Things to do in Bordeaux: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is best explored on foot and by tram along the Garonne. Admire the Place de la Bourse in the water mirror, wander the Saint-Pierre and Chartrons districts, visit the Cité du Vin, then head out to the vineyards and the Dune du Pilat.

Place de la Bourse and the water mirror

The city’s symbol, the Place de la Bourse and its 18th-century façades are reflected in the water mirror (Miroir d’eau), a thin sheet of water on the quays. Come at sunset or at nightfall, when the façades are lit up.

The Garonne quays

The redeveloped quays form a long riverside promenade, ideal on foot or by bike. Across the river, on the right bank, the Bastide district and the Darwin eco-space, in former barracks, show another side of the city.

Saint-Pierre and the historic centre

Lanes, lively squares and terraces: Saint-Pierre is the old heart of Bordeaux. Don’t miss the Porte Cailhau, the Grosse Cloche, Saint-André Cathedral and the Pey-Berland Tower, whose top offers a view over the rooftops.

The Cité du Vin

On the banks of the Garonne, the Cité du Vin tells the story of wine across the world and the ages, with an interactive tour and a tasting in the belvedere overlooking the city.

Chartrons

The former wine merchants’ district, Chartrons is lined with antique shops, cafés and small shops. On Sunday mornings, the quayside market is a good stop. Nearby, the Bassins de Lumières project digital exhibitions in a former submarine base.

Eating in Bordeaux

Canelés, small caramelised cakes, oysters from the Arcachon Bay, entrecôte à la bordelaise, and the Marché des Capucins, “the belly of Bordeaux”.

Day trips from Bordeaux

• Saint-Émilion, a medieval village among the vines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Médoc and its great wine châteaux.
• Arcachon, its bay, its oysters and the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune.
• Cap Ferret, for its beaches and oyster huts.

Getting around

• On foot and by tram, the centre is easy to explore; cycling is very handy along the quays.
• Saint-Jean station is well connected to the centre.
• From Mérignac airport, the tram and a shuttle bus run to the city.

For the rest of your trip: Travel in France.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Saint-Pierre for a first visit, the Golden Triangle for elegance and shopping, Chartrons for a village feel, Saint-Michel for a tighter budget. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Bordeaux.