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.