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Sitting in the southwest of France along the Garonne river is the city of Bordeaux. This area has been inhabited since the bronze age and has been a flourishing port and city since the Roman period.
Perhaps what the region is most famous for is its wine, making it the second most recognizable city in France, after Paris. You will find rolling hills of vineyards with castles perched atop them outside of the main city. Bordeaux is the capital city for the large region of southwest France called New Aquitaine. This is a region that stretches from the Spanish border in the south all the way to Limoges land in the north.
The history of Bordeaux shows that it’s been known as a capital for close to 2000 years, from one civilization to another. This is because it’s a fantastic port city that’s also a popular stopping point for cruise liners.
The city has a blend of modern, Gothic medieval and Baroque architectural styles. It was made to be explored either by foot or by bicycle. The famous vineyards of the region provide a lovely landscape to escape to, and a momentous trip to leave you with memories for a lifetime.
The Port of the Moon, named for the crescent moon shape that the bend in the Bordeaux river forms, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 18th-century cityscape has remained almost entirely unspoiled since its creation.
Bordeaux is also a world capital of gastronomy, famous for speciality food, particularly their pastries. But, behind the pastry prowess, there is more than meets the eye. The Pauillac lamb shoulder is a speciality of the Médoc wine region involving lambs from the area.
There is another local dish that has been around since the middle ages, Lamprey à la Bordelaise. It’s a fish dish that used to be made with a concoction of red wine and the fish’s blood. Have no fear though, times have changed and it is now served with a spiced red wine sauce instead.
You absolutely cannot leave without sampling a canelé, a speciality of the city of Bordeaux. This is a small rum and vanilla custard cake with a crispy crust.
Although the region is famous for its wine, there are still a number of different things to do and places to visit in Bordeaux.
This is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux. Every Sunday, Marché des Quias is a place to sample the local food of the region, both fresh and cooked. You can find it just north of the city centre, take a walk along the Garonne river for the scenic route to the market.
Here you will find fresh oysters, cheeses, and wines to snack on while strolling the riverbank that easily compares to the wine and cheese in Paris. You will be hard-pressed to find a lunch of this calibre anywhere else at the prices on offer.
When it comes to activities in Bordeaux, you can visit one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. This is for all the shopaholics that want to make a few purchases on the most famous shopping street in the city from little boutique stores and massive department stores.
Although wine is produced around the country, Bordeaux is considered the capital of wine. A visit to Wine City is a must to learn everything about the different wine labels and the Bordeaux Château. You can even get your taste buds going with wine tasting from some of the most incredible wines from the region.
A visit to one of the most iconic landmarks of the city should be one of the first things on your list of things to do in Bordeaux. It was built in the early 11th-century but almost entirely rebuilt in the 14th-century after the stormy period of French history. It has since been declared a national French Monument and its awe-inspiring aesthetic will leave you speechless.
If you are going to Bordeaux for the first time, staying in the historic district of the city is the perfect place to rest your head. The districts of choice should be Saint Pierre and Saint Paul with a range of different accommodation types available but all at a steep price.
For those on more of a budget and who enjoy the nightlife more, Gare Saint-Jean is the district to stay in. There are quite a lot of budget-friendly lodges and hotels in the area and it is also super close to all the city sites.
The Hôtel Bleu de Mer is an upmarket hotel that is in the centre of the city and within walking distance to most landmarks and close to downtown Bordeaux. It has a fresh and modern design with stunning views of the city.
The Campanile hotel in the area is a great value-for-money accommodation. It is close to the main train station and within driving distance of the region’s vineyards. It also features a more modern design and is only a five-minute walk from the city centre.
Bordeaux is a beautiful city that is a dream destination for all foodies and wine lovers alike. The cultural significance of the city may be overlooked by some but it is just as important and worth exploring to get a feel for the city.
From exploring the markets of the city centre to venturing into the vineyards and countryside, adventures await for all.
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