The stunning city of Bordeaux is beyond the fame of its wine region. Though there are lots of vineyards to see in the city area, there are more. Bordeaux is a fascinating place that is easy to visit because the authorities have invested a fortune in transport. The city is located in the Aquitaine region of the country. The area is in the southwest just above the Pays Basque.

Divided in two by the Garonne, Bordeaux is not far from the Atlantic. The river’s right bank is to the east, and the left bank is to the west of the city.

Here Is What The City Of Bordeaux is Famous For:

La Cité du Vin

For many tourists, Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, so the best start to discovering the city is a visit to the impressive Cité du Vin museum and exhibition. This place is a new center in the city and will delight lots of visitors. The venue has an incredible shape, and in it, they will go through an interesting educational session where they will learn much about wine. There are many interactive activities as well to learn hands-on.

Visitors are expected to put their sense of smell into use by attempting to figure out different flavors. They will also find a big cave that has a wide range of wine and a massive library on wine. In the entry ticket price is included a visit to the Belvedere where visitors can be allowed to taste for free. From there, they can appreciate the striking views of Bordeaux. Nothing feels quite like the views with a glass of soft wine.

Place de la Victoire

This is another popular place in Bordeaux and is a brilliant spot to start a day tour of the city. Place de la Victoire is a bubbling square that is recognized by the 1700s arc and the marble obelisk that visitors will find at its center. Situated at the southern section of central Bordeaux, this square links some of the largest streets in Bordeaux, including the widely known Sainte Catherine Street.

The square is also close to Bordeaux’s busiest street, the University campus, and many bars and cafes. These forges a lively and busy setting. Has impressive as the place is, the incredible arc is the highlight here.

Marché des Capucins

When you visit Bordeaux, be prepared to have an unforgettable gastronomic encounter. The Marché des Capucins is the city’s largest daily market and has a wonderful collection of vegetables and fruits, spices, sweets, and a host of active restaurants and cafes.

Marché des Capucins is a covered market, and even if it is raining, you will be shielded as the market is covered. Many of the restaurants and cafes also place tables on the outside where visitors can take coffee or lunch. On the weekend, Marché des Capucins is crammed with locals and visitors who meet to eat oysters with white wine. If you will be adding this place to your itinerary, visit early not to miss a table.

The Saint Michel Neighborhood 

Saint Michel, until recently, was not the friendliest area and was often ignored by tourists. Recently, a younger population has moved to the area and revived it. Now, you can find trendy cafes and chic shops that emphasize the authenticity of the area.

There are lots of things to do and see in Saint Michel, and if you have time to spare, say days, you will be spoiled for choices. But for those pressed for time, they can explore Saint Michel in a short time by visiting the Basilica, La Flèche Saint-Michel, the Saturday market, and the antiques.

The Basilica of Saint Michel is recognized as UNESCO a world heritage center. It is located at the center of the area and on Place Meynard, the area’s major square. It is circled by many restaurants, cafes, and bars.

La Flèche Saint-Michel is close to the basilica, and visitors will find the Saint Michel bell tower, a major monument of Bordeaux. You can climb it to behold a massive view of the city. The Saturday market is local one close to the basilica. You do not need to buy anything before you can visit. The atmosphere is simply delightful. The antique markets open daily, and there are lots of things you can purchase.

Museums

There are about 3 notable museums which are great to visit if you have enough time. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a fine-art art repository of the city and one of the largest French art galleries outside of Paris. It is located at 20 Cours d’Albert, 33000, Bordeaux.

The Museum of Decorative Arts of Bordeaux is another museum art buffs should check out. It is installed in a lovely castle and is home to an array of furniture, ceramics, and lots of other objects from the 1700s and 1800s. Also, the place has a splendid outdoor coffee set up in the building’s cool courtyard.

There is the Musée d’Aquitaine for those who desire to learn a great deal of the city’s history and archaeology. It is located at 20 Cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux. You might skip the museums altogether, but you can still get the best of the area. Stroll on the Vital Carles street and be ready to be amazed.

At the street’s end, to the right is one of the city’s most impressive streets, Cours de l’Intendance. It is a broad street which expresses the city’s character as you stand and watch its magnificence.

Grande Théâtre

The stunning 1700s building on Place de la Comedie cannot be missed as it is imposing. It is one of the most splendid buildings in Bordeaux and houses the National Opera. You can also book tickets to have a tour of the amazing buildings. But note that the tours are in French as at the time of writing.  The tours occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

La Base Sous-Marine

La Base Sous-Marine is a submarine base that has been turned to an underground modern art exhibition. In the past, the submarine base was built by the Germans in the Second World War for the U-Boats. Now, the place offers diverse activities like concerts, opera, exhibitions, and theatre. The base tells an intriguing story during the war. When the French workforce attempted to resist the Germans, the Germans knew of the plan and placed 20 bodies in the base’s concrete wall. It is not clear if the story is true, though.

Jardin Public

Traveling with kids to Bordeaux can be particularly interesting too. Jardin Public offers the chance to have a quiet time with the little ones while you appreciate nature. It is a garden popular among locals, and it has green spaces where visitors can jog, walk, and play with kids too.

Things Bordeaux Is Famous For – Summary

Bordeaux is not just famous for its wine. The city’s tourism is one of its major sectors, and if you are looking to have a nice time in southwestern France, the city will surprise you in epic proportions. From historical monuments, sensational gastronomic scenes, interesting museums, velvety wines, to a vibrant atmosphere, Bordeaux’s fame is in a class of its own.