11 of the Most Impressive Buildings in Bordeaux

If you decide to take a day trip to the seaside or visit the nearby cities, you’re sure to have a pleasant start to your trip at Gare de Bordeaux St-Jean. Built in the 19th century, the Gare Saint Jean train station is a grand mix between ancient and modern architecture. It has a huge departure hall and its marvelous glass roof (made by Gustave Eiffel) is the biggest in Europe. It recently underwent a large renovation, in order to rehabilitate and modernize the Belcier area, at the back of the station. Since December 1984, the Gare Saint Jean is recognized as a Monument Historique.

This majestic building is at the heart of Bordeaux’s cultural life. Stand in awe of the 12 colossal columns and statues of its portico and admire its unwavering beauty. Excellently preserved since its construction in 1780, the Opéra National de Bordeaux-Grand Théâtre perfectly embodies the Neoclassical influence you will surely spot throughout the city.

This massive, concrete building was constructed by the Italian navy in 1939 during World War II within the German occupation zone. This gigantic bunker has eleven alveolus linked by an internal street. Since the end of the war, the Base Sous-Marine has welcomed a variety of activities and events. Nowadays, it has become a cultural emblem of the Bassins à Flot neighborhood.

La Place de la Victoire is praised by locals and tourists alike thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and numerous bars and restaurants. You can see several important monuments at this square. Usually, l’Obélisque, the 2005 sculpture from Hugues Martin, and the two turtles created by Ivan Theimer catch visitors’ eyes right away. However, many are intrigued by the large building slightly to the side of the Place de la Victoire – Université de Bordeaux’s Faculté de Médecine (Medicine Faculty). It first opened in 1888 and has a typical Beaux-Arts design. The edifice architect integrated new techniques with modern materials of the time, which is why it has such a unique look.

The Musée National des Douanes (Customs Museum) is a national museum situated in the magnificent Place de la Bourse, and is dedicated to the history of French customs. Built in the 18th century in a Classic style, it originally operated for the customs department of the king and only became a museum in 1984. It also hosts the inter-regional main office of customs in Bordeaux and is classified as a Monument Historique, thanks to its beautiful façades, its court, and wooden décor in the former salon.