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The cultural achievements and sights of Bordeaux are far from all that this region can surprise you with. The fame of local wines is the strongest argument for many when choosing a place to stay. And believe me, everyone will find something to see in Bordeaux, regardless of the purpose of the trip. The city owes its second name “little Paris” to a huge number of monuments of ancient architecture. Analyze the sights of Bordeaux with names and descriptions in advance and create a rich program for yourself in order to have time to cover all the most interesting.
What to see in Bordeaux in the first place
The view of Bordeaux in summer and winter is very different. But no matter what season you choose, the sights of Bordeaux are consistently great.
1. Exchange Square
Fountain “Water Mirror” and Exchange Square in the style of classicism (XVIII century)
The view of this square will be perhaps the best impression received from the trip. It is the highlight of Bordeaux, its hallmark. Thanks to the huge number of fountains and the water spilling around, it seems like a mirror. The fantasy of the masters who created this architectural ensemble, two long buildings are curved so that they repeat the smooth bends of the river. In warm weather, the whole palace is reflected in a thin layer of water, which makes an indelible impression.
2. Parliament Square
Fountain of the Parliament in the central part of the Place de la Parlement in Bordeaux Marc Ryckaert (MJJR)
Start your trip to Bordeaux by visiting its main squares. The mansions with imposing, lavishly stuccoed façades that border Parliament Square were built in the 18th century. There is a fountain with nymphs in the center, restaurants and open-air cafes with approximately the same pricing policy are located throughout the square. In the evenings you can hear live music here.
3. Place Quincons
43-meter column with a pool on Quincons Square
Depending on the season, an amusement park with large-scale attractions can operate here, sometimes beach competitions are organized. The central accent of the square is a monument with huge horses and fountains. It is this place that serves as a guide for tourists for appointments and meetings.
4. Port of the Moon
The Port of the Moon is the name of the bend in the Garonne River that divides the city into two banks of the Oliwan
The port is included in the list of UNESCO sites. It owes its name to the shape of the bend of the Garonne river flowing in the city. In reality, this is not a port, but a stunning architectural ensemble with buildings in a classical style. Among them are the best sights of Bordeaux. The pedestrian street Sainte-Catherine, the longest in Europe, passes through the territory. This street is a historical trading place with over 250 shops.
5. Bolshoi Theatre
Modern illumination of the Bolshoi Theater on Comedy Square
A beautiful building with a facade decorated with 12 powerful columns. Special recommendations from tourists relate to performances that are worth going to. Tickets are sold without specifying seats, in the hall there is an arbitrary seating arrangement. Pay attention to the roof of the facade, where statues of goddesses and muses are installed. On the square in front of the theater stands a sculpture depicting a woman's head. You can appreciate its full beauty by going around from all sides. The building is considered the headquarters of the National Opera and was built in neoclassical style.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Bordeaux!
6. Rogan Palace
Landscape park in the English style around the Rogan Palace
Here is the city hall. The palace consists of a large main building and two smaller outbuildings. The greatness of the building is emphasized by the columns and two porticos crowning the facade. The interior of the palace is also richly decorated: a monumental staircase, salons on the ground floor with elegant wooden trim, a luxurious dining room. There is a beautiful park on the territory around the palace.
7. Church of St. Michael
View of the western facade of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel on Place Menard Jean-Christophe BENOIST
We will advise what to visit in Bordeaux from the holy relics. The majesty of the building is a bit out of proportion to its location in the Arab quarter. This temple is not always open. If you're lucky, you can get to free concerts and organ music festivals here. The bell tower, separated from the main building, serves as an excellent observation deck, offering a wonderful view of the city. The interior is interesting with many colorful stained glass windows.
8. Saint André Cathedral
St. Andrew's Cathedral on Place Pius Berland
The impressive building in the Gothic style is visible from afar. Located in the historical center, it evokes solemn reverence for its majesty. The reviews mention an unrestored part, reminiscent of antiquity and as if taking us half a century back. The interior of the cathedral is also grandiose and decorated with statues and paintings.
9. Pé-Berland Tower
Early morning view of Pei-Berland tower
There are many places in Bordeaux that offer a beautiful view from above, where you can take amazing photos. So, what to see in Bordeaux for selfie lovers and fans of professional photography? For them, this tower, which belongs to the Cathedral of Saint André, is ideal, although a little removed from it. Rising to almost 70 meters, it is adorned with a sparkling gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. The spire is surrounded by a terrace, which can be reached by stairs. The opening panorama will be a reward for those who overcome more than 200 steps. You can also see the city from the balcony of the second floor, but the picture will not be complete.
Official website: http://www.pey-berland.fr/en/
< h3> 10. Notre Dame Church in Bordeaux
Interior of Notre Dame Church in Bordeaux
The building of baroque architecture is probably the most spectacular in the city. The high rating of the church provides a luxurious facade, generously decorated with sculptures and relief elements. A stained-glass window depicting the Virgin Mary is placed in the center between the columns. Inside the cathedral is well lit. The altar is very beautiful, for the construction of which several types of marble were used, and an organ made of oak and walnut. On the walls you can see paintings by a Dominican monk.
11. City of Wine Museum
The building of the cultural center “City of Wine” (La Cité du Vin) in Bordeaux Oli Lynch
All guides in Bordeaux advise visiting this recently opened place. The building, unique in its architecture, is made of aluminum and glass. It looks very unusual and in its shape resembles either a twisted vine, or a splash of wine pouring into a glass. The museum exhibition is based on interactive exhibits that tell about the history of wine. The stand offering to evaluate the aromas of this drink looks funny.
Official website: https://www.laciteduvin
12. Museum of Aquitaine
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Facade of the Museum of Aquitaine in Bordeaux Own work
What to see in Bordeaux in 1 day for those who are interested in the history of the city? Come here and admire the extensive collection of exhibits that tell about the history of the region, the periods of its development, the diverse activities of Bordeaux and its role in world history. Sculptures and household items are presented here, many exhibits are devoted to the marine theme, including ship models. The use, albeit in a small amount, of interactive technologies “”enlivens the exhibition, making it easier to assimilate information.
Official website: http://www.musee-aquitaine
< h3> 13. Cayo Gate
View of the Cayo gate from the town square Blaue Max
Once they served as the main entrance to the city and the road from them led to the palace. Their ancient defensive function is reminiscent of battlements placed around the perimeter, loopholes and dormer windows. But elegant towers on the roof, arched windows and a canopy over the niches set in a peaceful mood. Tourist reviews mention a beautiful coat of arms on the facade from the side of the city. It depicts lilies, the coat of arms itself is supported by two angels.
14. Grosse Cloche
Ancient city gate with an astronomical clock dial – Grosse Cloche Tower
The tower is part of the city fortification system. Once it was the bell tower of the old town hall, today it is a landmark of France with an astronomical clock installed in the central part in the middle of the 18th century. At the same time, cone-shaped roofs were installed on the side towers. From the north, the facade is decorated with figures of fabulous gargoyles. The image of the tower is on the field of the city coat of arms.
15. Rue Sainte-Catherine
The famous shopping street Sainte-Catherine in Bordeaux Superbass
There are interesting places in Bordeaux that are worth just walking around for an excursion into the architectural past of the city. On this longest (by European standards) pedestrian street there are many monuments of antiquity. Developing as a busy shopping area, today it is known for its huge number of shops, including well-known brands. More than 250 stores located within one kilometer – a record figure for Europe!
Sights of Bordeaux: what else to visit in Bordeaux?
Is it possible to list the main attractions of Bordeaux briefly, if the taste and color, as they say … Let's recommend a few more noteworthy objects.
16. Bridge Pont de Pierre
At night, the Stone Bridge over the Garonne is illuminated by many searchlights
The bridge was replaced by a ferry that ran between the banks of the Garonne. At the beginning of this century, it was declared a historical monument, its image was even put on a French postage stamp. The piers of the bridge are decorated with the profile of Napoleon. it is believed that he was involved in its construction. The bridge serves as a good backdrop for photography, at night it is beautifully illuminated by spotlights.
17. Jacques Chabant-Delmas Bridge
The passage of large ships under the Jacques Chabant-Delmas bridge on the Garonne
The longest drawbridge in Europe, equipped with a vertical lift, is 77 meters high. Its weight is supported by 4 independent support towers, they also provide it with smooth movement. Not far from the bridge, there are hotels in Bordeaux offering a taste of exquisite French service.
18. Submarine Base
Former submarine bunker in Bordeaux P. Charpiat
The base is located in an abandoned port, not far from the center. A narrow channel leads here, one can only guess how the submarines passed through it. Many excursions in Bordeaux include routes here, because. both the object and its history are interesting. The order to build the base was given by Hitler, the project was implemented using the labor of prisoners of war. There is a monument to them at the entrance. The capacity of the base was 11 units. Today it is an exhibition display.
19. Garonne River
View of the Garonne River and the docks of Bordeaux
A river with a swift current divides the city into 2 parts. Where to go in Bordeaux after a busy day filled with emotions and impressions? On the banks of the river, you will feel peace, looking at its restless waters. The total length of the river from the Pyrenees to the Bay of Biscay, where it flows, is 647 km. Sometimes, due to high water, it overflows its banks.
20. Bordeaux – the wine region of France
The vineyards of Saint-Emilion, one of the main red wine producing areas in the Bordeaux region
The amount of land given over to vineyards is astonishing. Occupying about 120 hectares, they annually produce so many grapes that more than 700 million bottles of the drink are enough for export, and how many still remain in the country! And all this is not only due to the mild oceanic climate prevailing in the province, calcium-rich soil and the proximity of rivers. In many ways, the success of the local wine business also depends on the hands of masters who put a piece of their heart into the production of the product.
Official website: https://www.bordeaux.com
It's worth a visit. And not only to pay tribute to a wonderful drink. Walks along the embankments of the Garonne, the view of ancient buildings, great shopping will remain in your memory for a long time. Read also about the sights of Lyon and be inspired to travel further in France.