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What makes Bordeaux famous?
- Synonymous with world-class viticulture, the beautiful French city of Bordeaux offers much more than just being the home of some of the world’s best red wines.
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Where is Bordeaux located?
- Situated on the banks of the Garonne River in southwestern France, the port city is a hub of the famed wine-growing region and is surrounded by pristine vineyards and magnificent châteaux.
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What historical and cultural attractions can be found in Bordeaux?
- The cultural and historical significance of the UNESCO-listed city is highlighted in beautiful buildings such as the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, a myriad of 18th and 19th-century mansions, and museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.
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What are some must-see attractions in Bordeaux?
- Other notable attractions in and around the city include the grand Place de la Bourse overlooking the Miroir d’Eau reflecting pool, the breathtaking Three Graces fountain, and the many public gardens lining the river, offering tranquil places to relax.
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1. Basilique Saint-Michel (Basilica of St. Michael)
Admire Gothic architecture and climb the bell tower for panoramic views.
The Basilique Saint-Michel (Basilica of St. Michael) is a magnificent Gothic cathedral built between the end of the 14th century and the 16th century. Located in the heart of the old quarter of Saint-Michel, the church is a listed historical monument and features several striking architectural elements such as a 375-foot bell tower dating back to the 15th century and beautiful stained-glass detailing. The church has a Gallo-Roman cemetery and catacombs housing several naturally mummified bodies beneath the bell tower, which were exhibited in the crypt until 1979. The pulpit inside the church represents Saint Michael slaying the dragon.
Basilique Saint-Michel (Basilica of St. Michael), 33800 Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-5-56-94-30-50
2. Cathedrale St-Andre
Explore stunning medieval architecture and admire intricate stained glass windows.
Cathedrale St-Andre is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Andrew and the most majestic of Bordeaux's churches. Located near the Town Hall in the heart of the city, the beautiful religious monument was constructed in the 11th century and features several striking architectural elements, including a freestanding bell tower and giant flying buttresses. It also has a magnificent 13th century French Gothic Royal Door with polychrome statues in the north wall of the nave, and a delicate Renaissance organ inside. Today, the Roman Catholic church is the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux.
Cathedrale St-Andre, Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-5-56-52-68-10
3. Cap Sciences
Discover interactive exhibits and explore fascinating scientific innovations.
Cap Sciences is a center for scientific, technical, and industrial culture that focuses on discovering and understanding the nature of scientific, professional, and technological applications. Founded in 1995 and based in an old warehouse in Bordeaux, the center features permanent, traveling and online exhibitions, educational workshops, interactive and immerse experiences, and more. The center has a ‘living lab’ for demonstrations and a café selling refreshments.
Cap Sciences, Hangar 20, Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-5-56-01-07-07
4. CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux
Explore avant-garde art and admire thought-provoking contemporary works.
Originally known as the Centre of Contemporary Plastic Arts, the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux is a museum of modern art with one of the richest collections of modern and contemporary art in France. Established in 1973, the museum is a leading cultural venue in the national and international arena with a rich and diverse program of temporary exhibitions, cultural and educational events, and performances throughout the year. Located between the banks of the Garonne and the Jardin Public in the district of Les Chartrons, the museum is housed in the Entrepôt Lainé, a former colonial goods warehouse dating back to 1824 that was redesigned and renovated by architects Jean Pistre and Denis Valode.
CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux, 7 Rue Ferrere, Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-5-56-00-81-50
5. Cite du Vin
Discover Bordeaux’s wine culture and enjoy tastings with scenic views.
La Cite du Vin is a cultural center dedicated to the living heritage of wine with an array of immersive and interactive permanent exhibitions documenting the history of wine. The center is based in a beautifully designed building with organic elements and features over 13,000 square meters of space split over ten levels. Visitors are taken on a journey through the world of wine while exploring some of the center’s signature features such as immersive multi-sensory spaces, and various tasting areas, including the 35-meter-high belvedere where wines can be sampled against a backdrop of spectacular views. Other features include a 250-seater auditorium for performances and conferences, a 250m² boutique concept selling wine-related merchandise, a reading room, and three restaurants.
Cite du Vin, 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-5-56-16-20-20
6. Musee d'Aquitaine
Explore regional history and discover fascinating archaeological artifacts.
The Musee d'Aquitaine is a regional history museum and one of the largest in France. The museum houses a collection of objects documenting the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine from 1715 to the present day. Permanent exhibitions include the tomb of the famous author and philosopher Michel de Montaigne; the Gironde vineyards and the wine they produce; Bordeaux Atlantic trade and slavery; and Bordeaux during the 19th century and the interwar period. Signature pieces in the collection include the Laussal Venus, a lifelike stone carving of a woman that is 27,000 years old, Gallic treasure unearthed in Tayac such as gold coins, metals, and a solid gold torc.
Musee d'Aquitaine, 20 Cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-5-56-01-51-00
7. Musee National des Douanes (National Customs Museum)
Learn about customs history and explore unique maritime exhibits.
The Musee National des Douanes (National Customs Museum) is dedicated to the history of French customs. Located in the beautiful Hôtel des Fermes du Roi at Place de la Bourse, the building was built for the Ferme Générale, tax collectors for the king, and later became the customs house. It is a stunning example of 18th century Bordeaux architecture and boasts beautiful architectural features like arches, pillars, and cabinets filled with historical items, objects and memorabilia from the 18th century, ranging from significant works of art by renowned artists and handmade opium pipes to musical instruments, maps, and furnishings.
Musee National des Douanes (National Customs Museum), 1 Place de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France, Phone: +33-9-70-27-57-66
Map:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and vineyards coming to life. | Hôtel des Quinconces – A luxurious boutique hotel in the city center. | Visit Place de la Bourse – Admire Bordeaux’s most iconic square and its stunning water mirror. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, perfect for wine tours. | InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel – A five-star stay with a rooftop bar overlooking the city. | Explore the Médoc Wine Route – Tour world-famous châteaux and taste exceptional wines. |
| Fall (September-November) – Harvest season and ideal weather for sightseeing. | Les Sources de Caudalie – A vineyard retreat with a world-class spa. | Experience Bordeaux Wine Festival – Enjoy tastings and celebrations during the grape harvest. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cool and quiet, perfect for a cultural getaway. | Le Boutique Hotel Bordeaux – A charming, intimate stay with a wine bar. | Visit La Cité du Vin – Discover the world of wine through interactive exhibits and tastings. |
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