Visiting Bordeaux for the first time can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can have the best experience possible. There are so many amazing things to see and do in this city, and this guide will help you plan your perfect day.
Place de la Bourse
Whether you are traveling to Bordeaux for the first time or you are a local looking for an escape, spending a day at the Place de la Bourse is a must. Aside from being one of the city's most recognizable sights, it is also the home of the largest reflecting pool in the world. It is a wonderful addition to the square.
The Place de la Bourse was constructed from 1730 to 1775 along the river Garonne. It was designed by Jacques Gabriel, a famous architect who was directly involved in designing several of the most famous landmarks in France.
Ange-Jacques Gabriel also designed the Palace of Versailles opera theater and many other famous landmarks. He was commissioned by the town's aldermen to build the square. However, he died before construction was finished. The square was later entrusted to his son, Jacques Gabriel.
During the French Revolution, the fountains in the plaza were used as a source of water. When the fountain is flipped on, plumes of mist cover the quay. At night, the square looks more beautiful.
The Miroir d'Eau is a water mirror that mimics the look of the Place de la Bourse. It is a circular mirror that casts a reflection in the water. It is made of a large stone slab and is covered with two centimeters of crystal clear water. This makes it appear like a big slate when almost dry.
La Cite du Vin
During your trip to Bordeaux, La Cite du Vin is a must-see. This cultural centre is dedicated to wine and it offers endless learning opportunities. You can visit the museum with your family or friends, or by yourself.
The museum covers 19 exhibits on wine and is aimed at creating sensory experiences around it. You can see the history of wine, and the different cultures that make it. The museum also has a large wine shop, where you can buy wine and related products.
The museum also hosts several events and workshops, including wine tasting sessions. You can attend one of these on your own, or you can book a workshop and make it a day out with the whole family.
The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. The permanent exhibition features twenty interactive spaces and is spread over 3000 square meters. You can visit it with a regular ticket, which is 20 euros. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual pass for 48 euros. The ticket includes the permanent exhibition as well as the temporary exhibition.
You can also take a themed tour. The tours range from two to three hours. The themes vary, and you can choose the topic. Afterwards, you can enjoy a glass of wine and grape juice.
Marche Capucins
Visiting Bordeaux can be a fun and exciting experience. It is a great city for day trips. You can visit the Chateaus, the vineyards and even the beaches along the Atlantic coast. You can also go wine tasting and meet other travelers. If you want to explore more of the city, it is best to plan a longer trip.
One of the city's best places to spend the day is the Marche Capucins, or the "belly of Bordeaux." This covered market is a local hotspot, and is the largest in the city. It has stands of fruits, vegetables, spices and baked goods, as well as restaurants, cafes and stores. It is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Another great place to spend the day is the Jardin Publique de Bordeaux, an 18th-century park. It features a lake, historic statues and fountains. It is a great place for a picnic. You can bring a bottle of Bordeaux and enjoy the view.
If you're looking for a place to shop for unique souvenirs, you'll find plenty of shops along the quais. These shops are a mix of big department stores and privately owned boutiques.
The CAPC Museum is another place to visit. It has over 1.3 million pieces in its collection, including sculptures, international artists and hands-on exhibits.
La toque cuivree
UNESCO considers Bordeaux as a superb urban ensemble. This means that the city has 362 buildings that are protected. The most famous is the cathedral that dates back to 814, rebuilt in Gothic style from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The interior of the cathedral is impressive with high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.
There are plenty of events in Bordeaux. Among them is the National Opera concert, which is one of the top attractions in the region. You can get tickets on the tourism office website.
Another notable wine-themed attraction is the Cite du Vin. This wine museum showcases the history of Bordeaux and the local region. The museum is also interactive, as visitors can learn about the aging and making of wines. The building is shaped in an unusual way, to evoke swirling wine and gnarled vine stock.
The canele is a tasty treat that has been popular in Bordeaux for hundreds of years. The pastry is made with vanilla, rum, and an egg yolk, and baked in a copper mold. It has a soft centre and a dark caramelised crust.
Another gastronomic landmark in Bordeaux is the Marche des Capucins. This market has several stands of vegetables, fruits, spices, and sweets. It's one of the largest in the city. It's open Tuesday to Sunday. There are also restaurants and cafes.
La Guinguette chez Alriq
Located on the picturesque banks of the Garonne, La Guinguette chez Alriq is a tavern and music venue. This tavern has a French countryside feel and offers live music, fresh sardines and delicious pastries. You can dine on their open air terrace.
During the summer months, a concert series is held here. The performing bands come from all over the world. The evenings are laid back, with food trucks on hand to serve tasty snacks. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine from the Belvedere terrace bar, which is also an interactive museum.
The big brocante of Bordeaux is held twice a year at the Place des Quinconces. It is the biggest brocante event in the area. You can find antique furniture, craft beer, vintage home decor and restaurants here.
During the day, you can visit the Marche des Capucins, which is the largest daily market in Bordeaux. You can find stands of fruits, vegetables, spices and sweets. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.
The Parc des Angeliques is another great location to enjoy a concert. It has been around for over twenty years and it has an oasis of greenery. You can dance and drink at this beautiful and festive place.
Place du Parlement
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the Place du Parlement is a historic square. It is one of the oldest and most popular attractions in Bordeaux. This is an important place for the city's visitors as it is the perfect location to meet and mingle.
The Fountain of the City (Fontaine du Parlement) is located on the square. This fountain was designed by Louis-Michel Garros, an acclaimed architect of the Bordeaux region.
The Fountain is located in the middle of the square. The square itself has several buildings from the 18th century. This includes the Fontaine de la Ville, a neogothic styled building.
The Square is also linked to the Stock Exchange Square, another famous landmark in the city. The square is an excellent example of symmetry and proportion. It is surrounded by several other buildings, some of them from the first half of the 19th century.
The square is lined with restaurants and cafes. In the summer, visitors can enjoy outdoor dining. This is a great attraction for tourists as it is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
There is a small, but well-designed wine museum nearby. This is a good way to learn more about the history of wine making. You can get tickets for this museum for around $20 euro.
Chateaux
UNESCO recognized Bordeaux as a world heritage site in 2007. This city is connected to all of France and has a lot of historic buildings. With the right plan, you can see the best of Bordeaux in a day. However, it may not be enough to experience all of the gastronomic and cultural attractions that the city has to offer.
Bordeaux is the capital of the largest wine region in France. If you are looking for a gastronomic tour, there are plenty of wine bars and restaurants to choose from. You can also enjoy a variety of activities like biking and boat tours. These are great ways to explore the beautiful landscape of Bordeaux.
Visiting a Bordeaux Chateau is an ideal way to spend one day in this French city. The city has a wealth of architectural masterpieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can also find some modern landmarks. The Quai des Marques is a waterfront promenade that leads back to the center of the city. It is a popular shopping area.
The Marche des Capucins is the largest daily market in the city. It features stands of vegetables, fruits, spices, and sweets. You can also visit the Cite du Vin, the largest wine museum in the world.
