Bordeaux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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