Place la Bourse in Bordeaux, the water mirror by night, France
Bordeaux is one of the most exciting cities in France. Wine producers are rejoicing over the success of the widely applauded 2018 red vintage.
Beyond visiting the chateaux outside the city and tasting the wines, visitors will find much to do within the pedestrian friendly city center. Activities include shopping, restaurants, and Bordeaux’s museums.
Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France
Bordeaux City Center Bordeaux is a picturesque walking city. Just strolling along the Garonne river on a sunny day is a pleasure in itself. As you head south, you will see the famous Place de la Bourse square. This magnificent structure, built in the 1720s, retains its aristocratic grandeur.
Morning cityscape view with saint Pierre cathedral in Bordeaux city, France
Almost all visitors pass by the Esplanade des Quinconces, a large public space. Located near the Place de la Comédie, it is also the center for trams that will take you to various areas of the city.
A modern electric tramway in Bordeaux, France
Place de la Comédie
This large pedestrian area is framed by the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, 5-star Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux, and many designer shops. Cafés and restaurants line the square, creating the ultimate people watching experience for their guests.
Aerial view of promenade alongisde Garonne river in Bordeaux with cite du vin museum, France
Museums in Bordeaux
If you are just now embarking on your wine journey, Cité du Vin is the place to begin your wine adventure. This architecturally stunning $92 million, 144,00 square foot museum is a lavish structure dedicated solely to wine.
Morning cityscape view with saint Pierre cathedral in Bordeaux city, France
Through multi-media exhibitions, visitors can learn how wine is made and even inhale aromatic components that go into Bordeaux wine blends.
Visitors also can enjoy a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the river and city of Bordeaux. An upscale dining room with the same view is available for lunch and dinner.
France,Aquitaine,Gironde,Bordeaux,Grosse Cloche belfry archway
Three centuries of history are found inside this second wine-focused museum. Located in a vaulted cellar built in 1720, it showcases the history of the wine trade.
This museum is a contrast to the Cité du Vin in architecture and concept, as the cellar belonged to a wine merchant. After the tour, a wine tasting is included.
Tasting red wine in winery shop
This third museum offers a large collection of historical artifacts from Bordeaux, dating back to Roman times and even the Iron Age.
Photo taken in Bordeaux, France
Where to Stay in Bordeaux City
This 5-star hotel has rooms overlooking the Place de la Comédie. It also has a gorgeous spa with an indoor pool. The hotel restaurant Le Pressoir d’Argent, a Gordon Ramsay establishment, also overlooks the Place de la Comédie.
Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre Ville
View on the small square with bicycles in Bordeaux city in France
The Mercure chain offers many hotels around Bordeaux. The Cité Mondiale Centre Ville is a great location for walking, and close to the tram as well.
Where to Dine
Tasty oysters on the half shell served flat lay on wooden background directly above view
This green and white colored bistro is a tradition in Bordeaux. Specializing in seafood yet having an assortment of items on the menu, it is a comfortable upscale bistro to see and be seen.
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Chef Frédéric Vigouroux is at the helm of this popular bistro in the heart of the city. It has a great wine list and delicious cuisine.
Cork being removed from Bordeaux red wine bottle.
La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez
Pierre Gagnaire is the chef behind this 2-Michelin star establishment. Upscale and exclusive, this lovely restaurant is located in what appears to be a classic Bordeaux mansion. It’s perfect for a Sunday lunch or very romantic dinner.
