Things to do in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an ancient city, which lies between the River Garonne and miles of fertile countryside, and is famous for its rich, classic wines and hearty cuisine. Bordeaux is a lovely place to visit, with its relaxed, laid back atmosphere and convivial café culture, and the mild climate is perfect for walks along the river and dining out in the evenings.

A little taste from Bordeaux and its charming architecture

There are plenty if things to see and do in Bordeaux, and many of the city museums and architectural sights are within walking distance of one another, so you can take it easy and stroll around the city at your own pace, stopping now and again for a strong coffee or a leisurely lunch. Favorite sights include:
* Quartier des Chartrons – this amazing area became rich on the busy wine trade of the 18th Century, and is full of stunning historic buildings and upmarket shops and restaurants. This is also the sight of the popular Musée d’Art Contemporain, which some varied and fascinating exhibits on 20th century experimental art, ‘arte povera’ (1960’s Italian art movement) and excellent temporary displays that showcase contemporary artists.

The Stone Bridge in Bordeaux

* Cathédrale St-André - this stunning gothic cathedral is UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 13th Century and has a magnificent arched doorway in the western facade.

The Church of Holly Cross in Bordeaux

* Musée d’Aquitaine – this museum is well run, with a whole host of excellent exhibits from the history of Bordeaux and the surrounding areas, from archaeological finds to objects of interest from the present day.
* Palais Rohan – this beautiful baroque building is now the municipal City Hall, and has a number of interesting architectural features. This is also the site of the Musée des Beaux Arts, which takes up one whole wing and has a number of important and interesting paintings from great masters such as Titian, Renoir, Delacroix and Matisse.

Bordeaux downtown

Bordeaux also has an excellent performing arts house, the ‘Grand Théâtre’, which is situated on the banks of the River Garonne and hosts a number of world class operas, ballets and concerts throughout the year (for more information you can visit www.opera-bordeaux.com).

There are plenty of restaurants in Bordeaux, many of which have excellent food and wine menus such as:
* Philippe Chez Dubern – this famous restaurant was established in the late 1880’s, and serves modern fish and seafood dishes, which are delicious, well presented and beautifully cooked. The restaurant itself is roomy and attractively decorated, and the service is discreet and efficient.
* Brasserie Noailles – this classic Parisian style brasserie provides a number of tasty regional dishes and wines, and has a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.
* Le Café du Musée – this popular rooftop café is in the Musée d’Art Contemporain, and is very good value for money, offering a delicious seasonal menu of traditional French and fusion dishes.
* Café Le Dijeaux – this traditional style French café offers a number of delicious pastries and snacks to go along with your strong cup of aromatic coffee. Prices are very low, and this is a popular spot for a late breakfast or afternoon coffee break.

There are also plenty of shops in Bordeaux, and the best area for more upmarket shopping (designer clothes, and gourmet food and wine stores) is along the allées de Tourny, cours Clemenceau and cours de l’intendance, which are generally referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’. The main pedestrian shopping street is the rue Ste-Catherine, which has a good variety of different shops, cafes and department stores.