The port of Bordeaux lies on the Garonne River in south-west France. The historic part of the city is listed by UNESCO as an outstanding example of urban architecture of the 18th century. Bordeaux is also a great place for shopping, drinking, and eating. It sits in the centre of its namesake wine region, attracting tourists to its restaurants and cafes. It’s not a cheap place to enjoy but it’s still one of the most beautiful cities and regions of France. Don’t miss it – especially if you’re a wine lover.
Accomodation
There are no hostels in Bordeaux, so your best bet is a budget hotel. Prices begin at about 50 EUR per night for a double room at a one or two star hotel. From there, the sky’s the limit.
Food
Bordeaux has many traditional restaurants, serving brilliant food. You should budget between 27-50 EUR, depending on what you order and how much wine you drink. A cheap sandwich will set you back about 6 EUR. If you’re self-catering, groceries will cost around 45-75 EUR per week and can make eating in this city affordable.
Transport
Bordeaux has extensive public transport which includes buses, trams, a free city centre electric bus and water shuttle. One journey is 1.50 EUR; for better value, buy a multi-journey pass: 5 journeys are 6.50 EUR; 10 journeys are 12 EUR; a one-day pass is 4.30 EUR and a seven-day pass is 12 EUR.
Alternatively, why not get around on foot? Walking around Bordeaux is a great way to experience the architecture and soak up the sights. It’s not a huge city, so you can walk around it quite easily.
Cheap Wine
Pick up a cheap bottle of Bordeaux from one of the numerous wine shops on the street, to enjoy later on. You can find good bottles for as little as 5 EUR.
Things to See and Do
Wine Tour
You can take full-day or half-day tours and venture outside of the immediate areas of Bordeaux. Depending on the length of your tour, you’ll visit two to four wineries, with the opportunity to try samples at each one.
Bordeaux Old Town
One of the largest 18th-century urban areas in Europe, the brilliantly-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two famous attractions are the Grand Théâtre, which was built in 1780 and the infamous Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
For the walkers and the shoppers, this street is about a mile long, making it the longest in Europe.
Dune de Pyla
This sand dune is located an hour outside Bordeaux in Pyla Sur Mer, a popular resort town. The Dune de Pyla is the largest sand dune in Europe and is the result of winds eroding one shore of the bay and blowing the sand over the other. Whilst it’s a pain to walk up, the view from the top is fantastic and going down is much more fun.
The Museums
Bordeaux has several very renowned museums, including the Vinorama, a talking wax museum that chronicles the history of Bordeaux wine. Discount museum prices are available for foreigners and students, with different rates for different times of the day.
Walking
For a glimpse of art or history in Bordeaux, simply walk through the city’s streets. Many buildings in Vieux Bordeaux have retained their charm and character. For a taste of the history, have a wander through the Quartier Saint-Eloi, then continue along Victor Hugo Avenue to the Porte de Bourgogne, a huge stone arch that was once one of the entrances to the city. The Palace Royale, built in 1755, is a fine example of French classical architecture. Musee D’Art Contemporain – Definitely worth a visit for the modern art enthusiast.
Les Quais
The Quays of Bordeaux follow the shores of the Garonne—once a harbour, now renovated for visitors. Walking here brings amazing views of the landscape and the unique Aquitaine bridges. There are also many nightclubs here.
La Victoire
One of the most popular areas of the city, this is the place to hang out at night. Lots of bars and clubs to choose from.
Victory Arch
In the center of La Victoire you will find this amazing piece of Roman architecture, a fine example of the Roman roots that helped form the city. Musée des Beaux-Arts – This museum is housed in an interesting building – the 18th century Hotel de Ville. The work featured here includes pieces by Flemish, Italian, and Dutch artists of the 17th century.
Learn to cook French
The École de Cuisine au Chapon Fin offers half-day cooking classes. At 195 EUR, they’re expensive and won’t be for everyone, but if you’re a keen cook, you’ll appreciate the school’s very good reputation.
Saint Emilion
This village has a strong connection to red wine production and vineyards have existed here since Roman times. Even if you aren’t on an organised wine tour, a visit to Saint Emilion and an afternoon walking through its streets can be a peaceful way to spend a day.
Title Image Credit: Erik Söderström (www.flckr.com) (Image Cropped)