Visit Bordeaux France – a list of great things to see and do in Bordeaux
As we travelled around the south west of France in our motorhome, we were keen to stay in the smaller towns and villages. The exception was always going to be Bordeaux. As lovers of French wine, we’ve visited many of the French winery regions like Champagne, Burgundy and the Loire (to name a few). We hadn’t however made it to the Bordeaux region of France and to the city of the same name. This time we were very keen to visit Bordeaux. It’s not known as one of the best cities to visit in France for nothing!
There’s always so much to do in the bigger cities, and unless you’ve lived there for a long period of time, or just spent ages in them, it’s hard to see and do everything. Exploring large cities takes time to visit new places and then systematically retrace your steps time and time again. Each time, there’s always something different, you see it with a different set of eyes.
We were only in Bordeaux for a few days, but we were ever so pleased that we got to visit, even though I think the city turned on some of its worst weather of the season for us.
We were on the go the whole time but here’s a rundown of the things to do in Bordeaux in two days.
- Visit Bordeaux France – a list of great things to see and do in Bordeaux
- Get a Bordeaux City Pass
- Get a different perspective
- Visit the local food markets in Bordeaux
- Historical places to visit in Bordeaux
- Go shopping in Bordeaux
- Gardens in Bordeaux
- Where to stay in Bordeaux
- Motorhome parking in Bordeaux
- Day trips from Bordeaux
- Visit Bordeaux
Get a Bordeaux City Pass
The Bordeaux City Pass is very good value for money in a city the size of Bordeaux that has so much to see and do. Available as 24, 48 or 72-hour passes, they are the perfect accompaniment for a few days in Bordeaux. Not only do they include your public transport for this period, but they also include entry to a raft of different city sights, museums, and a great list of what to do in Bordeaux.
As not-so-keen museum attendees, I will also go on record as saying they encouraged us to go to places that we would never otherwise have bothered with. Perhaps there is hope after all!
The City Pass covers free entry to the La Cité du Vin, a museum and exhibition centre that focuses on Bordeaux wine. It also covers access to eight museums and exhibitions and seven important monuments in the city area.
A guided tour is also included and this is available as a bus, tourist train or walking tour. As mentioned earlier, free access is also provided for the tram, bus and river ferry for the duration of your pass.
Bordeaux City Passes may be purchased online. Alternatively, they may be purchased at the Office du Tourisme Bordeaux, located in the centre of town. It’s also a great place to visit to get some local tips and information. The meeting place for the Hop on Hop off bus is also close by.
Get a different perspective
Terracotta rooftops meet our gaze from our position at the top of the tower of the Basilica of St Michel. As far as our eyes can see, the ancient stone roofs form a patchwork against the pale stone of the buildings they protect. Getting up high always allows a spatially challenged person like me to get some perspective. It helps me immensely when I’m walking around a new city.
Today, we are also rewarded with the brightly coloured shades of the vendors below, selling their fresh produce at the weekly Farmer’s Markets. It’s a rainy day when we are here, but that doesn’t stop the locals coming out to buy their fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Gothic-inspired basilica, with the second highest tower in France, sits in the centre of Place St Michel. It’s a thriving area with a strong mix of North African, Middle Eastern and Eastern European people coming together to form an eclectic mix of up and coming food areas. Many visitors to Bordeaux don’t venture down this far which is unfortunate as it’s a really great area.
We climbed the steps of the tower, a reasonably easy walk albeit with a tight, spiral staircase. There’s no up and down lanes, so if you meet someone on the steps, which you invariably will, you’ll just need to suck in your breath and try and become one with the stone wall. The 15th-century bell tower is 114 metres and its bells continue to ring out every day.
Like many of the churches and towers built so long ago (this one was built between 1472 and 1492), they’ve ensured their fair share of damage. Lightning and storms have ravaged this one over the years, but today at least, it is UNESCO protected to try and preserve it for the future.
*Entry using the Bordeaux City Pass
Visit the local food markets in Bordeaux
A short walk along the main street leading away from the tower is Marché des Capucins, the largest market in Bordeaux, and a place that was firmly on our must-visit list. Passing numerous cafes selling African and Middles Eastern food, as well as a market selling cheap imitation Nikes and other fashion items, we started to see the evidence of the market.
Lettuce leaves, peeled off their round bodies were strewn in the gutters and fruit and vegetable boxes, once full of produce were now all piled up on the side of the streets. With each step, the sounds of the market became more obvious, as the vendors spruiked their wares and encouraged us to come and try.
Like so many of these wonderful French markets, people come here to eat as well as to buy. Friends stood around wooden barrels, shucking their own oysters and washing them down with a glass of rosé.
A modern looking cafe pumped out tapas at a rate that would make most people’s head spin. If you want a seat here, my tip would be to arrive early, such is the popularity of this market on a weekend. By the time we got there, it was standing room only at most of the bars and cafes. That’s all part of the fun though, and I was happy to squeeze my way in beside a man at a bar to drink my chocolate chaud and devour my flaky croissant.
We also couldn’t go past one of our favourite things to eat in a French market. Rotisserie cooked chicken, that sees the chicken fat constantly basted over the bird and potatoes cooked on the bottom in all the juices might not be the healthiest option around but it’s a beautiful treat.
On Sundays, along the promenade, the Marché des Quais is another good market. Much smaller than the main market, it does, however, get quite busy on the days that the huge cruise ships are in port.
Historical places to visit in Bordeaux
Porte Cailhau
Bordeaux is home to some incredible architectural gates, built as entrance ways to the city. Porte Cailhau is the second of the two entrances built in the Middle Ages, and still an important part of today’s city landscape.
Porte Cailhau, once part of the city’s defensive walls, is 35 metres tall and is open to the public. Built between 1493 and 1496, it is actually like a small castle, with three levels, various rooms and hidden stairwells to allow for a quick and discreet exit if necessary.
It is now used as a mini-museum and a great place for a view of the Pont de Pierre.
*Entry using the Bordeaux City Pass
La Grosse Cloche
La Grosse Cloche is the second of the two city entrances in Bordeaux. This one, complete with conical towers houses the Great Bell of the city and has done so since the 14th century. Like the Porte Cailhau, this gate was also part of the city’s defence lines and also became a prison. The Great Bell now rings six times a year for important French days like Bastille Day and also on the first Sunday of every month.
*Entry using the Bordeaux City Pass
Place de la Victoire
On the edge of the city proper, lies the Place de la Victoire, another huge stone cobbled square at the end of several of the main city streets. A stone arch has been built here, like one of the entrances to the city. The Porte d’Aquitaine is a 17th-century gate that marks the city centre’s meeting of surrounding south-eastern suburbs. There’s not much to really do here though and the square feels quite drab.
The square is also home to a 16-metre high bronze and marble column and bronze turtles that celebrate the region’s wine culture.
Pont de Pierre
Spanning the Garonne River and easily accessible from the promenade is the Pont de Pierre, a stone vaulted bridge, it was built by Napolean.
Porte de Bourgogne
This archway was built in 1757 and marks the entrance to the city from the Pont de Pierre.
Place de la Comedie
Culminating at the end of Rue St Catherine, the Place de la Comedie is yet another square anchoring the inner city. Here you will find the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux,
Place Pey-Berland
A number of special buildings can be found in Place Pey-Berland, west of Rue St Catherine. The Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) which are usually spectacular buildings didn’t disappoint here. If you come here on a Saturday, there’s usually a procession line of weddings taking place which is quite interesting to watch.
The Cathedral Saint-Andre (St Andre), more commonly known as the Bordeaux Cathedral sits opposite the Hotel de Ville. It was opened up in 1096 and remains a very popular and well-attended church today. Whilst we were there we were privy to an induction of new priests.
The Tour Pey-Berland is a stand-alone bell tower adjacent to the cathedral.it was built in the 15th century. It was built separately so as to not compromise the structure of the cathedral.
*Entry using the Bordeaux City Pass
Place du Parlement
This is a great place to stop for a rest after pounding the streets. This square is one of the most important in Bordeaux. Sip on a quiet beer or have something to eat at one of the many places that line the square and take in the beauty of the surrounding 18th-century buildings that are built in local limestone.
Along the promenade
The Miroir d’eau or water mirror was one of my favourite things here. It’s simplistic enough. Located on the promenade that runs along the Garonne River, the water mirror is a feature that uses water to create a stunning mirror effect. Watch it for long enough and you’ll also see the mist rising from beneath the pool.
When it isn’t misting, the water sits at about two centimetres deep, reflecting off the granite base. It’s fun and a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
The most photographed place in Bordeaux sits immediately in front of the Place de la Bourse, an area comprised of some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The architecture in this square shows off the beauty of the French architecture and celebrates its prosperity.
Go shopping in Bordeaux
Shopping for fashion and other stuff (food excluded) is usually not high on our list of preferred things to do when we travel, but here in Bordeaux, we made an exception. Rue St Catherine is the longest pedestrian shopping street in all of Europe!
We walked the entire length of the 1.2-kilometre trail, from Place de la Victoire through to Place de la Comedie. Even better, we strategically walked it on a Sunday, when most of the stores were closed, save for a few takeaway places.
Gardens in Bordeaux
There are several gardens in Bordeaux however they are on the outsides of the city. The promenade has some beautiful gardens, especially during the warmer months.
The main gardens are Jardin Public, a space built for the community in 1746. Like any garden in a big, concrete city, the gardens are where the locals and visitors flock to for some calm in amongst the hustle of everyday life.
On the waterfront, there is a garden although it’s probably my least favourite part of Bordeaux. In a city that is so historic, so beautiful, with wonderful buildings, bridges and general architecture, the garish permanent carnival/flavour is strange and out of place. The shot below doesn’t show just how ordinary this area is.
Where to stay in Bordeaux
There are so many Bordeaux hotels to choose from if you are planning on staying in the heart of the city.
Luxury hotels in Bordeaux
For location, there’s probably no better spot than the Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel on the Place de la Comedie.
You can read the reviews on Tripadvisor
For something outside a chain, try the Le Boutique Hotel.
A more compact hotel but with great reviews on Trip Advisor.
Apartments in Bordeaux
Located right near the Pont de Pierre Bridge, the Appartements Bordeaux Saint Michel allow for self-catering and more of a mid-range price.
Mid-range hotels in Bordeaux
The Mercure Bordeaux Centre Hotel offers good proximity to all the major areas of Bordeaux’s centre whilst not being too heavy on your wallet. It’s a standard Mercure offering, without any frills.
You can see the reviews and photos on Trip Advisor.
Check out Trip Advisor for reviews, pricing and availability of more Bordeaux accommodation. Trip Advisor acts as a search engine so you can use your favourite booking sites.
Staying in a motorhome in Bordeaux
As we were travelling in a motorhome, we found it much easier to stay out of Bordeaux, and instead stayed at a local vineyard and winery, Vignobles Cauget, in an outer village of Cambes. As part of the France Passion network in France, this privately owned property opens its doors to travellers, allowing them to stay for a night.
We loved Bruno and Marie, our hosts, so much that we returned to them for another night. Perhaps it was their exceptional claret that drew us back, but whatever the case, their hospitality, location and wine made for a perfect place to stay.
We used our City Pass to catch a bus into the main train station (La Gare St Jean) and then caught the local trams to where we needed to get to in the city. There are many “park and ride”locations on the outskirts of the city, making catching public transport very easy.
Motorhome parking in Bordeaux
On our last day in Bordeaux, we drove the motorhome into the city. We hadn’t dared on our first day as it is usually very difficult to park in big cities. We did, however, find somewhere to park legally, but it’s a bit tricky.
There is one (and only one) area where a vehicle of this size may be parked. It is in the public car park adjacent to the fairground, between Allées de Chartres and Allées de Bristol. Opening hours are 8 am – 8 pm and overnight parking here is not permitted. Payment can be made at automatic machines on your return to the vehicle.
Enter via the boom gates located along Allées de Chartres.
Day trips from Bordeaux
Bordeaux is easily accessible by train, bus and car. It is also a great hub for day trips out of the city.
Cognac
Cognac, located approximately 120 kilometres north of Bordeaux is a beautiful town to visit and perfect for a day trip. Whilst you are here, do a tour of a cognac house, with many famous labels based here. The old town is particularly wonderful. The fast train operates between Bordeaux and Cognac, taking as little as two hours. The bus is longer, around 3.5 hours, and driving (without heavy traffic) will take about 1.5 hours.
Talmont-sur-Gironde
On the west coast of France lies Talmont-sur-Gironde, quite literally, one of the prettiest villages in France. It’s quaint, historical, and it shouldn’t be missed.
Lege-Cap-Ferret
The Lege Cap Ferret Peninsula is a great day trip from Bordeaux. It’s easiest to drive here and takes roughly an hour. Be aware though at peak hour is could take longer to get out of Bordeaux. In the summertime, the traffic gets heavier heading to Cap Ferret also.
Arcachon
If you are visiting Lege Cap Ferret, you should also include the seaside town of Arcachon too. An hour’s drive from Bordeaux if you go directly, it’s also only an hour from Arcachon to the Cap Ferret Peninsula. Arcachon is also home to Europes’s largest sand dune, Dune du Pilat.
Visit Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a city you would never get tired of. Being built around a river adds a level of vibrancy to it, and with a larger population, the city is busy and alive. Packed full of cultural activities, history, architecture and of course wonderful food and wine locations, it is a city that is perfect for all visitors. Spending two days in Bordeaux allows a good amount of time to see and do all of the activities above. It’s a large city though, so if you have more time to spend, you’ll still find plenty to do.
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Hi Vivienne, thanks so much. We loved Bordeaux too. So much to really see there and get to know.
What a superb overview of places to go and see. We visited many years ago in our motorhome and thought it about time to return and so we had already booked our 72hour pass. We’re staying on a peniche near the cite de vin and the tramline but your recommendations are invaluable. Thank you very much.
Hi Jayne, my pleasure. Hope you loved this amazing city as much as we did. I could quite easily go back again.
We are visiting Bordeaux 11-15 July 2019
Just read your blog .
With your help I am now building our itinerary .
Thank you very much
Jayne
Hi Mike, thanks so much. I hope you enjoy Bordeaux as much as we did! Loved travelling around there in a motorhome.
Hi Ya,
Just arrived in our MH at a campsite just north of the city. Plan to visit the city tomorrow , your 2 day Bordeaux blog has been most helpful.
Thanks Mike
Hi Mick
Thanks so much for stopping by our site and for taking the time to comment. All the best for a fantastic trip.
We are visiting Bordeaux for 2 days before we venture further east and came across Beer and Croissants blog, very informative and has whetted the appetite
Thankyou