Bordeaux Attractions and Tourist
Attractions in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a treasure trove of architecture. Spend time visiting the magnificent buildings and churches. Also remember that the nature around Bordeaux is an experience and attraction in itself, and a walk among the vineyards is something you should take your time.
Saint-André Cathedral
The city’s magnificent Saint-Andrè Cathedral was inaugurated as early as 1096, though most of what you see today is from the 1300s and 1400s. The cathedral is one of the stops on the famous pilgrimage that ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Museum of Beaux Arts
Art lovers should visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a large collection of classical art, mainly from the 16th and 16th centuries. Here you can see works by masters such as Matisse, Rubens and Titian. The museum was founded by Napoleon in 1801. The museum is located in 20 cours d’Albret and is open daily from 1100 to 1800. Entrance approx. 40 kroner.
Museum of Modern Art
If you are more fond of modern art, visit the Musée D’Art Contemporain in Rue Ferrere. Open from 1100 to 1800, free admission unless there are special exhibitions.
Grand Theater
The grand Grand Theater [see picture first in the article] with its twelve front pillars has become a landmark in the city. The building dates from 1780 and is home to both the Opéra National de Bordeaux and the ballet.
Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden
North of the city center is the ten-acre Jardin Public park, which has roots dating back to the 13th century. Here is the city’s botanical garden, the Natural History Museum, lakes with swans and ducks and a library. The park is ideal for an idyllic walk in beautiful surroundings.
Pey-Berland Tower
Just east of Saint-André Cathedral, this majestic tower dates from around 1445. As you walk up the 231 steps, you get a magnificent view over Bordeaux. Open from 1000 to 1830 in the period June-September, and from 1000 to 1230 and 1400 to 1730 in October to May. Entrance around 30 kroner, max 15 people at the same time. Address: Place Pey-Berland.
Cailhau Gate
The Cailhau Gate is one of the original gates of the city walls that surrounded ancient Bordeaux in the Middle Ages, and was built around 1495. You can walk up to the top of the gate and get a glorious view of the Garonne River and surrounding area. Address: Place du Palais.
Bordeaux Wine Museum
If you are one of the many people who visit Bordeaux because of the wine production in the district, then this wine museum is a must to visit. Here you will find information about the history and an introduction to how this delicious drink is produced, as well as countless exhibits. Open Tuesday to Saturday 1030 to 1730.
Address: 41 Rue Borie.
Tourist in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is located on the Atlantic coast of France in the south of the country and is the capital of the Aquitaine region. Bordeaux is divided into two of the Garonne River, but the center and most attractions are on the western side.
Formed by a Celtic tribe around 2300 years ago, the city is today the 9th largest city in France with its ca. 230,000 inhabitants. In addition, there are close to 100,000 students at France’s largest university and the city’s other colleges, which also greatly contribute to Bordeaux having one of the country’s liveliest nightlife.
Bordeaux is a very flat city, with no hills and hills, and consists of a settlement without high blocks and skyscrapers.
The main streets are mostly pedestrian streets, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other, so there is no point in renting a car if you do not plan out of town. Parking spaces are virtually impossible to drive. By contrast, it is great to rent a bike in Bordeaux, as the landscape is flat and there are many miles of bike paths within the city limits.
Bordeaux is first and foremost associated with the region’s wine industry, which is the largest source of income and industry. There are nearly 120,000 acres of vineyards in the Bordeaux district, producing some of the world’s most expensive and best wines, but also less expensive varieties. The red wines are by far the most famous, but you also get white Bordeaux wines. The wine industry is the most important attraction for the many tourists who visit Bordeaux every year. Read more about the Bordeaux wines here!
In addition to wine production, more than 20000 Bordeaux residents are employed in the aerospace industry, ie manufacturing parts for Airbus, smaller jets and military aircraft types. Bordeaux is one of the most important port cities in France and the city ships almost 10 million tonnes of goods every year.
As a tourist, you will definitely want to spend time on Les Quais, the promenades constructed on both sides of the Garonne River. Originally, this was Bordeaux’s port areas, but has now become a recreational area for both residents and tourists. There are many eateries and bars on the south side of the river. The river can be crossed with several bridges, and the city’s oldest, Pont Neuf, is perhaps the most beautiful. A little further north lies France’s largest suspension bridge, the Pont d’Aquitaine at 395 meters.
Museums and churches in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has several interesting museums, most of which are in the area around the city’s magnificent Saint-Andrè cathedral from 1096 [see picture first in this article]. This is one of the stops on the famous pilgrimage that ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Art lovers should visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where you can see works by masters such as Matisse, Rubens and Titian. The museum was founded by Bonaparte Napoleon in 1801. If you are more fond of modern art, visit the Musée D’Art Contemporain in Rue Ferrere.
The grand Grand Theater, with its twelve front pillars, has become a landmark in the city. The building dates from 1780 and is home to both the Opéra National de Bordeaux and the ballet.
Shopping and sports in Bordeaux
Shopping enthusiasts should note that Bordeaux offers one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. In the 1.2 kilometer long and beautiful pedestrian street Rue Sainte-Catherine, outdoor restaurants, shopping centers and exclusive shops are located close on both sides. The range of fashion clothing is almost as large in Bordeaux as it is in Paris, but considerably cheaper. Of course, the most common item that tourists bring home is wine, in bottles and boxes. Either directly imported from one of the many wineries around, or from one of Bordeaux’s well stocked wine shops.
Football fans will surely enjoy watching the pride of the city FC Girondins de Bordeaux take on one of the Ligue 1 rivals on their home ground Stade Chaban Delmas. This one takes 34300 spectators, and it is usually no problem to get tickets down to 60-70 kroner unless they meet some of the biggest French teams, such as Marseille, Lyon or PSG. The club has previously had greats like Zinedine Zidane, Eric Cantona and Didier Deschamps on payroll.
