Is Bordeaux worth visiting? 15 Reasons Why You Should Go!

Last updated on December 20th, 2024 at 09:32 am

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With a whole museum dedicated to wine, why wouldn’t you love Bordeaux?

If you’re wondering, is Bordeaux worth visiting and adding to your vacation list, then you’ve come to the right place. I live 45 minutes away and can categorically say that, Bordeaux is definitely worth visiting.

And it’s not just because it’s the wine capital of France. No, no, no, there is so much more to Bordeaux than that.

From the history, architecture and culture to the shopping, food and, of course, wine, Bordeaux quite literally has it all.

Plus, it’s much cheaper than Paris and easier to get around on foot.

So, all that said, let’s dive in and find out why I rate Bordeaux so highly and why it should be top of your list of cities to visit on your next trip to France.

An ornate fountain in the foreground with water cascading from its tiers stands at the center of a spacious square, flanked by the classical architecture of grand buildings under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. Pedestrians can be seen enjoying the open space, contributing to the relaxed atmosphere of the scene.

15 Reasons why Bordeaux is worth visiting

No. 1 Award-winning – It was voted Europe’s Best Destination in 2015

The sun sets in Bordeaux, casting a warm, golden glow over the historic Pont de Pierre bridge. The intricate lampposts that line the bridge are silhouetted against the sunset-tinted sky. Below, the calm waters of the Garonne river reflect the fading light. The skyline is punctuated by the spires of distant cathedrals and traditional French buildings, encapsulating the serene beauty and historic charm of Bordeaux.

To prove I’m not biased in believing Bordeaux to be a fantastic city, it has awards to back it up.

Not only was it voted as Europe’s Best Destination in 2015, but it was also voted the World’s Best City to Visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet, beating out some pretty big contenders.

She’s proved, beyond a doubt, that she’s no longer a “Sleeping Beauty”, as she was once known, but is now a gastronomic jewel in the Aquitaine crown.

No. 2 Wine – Bordeaux’s Legendary Liquid Gold

You can’t talk about Bordeaux and not include wine, after all, it’s known as the wine capital, and with good reason.

There are several wine museums in Bordeaux, with the newest kid on the block being La Cité du Vin. I’ve been, and it’s one of the best museums I’ve ever been to.

A lady sat in front of the cite du vin in Bordeaux with a river in front and a cloudy sky

It’s spread over eight floors, with panoramic views of Bordeaux from the top, and it takes you on a journey through the history of wine around the world.

One of my favourite parts was the “Five Senses Bar”, where you immerse yourself in exactly how the senses are part of the seduction of wine.

An interactive display at the Five Sense Bar in the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, showcasing glass domes containing elements such as citrus fruits, cork, and honey, accompanied by labeled brass plates. This sensory exhibit is designed to engage visitors in the aromas and essences associated with wine tasting.

There are also plenty of places to do some wine tasting in the centre, such as Le Pied à Terre Wine Experience.

Plus, all the organised wine tours to the wine estates outside the city, from half-day group tours to private full-day tours, and even some luxury wine tours in a Tesla.

No. 3 History – Unearthing Bordeaux’s Historic Heart

Pedestrians stroll through a historic street in Bordeaux, lined with stately old buildings boasting classic French architecture and a quaint jewelry shop adorned with a vibrant floral display. The scene captures the enduring charm of Bordeaux's historic heart amidst a bustling urban atmosphere.

Every cobblestone and corner in Bordeaux tells a story. At the heart of this historical tapestry is Port of the Moon, Bordeaux’s port that curves along the Garonne River and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Dive deeper into history, and you’ll encounter the formidable legacy of Eleanor of Aquitaine. As one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages, her mark on Bordeaux is indelible.

I may have a slight girl crush on Eleanor as I’ve read so much about her as she was a true inspiration and a woman before her time.

Bordeaux’s Cathédrale Saint-André was the setting for a pivotal moment in European history when Eleanor married Louis VII of France. The marriage was annulled years later, and Eleanor married Henry Plantagenet, who would become King Henry II of England.

A historic stone gate with intricate carvings and a coat of arms stands prominently under a partly cloudy sky, framing a bustling city street in Bordeaux as pedestrians walk by, some gazing at the architecture.

As the most powerful woman in Bordeaux’s history, she was first Queen of France and then Queen of England.

But there are plenty more historic sites, including the remnants of the ancient Roman Palais Gallien, and the medieval gates, like the Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche, all standing as sentinels to history, guarding the stories of those who passed through them.

No. 4 Food – A Culinary Canvas

The storefront of Baillardran, a renowned canelé shop in Bordeaux, displaying its name in bold white letters on a red awning. The shop window invites passersby to savor this classic Bordeaux pastry, enhancing the local French culinary scene.

I have no idea how many restaurants there are in Bordeaux, but it’s a lot, and it’s quickly gaining a reputation as a foodie city, giving places like Lyon and Rouen a run for their money.

Expect to indulge in famous local specialities such as canelés (rum and vanilla flavoured custard pastries), entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak cooked in a rich wine sauce), and oysters from the nearby Arcachon Bay.

Interior view of La Brasserie Bordelaise, a traditional French restaurant in Bordeaux, featuring a long wooden communal table with red chairs, a wine bar with an array of bottles, and a relaxed dining atmosphere with patrons enjoying their meal.

And there is no shortage of famous chefs either, with Gordon Ramsay at the Pressoir d’Argent, Philippe Etchebest at the Quatrième Mur and Pierre Gagnaire at the gourmet restaurant La Grande Maison.

The best steak I’ve ever had was at La Brasserie Bordelaise, and it was paired with the perfect Bordeaux red. I highly recommend booking in advance if you want a table as it was busy.

If you want to find out more about the culinary scene in Bordeaux, there are some great food tours you can do where you’ll see more of the city and learn about the food as you go. Plus, you’ll get to taste some of it too.

No. 5 Markets – A Tapestry of Tastes and Treasures

A market hall in Bordeaux with a cheese sign and lots of stalls inside.

Living in France, I’m no stranger to the French love of daily markets where they buy their fresh fruit and veg, along with other artisanal products.

But Bordeaux takes local markets to a whole new level as there is a market for every day of the week, then some.

And that doesn’t include the night markets in the summer or the brocantes.

Two you’ll definitely want to check out are, Marché des Capucins, the largest and oldest market and Marché des Quais, situated along the picturesque riverfront and perfect for seafood lovers.

No. 6 Museums – A Place of Culture and Curiosity

Inside "Les Bassins des Lumières" in Bordeaux, a vibrant art installation comes to life with projections of classical paintings on the walls and their reflections on the water surface, creating a mesmerizing, immersive visual experience in the grandiose former submarine base. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and intrigue to this modern cultural attraction.

If you go to Bordeaux on a rainy day, which I’ve done before, then a visit to one of the many museums is a great idea.

A lot of them are free entry when you buy the Bordeaux City Pass, which I did last year, and it was great value.

The three I’d put at the top of your list are Bassin de Lumières, CAPC Musée d’Art Contemporain and Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.

Bassin de Lumières is in a former World War II submarine base and is Europe’s largest digital art centre. It offers immersive art exhibitions where the works of famous artists are projected onto the enormous walls of the submarine base, accompanied by music.

It lasts just over an hour and seriously takes your breath away. Seeing the art reflected in the water with the music playing away was simply magical.

Aerial view of a riverfront in Bordeaux, featuring a classic riverboat moored along the quay, surrounded by modern buildings and busy streets. The landscape combines the city's maritime heritage with contemporary urban development under a sky dotted with fluffy clouds.

The CAPC, or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux, is housed in a former colonial goods warehouse and is a focal point for contemporary art in the city. The museum’s vast spaces host permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring works from the mid-20th century to the present day.

And finally, the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts houses a rich collection of European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

The museum’s collection includes works by major artists such as Delacroix, Matisse, and Picasso, offering a comprehensive overview of European art history.

No. 7 Shopping – A Rendezvous with Retail Therapy

An ornate entrance marked with the word "GALERIE" in gold letters leads into a covered passageway in Bordeaux. Wrought-iron details and weathered stone carvings adorn the archway, while pedestrians explore the corridor lined with shops and boutiques.

Rue Sainte-Catherine in Bordeaux is a shopper’s paradise and holds the title as one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe.

Stretching over 1.2 kilometres, it runs through the heart of the city from Place de la Comédie, where the grand Opéra National de Bordeaux is located, down to Place de la Victoire.

The street is lined with a wide range of shops, from high-street favourites and luxury boutiques to local brands and international chains.

Near Place de la Comédie, you’ll find the Bordeaux branch of Galeries Lafayette, a famous department store that offers a wide range of luxury and designer brands under one roof.

And when you’re done shopping, there are numerous cafés, bistros and restaurants to rest your weary legs and relax with a coffee or wine.

No. 8 Chocolate – The Sweet Art of Chocolate Mastery

The story of chocolate in Bordeaux, like in much of France, is intertwined with the country’s colonial past and its role in global trade networks. Bordeaux’s prominence as a port city facilitated its access to exotic goods, including cocoa beans, from the Americas and other colonies. The city’s strategic position made it a hub for the importation of cocoa beans into France.

Its introduction to Bordeaux and France was marked by its status as an exotic and expensive delicacy. Over time, as chocolate became more accessible, its popularity grew among the broader population.

A mint and green chocolate shop in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is home to numerous artisan chocolatiers who have mastered the art of chocolate making and are known for their creativity, often incorporating local ingredients such as Bordeaux wines, nuts from the Aquitaine region, and sea salt from the nearby Atlantic coast.

Whether you’re sampling a classic truffle, wine-infused chocolate, or a modern twist on an old favourite, the chocolate in Bordeaux is seriously good, so make sure you look out for Cadiot-Badie, La Maison Darricau and Chocolaterie Saunion.

No. 9 The Miroir d’Eau – Reflecting the Elegance of the Architecture

Visitors enjoy the playful mist of the water mirror against the backdrop of Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, with dramatic clouds reflected on the wet ground and in the sky. The historic square's classical architecture stands in contrast to the modern, joyful interaction of people with the water feature, offering a perfect blend of culture and leisure activities in this vibrant city.

The Miroir d’Eau, or Water Mirror, is situated on the quays of the Garonne River, opposite the grand Place de la Bourse, and is something that everyone flocks to, especially when it’s hot.

You’ll see pictures of people barefoot in the water with the mist spraying all around. I love playing tourist when I’m there and doing just that.

A woman stands smiling at the camera, dressed in a summer outfit with a wide-brimmed hat, against the backdrop of the Water Mirror in Bordeaux. The historic buildings of Place de la Bourse are reflected on the water's surface, with people leisurely strolling and interacting around the reflective pool on a sunny day.

Created by landscape artist Michel Corajoud and designed by fountain specialist Jean-Max Llorca, the Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflecting pool, covering an area of 3,450 square metres. It creates a stunning visual effect that mirrors the 18th-century façade of the Place de la Bourse, along with the sky and the surrounding cityscape.

It alternates between two main effects, a mirror-like reflection created by a thin layer of water, and a mist effect that produces a mist as water is gently sprayed upwards.

This cycle changes throughout the day and with the seasons, making it an interactive experience for visitors.

No. 10 Parks & Picnics – The Big Cities Green Escapes

You might think that as Bordeaux is a major city, there wouldn’t be much in the way of parks and green spaces, but actually, it’s the complete opposite.

Bordeaux is committed to providing green spaces and has a plethora of parks and gardens that provide residents and visitors alike with an escape from the urban hustle.

These green spaces range from historic parks with classical designs to more contemporary recreational areas, each offering its own unique charm and a variety of activities.

A green park with a lake where you can picnic in Bordeaux

They’re perfect for taking picnics and enjoying the countryside from within the city. One of my favourites is Jardin Public in the heart of the city, which has been a green oasis for the people of Bordeaux since the 18th century.

Designed in the English style, this park combines wide open spaces with shaded paths, a large pond, and a variety of plant species.

It’s also home to the Natural History Museum, adding an educational twist to your visit.

No. 11 Olympics

GPT

A modern football stadium in Bordeaux, characterized by a striking façade of vertical white beams under a grey sky. Young trees in protective supports line the foreground, indicating recent landscaping efforts around the sports complex.

It might be called the Paris Olympics, but Paris doesn’t have a complete monopoly on the games.

Bordeaux is playing host to the football matches that are one of the sports taking part in the Olympics.

Bordeaux’s Matmut Atlantique stadium is the chosen venue and has previously hosted matches during the UEFA Euro 2016 and the Rugby World Cup in 2023, demonstrating its capability to manage events of high international standards.

I’ve already g o t my tickets, and even though I’m not a football fan, I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to soak up the vibes of what will no doubt be a fantastic event. It’s not every year that the country you live in hosts the Olympic Games.

No. 12 Transport – Navigating the City’s Streets

Alt text: "A sleek modern tram glides along the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux, flanked by elegant buildings with traditional French balconies and shopfronts. This image captures the blend of historic charm and contemporary public transportation in an urban European setting."

Whenever I go to Bordeaux, I leave my car at Angouleme station and take the train in, as it’s easier than trying to park. I love how cheap and easy the transport system is in the city.

If you buy one of the City Passes then all public transport throughout the city is free no matter how many times you use it, which is great if you’re there for a couple of days.

The tram network extends across the city, connecting major attractions, residential areas, and business districts. It consists of several lines, each identified by different colours and letters (A, B, C, D), making it easy to navigate and plan your journey.

It’s reliable, runs regularly and is very safe, especially if you’re a female travelling on your own.

No. 13 The Opera House – Time for a Curtain Call

The grand Bordeaux Opera House bathes in sunlight, with its majestic neoclassical facade featuring columns and statues. People are seen enjoying the spacious plaza in front of the building, under a bright blue sky scattered with clouds.

The Bordeaux Opera House, officially known as the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, is a wonderful example of neoclassical architecture and one of the oldest wooden frame opera houses in Europe, that has not burnt down or required rebuilding.

It’s completely different from Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris.

Constructed from 1773 to 1780 under the architect Victor Louis, it was inaugurated on April 7, 1780, with a performance of Athalie by Jean Racine.

Its design features a portico adorned with twelve Corinthian-style columns and statues representing the nine muses and three goddesses (Juno, Venus, and Minerva).

The interior is equally impressive, with a grand staircase and a lavish auditorium adorned with rich blue, gold, and white decorations. The auditorium’s horseshoe shape, designed for optimal acoustics, has a stunning ceiling painted by Robin in 1871.

Renowned composers like Hector Berlioz and famous figures such as the dancer and choreographer Marius Petipa have graced its stage, and it’s the home of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux.

No. 14 Cathedral Saint-Andre – Gothic Grandeur in Bordeaux

The exterior of Cathedral Saint-André in Bordeaux, captured in the fading light of dusk, presents its impressive Gothic spires against a softly lit sky. The expansive plaza in front invites pedestrians to wander and admire this architectural marvel.

Founded in the 12th century and consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II, its construction spans several centuries, reflecting the evolving styles and architectural advancements of the period.

This cathedral is not just a place of worship but also a site of significant historical events, including, as I mentioned earlier, the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to the future King Louis VII of France in 1137, which had profound implications for the region’s history.

The interior of Bordeaux's Cathedral Saint-André reveals towering Gothic arches and stained glass windows, casting colorful light onto the stone columns and floor. Visitors are seated and walking inside, experiencing the cathedral's solemn and historic atmosphere.

Visitors are drawn to its impressive façade, intricate stonework, and the stunning Pey-Berland tower, offering panoramic views of the city. It’s open to the public, and although it’s a pretty big climb with loads of steps, it’s worth it.

The cathedral’s interior is equally stunning, with its vast nave and long stained glass windows. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France, it connects to a larger narrative of pilgrimage and medieval history.

I have over 50 pictures of it on my phone taken from all angles and at different times of day, as it completely fascinated me. I love a bit of Gothic architecture.

No. 15 The Wine Chateaux – The perfect Vineyard Vista

An outdoor chateau in Saint Emilion in France with a gravel drive

We’ve already mentioned wine and how it’s related to Bordeaux, but we haven’t talked about the Wine Chateaux around Bordeaux.

These estates are emblematic of the Bordeaux wine country’s heritage, with many dating back centuries and playing pivotal roles in the development of winemaking techniques.

These experiences often include a walk through the vineyards, an exploration of the cellars where the magic of winemaking happens, and a tasting session where guests can sample the estate’s range of wines. It’s an educational journey that delves into the nuances of grape varieties, terroir, and the art of wine tasting.

Many wine châteaux near Bordeaux offer accommodation options, ranging from luxurious rooms within the château itself to charming cottages on the estate grounds. But there are also plenty of hotels in Bordeaux to choose from, including some very fancy 5-star ones.

And let’s not forget about Saint-Emilion, just thirty minutes from Bordeaux by train, and one of the most beautiful parts of the Bordeaux wine region.

FAQS: Visiting Bordeaux

How many days should I spend in Bordeaux?

A visit to Bordeaux typically requires 3 to 4 days. This allows enough time to explore the city’s key attractions, including its historic centre, museums, and nearby vineyards, as well as to enjoy the local cuisine and riverside landscapes.
You’ll need longer if you want to do some day trips to places like Arcachon Bay and Saint Emilion.

Is Bordeaux the most beautiful city in France?

While beauty is subjective, Bordeaux is often praised for its stunning architecture, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. It competes with many beautiful cities in France but holds a unique charm that makes it a favourite for many visitors.

Is Bordeaux worth visiting if you don’t like wine?

Yes, Bordeaux is worth visiting even if you’re not a wine enthusiast. The city offers a rich historical heritage, beautiful architecture, parks, and cultural events. Its culinary scene and proximity to the Atlantic coast provide diverse attractions beyond wine.

Is Bordeaux expensive to visit?

The cost of visiting Bordeaux can vary. While it can be expensive due to its high-quality dining, wine experiences, and accommodations, there are also budget-friendly options available. Planning and researching in advance can help manage expenses effectively.

Is Bordeaux nicer than Paris?

It really depends on what you like to do. Bordeaux is renowned for its wine, relaxed lifestyle, and scenic vineyards, making it appealing for those seeking a quieter, more laid-back experience. Paris, on the other hand, is famed for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and culinary scene, suited for those who enjoy a bustling city atmosphere. Both are worth visiting.

Final thoughts: Reasons to visit Bordeaux

It would be a sin to vacation in France and not visit Bordeaux, as there is so much to see and do in the city.

I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with it as much as I did on my first visit, and want to return time and time again.

And one thing I forgot to mention in my list was the beaches near Bordeaux, they are stunning and worth a day trip.