August 29, 2019

Visit Bordeaux: The Perfect Itinerary

Bordeaux is surely one of the most amazing, if not, the most amazing city in France. I am really lucky that I had the chance to visit Bordeaux and stay in it for approximately 2 years.

The city of wine has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and lifestyle.

I still remember the first day I landed in Bordeaux. I came here to study for at least one year. All the streets and landmarks were unknown to me. However, day after day, the two of us began to get to know each other. With the days passing, I found out about her rich history, discovered her beauty at night, and met with her amazing people!

As stated before, since I’ve been living here for some time, and even worked as a guide of the city, make sure to follow this itinerary whenever you decide to visit Bordeaux so you can make the most out of it.

La ‘Cité Du Vin’

In every city, there is one touristic landmark that you should not miss. La ‘Cité du Vin‘, or the Wine City, is Bordeaux’s main touristic attraction.

It is a museum that will teleport you to different places and centuries where you will discover the rich history of wine in Bordeaux and worldwide.

Once inside, you will be immersed in a ‘wonder world‘ where you will have to use all your senses to make the most out of this magnificent place. It is a journey not to be missed when you visit Bordeaux.

At the end of the permanent exhibition, make sure to visit ‘The Belvedere’ where have a splendid 360 ° view over Bordeaux and its vineyards!

There are always new events happening, such as concerts, and workshops. Make sure to check the website beforehand if you are interested in joining any of them.

Practical Information

You can arrive at ‘La Cité du Vin’ by taking the tram B or you can also take a bike along the quays.
Depending on the time you want to spend there, you have different choices of tickets that you can buy.
The combined ticket gives you the possibility to visit the permanent and the temporary exhibitions, in addition to a tasting workshop. You can also exchange the temporary exhibition with a guided tour of the building. The prices vary between 32 to 40 euros depending on your choices. It is a good way to spend a full day discovering this museum!
If you are only interested in visiting the permanent exhibition and the Belvedere. Tickets are at 20 Euros. Half a day should be sufficient in this case.

Make sure to visit their website for more info on additional tickets and offers by clicking here: La Cité du Vin

Darwin Eco-System

If you are into alternative ways of life, then Darwin is the place you must check when you visit Bordeaux.

Darwin Eco-system is like a city inside a city. It is a place filled with graffiti, where you will find a co-working area, an organic restaurant, a high school and lots of activities.

They throw amazing concerts every Wednesday so if you are in Bordeaux, I highly recommend checking them out.

For more info about Darwin, check out my article: Darwin, Bordeaux’s hotspot.

Practical Information:

Darwin eco-system is located on the right side of Bordeaux. In order to get there, you need to cross the stone bridge by taking the tram A to ‘Stalingrad’ station and then walk for about 10 minutes.

CAPC: museum of contemporary art

The CAPC is an amazing museum at the heart of Bordeaux. It features numerous exhibitions about modern arts and artists.

There is a permanent exhibition with more than 1300 artworks from over 190 artists. It is a place that is rich in culture and history. The architecture of the building, as well as its interior, are also very unique.

The CAPC is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 Am to 6 PM

Walking tour around Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city that must be discovered by foot. It has lots of small and beautiful streets filled with bars, restaurants, and shops.

Let yourself get lost while wandering around it while enjoying the architecture of the old buildings. Hours will pass without you noticing!

Here is a list of places that are a must-see and can be visited by foot:

Monuments aux Girondins: A big monument in Quiconces square built in 1904 and represents the french revolution.
Sainte Catherine: This is the heart of Bordeaux and one of the longest streets in all of Europe.
Place du Parlement: One of the most beautiful and touristic squares in the city. You can get there if you wanna have a drink or dinner at night.
Place de la Bourse and Water mirror: This is the most amazing place in Bordeaux. With a view towards the river and the stone bridge, you will be amazed by the beauty of this area!
Porte Cailhau and Grosse cloche: Two beautiful old gates from the time Bordeaux used to be a fortified city. It is also possible to visit the inside of the gates for about 5 euros.
Cathedral Saint André: Bordeaux’s big cathedral is an awesome landmark that dates to the year 1440. Make sure to go up to the top of the Pey Berland tower and have a magnificent view of the city.
Musée d’Aquitaine: A big museum for all history lovers where you will discover the story of all the Aquitaine region from past centuries until now.
Victoire Square: One of the most vibrant area. when you visit Bordeaux you must pass by here to have a drink or something to eat. It is at the end of the Sainte Catherine street and known to be the student’s area of Bordeaux.
Saint Michel square: Also a very beautiful square where you can have a good housemade ice tea during summer days!

I personally recommend walking around Bordeaux at night as the city is amazing when it is all lit! You will be surprised by what it has in store for you!

Bordeaux Surroundings

If you have some extra days while you visit Bordeaux. Try to check out some of the surrounding areas that are worth the visit especially during summer when it’s nice weather.

Saint-Emilion: If Bordeaux is the wine city, then Saint Emilion is the wine village. It is a must-visit if you have a few more hours during your trip. While there you get to see all the vineyards as well as visit the wine castles. For more information check out my article on my one day spent in Saint Emilion.
Arcachon and Dune du Pilat: The Atlantic ocean is just 45 minutes from Bordeaux by train. From Gare Saint-Jean, you take the train towards Arcachon station. If you are looking for an amazing view where the forest meets the sand that meets the ocean, then it is imperative to go up to the top of the Dune du Pilat. Make sure to get a bottle of wine with you, especially if it’s sunset time 😉

Bordeaux is an amazing city that has so much to offer. Now that I’ve been living here for 2 years, I feel more attached to it than ever! Its nightlife is also very rich. It varies from clubs to bars and pubs spread throughout the city.