Bordeaux, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you ready to visit the wine capital of the world? Bordeaux is a city in the southwest of France. It has famous wine regions and a rich history. You can taste local wines at many places or visit the impressive La Cité du Vin museum. These are just some of the many things to do in this beautiful French gem.

Key Takeaways

• Bordeaux is renowned as the wine capital of the world, offering a range of wine-tasting experiences and the iconic La Cité du Vin museum.
• The city boasts a well-preserved 18th-century city center, stunning cathedrals, and a wealth of museums and art galleries.
• Bordeaux serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding Dordogne and Médoc regions, making it an ideal destination for a comprehensive French vacation.
• The city's vibrant cultural attractions and lively neighborhoods provide a diverse array of experiences for visitors.
• Bordeaux's prime location allows for easy day trips to explore the medieval town of Saint-Émilion and renowned local wineries.

Immerse Yourself in the Wine Capital of the World

Le Bar à Vin is a great starting point in Bordeaux. It's in the same building as the Bordeaux Wine Council. The bar features a huge stained glass of Bacchus and aims to help visitors learn about the local wines.

You can taste Bordeaux wine for just €3 to €5. Try red, white, rosé, or sparklers. Add in some tasty cheese, charcuterie, or a chocolate sampler to enjoy with your wine.

Tour the Iconic La Cité du Vin

Your Bordeaux trip must include a visit to La Cité du Vin. It's the top wine museum in France. Designed like a wine decanter, this eight-story building offers a unique wine experience.

Inside, you'll find many things to do. There are exhibits, workshops, and a tasting with a view on the top floor. The museum shows the best wine regions, wine history, and how wine is made and enjoyed.

Special events, like wine classes and shows, happen here too. It's a must-see in Bordeaux.

Explore Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is special because it's within Bordeaux's city limits. This makes it an easy wine estate to get to. It has a pretty château and gardens that provide a look at Bordeaux's wine legacy.

You can tour and taste wine here by making an appointment. It's just a 30-minute tram ride from the city center. This close location makes it a perfect spot for visitors.

Explore Bordeaux's Historic City Center

Bordeaux's historic center is a true gem. It's full of architectural marvels and cultural treasures. These take visitors on a journey through time. While in this part of the city, don't miss the stunning sights that awe visitors.

Admire the Stunning Saint André Cathedral

The Saint André Cathedral is essential in Bordeaux, with a Middle Ages origin. It's been the site of royal weddings like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII's. Also, Anne of Austria and Louis XIII's. Despite the challenges during the French Revolution, its beauty was restored. Now, it's a key landmark next to the Musée des Beaux Arts and Bordeaux Town Hall.

Marvel at the Place de la Bourse

The Place de la Bourse is a top Bordeaux landmark, loved by many. Its crescent shape hugs the Garonne River, showcasing 18th-century French style. The area is part of Bordeaux's UNESCO World Heritage Site list. At night, it lights up, creating a remarkable scene by the river.

Discover the Porte Cailhau and Grosse Cloche

Step into Bordeaux's medieval past by visiting the Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche. The Porte Cailhau looks like a tiny castle that once guarded Bordeaux's city walls. The Grosse Cloche is an ancient bell tower next to a former jail. These places give a peek into the city’s history and are easy for exploring visitors to find.

Experience Bordeaux's Cultural Attractions

Bordeaux is famous for its rich culture. It has many attractions for art lovers. Two places you shouldn't miss are the Bassins de Lumières and the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art.

Bassins de Lumières: The World's Largest Digital Art Museum

The Bassins de Lumières is the world's biggest digital art museum. It used to be a submarine base from World War II. Now, it shows digital art from artists like Gustav Klimt and Paul Klee. Their work is projected on the walls, offering visitors a unique and immersive art experience.

CAPC: Contemporary Art at Its Finest

If you love contemporary art, make sure to visit the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art. It's located in a 19th-century building. Inside, you can see creations by famous artists like Christian Boltanski, Keith Haring, and Richard Long. The museum also has changing exhibitions. It's a key spot in Bordeaux for seeing new contemporary art.

Unwind in Bordeaux's Vibrant Neighborhoods

In Bordeaux, the Chartrons district is perfect if you need a break from the busy city. It used to be full of wine merchants. Now, it's filled with cute shops, art galleries, and cafes. It's a great place for a relaxing walk. Visitors can learn about Bordeaux's wines at the Musée du Vin et du Négoce.

Enjoy Live Music and Entertainment

At night, Bordeaux comes alive with music. The Thelonious Café Jazz Club is a great spot for jazz lovers. For a mix of music styles, head to La Guinguette Chez Alriq. This open-air venue by the river features everything from African beats to Flamenco music in summer.

Bordeaux, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

As the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux, France is a top-notch destination. It's known for its amazing wines and the splendid La Cité du Vin museum. But there's more to the city than just wine regions. It also has a beautiful 18th-century city center, striking cathedrals, and vibrant areas, plus tons of museums and art galleries.

Don’t miss Le Bar à Vin in Bordeaux. It's next to where the Bordeaux Wine Council meets. In this elegant bar, you'll find a big stained glass window showing Bacchus, the god of wine. It’s a great place to learn about Bordeaux wines. You can try red, white, rosé, or sparkling Bordeaux wine. Then, pick from cheese, charcuterie, or even a chocolate sampler to go with your wine.

A trip to Bordeaux isn’t complete without visiting La Cité du Vin. It's the top wine museum in France, an eight-story building shaped like a decanter. You get to learn about the world’s best wine regions and try out the exhibits, go to workshops, and join in a big tasting on the top floor. The museum shows the history, making, and enjoyment of wine.

Bordeaux is not just about its wine regions. It also has a stunning historic city center. There you’ll see iconic buildings like the Saint André Cathedral, Place de la Bourse, and old gates like Porte Cailhau and Grosse Cloche. These places are a window into Bordeaux’s deep culture and history.

There are plenty more things to do in Bordeaux. Check out Bassins de Lumières, the largest digital art museum in the world, in a place that was a submarine base in World War II. Or go to the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art to see the latest artworks. Places like the Chartrons neighborhood and the lively music and entertainment scene let you experience Bordeaux’s way of life.

Whether you love wine, history, or just want to experience something new, Bordeaux is a must-visit. It has famous wine regions, historic spots, and modern cultural attractions. This city has a little bit of everything for a great trip.

Indulge in Bordeaux's Culinary Delights

Bordeaux is known for its exciting food scene. The Marché des Capucins is a top spot to try the city's food, located in a lively covered market. Here, you can find stands full of fresh food and unique finds. Stop by Chez Jean-Mi for a seafood platter or enjoy fresh oysters with a glass of white wine.

Savor Local Specialties at Renowned Restaurants

There are many great eateries in Bordeaux beyond the market. Try Tutiac, where a winemaker runs a bistro, offering a €35 set menu with three fresh, local dishes. For a cozy meal, head to Les Faux Frères, which is famous for unique twists on classic French meals.

Escape the City: Day Trips from Bordeaux

Bordeaux is perfectly placed for awesome day trips. One of the highlights is the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. It's not far by car and has a beautiful historic center. This area is famous for its wine, and you can walk its ancient streets, see the Monolithic Church, and taste local wines at its châteaux.

Visit Renowned Bordeaux Wineries

The Bordeaux region is also famous for its wineries. Many offer tours and tastings. For a great visit closer to Bordeaux, check out Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. It's an old château with beautiful gardens and unique architecture, perfect for wine lovers.

Outdoor Adventures in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is made for biking, boasting over 200 kilometers of cycling paths. A stellar way to see the city is by pedaling along the Garonne River. This route treats you to gorgeous views of Bordeaux's historic spots and cool buildings. Biking lets you see more and really get into Bordeaux's lovely outdoor spaces, making your visit truly special.

If you're craving peace away from the city, head to the Jardin Public. This big park is where locals and visitors alike go to relax, have a picnic, or take a slow walk. You can explore its gardens, enjoy the beautiful fountains and sculptures, and just chill in its relaxing vibe. The Jardin Public is a must-see spot known and loved by everyone in Bordeaux.

Family-Friendly Activities in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has lots of fun things for families with kids. A great spot is the

Bordeaux Natural History Museum

. This museum isn't big, but it's full of cool stuff. You can see plants, animals, and more. Kids can play with hands-on displays, learn about local critters, and do fun activities together.

Looking for something hands-on? Give

Escape Hunt: Solve Thrilling Mysteries

a shot. It's an escape room game where you solve challenges. Families put their heads together to find clues and beat the clock. They have five rooms with different themes, keeping everyone entertained and putting your skills to the test.

Unique Experiences in Bordeaux

Bordeaux shines with its wine and now, with its whisky too. The Moon Harbour Distillery is its first whisky producer. Located near the city center, it gives tours of its unique barrel room. This room is inside a thick-walled bunker from World War II. Here, visitors can see how whisky and gin are made and try Moon Harbour's products.

A guided tour in Bordeaux can take you through its deep history and hidden spots. Tours come in English and French. They cover the city's architecture, culture, and secrets with knowledgeable guides. You can choose from river cruises on the Garonne and trips to the medieval Saint-Émilion nearby. These options help you fully explore the Bordeaux region.

Conclusion

Bordeaux, France, is an exciting place to visit. It's famous for its wines and has lots of historic and cultural sites. It's known as the wine capital of the world.

In Bordeaux, you can taste local wines and visit wine museums. You can also see beautiful old buildings in the city center. There are also impressive cathedrals and a lively arts scene.

Bordeaux is great for more than just wine lovers. It's a perfect starting point for exploring the nearby Dordogne and Médoc areas. No matter what you're interested in, Bordeaux has something for you. It will make your trip to France memorable.

Get ready to explore Bordeaux's fascinating mix of history, wine, and culture. It's a place that will stay with you long after your visit.