The Top 5 Things to Do in Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, the regional capital of Aquitaine, is steeped in history and architecture.

Since it received World Heritage status in 2007 for its outstanding classical and neoclassical architectural sites, the Bordelais has been busy renovating and restoring the old town.

The result? It has become a leading destination in France in recent years, attracting visitors as much for its modern charm and vibrant cultural life as for its wine and traditional architecture.

Add in more than a handful of fantastic museums, wonderful cafes and restaurants, and extremely lively nightlife and you have a city worth spending a few days exploring.

Read up on Bordeaux's top 5 sites and attractions, then consider extending your trip with a tour of the surrounding wine region.

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1. Explore the "Golden Triangle"

As you might expect from the name, the neoclassical historic center is known as the "Golden Triangle" of Bordeaux is incredibly picturesque.

Comprised of three avenues, Cours Clemenceau, Cours de L’Intendance and Allées de Tourny, it is where 18th-century stone houses fill the great streets.

Fortunately, however, the area is not treated as a museum facility.

It may be the heart of old Bordeaux, but it is also vibrant and contemporary, full of great shops, bars, and restaurants.

The Cours de L'Intendance is the main shopping street and is packed with international brands and retailers, all vying for you to get in.

Number 57 is the house where the artist Francisco Goya lived and died; It is now a Spanish cultural center that offers language classes and other activities.

In the southeast corner of the Golden Triangle is the Grand Theater.

The magnificent neoclassical building, built between 1773 and 1780, is equally impressive from the inside. You'll find columns, a dome, and a staircase that was the inspiration for Garnier's Paris Opera.

A concert here is worth seeing, especially during the Fête de la Musique (music festival) in June.

Otherwise, you can take a 45-minute tour on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. During peak season (July and August), daily tours are offered.

2. Marvel at the statues of the Esplanade des Quinconces

A short walk east of Allées de Tourny takes you to one of the largest public squares in Europe, which is often used for summer fairs, concerts, and other events in Bordeaux.

It stands out for the statues of local heroes such as the French writers Michel de Montaigne and Charles Montesquieu, as well as the extraordinary Monument aux Girondins.

The monument, which features gushing fountains and statues of triumphal cars and allegorical figures, was erected between 1894 and 1902 to honor the Girondists, who were guillotined in 1792 on the orders of Maximilien Robespierre during the French Revolution.

3. Stroll along the historic Bordeaux waterfront

Already 15 years ago, the banks of the Garonne River were, for the most part, a wasteland of empty warehouses and abandoned docks.

Today this is a fabulous area, revived with open spaces and gardens.

The warehouses along the old quays are lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it one of the most vibrant districts in Bordeaux.

Stroll through Saint-Pierre, the historical part of the city.

Walk across the Pont-de-Pierre bridge to enjoy a beautiful view of the old quay that runs along the banks of the river.

In summer, a section of the riverside is removed and transformed for the annual Bordeaux Wine Festival.

If you are visiting in June, this is a must-attend event.

4. Visit the Palais de la Bourse and the reflecting pool

The Palais de la Bourse, the city's stock exchange from the 18th century, surrounds a wonderful square that opens onto the river.

The symmetrical stone buildings are the perfect setting for the glittering miroir d'eau, a mirror of water that reflects the glorious palace behind it.

Located in the heart of the Saint-Pierre district of Bordeaux, and part of the banks of the Garonne River, it takes on a magical quality, almost surreal at night.

5. Climb to the top of the cathedral tower

Cathédrale St-Andre is a vast structure built between the 11th and 15th centuries. The Tour Pey-Berland, the tower of the Cathedral, stands out and is an impressive sight.

Climbing the 231 steps to the top will provide a spectacular view of the city and the Garonne River.

Right behind the cathedral, the old bishop's palace is a big deal.

The Palais Rohan was built in the 18th century for Archbishop Ferdinand Maximilian de Meriadek, Prince of Rohan, and was the first of the new neoclassical architectural style in France.

Now serving as Bordeaux's City Hall, it's worth a visit for its impressive state staircase, 18th-century wood-paneled rooms, and grand banquet hall.

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