23 Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France (+ Itinerary & Day Trips)

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23 Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France (+ Itinerary & Day Trips)


Visitors are drawn to Bordeaux, France for the wine since it’s the second-largest wine-producing area on the planet, however there are additionally loads of issues to do in Bordeaux that don’t contain wine. Only two hours from Paris by practice, Bordeaux has the best variety of preserved historic architectural websites outdoors of the capital and its historic metropolis middle is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Combined with a various and youthful inhabitants, nice meals, fewer worldwide vacationers, decrease costs, and a vibrant metropolis life, there are a lot of causes to go to the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine area in Southwest France.

Bordeaux is usually thought-about a “little Paris” due to its related 18th-century structure, but additionally due to its cosmopolitan enchantment. While it has an attention-grabbing historical past as a part of the English territory for hundreds of years, as we speak Bordeaux feels one hundred pc French. I fell in love with Bordeaux after spending 5 days within the metropolis after which one other week exploring the area on my Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWatermethods.

If you might be planning a visit to Bordeaux, on this article I’ll stroll you thru learn how to get to Bordeaux, how lengthy to remain, the finest issues to do in Bordeaux, the place to remain within the metropolis, some really useful eating places, and day journey concepts.

Things to do in Bordeaux - Place du Bourse

Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Note: This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.

I’ve highlighted a very powerful factors of curiosity on the map under that can assist you plan your go to. In addition, I’ve grouped these points of interest under right into a pattern itinerary for 3 days in Bordeaux:

Map courtesy of Google My Maps

Day 1 in Bordeaux

On your first day in Bordeaux, it’s nice to get a really feel of town by way of a self-guided strolling tour of the next sights and points of interest. This record is designed to take you on a considerably massive loop by way of many of the metropolis middle, passing by the principle Bordeaux highlights. Alternatively, you could possibly take a bike tour or guided tour by aspect automobile when you don’t need to do numerous strolling.

Walk by way of Grosse Cloche

Grosse Cloche Bordeaux

The Grosse Cloche (which suggests Big Bell), is without doubt one of the most recognizable symbols of Bordeaux. This metropolis gate dates again to medieval occasions when it welcomed a gradual stream of St. James’ Way pilgrims passing by way of Bordeaux en path to Santiago de Compostela. Today the bell tower homes The Grosse Cloche, which was forged in 1775. The large bell was as soon as used to sign curfews, warn of fires, and announce essential occasions to the residents of Bordeaux. Today, the Grosse Cloche continues to chime on particular events.

On the south aspect of the gate, you will discover a clock and a dial that was initially constructed between 1756 and 1759 to the designs of the mathematician and astronomer Paul Larroque. On the north aspect of the gate, you will discover a sister clock face that shows the totally different phases of the moon throughout the lunar month and two reproductions of town’s coat of arms. Just contained in the gate, make sure to cease for a conventional cannelle, a pastry created in Bordeaux, at Cassonade.

Pass by Porte d’Aquitaine

In 1154, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who later grew to become King Henry II of England, bringing the Duchy of Aquitaine, together with Bordeaux, underneath English management. Eleanor of Aquitaine performed a big function throughout this time as she was a robust and influential determine in each English and French courts.

Tensions between the English crown and the French monarchy finally led to the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), throughout which Bordeaux switched allegiances a number of occasions, which culminated with the French reclaiming Bordeaux from English rule in 1453. Throughout town, you will notice many references to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, because the area is now referred to as.

The Porte d’Aquitaine, also called the “Gate of Aquitaine,” is without doubt one of the many stunning metropolis gates and archways that after served as a main entry level to town. Constructed within the 18th century, its Neoclassical design and stylish façade are a testomony to the architectural developments of the time with intricate detailing and sculptures.

Browse the Marché des Capucins

The Marché des Capucins is the principle marketplace for town of Bordeaux, open all 12 months from Tuesday by way of Sunday. You will discover stands providing fruit, greens, meat, cheese, espresso, seafood, and different delicacies. If you might be staying in an Airbnb, this can be a good spot to replenish in case you are cooking your individual meals. However, there are additionally ready meals in addition to restaurant stalls so to get pleasure from a meal on-site.

Visit Basilique Saint Michel

Basilica Saint Michel Bordeaux

Basilique Saint Michel is a Gothic-style church constructed between the top of the 14th and sixteenth centuries and a part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spire of the Basilica dominates the skyline and also you don’t even understand how massive the Basilica is till you see the skyline from a distance. In addition to visiting the church, guests can usually climb the slender steps of the bell tower (though it was underneath refurbishment after I visited.)

Take photographs by the Bordeaux Sign

Bordeaux sign things to do in Bordeaux

From Saint-Michel, when you stroll alongside the Garonne River, you’ll quickly come to the Bordeaux signal, which makes picture reminiscence out of your go to. This space can be utilized by skate boarders and given the scent of weed within the space, I’d watch out who you ask to take your picture (perhaps stick with a selfie?) That’s in all probability too judgemental however I’m at all times slightly cautious in the case of handing my telephone to a stranger.

Walk throughout the Pont de Pierre Bridge

Pont de Pierre Bordeaux

The Pont de Pierre, or “Stone Bridge”, is the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, connecting the left financial institution of the Garonne River to the fitting financial institution Quartier de la Bastide. It is the bridge that you just see on many postcards and photographs from Bordeaux. It is very fairly when it’s lit up at evening.

Take photographs of the Porte Cailhau

Porte Cailhau Bordeaux

Porte Cailhau is one among my favourite spots within the metropolis as the realm across the gate is so vigorous and bustling with optimistic vitality. The monument dates again to 1494 and it was constructed to commemorate Charles VIII’s victory at Fornovo, Italy and his likeness decorates a distinct segment on the riverside and a discover asks guests to concentrate to the lintel and reminds them that Charles VIII died from strolling rapidly into simply such a lintel.

Visitors can climb the thirty-five meter tall monument and admission is free on the primary Sunday of every month.

Window store alongside Rue Saint Catherine

Rue Sainte-Catherine is without doubt one of the most well-known streets in Bordeaux and one of many longest pedestrian buying avenues in Europe, spanning over 1.2 kilometers in size. It generally is a bit touristy, providing a various array of retailers, boutiques, cafes, and eating places. If you might be searching for extra upscale designer retailers and boutiques, maintain off in your buying till you hit the Golden Triangle space later.

Visit the Cathedral Saint Andre

Cathedral Saint Andre from the back

Cathédrale Saint-André was constructed over a number of centuries, beginning within the twelfth century, and has a mix of architectural kinds that encompasses Romanesque and Flamboyant Gothic components. The cathedral has witnessed quite a few historic occasions, together with the primary marriage ceremony of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Louis VII of France. Visitors can stroll by way of the Cathedral to absorb its spectacular options, resembling intricate stained glass home windows that bathe the nave in a kaleidoscope of colours, and the “Gates of Paradise,” an ornate entrance adorned with intricate biblical scenes.

The cathedral’s bell tower stands adjoining to the principle construction in order to not affect the structural integrity of the Cathedral (a lot of this space was swampland earlier than the Dutch arrived). For a panoramic view of Bordeaux’s cityscape, you may climb the tower’s spiraling staircase of 231 stairs.

Nearby additionally, you will discover the Hotel de Ville metropolis corridor of Bordeaux and throughout the road is a small park the place you may as well usually discover a guide market.

Walk Past Porte Dijeaux

Porte Dijeaux Bordeaux

From the Cathedral, stroll up Rue des Remparts, previous galleries and boutiques to Porte Dijeaux. The streets that run parallel are additionally lined with cute retailers. Porte Dijeaux is one other elegant archway that after marked the doorway to the medieval city and dates again to the 1700s with a Neoclassical design and complicated carvings. The space surrounding the gate has a vibrant mix of up to date retailers, charming cafes, and boutiques and is full of locals within the evenings.

Shop within the “Golden Triangle”

Cours de l'Intendance

The “Golden Triangle” in Bordeaux refers to an space that’s recognized for its luxurious buying, upscale boutiques, and stylish environment. This district types a triangle form, therefore the title, and is bounded by three primary streets: Cours de l’Intendance, Cours Georges Clémenceau, and Allées de Tourny.

See the Grand Theater

Opera House Grand Theater Bordeaux

Walk down the large Cours de l’Intendance to the National Opera of Bordeaux on the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. This architectural masterpiece stands because the cultural coronary heart of town. Designed by architect Victor Louis and accomplished in 1780, this neoclassical constructing has a shocking façade, adorned with Corinthian columns and ornate sculptures.

Inside, the theater showcases an array of operas, ballets, performs, and musical performances, however even when you don’t get tickets to a efficiency, you may nonetheless take a guided tour. The Place de Comedie in entrance of the theater is a fantastic sq. and close by, you may take a trip on the Carousel Palace 1900 or hop on board the Petit Tourist Train.

Visit Place des Quinconces

Place de Quinconces fountain

As you stroll from the Opera House to the Place des Quinconces, you’ll cross by the Bordeaux Tourist workplace, which is an efficient spot to cease in to ask questions, decide up a map, or buy a Bordeaux City Pass. Hop on and hop off busses additionally depart from right here.

Soon you’ll arrive at Place des Quinconces, a sprawling sq. in Bordeaux, that’s residence to out of doors live shows, festivals, and cultural happenings. At its coronary heart lies the Monument aux Girondins, a towering fountain adorned with sculptural representations of characters from the French Revolution. Closer to the river, you will discover a towering Ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of Bordeaux.

Walk Along the Garonne River

Once you arrive on the Garonne River, flip proper to loop again in direction of the Pont de Pierre. Be cautious when crossing bike lanes as a result of bikers have the fitting of manner and at all times make sure to search for oncoming trams when crossing the tracks.

See the Miroir d’Eau in Place de la Bourse

Miroir d'Eau Bordeaux

Soon you’ll arrive on the Miroir d’Eau, probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bordeaux and portrayed in lots of footage of Bordeaux. The Miroir d’Eau, or “Water Mirror,” is a big reflecting pool. Just remember that the pool gently fills after which recedes and children like to stroll by way of the cool mist and play within the water, so it’s exhausting to seize a photograph of it actually reflecting the Place de la Bourse throughout the road except you get there very early within the morning. Otherwise, there are at all times ripples within the water from individuals, even when the fountain will not be operating for the time being. It remains to be a enjoyable spot for locals and vacationers to assemble and chill out.

By this time of the day, you should have finished numerous strolling and possibly be wanting to get off your ft and chill out for some time. But don’t fear, there are a lot of extra issues to do in Bordeaux over the subsequent couple of days.

Day 2 in Bordeaux

On your second day in Bordeaux, I’d recommend diving deeper into town’s meals scene and exploring extra of the realm north of town middle.

Take a Food Tour

Devour logo with choux pastries

My favourite strategy to discover a brand new metropolis is thru a meals tour. After totally having fun with our meals tour with Devour Tours in Paris, I knew that I had to enroll in the Devour Tours Ultimate Food Tour in Bordeaux as nicely. Over the course of three hours, we tasted cannelles, chocolatines, croissants, Croque Monsieur, native cheeses, hand-crafted candies, and cream-filled choux pastries, and completed up with a incredible wine tasting. My tour information did a superb job of blending in native historical past and primary sights into our meals tour as we walked by way of town.

Because I’m such a foodie, I additionally took a tour of the finest boulangeries and patisseries in Bordeaux, which was surprisingly filling and provided an incredible perspective on many various neighborhoods all through town.

See the Palais Gallien

Palais Gallien Bordeaux

If you need to see proof of Ancient Roman affect on the realm, take a stroll round Palais Gallien. Built throughout the Roman period within the late 2nd century AD, this was as soon as an impressive amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and different types of leisure. As one of many metropolis’s oldest surviving buildings, as we speak a lot of the amphitheater has been dismantled for its stones and supplies, leaving solely remnants. While the unique construction is lengthy gone, you may nonetheless stroll by way of its ruins and recognize the historic significance of the place.

Walk by way of the Jardin Public

Bordeaux public garden entrance with jogger

For a beautiful spot of inexperienced in the course of Bordeaux, take a stroll by way of the Public Garden. There are 11 hectares of grass, timber, flowers, and crops to discover, together with a kids’s playground in case you are visiting with children. The park is surrounded by stunning townhomes and can be residence to the well-known “Guignol Guérin” puppet present.

Explore the Chartrons Neighborhood

Rue de Notre Dame Bordeaux

The Chartrons neighborhood is the place what they name the “bo bo” (bohemian bourgeois) stay, which to Americans is one thing just like the “yuppies” or younger city professionals. Known because the historic wine service provider district, Chartrons exudes a singular old-world allure, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved 18th-century structure. One of probably the most well-known sights right here is the Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons, a chic Neo-Gothic church.

Another spotlight to not be missed is the Marché des Chartrons, a bustling market that provides a pleasant array of contemporary produce, connoisseur meals, antiques, and crafts. At evening, sidewalk cafes encompass the market and it’s a hub of exercise. The primary thoroughfare, Rue Notre-Dame, is lined with quaint boutiques, classic retailers, and artwork galleries. For eating, the realm round Rue de la Course boasts a various choice of eating places, bistros, and cafes.

Take a Sunset River Cruise

Boat on Garonne river in Bordeaux at night

If you aren’t leaping on a weeklong Bordeaux river cruise like I did, it is best to a minimum of take a brief cruise on the Garonne River and sundown is a perfect time when you may see town illuminated because the solar goes down. You may also cross by the architectural marvel of the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas bridge, which rises within the center to permit massive ocean liners entry to Bordeaux. You can go for an night cruise with an aperitif or go for a full dinner cruise.

Day 3 in Bordeaux

If you take a river cruise from Bordeaux, these points of interest will doubtless be a part of your official tour choices. On our AmaWatermethods river cruise, we had the choice of a motorcycle tour or a strolling tour of Bordeaux within the morning, each of which ended with a tour and tasting of the Les Halles de Bacalan market. And within the afternoon, we may select from both the Cité du Vin or the Bassins des Lumiéres.

Since I actually wished to see each, I visited the Bassins des Lumiéres alone and the Cité du Vin as a part of the cruise tour. To be sincere, I favored the Bassins des Lumiéres higher however that was very subjective as not everybody I talked to felt the identical.

Visit Bassins des Lumiéres

Dali exhibit at Bassins des Lumières

If you get pleasure from interactive artwork reveals (take into consideration Team Lab Planet in Tokyo or the Van Gogh interactive reveals), you’ll love the Bassins des Lumiéres! This outstanding cultural venue breathes new life right into a former World War II submarine base. Once a strategic naval facility, it has been remodeled into an immersive artwork and lightweight exhibition area and it serves as a canvas for mesmerizing multimedia reveals that fuse artwork, music, and know-how. The interactive artwork and lightweight reveals on the Basins des Lumières are nothing wanting spectacular.

When I visited, they have been placing on a present involving the artwork of Salvador Dali and Gaudi. There are gigantic digital projections that cowl huge surfaces with ever-changing artworks. This was all set to music, which was particularly spectacular given the acoustics of the venue. Dali was set to the music of Pink Floyd and it was an ideal match for his considerably weird and summary artwork. It’s a fascinating fusion of historical past and modernity, the place the ability of digital artwork meets the echoes of the previous.

The solely draw back is that it’s a little bit of a ache to get to utilizing public transportation. There is a bus that stops about 10 minutes away from the venue, or you may take a tram and stroll for about 15-20 minutes. I’d advocate getting tickets on-line upfront. The Bordeaux tourism workplace additionally sells a mix ticket that features a shuttle service from the Place des Quinconces. Also, when you get disoriented at the hours of darkness, or have points with flashing lights, this may very well be an issue for you. It takes a bit to get used to the darkness and comply with the pathways across the massive water basins that was once submarine bays. If you stroll by way of to the again although, there are bleachers the place you may sit and watch the present for its total 75-minute loop.

Eat Lunch at Les Halles de Bacalan

oysters with sign at Les Halles de Bacalan

Located within the Bacalan district alongside the banks of the Garonne River, the Les Halles de Bacalan is a neighborhood market and meals corridor that embodies town’s gastronomic spirit. Inside, you will discover an array of stalls providing contemporary seafood, artisanal cheeses, natural greens, and a variety of delectable treats. It’s a spot the place meals lovers can savor the very essence of Bordeaux’s culinary scene, with choices to get pleasure from a meal on-site or buy substances to take residence. I positively advocate making an attempt the native oysters! It can be the right spot to have lunch earlier than heading throughout the road to the Cité du Vin.

Visit Cité du Vin

Cite du Vin wine glass exhibit

Shaped like a large, fashionable wine decanter, the Cité du Vin opened in 2016 with a singular objective—to have fun the world of wine in all its sides. This avant-garde construction serves as a wine museum and cultural middle, specializing in wines of the world, and never simply these of Bordeaux. Inside, there are interactive exhibitions that take you on a worldwide journey by way of the historical past, tradition, and science of winemaking. The museum showcases a considerably overwhelming mix of multimedia shows, sensory experiences, and informative shows that invite you to discover wine’s many dimensions.

Beyond the museum, you may as well dine on the onsite eating places, providing a various choice of delicacies, or go to the rooftop tasting bar that gives panoramic views of town and the Garonne River whereas having fun with a choice of wines. I’d recommend that you just buy a timed entry ticket upfront and attempt to go on a day when there may be not a big cruise ship on the town (or go early to keep away from crowds!) Because the reveals don’t comply with any specific storyline or timeline, I discovered all of it a bit overwhelming with the crowds, and the interactivity, whereas cool, may very well be slightly distracting.

If you’d somewhat be taught extra concerning the wines of the Bordeaux area, you may as well go to the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, which is devoted to town’s illustrious wine historical past and its historic function within the wine commerce. Housed in a chic 18th-century townhouse, this museum invitations guests to step again in time and discover Bordeaux’s vinous previous. Inside, an intensive assortment of wine-related artifacts, together with classic wine labels, cooperage instruments, and vintage bottles, provides insights into the wine commerce’s evolution over the centuries.

Day Trips from Bordeaux

There are many different museums and such to see in Bordeaux, however that is about what you may match right into a three-day go to. If you could have longer to remain in Bordeaux, I’d extremely advocate taking just a few day journeys to go wine tasting and discover the area. Here are just a few of the preferred day journeys from Bordeaux. Of course, one other nice strategy to see extra of the area with out having to fret about transportation logistics or arranging guides is on a Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWatermethods.

Town square in Saint Emilion

Saint-Émilion: Located simply 40 kilometers east of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village nestled within the coronary heart of the Bordeaux wine area. Once in Saint-Émilion, discover its charming cobblestone streets, go to famend wineries for tastings, and don’t miss the gorgeous underground catacombs and the awe-inspiring Monolithic Church, a UNESCO World Heritage website. Book a full-day Bordeaux to Saint Emilion tour with wine tasting and lunch!

Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat: Arcachon, about 55 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux, is a fantastic coastal city recognized for its sandy seashores and contemporary oysters. Here you may go to the close by Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, providing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and discover the picturesque cities surrounding the Arcachon Bay. Another possibility is to take a ship journey to Cap Ferret, an enthralling fishing village, or go to the oyster farms on Île aux Oiseaux. Book a half-day tour to Arcachon with an oyster tasting!

Chateaux Guaurd Larose

Medoc: Explore the wine-growing area of Medoc and get to know the “left bank” crimson wines, that are extra Cabernet Sauvignon-forward. Follow Medoc’s well-known Chateau Road, residence to over 1,500 vineyards, and style a number of the finest crimson wines within the space. Book a full-day wine tour of Medoc!

Périgord (Dordogne Valley): Approximately 150 kilometers east of Bordeaux, the Dordogne Valley boasts picturesque villages, prehistoric cave artwork, and plush landscapes. Explore the medieval city of Sarlat-la-Canéda, go to the Lascaux Caves for historic cave work, and savor the native delicacies in one of many area’s charming eating places.

Getting to Bordeaux

Bordeaux train station inside

Getting to Bordeaux is pretty simple, because of France’s practice system. However, now that France is transferring to remove flights shorter than two hours, trains are much more crowded and it is best to guide your ticket upfront. Trains from Paris depart from the Gare Montparnasse practice station and it’s about two hours to Bordeaux Saint Jean on the TGV INOUI service.

I’d advocate downloading the SNCF app to buy tickets and simply save your ticket to your cell pockets. The app additionally sends alerts in case your practice is delayed, what platform it’s departing from, and when it is able to board. Plus, for the reason that bulletins on the practice are in French, it’s useful to trace the progress of your route in order that you recognize when your cease is approaching. Just understand that when you guide a seat on the highest flooring of the practice, you should carry your baggage up a slender staircase.

Luckily, each Gare Montparnasse and Bordeaux Saint Jean have lifts to the platform, however in Bordeaux, you should still want to hold your bag up or down some stairs relying on the place you are available in. Once you arrive on the Bordeaux Saint Jean practice station, you may take a bus, tram, or taxi into town middle. Google Maps is kind of useful in figuring out the perfect choices.

You may also fly into Bordeaux from outdoors of the nation. Most flights will join by way of Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport. I’d advocate leaving a minimum of 1.5 hours as a layover to have time to clear immigration and passport management (longer throughout busy journey occasions.) Flights arrive on the Bordeaux-Merignac airport (BOD), which is about 25 minutes outdoors of town middle.

One factor to remember is that visitors round Bordeaux has gotten fairly unhealthy in recent times as many individuals have moved to Bordeaux from Paris for cheaper housing. You can take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to town middle. I often use Welcome Pickups to rearrange a switch upfront so I don’t want to fret about ready for a taxi.

How Long to Stay in Bordeaux

While not everybody can keep every week or longer within the Bordeaux area, I like to recommend a minimal of two full days to discover town. If you take a river cruise, plan to reach two days earlier than embarkation as a pre-trip extension. If you may spend 5 days to every week in Bordeaux, you should have time to take day journeys across the area and expertise extra of the area’s fabulous wine.

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

When selecting the place to remain in Bordeaux, I like to recommend staying throughout the metropolis middle in both the Old Town or Saint-Pierre neighborhood or the Chartrons neighborhood. Saint-Pierre and Saint Paul district is town’s coronary heart and the place you will discover a number of the most stunning landmarks, buying areas, and eating places. It can get slightly touristy, particularly alongside the pedestrian Rue Saint Catherine, however additionally, you will see loads of locals gathering in squares and out of doors cafes.

The Chartrons district is what locals consult with as “bo bo” or bohemian bourgeois, with an prosperous, younger demographic. This leafy neighborhood provides tons of eating places frequented by locals, vintage retailers, boutiques, and bars. Plus it gives quick access to the port or the historic metropolis middle. The Saint Michel quarter is another choice in case you are searching for one thing much less touristy however nonetheless near town middle. It is a well-liked neighborhood for current immigrants from North Africa so you will discover some attention-grabbing markets, bakeries, and a extra various neighborhood.

Bordeaux airbnb living room

I stayed in a wonderful two-bedroom Airbnb, simply off Rue Saint Catherine within the metropolis middle, and thought it was good. However, in case you are searching for a resort, I’d advocate the Intercontinental Bordeaux, for a luxurious keep within the coronary heart of town proper throughout from the Opera House. Also, proper across the nook is the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona, which was really useful by one among my tour guides. I wouldn’t advocate staying close to the practice station, because it isn’t in an incredible neighborhood for exploring.

Find different lodging in Bordeaux:

Getting Around Bordeaux

Bordeaux tram

As I discussed earlier than, I used to be warned by many locals that visitors in and round Bordeaux generally is a bit horrendous so it’s best when you can keep away from Uber or taxis when you can. I discovered the Bordeaux tram system extremely simple to make use of. One trip is just one.80€ (together with any transfers), or you could possibly purchase a day cross for under 5€ when you plan on transferring round loads. You buy the tickets at a kiosk on the tram stops and there may be an easy-to-follow English display possibility. Once you board the tram, you should validate your ticket by tapping it towards one of many sensors close to the doorways. The stops are well-marked and it’s simple to make use of, even when you don’t communicate French.

Where to Eat in Bordeaux

Since I visited Bordeaux in the course of my month in France (in between my barge cruise by way of Burgundy and river cruise with AmaWatermethods), I made some extent of looking for out extra than simply French meals and since Bordeaux is such a cosmopolitan metropolis, it wasn’t exhausting to seek out a wide range of cuisines. Here are just a few eating places that I’d advocate in Bordeaux, in addition to solutions I collected from locals:

Chocolatine from Louis Lamour bakery Bordeaux
  • Avant Comptoir du Palais — we had beforehand eaten at Avant Comptoir in Paris so we knew we have been in for scrumptious meals. Avant Comptoir is understood for mild bites and nice wine. With a location within the sq. in entrance of Porte Cailhau, additionally it is an incredible spot for people-watching and hanging out with locals
  • Echo – additionally close to Porte Cailhau, this was really useful by my Best Boulangerie tour information for extra fashionable French delicacies.
  • El Nacional – in Chartrons this Argentinian steak home is the place to go in case you are within the temper for a superb, wood-grilled minimize of meat. Plus it has an incredible location simply off the central sq. within the Chartrons neighborhood. We had such meal right here on our final evening in Bordeaux.
  • Frida – positioned close to Gros Cloche within the metropolis middle, Frida has an enthralling courtyard and an incredible choice of cocktails and tapas. Alternatively, you may order the prix fixe menu.
  • Chez Dupont – one among our tour guides on our river cruise lives within the Chartrons neighborhood and he urged Chez Dupont for a extra conventional French meal.
  • Le Bocal de Tatie Josée – makes a superb croque monsieur with truffle and is ideal for lunch!
  • Fromagerie Chez Delphine – is a tremendous cheese store that additionally provides a full menu for lunch spot or cheese tasting.
  • Boulangerie Louis Lamour – this bakery has the perfect chocolatine (what they name ache au chocolat within the south) I had throughout my total month in France.
  • Cassonade and Le Boulanger de L’Hotel de Ville – make the perfect do-it-yourself cannelles that I had whereas in Bordeaux. Avoid these locations with crimson awnings which might be way more industrial and never as freshly made.
  • Just a few different locations that I made observe of that didn’t get to strive embody: Le Berthus, Gustave Creative Street Food, Umami Ramen Bordeaux, and The Breakfast Club (this was proper subsequent to my Airbnb).
  • Some others I attempted included Les Moules du Cabanon for Belgian-style mussels with nice individuals watching close to the river, Delizia da Bartola for Italian, and Bao Burger for a enjoyable twist on a hamburger.

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Discover Bordeaux France's top things to do (arranged by day), popular day trips, dining recommendations, accommodations, and city transport tips.

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