Sightseeing in Bordeaux
Nestled along the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a vibrant port city in southwestern France. Explore Bordeaux’s sightseeing attractions, like the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, a majestic Romanesque cathedral, or Basilique Saint-Michel, a striking Gothic church that’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Bordeaux’s most iconic square, Place de la Bourse, to admire stunning neoclassical French architecture and the Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest water mirror, which offers beautiful reflections of the surrounding buildings. Or, step back in time with a visit to Porte Cailhau, a 15th-century medieval monument that was once used as a defensive gate to the city.
Top Things to Do in Bordeaux
Once you’ve admired the impressive sights that Bordeaux has to offer, there’s still plenty to see and do.
Explore Cité du Vin: Enjoy immersive exhibits and wine tastings at this futuristic wine museum.
Visit Place du Parlement: Located in the heart of the old town, visit this charming square for a bite to eat at one of its quaint restaurant terraces.
Relax in Jardin Public: For a green escape within the city, visit Jardin Public for beautifully landscaped gardens, a lake and an arboretum.
Watch a football match at the Matmut Atlantique: Sports enthusiasts can watch Bordeaux FC, known locally as Girondins de Bordeaux, play at their home stadium.
The History of Bordeaux Wine
As one of the country’s most iconic wine regions, Bordeaux is bursting with culinary culture and is a must-visit destination for food and drink. The city’s rich history of producing delicious wines dates back to the ancient Romans, who planted the first vineyards in the region’s fertile soil. The area gained popularity in 1152 when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, England’s future king, linking Bordeaux to England and sparking a booming export market between the countries.
In the 17th century, Dutch merchants drained the marshy Médoc region, creating even more space for vineyards in the area. The top estates became officially ranked in 1855, and Bordeaux wines earned legal protection in 1936. Today, Bordeaux is world-famous for smooth blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other premium grapes.
Explore Bordeaux’s Finest Wines and Vineyard Experiences
If you’re embarking on a vineyard tour of France, visit Bordeaux’s surrounding countryside to enjoy some of the most beautiful vineyards in Europe. Split by the Gironde estuary, Bordeaux’s vineyards are divided into two parts: the right bank to the north of the Dordogne, which specialises in Merlot, and the left bank to the southwest of the Gironde, which focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine lovers can enjoy a range of Bordeaux vineyard tours in the region’s most famous wine cellars, including the following:
Château Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estèphe
Domaine de Chevalier, Léognan
Château Canon, Saint-Émilion
The Bordeaux Wine Festival
Visit Bordeaux in mid-June for 4 days of festivities at the Bordeaux Wine Festival along the city quays. It’s an unmissable event, filled with visitors and locals enjoying a range of fine wines, expert wine tastings and local gourmet food. Wander through the Appellation Pavilions as you learn more about the wines of Bordeaux and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
If you’re travelling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities too. With the chance to explore docked tall ship boats nearby and a magical drone show, there’s something for the whole family.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
Whether you’re looking for a budget hotel or luxury accommodation, there are plenty of hotels in Bordeaux. No matter your budget, make the most of your time in Bordeaux by staying in hotels that place you directly in the centre of everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Hotel des Grands Hommes – Bordeaux Centre (££) – Situated in Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle, it offers cosy budget accommodation options.
Maison Fredon Bordeaux Centre (££) – Housed in an 18th-century building, this hotel is located near Bordeaux Saint Jean Train Station.
Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes (£££) – This 5-star hotel offers a taste of luxury with a soothing ambience. Located in the wine merchant district, it features a spa, indoor pool and 97 stylish rooms.
Where to Eat in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is an excellent destination for food and wine lovers. From local delicacies like Entrecote Bordelaise and Foie Gras to Canelés and Gateau des Rois, there are plenty of dishes to try. Here are some of the top restaurants in Bordeaux:
La Douce Parenthèse (£) – In the heart of Bordeaux, this friendly French café serves authentic breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as delicious pastries.
Arcada (££-£££) – Located between Place Camille-Jullian and Saint-Michel, Arcada is a Michelin restaurant offering a bistronomic menu using locally grown produce.
Bliss (££££) – Enjoy a gourmet dining experience at this Michelin restaurant. Serving authentic French cuisine with delicious wine pairings, the restaurant offers an intimate, modern interior.
When to Visit Bordeaux
Each season in Bordeaux brings its own unique charm and experiences. Summer is a lively season, with festivals, vibrant vineyard landscapes and warm weather in Bordeaux, making it a great time of year for outdoor activities and exploring. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and quieter crowds, ideal for leisurely vineyard tours and exploring the city’s stunning architecture without the summer heat. Autumn brings picturesque views as vineyards transform into stunning shades of gold and rust during harvest season. It’s an exciting time for wine enthusiasts to w itness the grape picking and traditional winemaking process. Winter is perfect for a romantic getaway filled with cosy wine tastings by crackling fires and festive light shows in historic squares.
Planning Your Trip
Cross the Channel with DFDS ferries for a seamless start to your Bordeaux adventure. Whether you’re travelling with your car, motorhome or motorbike, start your holiday the moment you board as you enjoy our excellent facilities.
How to Get to Bordeaux
Choose from our three routes that run daily: Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk or Newhaven to Dieppe. If you’re travelling by car, you can immediately embark on your French adventure as you drive through the charming French countryside and make your way down to Bordeaux. Why not plan ahead and make a trip of your Channel crossing by stopping off in Jersey on our Portsmouth to Jersey route? Enjoy Jersey’s beautiful beaches before hopping back on our ferry crossing from Jersey to St. Malo to begin your travels to Bordeaux.
