20 Unmissable Attractions in Bordeaux

By far the most beautiful square in Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse’s beauty will blow your mind away with its astonishing fountain. Facing the Miroir d’Eau, it will also take you to some of the most praised places by the locals and visitors to go for dinner.

Place de la Bourse beautifully lit at night/ Calabri for Wiki Commons

The Miroir d’Eau is a water mirror reflecting the Place de la Bourse and Bordeaux’s most photographed attraction. Locals and tourists like to walk through it in the summer.

People walking through the Miroir d’Eau/ Blaue Max for Wiki Commons

Strolling through Sainte Catherine Street is an absolute must while you are in Bordeaux. Stretching just over a kilometer, it is the longest shopping street in Europe.

Sainte Catherine Street, Bordeaux’s busiest street/ Ardfern for Wiki Commons

This majestic building, built in 1780, welcomes dance recitals, lyrique operas and some of the biggest cultural events in town.

Opéra National de Bordeaux-Grand Théâtre/ Marc Ryckaert for Wiki Commons

In the heart of the city, the Grosse Cloche is the last remain of the bells that used to give the city’s tempo.

La Grosse Cloche/ Patrick Despoix for Wiki Commons

The Porte Cailhau is one of the city’s gates and commemorates King Charles VII’s victory over the Italians at Fornoue. This defensive gate from the Middle Ages offers a sublime panorama of the docks.

Located on Place Pey Berland, the Saint André Cathedral is Bordeaux’s biggest religious edifice. Since 1998, it was recognized as a UNESCO’s Monument Historique.

This gothic-style steeple was built a few meters away from Saint André Cathedral, because architects were afraid that the cathedral’s structure could not support it. You will enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the belfry.

Tour Pey Berland/ Lisa 7503 for Wiki Commons

This flamboyant gothic church is located in Saint Michel, probably one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in town. Don’t hesitate to walk though the area, wander in the Saint Michel’s market or the Marché des Capucins.

Saint Michel Basilic/ Jean-Christophe Benoist for Wiki Commons

The Pont de Pierre represents an essential part of the city because it connects the left bank of Bordeaux with the right bank side of the Garonne river and the La Bastide neighborhood. Walking across the bridge or looking at the tram smoothly going from one side to another is a pure moment of bliss.

Pont de Pierre/ © Jennifer Migan

Place de la Victoire is definitively of one of Bordeaux’s most public places. Built on a former fair, this square is a central spot of the city’s vibrant nightlife with a lot of bars and restaurants.

Panoramic view of Place de la Victoire/ Grand Parc for Wiki Commons

Imagine yourself taking a break in an enchanted garden in the middle of the day? Make this dream a reality by visiting Bordeaux’s Jardin Public, a mesmerizing green space right in the city centre.

Jardin public/ Dave M93 for Wiki Commons

La Cité du Vin is a unique venue in the Baccalan neighborhood – devoted to wine tastings and cultural events around wine.

Slightly apart from the city center, come to admire the ruins of the Palais Gallien; a former amphitheater under the Roman Empire era, when Bordeaux was called Burdigala.

Palais Gallien/ © Jennifer Migan

A few steps away from Saint André Cathedral, the Palais Rohan is a palace built in 1771 in the honor of Bordeaux’s archbishop, Fernand Maximilien Mériadec de Rohan. Since 1835, it’s hosted Bordeaux’s mayor and city hall offices.

Palais Rohan/ © Jennifer Migan

You will love walking along the quais while doing some shopping. The Quai des Marques is a selection of refined brands where you can buy high-quality products and souvenirs during your stay in Bordeaux.

Quai des Marques/ © Jennifer Migan

Finished in 2013, the Jacques Chaban Delmas Bridge is a drawbridge that will certainly surprise you for its astonishing architecture. It is ideal for a romantic walk at night and to enjoy the outstanding view over the Garonne river.

Bordeaux’s food epicenter, the Place du Parlement’s numerous excellent restaurants will delight foodies from all over the world.

Place du Parlement/ Langladure for Wiki Commons

If you would like to learn more about Bordeaux’s history, make sure to stop by the Musée d’Aquitaine – close to touristic attractions such as the Saint André Cathedral and the Palais Rohan.

The Grotte de Lascaux at the Musée d’Aquitaine/ Pline for Wiki Commons