10 Exciting Things to Do in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a stunning city in southwestern France, famous for its wine, architecture, and culture. But there is so much more to Bordeaux than that. The city is full of wonderful things to do and see, from historical sites and museums to trendy bars and restaurants. Whether you love wine, food, history, or art, you’ll find something that will make your trip to Bordeaux special.
In this blog post, we will share with you 10 of the best things to see and do in Bordeaux, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit.
So get ready to fall in love with this amazing city and its Bordeaux must-see attractions!
Wine Museums: Learn and Taste the History of Bordeaux
One of the most exciting things to do in Bordeaux is to visit its wine museums. These museums will teach you everything you need to know about the history, culture, and production of wine in Bordeaux. You will also get to taste some of the finest wines in the world and learn how to appreciate their flavors and aromas. Some of the wine museums you should not miss are:
La Cité du Vin: This is a modern and interactive museum that showcases the diversity and richness of wine around the world. You can explore different exhibits, watch multimedia shows, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river. You can also visit the tasting room and sample different wines from various regions and countries.
Musée du Vin et du Négoce: This is a historical museum that tells the story of the wine trade in Bordeaux. You can see how the merchants and winemakers used to work and live in the 18th century. You can also visit the underground cellars and taste some of the wines from the museum’s collection.
Musée des Arts et Métiers du Vin: This is a cultural museum that displays the art and craft of winemaking in Bordeaux. You can see how the tools and techniques have evolved over time and how they affect the quality and style of wine. You can also join a guided tour and taste some of the wines from the museum’s selection.
Chartrons District: A Cozy and Historic Neighborhood
One of the things to do in Bordeaux is to explore the Chartrons district. This is a cozy and historic neighborhood that has a lot of charm and history. It used to be the hub of the wine trade in Bordeaux, and you can still see some of the old warehouses and mansions. It is also a cozy and artistic area that has many shops, cafes, galleries, and markets. You can enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of this district and discover some of the things to see in Bordeaux.
Some of the highlights of the Chartrons district are:
The Quai des Chartrons: This is a nice promenade along the river that offers a great view of the city and the water. You can walk, bike, or skate on this quay and enjoy the air and the scenery. You can also check out some of the restaurants and bars that line the quay and have a drink or a meal.
The Musée du Vin et du Négoce: This is one of the wine museums we mentioned earlier. It is located in an old wine merchant’s house, and it shows you how the wine trade worked in Bordeaux. You can learn about the history and techniques of winemaking and trading. You can also taste some of the wines from the museum’s collection.
The Marché des Chartrons: This is a busy market that takes place every Sunday at the Place des Chartrons. It is a great place to find local products, such as cheese, bread, fruits, vegetables, and of course, wine. You can also find some antiques, books, clothes, and crafts. It is a fun and colorful market that attracts many locals and tourists.
Miroir d’Eau: A Stunning and Fun Water Feature
This is a stunning and fun water feature that is located on the Place de la Bourse. It is the world’s largest reflecting pool, and it creates a beautiful mirror effect on the surrounding buildings and the sky. You can walk in the pool and enjoy the cool water and the mist. You can also take amazing photos and videos of the reflections and the light. It is especially magical at night when the pool is illuminated.
The Miroir d’Eau is one of the best things to see in Bordeaux. It is a great place to relax and have fun with your family and friends. It is also close to many other attractions and landmarks in the city center. You can easily visit it on your day trips from Bordeaux. You will love this water feature and its beauty!
Enjoy Local Food: A Delicious and Diverse Cuisine
Bordeaux has a delicious and diverse cuisine that reflects its history and culture. You can find many dishes and specialties that use fresh and quality ingredients from the region. You can also taste some of the best wines and cheeses in the world. You will be amazed by the flavors and aromas of Bordeaux’s food.
Some of the local food you should try in Bordeaux are:
Canelé: This is a small pastry that has a crispy caramelized crust and a soft custard center. It is flavored with rum and vanilla, and it is a typical dessert of Bordeaux. You can find it in many bakeries and cafes in the city.
Entrecôte à la Bordelaise: This is a grilled steak that is served with a sauce made of red wine, shallots, butter, and herbs. It is a hearty and tasty dish that goes well with fries or salad. You can find it in many restaurants and bistros in the city.
Oysters: Bordeaux is close to the Atlantic coast, and it has access to some of the freshest and finest oysters in France. You can enjoy them raw or cooked with lemon, vinegar, or butter. You can also pair them with white wine or champagne. You can find them in many markets and seafood restaurants in the city.
Go Shopping: A Fun and Diverse Experience
Bordeaux has a fun and diverse shopping experience that suits all tastes and budgets. You can find many shops, boutiques, markets, and malls that sell everything from clothes, accessories, books, souvenirs, and more. You can also find some local products and specialties that are unique to Bordeaux and the region. You will have a lot of fun browsing and buying in Bordeaux.
Some of the places to go shopping in Bordeaux are:
Rue Sainte-Catherine: This is the longest pedestrian street in Europe, and it has hundreds of shops that cater to all kinds of shoppers. You can find some of the big brands, such as Zara, H&M, Sephora, and more. You can also find some smaller and local shops that sell some original and quirky items. You can also enjoy some street performers and cafes along the way.
Les Grands Hommes: This is a chic and elegant shopping center that is located in a beautiful 18th-century building. It has some of the luxury and high-end brands, such as Dior, Chanel, Hermes, and more. You can also find some fine jewelry, watches, and art. You can also admire the architecture and the design of the building.
Marché des Capucins: This is the largest and most popular market in Bordeaux. It is open every day except Monday, and it has a variety of stalls that sell fresh and local products, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, bread, wine, and more. You can also find some ethnic food, such as Moroccan, Vietnamese, Spanish, and more. You can also taste some of the delicacies and specialties of Bordeaux at the market.
Take a Day Trip: Discover More of the Region
One of the things to do in Bordeaux is to take a day trip to some of the nearby destinations. Bordeaux is well connected by train to many other cities and towns that offer different attractions and experiences. You can discover more of the region’s culture, nature, and history by taking a short train ride from Bordeaux. You will be impressed by the diversity and beauty of the places you can visit.
Some of the day trips from Bordeaux you can take are:
Saint-Emilion: This is a medieval village that is famous for its wine production and UNESCO-listed heritage. You can visit some of the wine estates and cellars and taste some of the finest wines in the world. You can also admire the architecture and monuments of the old town, such as the monolithic church, the bell tower, and the cloister.
Arcachon: This is a seaside resort town that is renowned for its beaches, oysters, and the Dune du Pilat. You can relax on the sandy shores, enjoy some water sports, or take a boat ride to the Île aux Oiseaux. You can also visit the Dune du Pilat, which is the tallest sand dune in Europe and offers stunning views of the bay.
Cognac: This is a town that is famous for its brandy production and elegant architecture. You can visit some of the cognac houses and learn about the history and methods of making this spirit. You can also taste some of the different varieties and vintages of cognac. You can also explore the town center and see some of the historical buildings and museums.
Wrapping Up
Bordeaux offers a wealth of exciting experiences for every traveler. From exploring the charming streets of the Chartrons district to immersing yourself in the rich history of wine at the captivating wine museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city and embark on unforgettable day trips to the surrounding areas.
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