Bordeaux Attractions

Discover The Best 17 Bordeaux Attractions And Learn More About This Beautiful City Before You Go

Bordeaux, France, is an old port city in the southwestern part of France with many places to visit, so Bordeaux attractions are unique and exciting. Over 250,000 people live in Aquitaine's central city on the Garonne River. It is also about 550 kilometers (km) southwest of Paris. Also, the city is known for its architecture, history, and food, and in 2007 UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site.

Let us Discover the top 17 Bordeaux attractions.

1- Place De La Bourse

Here are the first attractions: Bordeaux's Place de la Bourse is one of its most beautiful squares. The city erected the square in the 18th century during the Age of Enlightenment to symbolize its affluence and strength. The exquisite neoclassical style of the Place de la Bourse stands out. Moreover, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce was headquartered in the square's large Palais de la Bourse.

2- La Grosse Cloche

The 15th-century Gothic bell tower La Grosse Cloche is another Bordeaux icon. Despite its six-century age, the bell tower remains a gothic marvel. And that's one of the top Bordeaux attractions.

3- Saint-André Cathedral: Gothic-style

The Saint-André Cathedral is a Gothic marvel that draws travelers to Bordeaux, France. The cathedral's flying buttresses and exquisite decorations were built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

4- Pont De Pierre

This one is also one of the top Bordeaux attractions. Bordeaux residents view Pont de Pierre as a symbol of the city's charm and tradition. Also, the bridge connects the left and right banks of the Garonne River and is a vital municipal traffic route.

5- Esplanade des Quinconces

The Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, France, is a 12-hectare square, making it the largest square in Europe. It is known for its historical significance during the French Revolution in Bordeaux and features the Monument aux Girondins with bronze fountains and a column topped by a Statue of Liberty breaking its chains

6- Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux opera house in Bordeaux, France, was first inaugurated on 17 April 1780. Designed by the architect Victor Louis, it is a neo-classical masterpiece with a grand facade featuring 12 Corinthian-style colossal columns. Inside, the grand staircase served as a model for the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The auditorium ceiling boasts a fresco paying homage to the Arts, the artisans who built the theater, and the city of Bordeaux. Restored in 1991, it remains one of Europe's oldest wooden frame opera houses. Today, it is home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux and the Ballet National de Bordeaux.

7-  Musée des Beaux-Arts of Bordeaux

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is the fine arts museum of Bordeaux, France. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Notable works include pieces by French, Flemish, and Dutch painters. The museum's Galérie des Beaux-Arts hosts temporary exhibitions. Established in 1801, it is one of France's most extensive art galleries outside Paris.

8- Museum of Aquitaine

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is the fine arts museum of Bordeaux, France. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings spanning from the 15th century to the 20th century. Notable works include pieces by French, Flemish, and Dutch painters. The museum's Galérie des Beaux-Arts hosts temporary exhibitions. Established in 1801, it is one of the most extensive art galleries in France outside Paris

9- Jardin Public De Bordeaux

The city treasures the renowned French botanical garden, the Jardin Public de Bordeaux, France. The 11-hectare park was founded in the late 18th century. It has beautiful trees, flowers, and plants. Also, the park's broad pedestrian paths, formal gardens, and water ponds allow visitors to explore the most appealing aspects of the time's architectural style.

10- Shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine

The most prominent pedestrian boulevard in Bordeaux, France, Rue Sainte-Catherine, is one of Europe's most popular retail locations. This 1.2-kilometer strip has high-end stores and worldwide chains. Also, the city's history is represented in the street's mix of high-end and local shops, and visitors may enjoy the local ambiance at distinctive boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

11- Basilique Saint-Michel

The Basilique Saint-Michel in Bordeaux, France, is an imposing Flamboyant Gothic church. It took over 200 years to construct, from the 14th to the 16th century. Notable features include a 15th-century bell tower that reaches 114 meters, making it the highest tower in southern France. The church's stained glass was destroyed during the bombardment of 1940. The pulpit represents Saint Michael slaying the dragon. The Basilique Saint-Michel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France, the Basilica of St Severinus and the Cathedral of St Andrew.

12- Porte Cailhau

The Porte Cailhau gate at the end of Rue Saint-Rémi in Bordeaux's old town is beautiful. Moreover, the city's principal gateway for decades, they completed the Renaissance building in 1493. In addition, the Lord of Cailhau, who fortified the city in the 15th century, is commemorated on the gate.

13- Quays of Bordeaux

One of the city's most scenic places is along the Garonne River. Also, the quays offer a wonderful promenade with uninterrupted views of the city and its attractions, such as the Pont de Pierre bridge, Place de la Bourse, Cité du Vin Museum, and others.

14- Palais Rohan

In the center of Bordeaux is Palais Rohan, a stately palace. Also, Palais Rohan became this name after Archbishop Ferdinand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan, who built it as his palace in the 18th century. The palace. Moreover, it houses Bordeaux's most notable institutions, such as City Hall, Museum of Fine Arts, and Bordeaux Museum of Decorative Arts.

15- Cap Sciences

The popular Bordeaux Science Museum Cap Sciences has interactive exhibits and activities. These fun activities let visitors study science and technology. In addition, the museum also encourages curiosity and creativity by offering fun, hands-on science and technology experiences.

16- Darwin Ecosystem

Darwin Ecosystem, a unique urban project, has transformed Bordeaux's derelict industrial sector into a bustling community place. The project promotes sustainability and green living. Also, urban gardens, green spaces, and community activities are available.

17- Château de la Brede

The Château de La Brède in France is a feudal castle where the philosopher Montesquieu was born and wrote many of his works. It’s surrounded by water-filled moats and an English garden. The castle is open to visitors and is classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Conclusion

Bordeaux offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers. Explore the Cathédrale Saint-André, Le Grand-Théâtre, Place de la Bourse, and the Basilique Saint-Michel. Don’t miss the impressive museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux and the Musée d’Aquitaine. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, or ancient ruins, Bordeaux has something for everyone