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

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!

The River Gironde
Bordeaux is a city surrounded by water, and split by the river Gironde.  Check out the 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.

Walking
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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.