly knowledgeable team here.
9. Visit the stunning Sainte-André Cathedral.
What city visit is complete without going to the cathedral! Originally dating back to the 11th century, this catholic cathedral is impressive to see. The gothic Pey-Berland bell tower beside the cathedral is an attraction itself with many people taking the 230(ish) stairs to appreciate the panoramic views from the top. Whilst the cathedral itself isn’t as grand as others we have visited it is still worth seeing. Tickets cost 2 Euro’s and it’s open Wed – Sat from 2.30pm – 5pm. The tower is 5 Euro’s and is open every day except Monday in off season. Check for open times.
Overall the place itself is just enjoyabe to sit back, enjoy a drink and people watch, whilst admiring the impressive architecture on display here.
10. Shop Europe’s longest street, Rue Sainte-Catherine.
After eating and drinking your way around this gastronomical city, walk off some calories whilst enjoying some shopping down Europe’s longest pedestrianised road on the Rue Sainte Catherine. At an impressive 1.2 km’s long, there’s something to cater for all your shopping needs. Connecting Place de la Comedie to the Place de la Victoire. The top end by the Grand Theatre caters to all your high end and well-known shops and as you move further down you’ll find there’s some bargains to be had.
Other recommeded sights include the Bassin De Luminieres a digital art gallery housed in an old submarine base. Wander along the river and have lunch at the Bordeaux village, whilst watching the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas vertical lift bridge in action. Our Air BnB apartment overlooked here and it was a mesmerizing vision to watch.
Explore more Bordeaux tips and inspiration here… https://spritzinguplife.com/bordeaux-top-5-places-to-visit-for-foodies/
