Located just an hour from the ocean, there is an excellent variety of things to do in Bordeaux and its surroundings, leisure activities, and must-see places. Mainly renowned for its wines and vineyards, the city of Bordeaux has a rich historical and architectural heritage. Its nightlife is famous for being both vibrant and pleasant. Its dynamism comes mainly from the fact that its origin was revalued at the beginning of the 21st century. The city center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Between history, wines, places to visit, and unusual activities, Bordeaux has a lot to offer you. In fact, Bordeaux first shows off its proud Haussmann facades and its spectacular squares.
Undeniably elegant, to the point of being sometimes nicknamed “sleeping beauty,” Bordeaux has nevertheless been able to find a new lease on life. The city is changing and getting new life because of its changing population and the growth of new neighborhoods. Thus, visiting Bordeaux today means plunging into a city in full swing.
Another important feature of the city is its many places to stay. Lots of hotels are located in the best places to stay in Bordeaux region. You can taste delicate French cuisine with famous Bordeaux wines.
Places to Visit in Bordeaux
There are many places you can visit in Bordeaux. The city promises a holiday full of rich history and world-famous vineyards. Before coming to the town, making a detailed plan and deciding where to go is essential. If you want to explore and visit the city entirely, you must spare at least 3-4 days. Here are the must-see places in the city. If you are thinking about where should i go in Bordeaux, these are amongst the best places.
Place de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse is located in the Saint-Pierre district, the historic center of the city of Bordeaux. It was built in the 18th century, marking the end of medieval architecture and the rise of classicism. Surrounded by two very imposing monuments, the Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes, it is best known for its water mirror, which was only installed in 2006. This immense space of over 3,000 square meters is covered with a weedy stream of water, hence the shimmering effect. The effect is only present between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. During this time slot, three sequences are programmed: mirror, pool, and mist, repeated every 20 minutes. Take the opportunity to stop at the garden of lights right next to the square for a small picnic or a moment of relaxation.
Place de la Victorie
Place de la Victoire is the meeting place for Bordeaux students; there will be many bars and restaurants. It is also on this square that the Faculty of Medicine of Bordeaux has been located since 1888. It is located on the edge of the medieval city’s fortifications; the Porte d’Aquitaine was still built in the 18th century when the ramparts were destroyed. It is also the entrance to Europe’s longest pedestrian street, rue Sainte-Catherine, and its numerous shops. Still, in architectural terms, the square was decorated in 2005 with an obelisk and two bronze turtles. As for Place de la Victoire, it is the epicenter of wild student parties. Thus, those looking for a more peaceful atmosphere will instead turn to the wine bars of the Notre Dame district.
Bordeaux Cathedral
The most important place of worship in Bordeaux, Saint-André Cathedral, is located on Place Pey-Berland. Built-in the 11th century, it was transformed into the Gothic style between the 12th and 16th centuries. It has hosted several royal weddings, including those of Louis VII and Louis XIII. The building has a very imposing and surprising architecture given that its bell tower, the Pey Berland Tower, is separated from the rest of the building. In the 15th century, it was built to replace the old bell tower, which couldn’t hold all the bells. To reach the top of the tower, more than 200 steps must be climbed. On the other hand, the effort will be rewarded with a panoramic view from 66 meters above all of Bordeaux.
Best Hotels to Stay in Bordeaux
There are many hotels where you can stay in Bordeaux. Hotels with famous French architecture, dazzling hotels, or just cheap options to spend the night. Since it is one of the most touristic cities in France, there are many hotels in the city. Moreover, one of the most beautiful aspects is that most of the hotels offer world-famous Bordeaux wines. These are the best hotels to stay in Bordeaux France.
Le Boutique Hotel & Spa🔗
Le Boutique Hotel & Spa, located in a building that was built in the 18th century, stands out as one of the most luxurious hotels in Bordeaux. There is a 100-year-old chestnut tree in the lush garden of the hotel. Le Boutique Hotel & Spa has a great wine bar on its terrace. Here you can taste exceptional wines and get detailed information about your choices. Le Boutique Hotel & Spa best place to stay in Bordeaux for wine tasting.
Yndo Hotel🔗
Yndo Hotel is the best chateaux to stay in Bordeaux. The hotel, a 19th-century castle, offers you a novel-like experience. While enjoying the view of the city on the hotel’s terrace, you can also taste different Bordeaux wines. It is possible to walk to many important places from the hotel in the city center is possible. Yndo Hotel in Bordeaux best places to stay for a dream-like experience.
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux🔗
The superior luxury, sparkling and complete experience that Hilton offers to its guests is also evident at the Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux. Equipped with thoughtful details, the hotel has an eye-catching design. Located in the city center, you can reach many essential places of the city in a short time. Choose Hilton for an exceptional experience and a dream vacation. It is one of the best hotels in Bordeaux France.
InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel🔗
France is world-famous for its thinkers, cuisine, wines, architecture, romance, and history. Most of these features apply to Le Grand Hotel in Bordeaux and InterContinental Bordeaux. InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, has one of the most famous restaurants in the city. World-renowned British chef Gordon Ramsey’s Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant serves within the hotel. In this restaurant, you can enjoy the unique dishes of the famous chef and an exceptional wine selection. InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel is the best place to stay in Bordeaux if you are interested in French cuisine.
Hotel de Seze & Spa Bordeaux Center🔗
Suppose you’re looking for best hotels Bordeaux, you’ve plenty of choices and it is hard to decide. But if you do not want to regret your choice, add Hotel de Seze & Spa Bordeaux Center to your shortlist. Just located in the city center, the hotel has lots of amenities. You can taste the best French dishes in Le Comptoir, one of the famous restaurants in the city. If you want to taste exquisite French cuisine Hotel de Seze & Spa Bordeaux Center is a great choice where to stay in Bordeaux.
Places to Visit in Bordeaux for Couples
If there is a place to visit in France for couples, it is Paris, but there are other options than Paris. There are many places where you can spend a romantic holiday in Bordeaux. You can spend a romantic holiday in the world-famous vineyards and enjoy discovering a new city. In addition to places to visit, there are also great places to stay in Bordeaux.
Quays of Bordeaux
Delimited by two emblematic bridges in Bordeaux, the quays are a place to meet and walk. Ranging from the Pont de Pierre, the oldest bridge in the city, to the Pont Chaban Delmas, a bridge with unique architecture, the quays are among the most beautiful urban heritage sites in the world and are furthermore inscribed on the World Heritage List of Unesco. Several spaces offer a variety of activities that will satisfy everyone’s desires: sports, picnics, walks, shopping, heritage discovery, restaurants, playgrounds, and museums. In addition to these activities, it is possible to cruise on the Garonne aboard a tourist boat or explore the river by renting a jet ski. Very pleasant during the day, you can also come to the quays to admire the sunset, which is reflected on the water and offers a magnificent spectacle of colors.
Cite du Vin
More than 30 meters high, the Cité du Vin was inaugurated in 2016 and has since represented a must-see in the city and the region. The city of Bordeaux has developed around the wine world, and the museum allows it to highlight this facet of Bordeaux. According to National Geographic, its very atypical carafe-shaped architecture and contents have enabled the Cité du Vin to be ranked among the ten best museums in the world. It offers four themed tours, permanent exhibitions, and temporary exhibitions that follow the rhythm of the seasons. These activities will allow you to be totally immersed in the wine world and its history. On the top floor of the building, the Belvedere awaits you for a tasting while enjoying a breathtaking 360° view of all of Bordeaux. Cite du Vin best place to go in Bordeaux for vine lover couples.
Vinyards of Bordeaux
There are many wine routes in Bordeaux. The region’s castles have worked for years to get its wines known worldwide; it is now one of the most well-known wine regions in the world. With nearly 100,000 hectares, the Bordeaux vineyard includes around sixty appellations. It is divided into five wine-growing sub-regions: Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers, and finally, the Right Bank. Thus, there is a wine route for each of the sub-regions, with each time a multitude of possible ways. During your stay, you can follow the wine route of your choice.
Best Hotels to Stay in Bordeaux for Couples
After Paris, Bordeaux is one of the most important places to experience French romance and have an unforgettable holiday experience. You can enjoy Bordeaux by staying in the city’s beautiful hotels. In addition to discovering a new city, you can learn surprising details about world-famous wines. These are the best places to stay in Bordeaux for couples.
Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa Bordeaux🔗
Although everyone’s understanding of vacation is very different from each other, Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa Bordeaux is a hotel that will make everyone’s dreams come true. Located in the city center, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s highlights, such as the Place de la Bourse, the CAPC Musee d’Art Contemporain, and the Esplanade des Quinconces. In the hotel’s spa center, you can get rid of the tiredness of the whole year and have a unique holiday experience. Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa Bordeaux is the best place to stay in Bordeaux France.
MAISON D’HÔTES “Bordeaux Wine Lodge”🔗
If you want to visit the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux, MAISON D’HÔTES “Bordeaux Wine Lodge” is one of the best options. One of the services that the hotel is famous for is the delicious French breakfast service. MAISON D’HÔTES “Bordeaux Wine Lodge” organizes tours to Bordeaux vineyards for its guests. This exclusive feature makes it one of the best vineyards to stay in Bordeaux.
Hotel des Quinconces Bordeaux Centre🔗
Hotel des Quinconces Bordeaux Center offers an unforgettable holiday experience for couples. The hotel’s stunning architecture is one of the best examples of French romance. While having a romantic dinner at the restaurant in the hotel’s inner garden, you can also taste the legendary wines of Bordeaux. One of the essential features of the hotel is that it is close to many important places of the city. The hotel is located in the best area to stay in Bordeaux.
Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa🔗
Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa is like a hidden garden in the city for couples with its architecture, decor, restaurant, and many other services. While tasting the hotel’s unique wine selection, you can taste the most delicious examples of French cuisine at the restaurant by the pool in the hotel’s garden. Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa is amongst the best places to stay in Bordeaux.
Hotel La Maison Bord’eaux🔗
If you are looking for a place in Bordeaux where to stay, you’ve plenty of choices. Hotel La Maison Bord’eaux is one of the top-notch places. With its delicious French breakfast buffet, Avant-Garde dining room, and regional wine selection Hotel La Maison Bord’eaux is one of the great places to stay in Bordeaux. The hotel organizes tours to local vineyards like Medoc and Saint-Emilion for its visitors.
See also: Where to stay in Strasbourg?