Bordeaux

Introduction

Located on the river Garonne in the Gironde department, Bordeaux serves as a port city and the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. You can explore the local culture as part of the area known as Bordelais.

As you travel through this southwestern French destination, you will find that the inhabitants are known as Bordelais or Bordelaises. The term also encompasses both the city and its surrounding region.

Before you go

Before you arrive, consider the deep historical ties that shaped the city's identity. You will find that Bordeaux was under English rule for centuries, a period during which the region's wines became a primary source of income for the English crown. This history is reflected in the local wine culture; while much of the wine originated from the Graves region, the term "claret" remains a lasting legacy of this era. The city's 18th-century grandeur was preserved through various conflicts because the limestone and gravel subsoil prevented the construction of high-rise buildings, allowing the historic architecture to remain intact.

As you navigate the city, be mindful of your personal belongings. You should take standard precautions regarding your valuables and stay alert in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets or drink-spiking.

You can reach the city by air at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which offers numerous connections from Western Europe, the UK, Ireland, and North Africa, as well as flights to Istanbul and Tel Aviv. Seasonal transatlantic flights are also available. From the airport, you can take Tram A to the city centre or use the 30’ Direct bus to reach the railway station. If you prefer to travel by train, high-speed TGV trains run from Paris Montparnasse, while regional TER trains and Intercité trains connect the city to destinations such as La Rochelle, Toulouse, and Marseille.

For those traveling by coach, Flixbus provides routes from various French cities including Lyon and Nice, as well as international connections from Spain and Portugal. If you are arriving by car, you can reach the city via the A10 from the north or the A62 and A63 from the south; be mindful that the beltway encircling the city is often slow-moving during rush hours.

Getting around

You can explore the heart of Bordeaux on foot, as many of the historic sites in the old center are located close together within pedestrianized zones. While the city is large, navigating the central districts of St Pierre and St Michel by car is a hindrance. For longer distances, you can utilize the extensive tram network, which features a unique ground-level power supply that eliminates overhead wires in the inner city. The river-bus system also offers a way to travel between the banks, accommodating bicycles as part of the integrated transport network.

The bus network radiates from four main hubs: Gare Saint-Jean, Place de la Victoire, Place Gambetta, and Quinconces. A small electric shuttle circulates through pedestrian areas, allowing you to signal the driver for both boarding and exiting. If you prefer cycling, a bike-share scheme provides numerous docking stations throughout the city.

Where to stay

Depending on your budget and preferred atmosphere, you can find various accommodations throughout the city. For a basic stay in a central location, there is a youth hostel situated near the railway station. If you prefer a mid-range experience, several chain hotels offer convenient options near the train station, while others provide more character, such as a charming 18th-century hotel with fine mahogany and beech furnishings located near the Grand Theatre and Triangle d'Or. You might also choose a friendly 19th-century guesthouse featuring a garden near the university district.

For a more luxurious stay, you can opt for several high-end choices:

• A five-star hotel situated by the opera house that maintains an old-fashioned aesthetic.
• A comfortable property featuring a pool located beside a lake near the convention center.
• A smart business hotel situated on the quays near the congress center in the Chartrons area.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Bordeaux by exploring a wide range of culinary styles. You can enjoy hearty, rustic home-style cuisine or find lighter bites with views of the basilica. For those seeking international flavors, you can choose from Levantine fare and mezze, Japanese dishes like ramen, or traditional French and Oriental cuisine. If you prefer local specialties, look for regional dishes such as corn-fed Landes fowl or a classic steak served with walnut salad and unlimited fries.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you can choose from several distinct dining environments:

• A charming bistro near the cathedral
• A rustic cafe offering pleasant food
• A quirky sandwich cafe known for generous portions
• A restaurant situated in a building jutting over the water on stilts to enjoy views of the riverbank

Explore the elegant waterfront of the Port of the Moon, a crescent centered on Place des Quinconces that offers stunning views from the opposite bank at dusk. This broad leafy square also houses the ornate Girondins Memorial and serves as a central hub for city transport. Nearby, you can wander through the historic gates of the city, such as Porte Cailhau or the Romanesque arch of Porte de Bourgogne. For those interested in history and art, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts to walk through centuries of Western art, the Musee d'Aquitaine to explore from the Old Stone Age to the early modern period, or the Museé National des Douannes to learn about the history of customs and smuggling.

Experience the local culture by visiting the National Opera on Place de la Comédie for ballet and musicals, or head to a specialized bar to play both ancient and modern board games. If you are interested in the region's famous wine production, the Musée du Vin et du Négoce offers insight into two millennia of winemaking. You can also explore unique sites like the submarine pens used for art installations, the Roman amphitheatre ruins at Palais Gallien, or stroll through the Jardin Botanique du Jardin Publique.

Day one, you can begin your journey in Bordeaux as you explore the local area and experience the atmosphere of the Bordelais. You can travel through the region to see the sights near the Garonne and Gironde rivers.

Day two, you can take a tram or use the TGV to reach nearby destinations such as Toulouse, Marseille, or Nice. If you prefer to travel further, you can find connections to cities like Lyon or even across borders into Spain.

Day three, you can explore the surrounding areas of Nouvelle Aquitaine. You can also plan for onward travel toward La Rochelle or other destinations in Western Europe.

About this place

• Bordeaux