Bordeaux: Marvel at the elegant architecture of France's wine capital

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Bordeaux: Marvel at the elegant architecture of France's wine capital

Between its diverse architecture, rich culture and world-famous wine, there’s plenty to raise a glass to in Bordeaux. The elegant city is the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site in the world, with over 350 buildings designated as historical monuments. Bordeaux is still thriving today, its independent boutiques and galleries, diverse food scene and packed calendar of cultural events reflecting a living, changing city. Cycle the banks of the River Garonne, pause at a café in a cobbled square, or stroll the old town’s avenues (here called cours) to get a taste of the city’s charms.

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Top Attractions in Bordeaux

Marvel at the Place de la Bourse by the River Garonne

Whether you go on foot or by bike, exploring the banks of the Garonne is a great way to see and understand Bordeaux. Many of its monuments are near the water, the most impressive of which is undoubtedly the Place de la Bourse, an imposing neoclassical crescent facing the placid Miroir d’Eau reflecting pool. Take to the water on a scenic cruise to enjoy views of Bordeaux’s stately skyline, and admire the 17 arches of the iconic Pont de Pierre – the first bridge ever built across the river.
Sample Bordeaux's famous wines at La Cité du Vin

Bordeaux is bursting with places to try its world-renowned export, from bottle shops and bistros to the Wine & Trade Museum in the historic wine merchants’ quarter. But for a deep dive into wine-making in the Bordeaux region, you need to head north along the river to La Cité du Vin. The museum and cultural centre is housed in an arresting modern building designed to evoke a decanter, its 3000 square metres of interactive exhibits covering history and culture, terroir and trends, varieties and viticulture. Of course, each ticket includes a glass of wine. You can also get information on visiting local vineyards, or join a tasting workshop where you can try a range of the region's finest.
Take in the view from Bordeaux Cathedral

An essential stop of the Way of St. James pilgrimage route, the Cathédrale Saint-André is a glorious French Gothic confection abutting the old town. Built and rebuilt over the course of centuries, it’s an intriguing jumble of different architectural styles. See if you can spot the last 12th-century Romanesque wall in the nave, or stop off at the royal portal to see intricate carvings from a century later. Climb the 231 steps of the freestanding Pey-Berland bell tower for breathtaking views of the cathedral’s delicate flying buttresses and richly decorated spires to the west, and the old town to the east.
Unwind in the Jardin Public

The Jardin Public makes a peaceful retreat from the city. It wasn’t always so quiet, though – when the city received news of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, this is the spot where thousands gathered for rousing speeches, bringing the revolution to Bordeaux. Today, people come to this chic residential neighborhood to stroll through the botanical garden and visit the natural history museum. Stop at L’Orangerie restaurant for dinner and drinks, or do as the locals do and bring a picnic and a bottle of wine – the perfect way to spend an evening in the most romantic of settings.

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