For several centuries, Bordeaux has been famous all over the world for its blended red wine. But this is not all that this city is interesting for. It attracts attention with its unique combination of historical heritage and modernity, which is particularly evident in architectural works. The city of Bordeaux is also a great starting point for trips to the castles of the province and trips through the picturesque landscapes with vineyards. The only risk is that there is simply not enough time for everything you can and want to do in Bordeaux.
General information about the city and region
Bordeaux is a city in the southwestern part of France, the administrative center of the modern department of the Gironde. Bordeaux is also the center of the historic province of Aquitaine and was until 2016 the center of the Aquitaine administrative region. In 2016, France carried out a territorial reform, during which the regions of Poitou-Charente, Aquitaine and Limousin were united into one large region of New Aquitaine.
Geography
Bordeaux is located in the north of the historic province of Aquitaine, in a bend of the Garrony River. The port and Old Town are located on the left bank of the Garrone, while the right bank is built up with modern neighborhoods.
Climate
Bordeaux and the surrounding regions have developed a climate that can be described as transitional from temperate marine to Mediterranean subtropical.
In summer, the weather is sunny and moderately hot. The average air temperature is +20.5 … 21°C. The hottest month is August with a maximum temperature of +27.5°C.
Winters in the region are mild and quite warm. During the day, the air temperature is rarely lower than 0°C, the average daily temperature is kept at +6…7°C. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of +6.2°C. Snow doesn’t fall often in winter, but it often rains.
Population
According to the National Institute of Statistics of France for 2020, Bordeaux was inhabited by about 259,000 people. At the same time, the number of inhabitants of Bordeaux, together with numerous suburbs, was almost 796,000. Given this indicator, Bordeaux can not be called a modest province-it is the 5th largest city in France.
In the national composition, the predominant place is occupied by the French. The number of immigrants from Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus), Arab States and African countries is increasing every year.
Economy
The most important area of economic activity in Bordeaux and the surrounding regions is winemaking. In the vicinity of the city, 117,514 hectares of land are set aside for vineyards and about 14,000 wineries operate, producing a huge number of wines of different varieties. The annual production volume is 700 million bottles, and 400-ton wineries have a turnover of 14.5 billion euros.
In addition, Bordeaux is an important industrial center. The largest employer in this area was the American carmaker Ford, and there is also a factory for the production of tires of the French company Michelin. Bordeaux, along with its suburbs, is the second industrial center in France in such areas as aircraft construction, space and defense. Almost 20,000 people are employed in this production.
The tourism sector is at the stage of active development, because the province of Aquitaine has a large number of historical heritage sites. In addition, the city of Bordeaux is the starting point for trips to the oceanic coast of the province and the interior. Every year, this region is visited by almost 2.5 million tourists from different countries.
City attractions
Bordeaux has a huge number of monuments of ancient architecture, original museums, a magnificent zoo, many park areas, an active nightlife and fine French wines. To have time to cover all the most interesting sights of Bordeaux, you need to make an optimal program in advance.
Place de la Bourse and fountain “Three Graces”
Restored to a glamorous gloss, the Place de la Bourse is open towards the Garonne, separated from the city by the majestic buildings of the Bourse and the former Tax Office. The triangular pediments of these buildings are decorated with sculptures of the patroness of art Minerva and the patron saint of commerce Mercury.
There is a fountain “Three Graces” on the square, installed in 1869. In the image of the 3 Graces, the architect Visconti depicted the Empress Eugenie, Queen Victoria and Isabella II of Spain.
Since 2006, the Water Mirror fountain has been located between Birzhevaya Square and the river. The 3450 m2 embankment area is covered with dark grey granite slabs, which turn black when wet. Just 2 centimeters of water creates a spectacular mirror-like surface that reflects the sky and nearby buildings on clear days. And over the area up to 2 meters high, fog rises, and then the effect of floating houses is created.
- The Mirror of Water fountain is open every day from 10: 00 to 22: 00, but only during the warmer months. Working cycle: 3 minutes filling, 15 minutes mirror effect, 5 minutes-water discharge and 3 minutes fog.
Saint-Andre Cathedral and Pay Berland Tower
The Cathedral of Saint-Andre and its free-standing Pey Berland bell tower are designed in the flaming Gothic style and are recognized as the most beautiful religious monuments of Bordeaux and the province.
The foundation of the cathedral was laid in 1096, after which the construction process dragged on for almost 400 years. In Christian churches, the entrance is usually made from the west side, but the entrance to the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called is located from the north. There, on the main facade, is the Royal Portal with episodes of the Last Judgment. Above the portal there is a rose window surrounded by floral ornaments. The facade is crowned with 80-meter symmetrical towers. The interior design is no less grandiose, but due to long-term construction, there is no stylistic unity. The bypass gallery opens to the sides with 5 chapels, reliefs of which depict various subjects from the Bible.
The construction of the bell tower began in 1440. According to the generally accepted version, it was built at some distance from the cathedral to protect its walls from vibration during the swing and the ringing of a huge 8-ton bell. The tower, decorated with openwork carvings all over the surface, rises 66 meters high. It is crowned by a gilded sculpture of the Madonna and Child. Around the spire, at an altitude of 50 meters, there is a terrace with views of the city and its main attractions. There are only 231 steps, but the spiral staircase is very narrow.
- Address of Saint-Andre Cathedral and Pay Berland Tower: Pl. Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- The cathedral is open on Mondays from 15: 00 to 19: 00, on all other days from 10: 30 to 12: 00 and from 14: 00 to 19: 00.
- You can visit the tower: from April to the end of September every day from 10: 00 to 18: 00; from October to the end of March from 10: 00 to 12: 30 and from 14: 00 to 17: 30 on any day except Monday.
- Entrance to the cathedral is free. The price of a ticket to the tower is 6 €, free admission for visitors under the age of 18.
Saint Michel Basilica
The Catholic church dedicated to the Archangel Michael is one of the highest religious buildings not only in the province, but also in the whole of France. The basilica was built in the XIV-XVI centuries, some fragments were completed only in the XIX century.
The style of the basilica belongs to the early flaming Gothic. The exterior decoration looks fantastic: a lot of the finest stone carvings, sharp needles of pointed arches, traditional Gothic rosettes above the portals. The freestanding 114-meter-high bell tower with 22 bells has an incredibly sharp spire, which is why Bordeaux residents call the temple “arrow”.
Along the side perimeter of the basilica there are 17 chapels with ancient relics: a carved mahogany altar of the XVII century, a virtuoso sculpture of St. Catherine, a statue of the Archangel Michael on a marble pedestal.
- Address: Pl. Meynard, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- The basilica is open every day from 9: 00 to 19: 00.
Kayo Gate
Another spectacular historical site to see in Bordeaux is the Caillot Gate, also known as Porte Caillot. They were built into the city’s defensive walls in 1493-1496 by order of King Charles VIII of Valois. During the prosperity of the region, Port Cayo served as the main entrance to the city.
The gate is 35 meters high. The walls, which are allowed to climb to a height of 23 meters, offer panoramic views of the quays, the roofs of Bordeaux and the oldest bridge in the province: the Stone Bridge. The ascent is considered difficult due to the large number of steps and very narrow flights of stairs.
In the interior of the Kayo Gate there are exhibitions with tools and materials that were used in the construction of the city.
- Address: Pl. du Palais, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- Сайт: https://www.visiter-bordeaux.com/fr/decouvrir-bordeaux/la-porte-cailhau.html
- From April to the end of October, it is open daily from 10: 00 to 13: 00 and from 14: 00 to 18: 00. From November to the end of March, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, from Wednesday to Friday it is open from 14:00 to 18:00, on Saturday and Sunday it is open from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.
- The ticket costs 5€. Free admission for children under 12 years of age, as well as for all comers on the first Sunday of the month (except July and August).
Big Bell
The Great Bell, also known as the St. Egidius Gate – is one of the oldest belfries in the province. The gate itself in the city wall was built in the XV century, and the bell was placed in 1775. The premises inside the gate were used as a juvenile prison.
The property is open to tourists, but only as part of a guided tour group. You can see the remains of ancient ramparts, old dungeons.
- Address: Rue Saint-James, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- Сайт: https://www.visiter-bordeaux.com/fr/decouvrir-bordeaux/visite-de-la-grosse-cloche.html
- The current work schedule and tour schedule should be viewed on the official website.
- The tour lasts 30 minutes, the number of participants is up to 5 people. Children under 6 years of age are not allowed due to safety concerns.
- The ticket costs 6 €.
City of Wine Museum
In the summer of 2016, a museum called “City of Wine”was opened in Bordeaux.
The building, built of aluminum and glass, looks like a twisted vine. The museum’s 19 sections feature 150 interactive exhibitions and installations covering grape cultivation, wine preparation and consumption. And not only in Bordeaux, the province and France, but also around the world.
After getting acquainted with the main exhibition, visitors proceed to tasting. For this procedure, the museum has a special hall with a viewing platform on the 8th floor.
In the “City of Wine” there is a shop that sells wine products from all over the world.
You can finish the hike in the restaurant located on the 7th floor. Although the prices there are quite high, there are practically no free tables. Therefore, it is advisable to book a place in advance.
- Address: 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- Website: https://www.laciteduvin.com/fr
- It is open from 10:00 to 19: 00 on Saturday and Sunday, on all other days of the week from 10: 00 to 18: 00.
- A ticket for an adult costs € 22, which includes a visit to the main exhibition and tasting. The ticket price for children 6-17 years old is 9 €, for children under 6 years old admission is free.
Wine tourism in the province
The quality and taste of wine depends on the climate, soil and other natural conditions in which the grapes grow. There are 6 main wine regions in this province: Bordeaux, Medoc, Entre-De-Mer, Grave and Sauternes, Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac, Blaye-Bourget. Each of them has its own history, its own specifics and charm, and, of course, its own wine.
There are many different ways to discover, experience and understand local beverages. For example, you can explore the vineyards of the province, visit wine chateaus or wine bars. You can go to these places on your own or as part of a guided tour group. Classic and themed tours, dinners and tastings – a wide variety of programs are offered in all hotels in the province.
Wine chateaux
The Bordeaux region is home to hundreds of estates known as” chateaux ” that produce wine and host tourists. Here is our selection of the most interesting Bordeaux castles of various architectural styles and eras.
- Cloitre des Cordeliers, Saint-Emilion village. In the center of the ruins of the monastery of the XIV century, decorated with columns and capitals, you can taste the fragrant fruit sparkling wine Cremant de Bordeaux, prepared according to the methods of the ancestors.
- Cos d’Estournel, Medoc region. The majestic oriental-style palace was built in 1855 by Louis-Gaspard d’estournelle, who exported wines from this province to India. The castle is interesting for the monumental Zanzibar portal of the XVII century, pagoda and exotic decor.
- Chateau de Malle, Grave and Sauternes region. The 17th-century palace is an architectural masterpiece included in the list of national historical monuments. Classical and Renaissance facades rise in the middle of a spacious Florentine park with numerous statues and an open-air theater.
- Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion, Бордо. The estate in the heart of Bordeaux has an unusual cellar that follows the shape of a ship’s bow. The cellar is surrounded by water and ancient trees, and the basement itself is located underground.
- Chateau Sainte Barbe, Bordeaux. The authentic estate stands in the middle of a spacious vineyard on the banks of the Garonne. The building was designed by Victor Louis and built under the direction of Napoleon I.
- Chateau de Pressac, Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac region. Renovated in the 19th century, this historic hotel sits above an ocean of terraced vineyards. It was here that the British capitulated after their defeat at the Battle of Castillon.
- Chateau la Dominique, Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac region. The avant-garde building has an iconic red-mirrored steel facade and is topped by a panoramic restaurant.
- Chateau Peybonhomme-Les-Tours, Blais-Bourget region. On the territory of the old estate there is a tower of the XVII century, tourists are allowed to climb to its top. From the height, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the Gironde estuary.
- Chateau des Arras, Blaye-Bourget region. In the XV century, there was a military post on this site, and the structure acquired its modern appearance in the XVIII century.
- Chateau du Grand Moueys, Entre-De-Mer region. In the first century it was a Gallo-Roman villa, in the XI century pilgrims stayed in the castle on the way to Santiago de Compostella. An old legend says that the Templars hid their treasures on the castle grounds.
Wine bars
In our selection there are different wine bars in Bordeaux – from chic to modest, but with the best range of drinks and savory side dishes.
- TUNIAC Winegrowers ‘ Bistro at 10 Place du Palais, Bordeaux, France. The friendly and relaxed bar presents wines not by castles, but by tastes: mineral, fruit, rich. The price of a glass starts from 3 €.
- Au Bon JaJa, address: 4 Cours d’Alsace-et-Lorraine, Bordeaux, France. To earn the right to buy a drink at this bar, you will first have to eat. The menu includes fried eggs with grated truffle, potatoes with herring, cream pudding “galabart”.
- Le Bar a Vin, address: 3 Cours du 30 Juillet, Bordeaux, France. Set in an 18th-century building, the bar features modern, elegant furniture and grape-themed tapestries. The wine list includes drinks only from the province of Bordeaux.
- Vins Urbains, address: 27 Rue des Bahutiers, Bordeaux, France. The range includes about 500 names of French wines, 30% of which are produced in the province of Bordeaux. The most popular appetizer of this establishment is croque monsieur with white truffle.
Where to stay
In the city of Bordeaux in France, there are hotels of various levels. The cost of staying in simpler 3* hotels varies from 70 to 150 € per night for two, depending on the prestige of the area. In luxury 5* hotels, prices start from 200 € and increase significantly depending on the room category and services provided.
Apartment options are also available, offering more amenities for longer stays. The price of apartments varies depending on the area, size, and comfort. On average, prices start from 110 € per night for basic apartments, but may be higher in more prestigious areas.
The city is clearly divided into districts:
- The central part, that is, the Old Town – is the center of not only the main attractions, but also expensive pretentious hotels, Michelin restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The area is very well served by public transport. If your budget allows, it is best to choose hotels in the Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre neighborhoods. The area around Pei Berlan Square is known for its democratic cafes and exhibition facilities. Quite calm and cozy is the area of the Chartron embankment, where there are many modest restaurants and antique boutiques.
- The western and southern parts of Bordeaux are also considered quiet prestigious locations. Saint-Croix and Saint-Michel, as well as the Victoire Square neighborhood, are considered optimal areas for settlement.
- In the eastern part of Bordeaux, there are many industrial enterprises and poor transport links. Therefore, you can only stay in hotels in areas like Bakalan if you have a very limited budget.
- The Central Station area is known in Bordeaux for its unfavorable expat reputation. Although it is very close to historical attractions from there and housing is quite cheap, you should not be tempted by this.
- The northernmost part of the city, the Lac district, is suitable for comfortable and inexpensive accommodation. In addition, there is a picturesque lake with a well-maintained beach.
How to get
By plane
Bordeaux-Merignac Airport is located 10 kilometers west of Bordeaux, serving domestic and international flights. There are flights to Geneva, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam, Nice. In France, connections are established with Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg and other cities.
Jet’bus and No. 1 buses run from the airport to Bordeaux city center. Departure every 20 minutes from exit B, travel time-45 minutes.
By train
Bordeaux has a major railway station Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean. It serves some international destinations, but mainly provides connections to cities in France. Trains also run to Toulouse, Lille, Marseille, Nice, and Montpellier. TGV trains run between Bordeaux and Paris (Gare Montparnasse), with a journey time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
By bus
Bordeaux also has a bus terminal that offers a number of routes to various provinces and regions of France. But this type of road transport is less popular.
Interesting facts
- Since the 19th century, collectible wines of the Bordeaux region have been considered as a way to invest money. In 2010, at an auction in Hong Kong, a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1869 was sold for $232,000, and in 2017, an imperial Chateau Cheval Blanc 1947 was bought for $304,375.
- The “official classification of Bordeaux wines” was created thanks to Napoleon III. The emperor ordered employees of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to select the best wines from all the provinces of France for the 1855 World’s Fair. It was then that Gironde wine brokers offered to classify wines from the Medoc and Grave regions.
- In 1985, Chateau Lafite 1787 was bought for $160,000, and in 2006 Chateau d’Yquem of the same year was purchased for $90,000. Wine of this age is no longer suitable for consumption. The high price is explained by the fact that in the XVIII century both bottles belonged to Thomas Jefferson.
- Every year in March and April, Bordeaux hosts En Premieur-the announcement of a new crop (usually a year after the creation of wines from the grapes of the last harvest). Experts and sommeliers come to Bordeaux for such” viewing parties ” not only from all regions of France, but also from other countries.
Video: a lot of interesting information about the city of Bordeaux and the entire wine region of France, about food, wine and attractions. Be sure to check it out!
