Bordeaux is reasonably often referred to as a mini Paris. It is just as beautiful, easier to navigate and the locals are definitely friendlier. It is home to 362 historic monuments and after Paris, it has the largest number of protected buildings in France.
Since 2007, almost all of Bordeaux’s beautiful city center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city is best explored on foot – and by using the city’s fantastic tram system.
1. Enjoy Cite du Vin
I’ve visited many museums in my time as a travel blogger so it takes quite a bit to get me excited about one. And I got very excited about the Cite du Vin. Yes, it is all about one of my favourite things in the world, wine, but it is also an extremely engaging museum housed in a jaw-dropping modern building.
2. Visit Bordeaux Cathedral
Bordeaux Cathedrals’ official name is Cathedrale Saint-Andre. This gothic-style cathedral was consecrated in 1096 by the Pope. It hosted two royal marriages. The first was between local girl Eleanor of Aquitaine and the future Louis VII. Eleanor and Louis’ marriage didn’t last and she went on to marry Henry, the future King of England.
3. Watch the sunset over the Garonne River
As the day winds to a close, head to the Gina Bar at the Hotel Renaissance. This relatively new hotel in Bordeaux features a great mix of old Bordeaux (grain silos have been incorporated into the design) and modern interior design.
4. Shop like a local on Rue des Remparts
Rue des Remparts has to be one of the nicest in a city filled with charming streets. This is the street where locals go to shop and it is filled with some of the best stores in the city.
5. Enjoy the Street Art
Street art is everywhere these days and Bordeaux is no exception. Local street artist Amo specialises in animals such as the toucan and his work can be seen around the city. But if you really like your street art then head to the popular Darwin area across the river (more on the Darwin later in this article)
6. Explore around Place Fernand-Lafargue
This former market place was first established in 1155. Today this is the hippest area in Bordeaux with the lovely Rue Saint James at its heart. This is a great area for exploring, particularly the charming cafes and boutiques along Rue Saint James.
7. Place du Parlement
This Italian-style square was created in 1754. A fountain by Louis Garros sits at its centre. Like many of the lovely squares in Bordeaux, it is lined with grand buildings from the 18th century. It is lined with restaurants with terraces and this is a wonderful place to eat, drink or just sit and soak up the atmosphere of Bordeaux.
8. Sample the Chocolate Shops
Bordeaux is also famous for its outstanding chocolate shops. Try Le Maison Darricau which was established in 1915 or La Guinette. But don’t miss Saunion which is famous for its amazing chocolate-covered cherries that have been bathed in booze. They are unforgettable.
9. Try a Dunes Blanches
The largest sand dune in the world, Dune du Pilat, is a one-hour drive from Bordeaux. Dune du Pilat is 106 metres high and runs along the Atlantic for 2.7 kilometres. As Bordeaux does, this dune is paid tribute to through food and the Dunes Blanches.
The Dune Blanches is a puff pastry that is made with two types of cream in honour of Dune du Pilat. Head to Chez Pascal Dunes Blanches to get the best version of this frothy treat.
10. Walk the longest pedestrian street in France.
Rue Sainte Catherine is the longest pedestrian street in France at nearly one mile long. It was pedestrianized in 1984 and ran through the city from north to south. It is home to some of the most well-known boutiques in Bordeaux, both local and global, including Galeries Lafayette.
11. Visit Les Halles de Bacalan
Bordeaux is also home to a second market, Les Halles de Bacalan. Les Halles de Bacalan is located across the road from the Cite du Vin. This is a modern market, meaning that whilst it sells some products, it is mostly interesting restaurant-style concepts in a modern building.
12. Visit Places des Quinconces
One of the largest squares in Europe, Places Des Quinconces covers 63 acres. It was constructed between 1810 and 1828. Its name comes from the “quincone” arrangement of the trees on either side. It is filled with monuments including statues of local philosophers, a bronze fountain and bordered by a range of cafes, bars and restaurants.
13. Explore Quartiers Saint Pierre and Saint Paul
This is where you put down the map and just wander these lovely little streets. The area is also home to a few key Bordeaux landmarks. Grosse Cloche or the big bell was built in the 15th century and its bell weighs nearly 8 tonnes.
Porte de Bourgogne is one of the many gates that were constructed in Bordeaux in the 18th century. And Eglise Saint-Pierre has elements that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
14. Decide which Caneles is your favourite
Don’t leave Bordeaux without trying at least one (ideally more) caneles. It amazes me that these delicious little moist treats are not a worldwide phenomenon. It is believed that caneles were first made in the convents around Bordeaux in the 15th century.
The canele is essentially a little caramelised cake with a soft center flavoured with rum and vanilla. It starts with an egg yolk and is baked in a copper mold. They are available in a range of sizes and even flavours. The traditional version is flavoured with vanilla and rum.
Bordeaux is home to two chains that battle each other for the title of supreme caneles. La Toque Cuivree looks like a local bakery. Caneles Baillardran is a much more upmarket proposition with fancy packaging to match. Both chains have stores throughout Bordeaux.
Locals tend to favor one of the chains over the other. It is absolutely critical when you visit Bordeaux to try both options (and you may need to do so more than once to be thorough) and come up with your own verdict as to which one makes the best caneles in Bordeaux.
NB: Macarons were actually first made in Emilion in 1620. The Emilion macaron is the classic macaron made with almonds, egg, white and sugar. They were white and made by the nuns – who still make macarons from the same recipe today.
15. Enjoy the World’s Largest Reflecting Pool and Place de la Bourse
Bordeaux is home to the world’s largest reflecting pool. Miroir d’Eau covers 3,450 square metres and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Its one-inch deep water also provides a fantastic reflection of the beautiful Place de la Bourse that is opposite.
Miroir d’eau was installed in 2006 and has an 800 metre square underground reserve. It allows locals and visitors to walk on water and kids in particular love it and its constantly moving water level.
Place de la Bourse was a product of the age of enlightenment and is the most comparable city square in France to Versailles. It was called the royal square and this is where trade prices were set in the 18th century.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.