Things to Visit in Bordeaux

The 18th-century royal square is Bordeaux's most iconic sight, best viewed reflected in the Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror), the world's largest reflecting pool. The mirror alternates between a thin sheet of water and mist every 15 minutes. Most photogenic at dawn and dusk. Free and open year-round, the mist effect operates March through November.

The detached bell tower of Bordeaux Cathedral offers the best bird's-eye view of the city after a climb of 233 steps. The panoramic view covers the entire UNESCO-listed city center and the Garonne river. Admission EUR 6. The golden statue of Notre-Dame d'Aquitaine gleams at the top.

One of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe, built in 1780 with a facade of 12 Corinthian columns. The grand staircase inside inspired Charles Garnier's design for the Paris Opera. Guided tours (EUR 6) run regularly, or attend a performance for EUR 10-80. The neoclassical exterior is stunning when floodlit at night.

Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street at 1.2 km, connecting Place de la Victoire to Place de la Comedie. A mix of French chain stores, independent boutiques, and cafes. The southern end near the Grosse Cloche medieval gate is the most atmospheric. Often crowded on Saturdays.

A 35-meter Gothic gate built in 1495 to commemorate a royal military victory. You can climb to the top (EUR 5) for views of the Pont de Pierre and the river. The arch frames a perfect view of the Old Town behind it. One of the best-preserved medieval structures in Bordeaux.

A modern wine museum in a stunning building designed to evoke the swirling motion of wine in a glass. Interactive exhibits cover global wine culture across 20 themed zones. The ticket (EUR 22) includes a tasting on the 8th-floor panoramic belvedere with views of the city and river. Allow 2-3 hours. Located in the Bacalan neighborhood, reachable by tram B.

The old quarter around Place du Parlement has some of Bordeaux's best wine bars. Bar a Vin (run by the Bordeaux Wine Council, Place de la Bourse) offers wines by the glass from EUR 3 in an elegant setting. Le Wine Bar and Aux 4 Coins du Vin are also excellent for guided tastings of local appellations.

A UNESCO World Heritage village 40 minutes east of Bordeaux, surrounded by some of the world's most prestigious vineyards. The medieval village is built above limestone caves and has a monolithic underground church. Many chateaux offer tastings (EUR 10-25). Direct trains from Bordeaux run several times daily for about EUR 10.

The famous D2 road runs through the Medoc peninsula north of Bordeaux, past legendary estates like Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien. Most grand cru chateaux require advance reservations for visits. Half-day organized tours from Bordeaux cost EUR 50-80 and visit 2-3 estates. Driving yourself gives the most flexibility.

The renovated quays stretch 4.5 km along the river, with dedicated bike lanes, parks, skate areas, and cafes. Rent a VCub public bike (EUR 1.70 per day) for the full experience. The stretch from Pont de Pierre to La Cite du Vin passes through the heart of modern Bordeaux. Most alive on summer evenings.

Napoleon's 17-arch stone bridge from 1822 is the oldest crossing in Bordeaux. Walk across for views of the city skyline, or photograph it from the waterfront at night when it is beautifully illuminated. The number of arches (17) matches the number of letters in Napoleon Bonaparte's name.

A former military barracks on the right bank transformed into an alternative cultural hub with a co-working space, skatepark, organic restaurant, urban farm, and street art. The Magasin General restaurant serves excellent brunch on weekends. The industrial-meets-sustainable atmosphere is distinctly modern Bordeaux.

Immersive digital art projections covering the walls, floors, and ceilings of a massive WWII submarine base. The same concept as the Atelier des Lumieres in Paris but in a more dramatic space. Shows rotate but typically feature classic artists reimagined digitally. Admission about EUR 16. Located near La Cite du Vin.

Bordeaux's main food market, operating since 1831. Over 60 stalls sell oysters (shucked to order from EUR 8 per dozen), cheeses, charcuterie, and local specialties. Several small counters serve breakfast and lunch. Saturday and Sunday mornings are busiest. Try the canele pastries, small caramelized cakes that originated in Bordeaux.

These small, caramelized rum-and-vanilla cakes with a soft custard center are unique to Bordeaux. Baillardran has shops throughout the city and is the most famous producer. La Toque Cuivree and Caneleria are also excellent. A good canele should have a dark, almost burnt caramelized shell and a moist interior. About EUR 2-3 each.

The narrow streets around Place du Parlement and Place Saint-Pierre have the highest concentration of quality restaurants in Bordeaux. From casual bistros to fine dining, the area covers all price ranges. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. Le Petit Commerce for seafood and Belle Campagne for modern French are local favorites.

The Arcachon basin, an hour west of Bordeaux, produces some of France's best oysters. In Bordeaux, find them at the Marche des Capucins or oyster bars throughout the city. Traditionally eaten with local Graves white wine and thin sausages (a Bordelais specialty). A dozen with wine typically costs EUR 15-20.

The Dune of Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe at 106 meters, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a vast pine forest. About an hour from Bordeaux by car or train to Arcachon. Climbing the dune takes 15-20 minutes and the panoramic view from the top is spectacular. Combine with fresh oysters in Arcachon's port area.

About 90 minutes east of Bordeaux, the Dordogne region offers medieval castles, prehistoric caves (including Lascaux IV), and villages ranked among the most beautiful in France. Sarlat-la-Caneda is the main hub with a perfectly preserved medieval center. A car is essential for exploring this region properly.

The colorful oyster villages around the basin (L'Herbe, Le Canon, Piraillan) have brightly painted wooden cabins, small-scale oyster farms, and a peaceful atmosphere far from the tourist crowds. Cap Ferret, at the tip of the peninsula, has pristine beaches and a lighthouse with panoramic views.