A short, flat walk around the heart of Bordeaux. This route takes in many historical and cultural buildings that are well worth stopping at along the way.
River Garonne Quay Tour
A flat route around Bordeaux's renovated quays
The Chaban-Delmas Bridge is situated on the north side of the walk and is the longest vertical lift bridge in Europe with a central span of 117m that enables cruise ships to pass underneath. Opened in 2013 it was named after Bordeaux's mayor between 1947 and 1995.
What to see
Sights in Bordeaux
See all Sights in Bordeaux-
Pont de Pierre, City of Bordeaux
First bridge spanning the Garonne River at Bordeaux
Crossing the Garonne river, the Pont de Pierre or "stone bridge" was the first to span this expanse of river in Bordeaux.
-
Basilique Saint-Michel
Gothic church with the second largest tower in France
Imposing on the Place Canteloupe in Bordeaux, this Gothic church took over 200 years to construct from the 14th to the 16th century.
-
Porte Cailhau, City of Bordeaux
Medieval city gate in the heart of Bordeaux
This medieval city gate commemorates the French victory in the battle of Fornovo in Italy.
-
Musee des Douanes
History of customs in the old port town of 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.
-
Place de la Bourse Square & Miroir d'Eau, City of Bordeaux
Beautiful square built in classical French 18th century style
Sitting on the banks of the Garonne river, Place de la Bourse is an impressive classical French square which was built in the 18th century by the Gabriel family.
-
Eglise Sainte-Croix, Bordeaux
Romanesque abbey church on the Rue Jacques Ellul
The existing Roman Catholic church was built in the late 11th and early 12th century in a Romanesque style. However, it is thought that the original Benedictine church was built at the request of Clovis, the Merovingian King in the 5th century.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Bordeaux
See all Restaurants in Bordeaux-
Le Pressoir d'Argent Restaurant
British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s 2-Michelin starred restaurant
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.
-
La Grand'Vigne Restaurant, Martillac
Two Michelin starred restaurant among the vineyards overlooking a lake
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.
-
Le Prince Noir Restaurant, Bordeaux Area
Michelin starred restaurant at Chateau de Lormont
Gourmet restaurant that uses fresh and seasonal produce from the markets of Bordeaux to create modern French cuisine.
-
No Name Restaurant
Fun restaurant in an old hangar in the port of Bordeaux
This restaurant has a spacious and light dining area. They serve traditional uncomplicated French dishes.
-
Le Chai d'Ornon Restaurant, Villenave d'Ornon
Traditional restaurant near the city of Bordeaux
This restaurant serves classic French dishes made with fresh local produce respecting tradition. They have two separate dining areas and a pleasant terrace.
-
Osteria da Luigi Restaurant
Authentic Italian restaurant in the centre of Bordeaux
This restaurant serves traditional family recipes made with genuine fresh Italian ingredients. The menu includes dishes from Naples and other areas of Italy. Its small dining area, full of charm, is completed with a sunny terrace.
What to do
Things To Do in Bordeaux
See all Things To Do in Bordeaux-
Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Two of Europe's finest golf courses in the heart of the Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
-
Bordeaux City Tour
See the sights of Bordeaux at your own pace by open-top bus
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.
-
Le Petit Train de Bordeaux, City of Bordeaux
Explore this grand city from the comfort of the tourist train
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.
-
La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
Wildlife and leisure park close to the city of 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.
-
Parc Bordelais
Beautiful park not far from the centre of 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.
-
Public Garden
Beautiful public garden & green space in the heart of the city
The public garden in the city of Bordeaux houses an arboretum, a library and a Natural History Museum.
Directions
You can start this route on either side of the river anywhere between Pont de Pierre and Pont Chablan-Delmas. The following directions are from the Porte de Bourgogne station.
The first site is Le Pont de Pierre. This was the first bridge over the Garonne in Bordeaux and was planned and designed during the First French Empire, under the orders of Napoleon I. The bridge was finished in 1822 and was the only bridge until the construction of Pont Saint-Jean in 1965.
Crossing this bridge you start up the east bank of the river. You will first notice the 8 meter long, 6 meter high Lion at Place Stalingrad. Following the river north you pass many old buildings and small park areas until you reach the Chaban-Delmas Bridge. The longest vertical lift bridge in Europe. After crossing this bridge you will head south down the west bank of the river.
The modern and newly renovated quay is a pleasure to stroll down and there are plenty of places to stop and have lunch or just take in the city. You will soon see the Monument aux Girondins on your right, surrounded by dense woodland and a large clearing. Built during 1894 and 1902 it celebrates the republic and stands at an impressive 54m high.
Further south on the west bank you will find the Miroir d'eau, the worlds largest reflecting pool covering an immense 3450 square meters. Located in front of the Place de la Bourse, it was built in 2006 and is made of granite slabs covered by 2cm of water. After a short walk down south you will reach the Port de Bourgogne and the start of the walk.
