Bordeaux

Top things to do and see in Bordeaux

History & culture

The Basilique Saint Seurin is the city’s oldest church and features a 4th century neoclassical façade. At Basilique Saint Michel, those who climb the bell tower's 243 steps are rewarded with sweeping views. The CAPC  d’art contemporain de Bordeaux and Musee d’Aquitaine should be on any museum lover’s list of must-sees, along with the enchanting Jardin Public, the city's garden created in 1746.

One of Bordeaux's most popular attractions, Mirroir d'Eau (the Water Mirror) is an ingeniously designed pool near the Place de la Bourse and the subject of hundreds of dramatic photographs; bring your camera and you can add to the collection. Farther afield, the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, about 25 miles from Bordeaux, features Romanesque architecture and narrow, winding streets in addition to its ancient vineyards. About two hours from Bordeaux, visitors can delve into history and pre-history in the Lascaux Caves, near Montignac, known for their remarkable paleolithic paintings. 

Shopping

In between sightseeing and wine tasting, Bordeaux is a shopper’s dream. Perhaps the best place to shop is the pedestrian area in the city center where shops and boutiques offer everything from clothes and art to food and wine. For the most upscale luxury items, the area around Place Gambetta is a good bet. 

Nightlife

If a romantic evening out sipping wine along the river in a captivating historic city is on your list, Bordeaux is the place you want to be. But the city also has a thriving music scene and local hot spots with appeal for many different generations. 

Best bets for dining

Bordeaux is a food-lover's paradise. Restaurants such as Jean Ramet and  La Petite Savoie give visitors a chance to indulge in authentic cuisines of France. Soléna has an impressive wine list and contemporary French cuisine.  There are many excellent restaurants in Bordeaux, from inexpensive bistros to upscale white-tablecloth establishments, and this is surely the best place in the world to indulge in dishes that pair perfectly with Bordeaux wines.

Fun facts

• Along with Burgundy and Champagne, Bordeaux is one of the great wine regions of France.
• One of the city's nicknames is "La perle d'Aquitaine" (the Pearl of Aquitaine).

When you arrive

Docking information

River cruise vessels and smaller cruise ships sail up the Garonne River and dock directly in the city center at the Quai Louis XVIII on the west side of the river, putting many of the city's attractions within a short walk. Larger cruise ships dock about six miles away on the river’s east side at the Quai Alfred de Vial, and the largest ships dock where the Garonne empties into the Atlantic Ocean, a two-hour bus ride into Bordeaux.

Getting around

Taxis are available throughout the city. Bordeaux also has an extensive and modern public transportation system that includes buses and trams. The buses run on a large network of over 70 lines, all of which are connected to the tram network’s three lines. Bordeaux is also and excellent walking and biking city

Free wi-fi

Bordeaux offers free public wi-fi in its city center as well as in many cafes and restaurants and some municipal buildings. 

Need to know

Documents: All U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport.

Language: French, though many workers in tourist businesses speak English.

Store hours: Shops are usually open from Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 7:30 pm. Smaller shops might close during lunch time from 12:30 to 2 pm. As an exception boulangeries (bakeries) stay open on Sundays.

Tipping: A 10% tip is customary but not required. Bargaining is not practiced in France.

Currency: The Euro

Safety: Bordeaux is considered to be safe for tourists though pickpockets have been known to work the pedestrian area and public transportation. As always, be aware of your surroundings, stay in public areas, don't use ATMs at night if you're alone and leave extra cash and expensive jewelry in a safe on the ship. 

Your take

Have you been to Bordeaux? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight? 

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