The 10 Most Impressive Buildings in Bordeaux...

It may be famous for its red wine, but the city of Bordeaux, on the Garonne river in southwest France, has many other charms – not least its stunning architecture, where historic buildings sit alongside ambitious modern designs. Whether it’s art you’re into, or history, discover the most exciting buildings to look out for.

View All Trips

Palais Rohan

Building, Cathedral

Just a few steps away from the city’s famous Saint André Cathedral lies the Palais Rohan, built in 1771 in honour of Bordeaux’s archbishop Fernand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan. Home to the mayor’s office and city hall since 1835, it was completely destroyed during World War II, but later rebuilt. You can admire the perfectly balanced structure of this neoclassical building from the Place Pey Berland, and don’t miss the elegant staircase inside.

Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean

Train Station

You don’t need a day trip to the seaside or a neighbouring city for an excuse to visit the Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean. Built in the 19th century, this elegant mix between ancient and modern architecture has a huge departure hall and its glass roof, designed by Gustave Eiffel no less, is the largest in Europe. Since December 1984, the station has been recognised as an official Monument Historique; it underwent substantial renovation in 2017 as part of a regeneration and modernisation programme of the Belcier area behind it.

La Méca

Art Gallery, Architectural Landmark

The Danish architecture firm Big’s contribution to the Bordeaux architecture scene is indeed a giant – La Méca, the city’s newest cultural destination which opened in 2019, measures 18,000sqm (193,750sqft). The venue celebrates contemporary art, film and performance, and was conceived as “a single loop of cultural institutions and public space”. An outdoor urban room invites the public to interact with the building, with the aim for the space to be a blank canvas for the people of Bordeaux. It spearheads the transformation of the city’s riverfront industrial area, with surrounding sites earmarked for future cultural institutions.

Grand Théâtre

Building, Theater

This majestic building is at the heart of Bordeaux’s cultural life. Created in 1870 by Victor Louis, it features 12 colossal columns and statues on the portico and is decorated in the royal colours of blue, white and gold. It has been perfectly preserved since its construction and embodies the neoclassical influence prevalent in Bordeaux.

InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hôtel

Architectural Landmark, Building

Facing the Opéra National de Bordeaux-Grand Théâtre stands the InterContinental Bordeaux, aka Le Grand Hôtel, one of the most luxurious places to stay when you’re in town. No wonder the building is impressive – like the Grand Théâtre, it was designed by Victor Louis and features the same neoclassical-inspired façade and Corinthian-style colonnade. The interior is equally stunning, with marvels such as the marbled Sauternes Salon well worth seeing.

Porte Cailhau

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

The Porte Cailhau is proof of the city’s effort to preserve its monuments. Built in 1494, this 35m (115ft)-high building, one of the city’s gates, commemorates King Charles VII’s victory over the Italians at Fornovo. Head up to the top for an exhibit of the tools that were used to build some parts of Bordeaux. Besides this, the sublime panorama of the docks is reason alone to visit this medieval defensive gate.

Base Sous-Marine

Historical Landmark

This massive concrete building was constructed by the Italian navy in 1939 during World War II within the German occupation zone. The interior of the gigantic bunker is akin to a honeycomb, with 11 chambers linked by an underground street. Today it’s used as a cultural space, with exhibitions, concerts, opera, jazz, theatre and dance held here – a great example of how functional historical buildings can be turned into cool contemporary venues. It’s also become a symbol of the Bassins à Flot neighbourhood.

Halle des Chartrons

Architectural Landmark

Notre-Dame ©Nicolas Duffaure (3)©DUFFAURE NICOLAS

This is where the historical and the contemporary collide: a market hall, originally built in 1869 by architect Charles Burguet, and restored in 1998. The former centre for Bordeaux’s wine trade still has traces of the wine barrels on its walls, but also features a 21st-century atrium. Today, the Chartrons building is a cultural hub and there’s plenty to see in the area – don’t miss the nearby Arc en Rêve Centre for Architecture.

La Grosse Cloche

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

La Grosse Cloche, the Big Bell, is one of the most-visited attractions in Bordeaux and a symbol of the city. Along with the Porte Cailhau, it is the only monument dating back to the Middle Ages and the massive bell tower, 40m (132ft) high, will delight architecture and history lovers alike. The gateway where the bell hangs was once used as a prison, and you can still visit its dungeons.

Musée National des Douanes

Museum

The Musée National des Douanes, or Customs Museum, is located in the magnificent Place de la Bourse. Built in the 18th century in a classical style, it was originally the customs department of the king and only became a museum in 1984. It is also home to the city’s inter-regional main customs office and is classed as a Monument Historique, thanks to its beautiful façades, courtyard and wooden décor in the former salon.

Additional reporting by Cajsa Carlson

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.