Welcome to Bordeaux
The Gironde, the city, the vineyards & the coast
Surrounded by some of the world's most famous vineyards and France's second largest Atlantic port, Bordeaux is an elegant city with stunning 18th century architecture, tree lined boulevards and a culturally vibrant centre to rival even Paris.
With a history that is embroiled in the Romans, the fight with the English in the Hundred Years War, the wine trade and numerous Chateaux with stories of scandal between Royalty and the nobility, the Bordeaux region is one that is worth exploring. The city itself is beautiful, offering an outstanding architectural heritage and packed full of art galleries, excellent food, good shopping and wide boulevards which are largely pedestrianised.
Situated within the French Department of the Gironde, where the mouths of the rivers Garonne and Dordogne merge, Bordeaux and its wine region stretch from Soulac-sur-Mer and the Medoc in the north to the vineyards of Graves and Cerons in the south. The Cote d'Argent, Europe's longest beach, forms the coastline to the west and attracts many surfers to the Lacanau area and the coastal resorts of Arcachon, Pyla and Cap Ferret. Whilst to the east of the Department lie the vineyards of the Saint Emilion region that lead into the Dordogne.
This hilly region between the city of Bordeaux and the Saint Emilion wine region is named Entre-Deux-Mer (between two seas) because of its location between the two tidal rivers of the Garonne and the Dordogne. One of the most attractive regions in the area, Entre-Deux-Mers is scattered with ruined abbeys, attractive villages and expanses of vineyards. It was also home to the author François Mauriac and the artist Toulouse-Lautrec.
The city of Bordeaux houses a population of nearly 245,000 in 8 quartiers, which increases to nearly a quarter of a million if you include the population of the surrounding urban communities, the 27 communes of Bordeaux. It is often seen as a more reserved city, compared at least to its southern counterparts of Marseille and Nice, and the local 'Bordelais' can appear somewhat detached with their smart attire and strict observation of social rules and etiquette, but this increasingly cosmopolitan city is fast becoming a friendly and welcoming destination.
History & Culture in Bordeaux
With a history dating back to prehistoric times there are troglodyte caves, ancient ruins, Roman fortress, Chateaux and walled towns. the area was invaded by many different clans and nations over the years and has been ruled by several of them for sustained periods of time. The influence of the Celts, Romans and the English is still obvious today.
Sights & Attractions in Bordeaux
The history of the many towns, villages, vineyards and chateaux of the area make this a wonderful destination to explore. From art to agriculture there are a vast number of museums and galleries to wander through, as well as stately homes, well kept gardens, memorials and monuments.
A vineyard tour is a must, whether by bus, by car or by bike, there is no better place to sample French wine than in Bordeaux.
Sights in Bordeaux
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Musee des Beaux-Arts, Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
Located in the centre of Bordeaux, this museum features paintings and sculptures by some of the best European artists, from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
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Musee des Douanes, Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
Sitting on the stunning Place de la Bourse, the museum of customs is located in the former customs house and presents the history of the customs administration.
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Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
Housed in the 18th century Hôtel de Lalande, the museum of decorative arts has a collection of sculptures, ceramics, glass and silverware in its panelled rooms.
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Musee d'Aquitaine
Located in Bordeaux
This excellent museum recounts the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times through to the 20th century.
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Tour Pey-Berland (Tower of Pey-Berland), Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
Flanking the Cathédrale Saint-André, this tower (and the square in which it sits) is named after the Archbishop Pey-Berland.
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Musee du Vin et du Negoce de Bordeaux (Museum of Wine & Trade), City of Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
Museum located in an elegant and prestigious building, built around 1720 for the Irish merchant Francis Burke. Consisting of two parts, the first residential with several apartments and a façade adorned with a beautiful balcony, and the second and technical part where wines were matured and worked.
Beaches in Bordeaux
The region is bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and Europe's longest stretch of golden sand. Making the beaches perfect for all kinds of sports and, weather dependant, some sunbathing. Watersports are particularly popular with Lacanau being one of France's most popular surf spots.
The Ministry of Health in France provides up-to-date information regarding the cleanliness of beaches. The interactive map (which is available in English) allows you to zoom in on the beaches of interest and to review recent test results. The beaches and rivers are ranked from excellent (blue) to prohibited (pink), meaning that entering the water is strictly prohibited. The monthly testing and monitoring makes it possible to assess the effects of wastewater sanitation and dirty rainwater runoff into swimming sites.
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon
Located 48.4 km away
A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.
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Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon
Located 49.2 km away
An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.
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La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
Located 49.9 km away
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
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Plage Oceane du Grand Crohot Beach
Located 51.0 km away
Beach Grand Crohot Lege is accessible by walkways throughout the year, and is supervised by lifeguards from mid June to mid September.
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Plage Pereire Beach, Arcachon
Located 51.0 km away
This is by far the largest and better known of the Arcachon beaches, stretching some 3km in length with wonderful views over to the chic town of Cap-Ferret and the peninsula beaches.
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Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
Located 51.5 km away
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
Events in Bordeaux
Many of the annual events in the Bordeaux and the Girdonde region revolve around wine. The Spring fairs and the Autumn harvest festivals are often dedicated to the local produce - wine, truffles and the infamous Foie Gras.
But be rest assured this historical region also celebrates the arts and offers a wide range of musical and theatrical events throughout the year.
Dining in Bordeaux
Known for it's great restaurants, the city of Bordeaux has a whole host of offerings for the foodies out there. From Michelin star luxury, to the smallest traditional clam shack the region has an abundance of fresh produce, seafood being at the heart of many dishes. But fear not, the vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians, lactose and wheat intolerant are all well cared for too as this cosmopolitan city has an extensive choice of eateries.
Restaurants in Bordeaux
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Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
Situated in a gorgeous white stone townhouse built in the classical style of the late 19th century, this restaurant is part of the joint project of Bernard Magrez, owner of various wineries in the Bordeaux area, and Pierre Gagnaire.
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La Grand'Vigne Restaurant, Martillac
Located in Martillac
Chef Nicolas Masse offers in this restaurant a combination of traditional French cuisine, made with fresh seasonal ingredients from the southwest sourced from local producers, with unusual influences from all around the world. His creations can be paired with a large selection of wines, by the counsel of head sommelier Aurélien Farouil.
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Le Pressoir d'Argent Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
Situated in the luxurious surroundings of Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, this restaurant offers diners an elegant yet intimate restaurant styled in a palette of mauve and orange with a handcrafted marquetry floor.
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Raviolon Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
This restaurant serves creative French cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. The dining room is simple and elegant.
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Cote Cour Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
This charming restaurant serves a daily changing menu comprising traditional French dishes made with local fresh ingredients from the markets of Bordeaux. Its cute dining room is open to the kitchen, and there is a terrace in the building's patio.
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Le cafe du Theatre Restaurant
Located in Bordeaux
Very close to the Marché des Capucins, this restaurant offers a seasonal menu focused on fresh ingredients. The dishes are based on the tradition of the French bistro, seasoned with contemporary influences.
Things to do in Bordeaux
From the long white sand beaches of the west coast to the rolling hills and vineyards of the north and eastern areas of Bordeaux you will not be short of things to do or to see in this area. Each town or village hosts its own market and is steeped in history making each one a gem of a place to visit.
Things To Do in Bordeaux
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Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
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Le Petit Train de Bordeaux, City of Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
As it passes through the oldest parts of Bordeaux, making the most of the landscape, the train takes you past the most famous places and monuments of the city.
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Bordeaux City Tour
Located in Bordeaux
Take in Bordeaux’s historic landmarks and modern highlights on a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour with panoramic views and audio commentary for all ages.
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La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
With over 1000 animals to meet, from around 75 different species, from the very smallest, all the way up to the largest breeding camels in France.
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Parc Bordelais, City of Bordeaux
Located in Bordeaux
Designed as a public green space in the 19th-century, this 28-hectare historical park is home to around 3000 trees, 1000 of which are more than a century old.
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Public Garden
Located in Bordeaux
The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.