Bordeaux in France: Top 5 To Do’s
Bordeaux is a beautiful French city that should be on everyone's French holiday itinerary. Situated on the south west coast of France, an easy 3 hour train ride from Paris. Here's our top list of things to do, hopefully before or after you've done a cycling tour of Bordeaux with us!
Top 5 Things to Do in Bordeaux
1. Museums
The new Cite du Vin is simply a must visit. The incredible structure on the banks of the Gironde is worth a visit on its own. This ode to all things wine is a sensory experience like no other. The wine museum offers guided or self guided tours, tastings, seminars and a lot more and is more than worth the 2oE entry ticket.
For something different, CAPC is a modern art museum well worth a visit. But make sure you pop upstairs to the rooftop cafe with brilliant views of the city, all for the cost of a coffee, or lunch if you're hungry!
2. The River Gironde
Bordeaux is a city surrounded by water, and split by the river Gironde. Check out a Bordeaux River Cruise and amble a few hours away admiring the inspiring 18th century architecture that lines the river front, and very much defines this city. Head to Patiras Island and hook into a local wine and food course, or cross the Pont de Pierre at night.
3. Walking Bordeaux
Walk! Rue Saint-Catherine is said to be the longest pedestrian street in the world, and is amongst many cobblestone walk/cycle only streets in central Bordeaux. Shops, restaurants, bar and cafes line the streets. Some of the more interesting districts to explore include St Michel's with old churches and a covered market, the hip and vibrant Bassins district for a night out, or the area around Place du Parliament and Place de la Comedie is surrounded by food and wine outlets and is beautifully lit at night, or undertake a guided walking tour.
4. Gastronomy
Dine in style. Being a French city in a famous wine region, there is some serious food tasting to be done. Some suggestions include: La Boite Huitress, Le Chapon-Fin (degustation + wine), the covered market Marche des Capucins is a great lunch spot or try the stylish brasserie Le Mably for a special night out.
Additionally, no visit to any major French city should go without a cheese tasting, and of course Bordeaux has plenty. Pop into some of these centrally located venues: Fromagerie Deruelle 66 Rues Saint de Georges, La Ronde des Fromages on Marche Capucins or Le Basco-Bearnaise at Place des Grandes Hommes, which all offer tastings.
5. Cycling Bordeaux
Of course no trip to France is worth its salt without a bike ride of some sort, and we are a cycling tour operator after all 🙂 The region surrounding the city Bordeaux is ideal for some casual cycling, which will find you passing rows of vineyards and gorgeous cellar doors and villages. The first place to cycle to is St Emillion. Whilst a little hill on the way up, it's worth it for not only the views but the history and some of the dining is world class. And you get to roll down hill on the way home (or stay the night which is preferable to do at this iconic place).
Whatever you do in Bordeaux, just get there! It's a wonderful French and well worth the visit.
Check out Tour de Vines Tour de Bordeaux Vineyards which finishes with a night in downtown Bordeaux.