Bordeaux Attractions

Once a rather insignificant port town, Bordeaux now reigns supreme as one of the most elegant and remarkable French cities. Since the millennium, the city has undergone considerable renovation thanks to its new mayor and former French Prime-Minister, Alain Juppe. The town centre has been completely pedestrianized, an extremely efficient tram system put in place and many old buildings restored to their original splendor. These recent developments have led to Bordeaux's value being formally recognized, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage for its impressive architectural ensemble. The stunning neoclassicism architecture, elegant avenues, hidden squares full of bustling cafes, picturesque waterfront and chic boutique shops will certainly keep you entertained for hours.

Bordeaux offers a wealth of impressive contemporary art galleries and museums, many of which are located in beautiful old buildings. The Natural History Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country, housed in a grand mansion overlooking the public gardens. A visit to Musée d'Aquitaine on the other hand provides a great source of information about the regional history and wine trade heritage. Art wise, the highly acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC) is located on the waterfront in an old 19th century warehouse and exhibits an impressive chronological of the major world art movements since the 1960's. The Museum of Beaux Arts also offers an outstanding collection, with pieces from renowned artists such as Rubens, Titans and Marquet.

Of course, Bordeaux's real claim to fame is an international reputation for vintage excellence, so it would be a sin to visit the city without exploring its extraordinary wine heritage. Tours to vineyards in and around the city are in abundance, as well as wine tasting in the various wine caves dotted around town.

For a little break between museums and sightseeing, there are the shops. Rue St Catherine is the longest pedestrianized street in Europe, and so zigzagging from artisanal shop to shop can turn into an all day diversion, especially if you stop off in one of the many cafes or patisseries along the way. And if you feel guilty for indulging in this retail therapy, each end of the Rue St Catherine is marked by ancient Roman arches, and to go from one end to the other is really a cultural activity in itself.

Musee d'Histoire Naturelle

5 Place Bardineau

Learn About the Natural Habitat...
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Musée d'Aquitaine

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20 Cours Pasteur

A vivid look at local history dating back to 1783...
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CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain

7 rue Ferrère

Explore a thousand works of art in the city's old warehouse...
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Musée des Beaux Arts

20 Cours d'Albret

Fine art from the 17th C including many from the masters...
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Rue Ste-Catherine

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Rue Sainte-Catherine

Busy shopping street with a long history, near many sights...
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Place Gambetta

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Place Gambetta

The heart of the city, a great place to relax and shop...
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Quartier Mériadeck

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Mériadeck

The central quarter, filled with shopping and green areas...
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Galeries Lafayette

11 rue Sainte-Catherine

An Institution...
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Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Tour

Wine Tour...
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Place de la Victoire

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Place de la Victoire

The student quarter, filled with bars and monuments...
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Cathédrale St-André

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Place Pey-Berland

Magnificent 12th C monument comparable to Paris' Notre-Dame...
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Place de la Bourse

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Place de la Bourse

Stunning 18th C architecture looks even better at night...
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Monument aux Girondins

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Place des Quinconces

A stunning commemorative monument to freedom in France...
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Musée des Arts décoratifs

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39 rue Bouffard

Set in an 18th C mansion, with period decor and a tea room...
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Basilique St-Seurin

Place des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance

This historic site for worship is now used for concerts...
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Versicolor

46 Route de Larcheval

Encouraging Artistic Participation...
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Place Buscaillet

place Adolphe Buscaillet

Recreational Getaway...
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Place André Meunier

place André Meunier

Bustling Town Square...
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98 Quai des Chartrons

quai des Chartrons 98

Promoting Art...
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Galerie de l'atelier

8 rue du Hâ

Contemporary Art Gallery...
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