10 reasons to visit Bordeaux France. Bordeaux is a city brimming with exciting experiences ready to be explored! This city boasts world-renowned vineyards , chateaux, stunning architecture, museums, rich history, delectable cuisine, scenic river cruises, beautiful parks, fantastic shopping, exciting festivals, and day trips to the surrounding countryside.
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1. Miroir d’Eau
If you’re planning a visit to Bordeaux, France, be sure to add the Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) to your itinerary. It’s one attraction you won’t want to miss!
Miroir d´Eau is a stunning reflective pool located in the heart of Bordeaux, France. This unique attraction is especially popular during the summer months when visitors and locals alike flock to its refreshing waters.
The Miroir d’Eau is unique due to its design, allowing for a shallow layer of water to cover a large pavement area. This creates a stunning visual effect, as the water reflects the surrounding architecture and sky, producing a mesmerizing mirror-like surface.
Ankle-deep waters make for a safe and enjoyable activity that visitors of all ages can revel in. Don’t hesitate to splash around! At night, the Miroir d’Eau transforms into a magical display of colourful lights, adding to its already dreamlike ambiance.
2. Le Jardin Public in the heart of Bordeaux City
Jardin Public is a beautiful and peaceful park located in the heart of Bordeaux, France. It was first opened in 1746 and has since become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The park has a large pond, a playground, as well as a stunning collection of plants and trees. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic on the grass, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
3. Dune du Pilat – More Reasons to visit Bordeaux France!
Located on the southwest coast of France, Dune du Pilat is a natural wonder. It attracts thousands of visitors every year. Rising over 300 feet above sea level, this massive sand dune offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, ocean, and sky. Visitors can climb to the top for an unforgettable experience, or take a stroll along the beach at its base.
4. Arcachon
Arcachon is a commune located in the Gironde department in France. Renowned for its oyster market and pristine sandy beaches that lure countless tourists each year. Its traditional architecture, with quaint stone houses and charming cobbled streets, adds to its undeniable allure. If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax and soak up the sun.
5. Chocolatier Bordeaux
Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is a city that has become synonymous with wine production. However, it is also home to some of the finest chocolatiers in the country. These chocolatiers are experts in their craft, using only the finest ingredients to create a variety of delectable treats.
Although Bayonne is technically the chocolate capital of France, Bordeaux’s proximity to the southern region has made it an attractive location for hundreds of chocolatiers.
From rich and creamy truffles to delicate chocolate sculptures, the chocolatiers in Bordeaux offer a wide range of options to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Many of these chocolatiers have been perfecting their craft for generations, passing down their knowledge and techniques from one family member to the next.
Visitors to Bordeaux can explore the city’s chocolate scene by taking a self-guided tour or joining a guided tour. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of chocolate production in the region, as well as sample some of the finest chocolates in the world.
6. Bordeaux Food / Restaurants
One of the things that sets the Bordeaux restaurant scene apart is the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The chefs here are passionate about using fresh produce from the surrounding countryside, and this commitment to quality is evident in every dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic French cuisine or something more contemporary, you’re sure to find a restaurant in Bordeaux that will satisfy your cravings. And with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to have a different dining experience every night of the week.
My Recommendations – Restaurants Bordeaux / Bordeaux Food
- The pizza and cocktails from Osteria Palatino.
- The French onion soup covered with a puff pastry from Michels Bistro.
- Canelés (a French dessert from Bordeaux with a cylindrical shape and a flavourful taste. They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, milk, rum, and vanilla, and are traditionally baked in a copper mold.) from either Cassonade or La Toque Cuivrée.
- Crêpes Suzette (a French dessert that consists of crêpes with a sauce made of caramelized sugar and butter, orange juice and zest, and liqueur, often flambeed tableside, providing a dramatic and exciting experience for diners) from Suzette Creperie Urbaine
- Brunch at La Collation. Try the pancakes!
- Book a delicious lunch at the beautiful Chateau Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail.
- Try the delectable soft cakes coated with whipped cream and chocolate shavings (in flavours like vanilla, raspberry, chocolate, and coffee) from Aux Merveilleux de Fred (a French pastry shop founded in 1982 by Frédéric Vaucamps). Ps. They have various locations across France and abroad!
- Try the mouthwatering quiches from Boulangerie Feuillette.
- The cream-filled puff pastries from Dunes Blanches Chez Pascal Arcachon. Savour them on the beach with a delectable bottle of locally-sourced wine.
7. Visit Saint Emilion
Nestled in the heart of the renowned Bordeaux wine region is the charming medieval village of SAINT-ÉMILION where world-class wineries, exquisite wines, stunning architecture, and historic monuments come together in perfect harmony. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and offers stunning views of the countryside.
Saint-Émilion is a popular destination for wine lovers from all over the world who come to taste some of the best wines in the region. The village has over 800 wine producers, many of whom offer wine tastings and tours of their vineyards.
In addition to its wine, Saint-Émilion is also steeped in history. The village is home to a number of historic monuments, including the Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church, which is carved out of a single piece of limestone. Visitors can also explore the underground catacombs, which were used to store wine in the past.
Saint-Émilion is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wine, history, and stunning scenery.
8. Garonne River in Bordeaux France
The Garonne River is home to the largest and tallest vertical lift bridge in Europe, the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas. Take a leisurely stroll during the day or night to fully appreciate this breathtaking sight.
The Garonne River is a significant river in the southwestern part of France, running through the city of Bordeaux. It is approximately 647 kilometers long, making it the third-longest river in the country. The river is known for its important role in the wine industry, as the vineyards along its banks produce some of the finest wines in the world.
In addition to its economic significance, the Garonne River is also a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the historic towns and villages that line its shores. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the river, stopping off at picturesque towns such as Saint-Émilion and Cadillac.
The Garonne River also plays an important role in the region’s cultural heritage, with many festivals and events held on its banks throughout the year. One of the most famous of these is the Fête le Vin, an annual wine festival that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
9. Rue Saint Catherine
Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the most famous and lively streets in the city of Bordeaux. More than a kilometer long, it connects Place de la Victoire to Place des Grands Hommes, passing through Place Saint-Projet and Place Gambetta.
This pedestrian street is lined with numerous stores, boutiques and restaurants, making it a very popular place for walking and shopping for Bordeaux residents and tourists. It is also known for its remarkable architecture, with buildings dating from the 18th century and numerous green spaces, such as the Jardin de la Bourse.
10. Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux wines are some of the most sought after and highly regarded wines in the world. Located in the southwest region of France, Bordeaux is known for its diverse terroir, which allows for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive. The red wines of Bordeaux are typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, while the white wines are typically made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
The wine-making tradition in Bordeaux dates back centuries, and the region has become known for its strict regulations and high standards for quality. Many of the world’s most famous wineries are located in Bordeaux, and the region has become a pilgrimage site for wine lovers from around the globe.
Bordeaux wines are known for their complexity, depth, and ageability. They often have a rich, full-bodied flavour and aroma, with notes of black currant, plum, and cedar. The tannins in Bordeaux wines are typically firm and well-structured, giving the wines their characteristic aging potential.
Look out for the First growth or Premier Cru as it is the highest classification of Bordeaux wines. There are five ‘First Growth’ wines, which are exalted as a league above all others in Bordeaux.
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Travel Resources
Here is a list of my favourite travel resources to ensure your trip not only goes smoothly but that you have the best time ever! I created the ultimate digital mobile travel planner to help you plan the perfect trip, and if you´re going on a road trip you might want to check out our digital road trip planner (Google maps included). Lastly, if you are travelling as a family this family travel planner is just what you need.
Amazon Must Haves Budget Travel Essentials
Here is a lit of my top AMAZON MUST HAVES BUDGET TRAVEL ESSENTIALS.
Also, I´ve created a three part series on Instagram of things to do in Bordeaux and its surroundings. Click here to see part 1, part 2 or part 3 (below).
If you’re looking for something interesting to read, I would like to suggest my blog post about our time in Annecy, France.
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