Bordeaux, France is a gorgeous city on the southwest coast of what is perhaps the most romantic country in the world. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Bordeaux is an eclectic mix of the old world and modern architecture and technology. The region boasts white sand beaches, plenty of sun, and tasty delights for lovers of food and wine. Even better, the city does not draw the crowds that better-known cities, such as Paris, attract. If you are considering visiting France this year, it would be wise to put Bordeaux on your list of places to visit. Here are some of the things to do, places to stay and delicious venues to eat and drink to check out while you’re there:
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Things to Do You’ll definitely want to visit the urban center of Bordeaux and visit some of the historical sites that earned the city a spot on the World Heritage Registry. These include the Grand Theatre-Opera de Bordeaux, the Musee des Beaux Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Musee de Aquitaine. If beaches call your name, you will want to head to the Cote d’Argent, or Silver Coast. Here, you’ll find silver-white beaches, nature preserves, private coves and more. The waves here are quite large, so you can try your skills at surfing. If you don’t know how, there are surfing schools on the beach. You can also take a guided tour of the region by day, and if you’re interested in a lively nightlife once the sun sets, you’ll find that as well.
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Places to Stay You’ll find accommodations to fit nearly any budget in and around the city of Bordeaux. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury or simply a clean place to rest your head at night in between all of the sight-seeing, you will find it here. If pampering and luxury is on your priority list, consider Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux. This hotel is located right in the center of the city, so you’ll be within walking distance to all of the historical and tourist sites. The rooms have been described as grand, and the service impeccable. On the other end of the spectrum, if you would like to stay in a simple, modern hotel, consider Ibis Styles Bordeaux Saint Medard. This hotel is located near the wine district and not far from the airport, and boasts comfortable rooms and simpler, but good, food.
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Food and Wine Perhaps one of the most common reasons for visiting Bordeaux is the gastronomy and the wine. Located in the heart of wine country, you are sure to have a wide variety of local wines to choose from at any restaurant or winery. One draw to the region is the ability to dine al fresco; try Cafe Francais in Place Pey-Berland and try to get an outdoor table. You also will want to sample some of the local specialties at the Sunday market at Quai de Chartron, where you can fill up on lots of seafood delights. As far as wine, you won’t go wrong choosing the house wine in any local restaurant. You could also visit one of the famous Wine Routes in the region, stopping at wineries along the way, where you’ll get gorgeous wine for a fraction of the price that you might pay elsewhere.
Bordeaux is a city in France that will appeal to nearly everyone, no matter what your desires are in a vacation destination. If you have been to Bordeaux, please share your best tips and not-to-miss activities, hotels and restaurants with our readers in the comments section below.
Bordeaux is a destination that rewards slow travel and culinary exploration. For the best of France beyond the wine regions, see our advisors’ Paris in the Spring guide.
