Bordeaux wine, produced in the southwest of France, is famous worldwide. However, this lovely city is not just farms and wineries. Bordeaux has a lot to offer all kinds of travelers, from old buildings and lively culture to beautiful natural scenery.
Cathedral of Saint André
It was built in the 1100s and is a beautiful Gothic masterpiece called the Saint André Cathedral. Not only is this cathedral a stunning piece of architecture, it is also an important historical place. Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII here, which changed the course of European history in a big way.
The Common Garden
The Public Garden is a great place to escape the busy city life. This lovely park in the middle of Bordeaux is a great place to rest an afternoon. Many trees, calm ponds, and cute bridges make it relaxing. You should check out the Natural History Museum in the park.
The museums in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has many museums for people with all kinds of hobbies. In addition to the Natural History Museum and the Cité du Vin, you might also want to check out the Musée des Beaux Arts. It has a great collection of European art from the Renaissance to today. Another great place for art fans is the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art.
Inflatable Basins
The area of Bordeaux called Les Bassins à Flot is lively and up-to-date, and it has changed a lot in the last few years. This spot used to be a busy harbor, but now it’s home to a mix of museums, bars, and apartments. The Bassins de Lumières, a creative center for digital art in a former submarine base, is one of the best things about this neighborhood.
Ecosystem of Darwin
The Darwin Ecosystem is a unique and innovative place in what used to be a military barracks. This eco friendly building houses many businesses, such as a coworking space, a skate park, shops, and restaurants. By coming here, you can see Bordeaux’s modern, forward thinking side.
The Big Bell (Coronet)
It is a sign of the city. The ancient bell tower that used to be part of the city hall is a beautiful sight. As you walk around the streets around it, you can learn about its past and enjoy the beautiful buildings.
Pont Jean Jacques Cheban Delmas
The Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas is a new and impressive vertical lift bridge crossing the Garonne River. It opened in 2013 and links the towns of Bacalan and La Bastide. The bridge’s design raises the middle so big ships can pass under it.
Aquitaine Museum
The Musée d’Aquitaine is one of the best museums in Bordeaux. It covers the history and culture of the whole area. The museum’s extensive collection includes artifacts from ancient times to the present day. Some of the best shows are about Bordeaux’s history as a Roman city, its role in the Atlantic slave trade, and its growth as a major port city.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Michael
Bordeaux has more beautiful Gothic buildings, like the Basilica of St. Michael. It is known for its impressive spire, which is more than 100 meters tall. This church was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The stained glass windows and intricate woodwork inside the church are just as beautiful. The Place Meynard area around the hotel is a busy square with a market and many bars.
Hôtel de la Bourse
The Place de la Bourse, another name for the Palais de la Bourse, signifies how wealthy and classy Bordeaux is. This beautiful building, which was finished in 1775, is now home to the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce. The square in front of the Palais de la Bourse is famous for tourists and residents. Seeing the house reflected in the water mirror is beautiful, especially at sunset.
Gardens for plants (Jardin Botanique)
The Bordeaux Botanical Garden is a peaceful place to escape the busy city in the La Bastide neighborhood. The garden is divided into parts with different plants, some native to the area and some from other countries. It’s an excellent spot for a walk, a picnic, or to take it easy and enjoy nature. The garden also has events and displays that teach all year long.
Watchtower of Pey Berland
Next to the Saint André Cathedral is the Pey Berland Tower, a bell tower built in the 1400s. From the top, you can see amazing views of Bordeaux. The narrow stairs are a bit of a workout, but the view of the city and its famous sites is well worth it. From the tower, you can also learn about the history and design of the cathedral complex.
St. Emilion
Even though Saint Émilion isn’t in Bordeaux, it is an excellent place for wine lovers and history buffs. Vines have surrounded the village of the Middle Ages, and it is famous for its wines and well kept historical sites. The narrow streets are fun to walk through, and many wine cellars offer tours and tastings. Do not miss the impressive Monolithic Church. Because it has history, culture, and wine, Saint Émilion is a great place to visit for the day from Bordeaux.
Take L’Altair
La Bastide is on the right bank of the Garonne River and gives you a different view of Bordeaux. This area has been redeveloped a lot and now has parks, gardens, and cultural places. An exciting part of La Bastide is the Darwin Ecosystem, a lively community place in a building that used to be a military barracks. This neighborhood also has the Botanical Garden, which makes it a great spot to explore on a sunny day.
The Avenues of Bacalan
The new food market, Les Halles de Bacalan, is close to the Cité du Vin. This lively market hall has many stands selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, and ready to eat foods. It is a great spot to try local treats, have a casual meal, or get things you need for a picnic.
The Big Cloche
Bordeaux’s oldest and most recognizable icon is La Grosse Cloche, or the Big Bell. This ancient gate, dating back to the 1400s, used to lead into the city. The over 7 ton bell on the gate lets people know about important events. People can now look at the historic buildings and learn how important they are to Bordeaux’s past.
The fantastic collection of modern and contemporary art at the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in a building that used to be a warehouse in the 1800s. The museum’s shows cover many different art styles and mediums, giving visitors a full picture of current art trends. The building itself, with its industrial style and unique rooms, makes the museum more interesting.
Conclusion
Bordeaux has a lot of history, culture, and natural beauty. Enjoy its famous sites, execllent museums, charming streets, and famous vineyards. Whether you are interested in history, art, food, or wine, Bordeaux has much to offer to charm you and make you want to return. Plan your trip to this fantastic city and find all the wonders beautiful Bordeaux offers.