Bordeaux walking tour & city guide

Place de la Bourse and the quays

The classical facades of the Place de la Bourse, built in the 18th century, face the river. In front of them lies the Miroir d'Eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, a thin sheet of water that alternates with clouds of mist and creates perfect reflections of the palace, especially at dusk.

The riverside quays, once industrial docks, are now a long promenade for walking, cycling and picnics. Further north, La Cité du Vin is a spectacular museum dedicated to the culture of wine around the world, with a tasting room at the top offering views over the city.

The old town

Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe, runs through the center. Around it, squares like Place du Parlement and Place Saint-Pierre are lined with café terraces. The Gothic Saint-André Cathedral and its separate bell tower, the Tour Pey-Berland, rise over the old town, and the Grand Théâtre is a neoclassical masterpiece.

The Chartrons district, the historic home of wine merchants, is now known for antique shops, bistros and a relaxed village atmosphere.

Wine country

Bordeaux is surrounded by famous vineyards: the Médoc, Graves and Saint-Émilion, a medieval village perched above its vineyards, are all easy day trips. The Atlantic coast, with the great Dune du Pilat and the oysters of Arcachon Bay, is about an hour away.