Bordeaux is one of those cities that’s incredible for a city break and a longer little jaunt into the countryside and vineyards that surround this region of France. Straight after we visited the gorgeous spots in the Dordogne, I knew I had to get myself over to Bordeaux. This is something we did recently! Specifically, with our road trip around the area, with a hefty little stop off in Bordeaux itself. There are so many things to do in Bordeaux that you’ll actually be spoilt for choice… It’s the kinda city that can be as relaxing, buzzing or vibrant as you want.
Anyway, before I ramble on, I wanted to share some of the top spots and things to do in Bordeaux when you visit. It really is a stunning city that I’m almost certain you’ll love.
Take a look at some of the best things to do in Bordeaux.
1.) See the Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux
Possibly one of the very oldest belfries in the region, the Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux is one of the many things to see in Bordeaux – and it’s totally free and easy to spot too!
Built in 1775, this gatehouse was crafted with two clocks and a bell tower, which replaced a previous building that was damaged by fire long ago in the 18th century. A nearby plaque has the inscription that ‘the bell was the bearer of all good and bad tidings to the people of Bordeaux.’ Oh, and don’t forget to check out both sides of the tower, as there are two different clocks to admire.
Looking for the best hotel in the city of Bordeaux to stay at? Well, book this suite at the iconic and effortlessly luxurious Yndo Hôtel. This Bordeaux hotel is one of our favourites in all of Western France, and it’s truly spectacular. It’s such a design-focused hotel and oozes charm, and even has the most amazing wine lounge to chill out after a day exploring the city itself. We loved our stay here and can’t wait to check back into this suite!
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2.) See Miroir d’Eau
The Water Mirror is smack-bang next to the Place de la Bourse, and it’s known for having the world’s largest reflecting pool. Now, this might sound strange, but it’s totally cool and one of the easiest things to see in Bordeaux. You can’t miss it.
It gives a great perspective on seeing the city, and, honestly, it’s one of my favourite spots for a picture. You’ll love it here.
If you need to warm your cockles, head over to 3Montbazon, who have some of the best brews in the city. Their coffee is incredible.
Looking for a boutique hotel in Bordeaux to stay at? Make sure to book this suite at the beautiful and ornate Singulier Bordeaux Hotel. This place is stunning, and the rooms are styled in the most beautiful French panelling. Oh, and be sure to leave some room for the intimate spa area. It’s beautiful.
Read more: Best places to visit in the West of France
3.) Take a day trip to Saint-Émilion
If you’re spending more than a few days in Bordeaux, take the opportunity to pop in the car (or join a tour) and get yourself over to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint-Émilion.
This small village is totally picturesque, and it’s a great place to learn more about the region’s award-winning and world-renowned wines (that you’ll get to try).
After wandering through the historic cobbled streets, take a tour of the Monolithic Church, which still stands to this day. It was so incredible to see it in person. Also, if you’re looking for a local vineyard, pop over to Chateau La Dominique, where they’ll go through and let you taste some of the yummiest wines of the region.
Oh, and don’t forget you can stay at the iconic Château Hôtel Grand Barrail. This place is unreal and is like stepping back in time in France. The whole Château is beautiful and is easily one of Bordeaux’s most luxe and stunning properties to stay at. They even have the most charming rooms in the Château that overlook the Dordogne River. This hotel is a destination in itself.
See more on what to do in Saint-Émilion in our post
4.) Explore Cité du Vin
Look, there’s no getting around it, Bordeaux is filled with everything wine-related… and rightly so!
It’s delicious. One of the newer (and possibly the most iconic) is the Cité du Vin, which stands proudly on the water’s edge. Plus, with these specific tickets, you will be able to skip the line and head straight inside. It’s amazing.
Inside, you’ll find some exhibitions to learn more about wines from Bordeaux and even grab a tipple too. One thing I love most about Cité du Vin is that they regularly run workshops on things like the wines of authors, the wines of musicians and tasting experiences that are great if you’re not leaving the city to visit a vineyard.
5.) Ramble through Jardin Public
Yup, every city has a park, but what makes the Jardin Public so special is its size and what’s inside. Not only is it the perfect little spot to stroll around the city’s green spaces, it actually holds an arboretum, library and the Museum of Natural History to explore too. You can easily spend a day just wandering around all these spots.
Located on the Place Champs de Mars, it’s one of the best things to do in Bordeaux on a lovely (and hot) summer day.
Read more: Best places to visit in the West of France
6.) Explore Marche des Quais
This quayside market is a great way to spend your time shopping for local produce on a Sunday morning.
There is a large selection of stalls selling fresh bread, vegetables and other local produce. We even ended up with some shellfish that were prepared right in front of us!
The market closes around 1 pm; by that time, most stalls have sold the majority of the items they brought to sell. So, this means that the earlier you arrive, the more choices you’ll have. It’s one of the best things to do in Bordeaux on a Sunday (after having a tipple of local wine, of course).
7.) Gorge at Le 7 Restaurant
After exploring some of the things to do in Bordeaux, you’ll undoubtedly work up a hefty appetite (well, I do at least). So, this suggestion is all about food!
Based within the iconic Wine City building, Le 7 Restaurant is one amazing spot to visit for some of the tastiest food, all whilst overlooking the incredible views of the Port of the Moon and the rest of the city. Just make sure you book your table in advance, it gets quite busy here, and you won’t want to miss it.
8.) Stay in a castle
There are lots of stunning places to stay in Bordeaux, with the Hotel des Quinconces being a stunning spot to rest your head. Alternatively, if you want a slightly different experience, book somewhere out of the city and escape to the country at Chateau Belles Vignes. We had the most amazing stay here, and it’s such a gorgeous spot to experience. I know you’ll love it too.
Read more: Our stay at Chateau Belles Vignes
9.) Enjoy Musee de Vin et Negoce
Musee de Vin et Negoce is Bordeaux’s Wine and Trade Museum (to give it a not-so-suave English translation) that’s perched in the area of Chartrons. As a city, Bordeaux has a deep and ingrained history of the wine trade and everything wine-related.
What makes this spot so special is that it’s located in the cellars of King Louis XV’s official wine merchant. How cool is that? Nestled on Rue Borie, it’s a great little spot to stop off for a little tour and a wine tasting.
Read more: Best places to visit in the West of France
10.) Explore Parc Bordelaise
After lunch, take some time to see some of the other things to see and do in Bordeaux and its green spaces, of course.
This 19th-century park began life as a public promenade, which is now covered with a whopping 3,000 trees. It’s a gorgeous place that you’ll spot many locals (and visitors) strolling through on the weekend.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the traditional Guignol puppet shows that take place here on most weekends and holidays.
11.) Cathedrale Saint-Andre
Cathedrale Saint-Andre is one of Bordeaux’s most famous cathedrals, which is perched on Place Pey Berland. It’s one of the most amazing things to see and do in Bordeaux, not just because of its sheer scale, but also its magnificent architecture and heritage that dates back centuries.
Built way back in the 11th century, the long history of the cathedral includes the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Louis VII (which you’ll find out more about on your visit).
If you time your visit right, you may be lucky enough to nab a free concert of an organ recital or the symphony orchestra playing. Fingers crossed!
Read more: What to do in nearby Saint Emilion
12.) Place de la Bourse
Once a heavily guarded place with high fencing (before the French Revolution), the Place de la Bourse is now much more open and part of the city of Bordeaux and one stunning place to see when you’re in the city.
Like the Water Mirror, it’s really easy to see, and you’ll no doubt come across this many times during your ramble across the city. It really is picture-perfect and one of the best things to do in Bordeaux.
After a long day wandering the city, pop over to Le Pressoir D’Argent, which has some of the tastiest food in Bordeaux.
Read more: What to do in nearby Saint Emilion
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