N°1 Visit Bordeaux : 5 sites unmissable !
Bordeaux is a Port city located on the Garonne River in southwestern France. It is the Capital of the New Aquitaine region as well as the capital of the Gironde department and is at the centre of a great wine region which is renowned for being the first wine metropolis in the world.
Together with Paris, it is the French City which contains the most protected buildings. Some are ancient constructions, such as the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-André. Others more recent such as the mansions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as well as cultural facilities like the Museum of Fine Arts or the City of Wine.
After the Second World War, Bordeaux was criticized for insufficiently developing its wealth, and was for many years known as a “sleeping beauty”. However, those days now appear to have been forgotten. In 2007 Bordeaux was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with great cultural and economic dynamism.
So, in order not to miss anything of this splendid metropolis, the Guides Lecturers of France have handpicked for you a selection of 5 sites which are absolutely vital for you to visit!
Do not hesitate to contact us for a guided tour or a tailor-made excursion, by consulting our catalogue or by writing us at contact@guides-france.com.
The Cathedral of Saint-Andre
This Gothic Monument dominates the Place Berland, and it was originally a Roman Basilica which was consecrated in 1096. The actual edifice was constructed between the Twelfth and Fifteenth Centuries. Two royal marriages were celebrated there : that of Aliénor of Aquitaine and Louis VII, in 1137, and then that of Louis XIII with Anne of Austria, in 1615. To get to know Bordeaux better and the middle-ages, follow the guide !
The Grand Theatre
The work of the Architect Victor Louis between 1773 and 1780, the Grand Theatre was constructed upon the relics of a gallo-roman Temple, and the pillars of Guardianship, destroyed during the reign of Louis XIV. The building houses the National Opera of Bordeaux. On the program: lyrical works, symphonic concerts and ballet performances.
A few metres from the Grand Theatre is one of the best restaurants in the city, “le quatrième mur” (“the fourth wall”) of the famous star chef Philippe Etchebest.
The Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror
Designed by the Architect of Versailles, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the Place de la Bourse is a former royal square. Its facades are characteristic of the model of the classical city, with a repertoire of ornamentations typical of the eighteenth century : colonnades embedded in the façade and wrought iron balconies. In the centre of the Place de la Bourse stands the Fountain of the Three Graces, built in 1869. On the left side of it is a hotel which, under the Ancient Regime, corresponded to the Farms Service : it now houses the National Customs Museum.
Do you want to know more about this emblematic site of Bordeaux?
The Quinconces Esplanade
Built in the fourteenth century, the Quinconces Esplanade occupies a vast location of 12 hectares on the banks of the Garonne: it is the largest square in France. Its immensity makes it the favourite place for cultural events that are held all year round in the city: River Festival, Flea Market, Wine Festival, Concerts, Circuses and Sports Activities.
To find out more about one of the largest squares in Europe, follow the guide !
The City of Wine
Inaugurated in 2016, the City of Wine was an immediate popular success. The sumptuous architecture of the building greatly contributed to its popularity with the public. Its elegance and graceful curves follow the shape of the Garonne River.
The City of Wine occupies a space of 3,000 m2 and many thematic spaces that invite you to a unique step back in time to better know and appreciate the history of wine. Sensory and taste experience guaranteed! Amateur or seasoned oenologists will undoubtedly appreciate the place.
Visit Bordeaux : Book your tour with a licensed guide
