Choose from 27 Fun Things to Do in Bordeaux
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Rue Sainte-Catherine
Bordeaux’s main shopping street stretches 1.2 km (0.7 miles) through the city center and is one of the longest pedestrianized shopping streets in Europe, only beaten by Strøget in Copenhagen and ul. Knyaz Alexander I in Bulgaria’s second city Plovdiv. It is bookended by the Place de la Comédie in the north, which is home to the city’s Neo-Classical Grand Theater, and the Place de la Victoire in the south, dominated by a pink marble obelisk and an 18th-century triumphal arch that marks the position of the city’s original gates.
Narrow and lined with majestic four-story townhouses, Rue Sainte-Catherine is a mecca for international, big-name and mid-range brands such as Zara, H&M and the Czech shoe chain Bata. There’s an Apple Store and a vast outpost of FNAC for DVDs, mobiles and kids’ toys, but the biggest draw along the street is the branch of Paris’s glamorous Galleries Lafayette, which sells everything from high-end designer fashion to gourmet olive oils. Another highlight is the elegant glass-roofed Galerie Bordelaise shopping arcade near the intersection with rue de la Porte Dijeaux; opened in 1837, this is a treasure trove of chic cafés and small, independent boutiques.
Visiting during the annual sales – usually lasting through January and February – may well turn up some real bargains in the 250 stores along Rue Sainte-Catherine and the network of little streets that dive off it. By night the street hums to the sound of happy diners enjoying late suppers in the many restaurants scattered along its length.
Practical Info
Take Tram B to Place de la Victoire.
Address: Bordeaux, France
From $ 14
Pomerol
Pomerol is an undersized, wine-oriented village located about 45 minutes east of Bordeaux. But its relatively small size–just 2,000 acres–definitely isn’t an obstacle to quality; indeed, Pomerol has become one of the region’s most respected Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) over the second half of the 20th century, despite being slightly different from the strictly categorized, upmarket Bordeaux wines.
With a yearly production that edges about 3,000 bottles per winery, Pomerol wines find prestige in rarity. Most of them are produced on small farmlands and insist on remaining a high quality, low volume type of wine, a feature that is unquestionably reflected in their steep prices.
With most wines in Pomerol being of the Merlot kind, the region is therefore a brilliant destination for wine neophytes with a large budget, as Merlot is one of the most palatable red wines present in France. Cabernet Franc also plays a supporting role, a wine that will appeal to those in search of crisp, savory flavors.
Practical Info
Pomerol is easily accessible by car from Bordeaux in roughly 45 minutes via the E70, the D1089 and the D245. The village’s wineries aren’t accessible to all budgets and appeal to a wealthy class of visitors.
Address: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Hours: Daily
From $ 133
Pont de Pierre
What is perhaps one of the most iconic bridges in all of France is definitely a must-see for visitors to Bordeaux. Connecting the left and right bank of the city since 1819 but ordered by Napoleon I during the First French Empire, Pont de Pierre–the stone bridge– was the first bridge to cross the mighty Garonne River. Indeed, its construction was a challenging one, as the current is extremely strong at this point in the river; more than 4,000 workers were needed to build it, using an English diving bell to stabilize the pillars. Consequently, Pont de Pierre was actually the only bridge to connect the two banks for nearly 150 years!
The red-stone bridge consists of seventeen spans–the exact number of letters in the name Napoléon Bonaparte–lined with elegant iron light posts; each of the bridge’s pillars is capped by a medallion to honor both the emperor and Bordeaux’s coat of arms. A transport route was created in 2004 to convey the over-sized structural sections of the Airbus A380 airliner from the manufacturer to the headquarters in Toulouse; Pont de Pierre had to be slightly modified to allow the passage of barges, and thus became a new quintessential thing to do in Bordeaux in the process.
Practical Info
The Pont de Pierre is one of the main entrance points to the historic center and the easiest way to travel between the left and right bank of Bordeaux. The best place to admire the bridge, the newly renovated quays and the cityscape in the background is from the right bank on Quai Deschamps or Quai des Queyries, or better yet, from the middle of the bridge. It is possible to cross it on foot, by tram via Route A (stop at either Porte de Bourgogne or Stalingrad) or by car.
Address: Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux 33000, France
From $ 14
Porte Cailhau
Built in 1495, this dramatic Gothic Revival 35-meters tall city gate was built to commemorate King Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo in Italy during the Italian War of 1494. At the time, it was the main entry point to Bordeaux from the port. It faces Place du Palais and features several ornamental sculptures and towers, something that is very typical of architecture built under the reign of Charles VIII; indeed, the monarch wanted this gate to showcase his power and affluence. The gate, which was once part of the Bordeaux city wall, was later on used as a defensive tower (the multitude of portcullis, murder holes, and machicolation features are there to prove this), and as a salt scale and storehouse.
Nowadays, it houses an informative exhibition dedicated to the tools and materials with which the tower was built as well as the urban development of Bordeaux. There is a wonderful view of the old town center, the Garonne River, and the Pont de Pierre Bridge from the top floor.
Practical Info
Porte Cailhau is located on Place du Palais in central historic Bordeaux. It can by reached by public transit from Place du Palais tram station on line A and Porte de Bourgogne on line C; although it is not advised to get to the historic center of Bordeaux by car, there is paid underground parking at Bourse-Jean Jaurès. The entrance is on Quai du Maréchal Lyautey. The small exhibition is open daily (except January 1st) from 10am to 12pm, and from 1pm to 6pm.
Address: Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes 33000, France
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 12pm, and from 1pm to 6pm. Closed on January 1st.
From $ 35
Port of the Moon
Bordeaux in southwest France was once a vibrant port city. The port itself was known as the Port of the Moon because it sat on a semi-circular part of the Garonne River. Historically the left bank of the port has been the center of commerce and culture. Throughout the past 2,000 years, the port has played an important role in shaping the city's history and its place as a world city of wine.
When the automobile became more prominent, the historical buildings in this area began to degrade and turn black. The roads were not meant for cars, and traffic jams clogged up the port area. The port's importance declined, and it was eventually moved downstream to the northern suburbs. In the 1990s great efforts were made to clean up the area, including the buildings, and the waterfront is now lined with pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, shops, and museums. In 2007 the Port of the Moon waterfront was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Info
The Port of the Moon waterfront is located along the northwest banks of the Garonne River. The road changes names from Quai Louis XVIII to Quai des Chartrons.
Address: Bordeaux, France
From $ 14
Saint-Emilion
Surrounded by the vineyards of Bordeaux, the medieval village of Saint-Emilion is pure eye candy. The picturesque town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes its name from a Benedictine monk who—according to local legend—took refuge in a cave here in the eighth century. Centered around a monolithic church that was painstakingly carved from limestone in the 12th century, the village comprises a cluster of cobbled streets lined with historic stone houses, Romanesque ruins, and shops selling Saint-Emilion wines.
The Basics
Saint-Emilion is easily accessible from Bordeaux on a day trip. Many visitors opt for an organized group or private tour, which often includes a guided walk around town as well as free time to wander at will. Some tours also include wine tastings and occasionally lunch in a chateau in Saint-Emilion, or in the neighboring wine regions of Pomerol or Medoc. Active travelers can do a cycling tour around the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, stopping at a winery along the way. Many Bordeaux wine tours also allow time for participants to explore the village of Saint-Emilion. The local tourist offers loans out keys for the Monolithic Church’s bell tower; the views from the top are superb.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes as Saint-Emilion’s streets are cobbled and sloping.
- Organized tours from Bordeaux typically last for between four and nine hours.
How to Get There
Trains for Saint-Emilion depart from Bordeaux several times a day, with the journey taking around 35 minutes. From the Saint-Emilion train station, it’s a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) walk into town.
When to Get There
One of the best times of the year to visit Saint-Emilion is in September and October, after summer crowds have dissipated. If you do go during summer, try to get there early in the day. To see the town without the crowds, stay overnight. After the day-trippers have left, things quiet down considerably.
Wines of Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion is as much famed for its fine wines as it is for its beauty. First classified in 1954, Saint-Emilion is now one of France’s most lauded wine-making appellations. Its wines are labelled as premier grand cru classe A (the highest classification), premier grand cru classe B, and grand cru classe. The region is particularly well known for its silky smooth merlot and cabernet sauvignon–based red wines.
Address: France
From $ 49
M edoc
Stretching north and west of Bordeaux along the Garonne River, the Médoc region produces some of the area’s best wines. Renowned for its idyllic vineyards, historic chateaux, and cabernet sauvignon wines, Médoc should be at the top of the list for wine lovers visiting Bordeaux.
The Basics
With hundreds of vineyards, wineries, and wine chateaux, it’s no surprise that wine tasting is the most popular activity in Médoc. The scenic Castle Road (Route des Chateaux) whisks visitors on a tour of the region’s idyllic vineyards, dotted with prestigious wine estates, and passing through towns, such as Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Estephe.
Half and full-day wine tours set out from Bordeaux and visit up to four wineries in a day. Many wine estates offer a vineyard tour and cellar visit, followed by a guided wine tasting, sometimes paired with regional cheeses or local delicacies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age of 18 applies for all wine tastings in Bordeaux.
- It’s best to book chateaux visits and wine tastings in advance, as most vineyards are not open to the public.
- Smart-casual dress is recommended, particularly when visiting the more prestigious chateaux.
- A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you plan on walking through the vineyards.
- Many Médoc wineries are wheelchair accessible, although vineyard tours are not always possible. It’s best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to Get There
The Médoc region is located north of Bordeaux along the west bank of the Garonne River. Buses and trains run from Bordeaux to Médoc towns, such as Pauillac and Margaux. Drive or join a tour to visit the wineries.
When to Get There
The best time for wine tasting tours is during high seasons from mid-May to mid-July or September, when there are fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather. August can be hot and tours book up quickly, while some wineries close their doors in winter. Avoid visiting during “Primeurs” week (first week of April) when wineries are overcrowded, and be sure to book ahead, if visiting during harvest time (October–November).
Médoc Region Wines
Most renowned for its full-bodied red wines, the Médoc region’s most common grapes include cabernet sauvignon and merlot, along with a smaller percentage of cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot. Médoc is home to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines, including almost all of the official 1855 Classified Bordeaux and Cru Bourgeois wines. Main appellations include Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estephe, and Haut-Médoc. Some of the top chateaux are Pontet-Canet, Mouton Rothschild, Lynch Bages, and La Lagune.
Address: Medoc, France
From $ 49