Known around the world as Capital of French wine but also as one of the most beautiful cities in France, Bordeaux was inscribed in 2007 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its cultural and architectural riches are numerous and varied. Difficult to name them all.
In this article, I will try to mention only the biggest and most beautiful sites but also my small and good addresses ...
Where is Bordeaux located in France?
City Bordeaux is located on the Atlantic coast in the southwest of France. It is the capital of the Gironde department (Aquitaine region).
Only 2 hours from Paris by TGV, its location also allows you to be in less than an hour on the Cap Ferret beaches or Arcachon bay...
And it is especially surrounded by vineyards which extend around the largest estuary in Europe and along three rivers (Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne).
A Bordeaux , the climate is mild but the humidity is quite high because it is close to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why visit Bordeaux?
I would say simply because Bordeaux , There is something for every taste. From cultural visits (historical monuments, museums, etc.) to a stroll along the quays with a break to taste cannelés or good wine, Bordeaux is a city that has it all!
Best visits to Bordeaux? My selection
- La Place de la Bourse and the magnificent water mirror ;
- Le grand theater, elegant and majestic building, inaugurated in 1780;
- La Cathedral located on Place Pey-Berland;
- le Porte Cailhau which was part of the old city wall;
- the Cité du Vin which allows you to discover different wine cultures and learn about oenology..
- le Saint-Pierre district (historic center), why not take a Segway for fun!
- Le CAPC (magnificent museum of contemporary art) whose admission is free.
- The street Saint Catherine (the largest pedestrian shopping street in Europe in the city center): 1,2 km of shopping!
- Le Capuchin market to taste local products (oysters, cannelés, etc.);
- An excursion to discover the wine region : The Médoc and its castles, Sauternes, the Graves or Saint-Emilion and its medieval village
If you have little time to visit Bordeaux, here is my tour: Bordeaux on foot in 1 day
Best restaurants in Bordeaux? My selection
Bordeaux holds the record for the number of restaurants per inhabitant (1 to 5) and great chefs were not mistaken when they settled there: Pierre Gagnaire, Philippe Etchebest or even Gordon Ramsay.
Unfortunately, I am not rich enough to afford a meal in their restaurant.
The restaurants that I have selected below are more modest but the food is very, very good!
C'Yusha
In first place, being part of Best affordable restaurants in Bordeaux, I name it C'Yusha!
Its Chef Pierrick Célibert (trained at Bernard Loiseau and Alain Ducasse) offers fine, original and creative cuisine where herbs have pride of place.
If you have a small budget, I advise you to go there for lunch. Indeed, you can access a menu at 19 €! And if you really want to treat yourself, then treat yourself to a table in the evening (gourmet menu at 45 euros).
the NOFA
62-64 rue du Hâ, 33000, Bordeaux
Next to Place Pey Berlan, this little restaurant is my good plan for Bordeaux ! A surprising French revisited Italian cuisine.
Best hotel in Bordeaux? My selection
Courtyard side of the Hôtel Particulier
44 rue Vital Carles, Center of Bordeaux
Here is the most beautiful accommodation that I have been lucky enough to find in the Bordeaux center (100 m from Saint André Cathedral)!
The Côté Cour of L'Hôtel Particulier is not a hotel but a guest house dating from the XNUMXth century. These are fully equipped (very elegant) apartments overlooking the inner courtyard. You have the possibility to order breakfasts. They are fantastic so don't deprive yourself!
At the Terraces
48 Rue Sullivan, Center of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux
To enjoy a beautiful terrace in the Bordeaux center in a family holiday atmosphere… You feel at home in this magnificent residence where the welcome is really good.
Why choose Bordeaux?
After all that has been said, I think we should not even ask the question! It is forbidden to hesitate between visiting Bordeaux or another French city ... no, before making any other decision, simply schedule a stay in Bordeaux . The other cities will come after!
A day or a weekend in Bordeaux?
Discover my detailed itineraries to visit Bordeaux in 1 day, discover Bordeaux in 2 days or do the Bordeaux wine route !