Renowned wine region in southwest France with over 200 châteaux. Gothic and Renaissance architecture line tree-filled boulevards. Home to Vinexpo, the world's largest wine fair.
Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, sits along the Garonne River. Its 18th-century city center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes grand spaces like Place de la Bourse with its water mirror. You can explore wine culture at Cité du Vin or view contemporary art at CAPC museum. The revitalized riverfront quays invite leisurely walks and cycling.
Exploring Bordeaux's UNESCO World Heritage Center
Bordeaux's city center, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, contains over 350 protected buildings and monuments from the 18th century. The limestone facades give the city a warm, golden appearance, particularly at sunset. In the Saint-Pierre district, you'll walk through narrow medieval streets lined with small cafes and independent shops.
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Bordeaux and its surrounding areas include over 7,000 wineries across 65 appellations. You can take guided tours to châteaux in Médoc, Saint-Émilion, or Graves. For a wine experience within the city, visit La Cité du Vin. This modern museum presents interactive exhibits about global wine culture and concludes with a tasting session.
Walking Along the Garonne River
The left bank of the Garonne River now serves as an active promenade. Begin at Place de la Bourse to see the Miroir d'Eau, the world's largest reflecting pool. As you continue along the quays, you'll pass former warehouses now occupied by restaurants and shops. On Sundays, a market of over 60 stalls sells local produce and specialties. The promenade also accommodates cycling and rollerblading.
Tasting Bordelais Cuisine
Bordeaux's food scene extends beyond wine. Try local specialties such as canelés, small pastries with rum and vanilla flavors. For a traditional meal, order entrecôte à la bordelaise, a rib steak cooked in wine sauce. Oysters from nearby Arcachon Bay are a favorite for seafood enthusiasts. At Les Halles de Bacalan, a modern food hall, you can sample various Bordelais flavors from over 20 local vendors.
Day Trip to Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion, a medieval town 35 kilometers east of Bordeaux, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's known for steep, cobblestone streets and numerous wineries. You can visit the 12th-century monolithic church carved from solid rock, then climb the bell tower for views of the surrounding vineyards. Many châteaux in the area offer wine tasting tours.
