Are you planning to go to Bordeaux? It’s definitely a city of wine but it’s also a charming city with different cultures and different tourist attractions. Here is the list of top 10 activities that you will enjoy in Bordeaux. What else you want to share with your friends with our pocket wifi? Please tell us after your trip to Bordeaux!
1. Bourse Square
The Bourse Square was built in 1730-1775. It was named as the present name by Louis-Philippe I In 1848, and the Fountain of the Three Goddess on the square was placed in 1869. There are many beautiful 18th-century buildings around the square, including the Exchange House, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Customs Museum. During summer, the artificial fountain on the east side of the square forms a few centimeters deep “water mirror”, which becomes a place where children can splash around and we can see the very beautiful reflection of the bourse house. Many tourists think this is the most beautiful place in Bordeaux.
2. André Cathedral
St. André’ Cathedral, located near the town hall of Bordeaux and close to the Bordeaux National Legislative Institute, is the largest main church in Bordeaux. It was also the first church in history who is built by the twelve apostles of Saint John André. It was consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II. It was rebuilt in the 12th to 16th centuries and is always with the Gothic style. In 1137, Anne of Austria and Louis XIII were married here. The tower is on the side of the church, and the main tower is built separately from the building, which is very rare.
3. Quinconces Square
Quinconces Square is a square with an area of 126,000 square meters that is one of the largest squares in Europe. It is also a bit like the transportation hub of Bordeaux, with many attractions not far from it, and the tourist center of Bordeaux is also nearby. The Quinconces Square was opened on the site of the Trumpet Castle in 1820 to prevent resistance. The shape of the Quinconces Square is an elongated rectangle with a semi-circular shape, and the trees are planted in a plum-shaped shape, so the square is named Quinconces Square. During Christmas, it is set up as a Christmas market, and there is a stage set up for the band to perform.
4. Bordeaux Grand Theater
Like the opera houses of Versailles and Turin, the Bordeaux Grand Theatre has one of the most beautiful performance halls all over the world! Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera, admired the excellence of the “Louis Palace” after visiting the Grand Theatre. This masterpiece of Victor Louis was built during the Louis XVI period. The Paris architect thought over some very practical details for the theater such as concert halls, cafes and souvenir shops.
In fact, Bordeaux was chosen as the capital of France in 1870, 1914 and 1941. In recent years, continuous renovation and maintenance have given the original charm of the Grand Theatre. The 18th – century decorative murals damaged by the lights have also been perfectly repaired. Now it receives international scale performances every year like opera, ballet, symphony concert…
5. Pey – Berland Tour
Pey – Berland Tour, named after the Archbishop Pey Berland from 1440 to 1500, is a 66-meter-high clock tower with a crown at the top and has been isolated from the rest of the church to protect the vibrations of the church bells. The church initially had no money to buy the bell upon completion, so the tower was used for housing until 1790. The top of the tower is the best location for overlooking the panoramic view of Bordeaux. Students study in European countries and children can climb to the top for free, the rest people have to pay 5.5€.
6. Mchel Cathedral
St.Mchel Cathedral （Basilique St.Mchel）is located on the Garonne River at the southern end of the old city and facing Canteloup Square. Built in the 14th century, this church is the representative of the Gothic architecture of the Bordeaux city like the St. André Cathedral. The most striking of the church is the St. Michel tower that is built in the 15th century and renovated in 1865. This 374-foot tower is France’s tallest Gothic spire, and the top of the tower offers a panoramic view of Bordeaux. The scenery can be seen from the Atlantic Ocean when the weather is fine. The central Cloche clock tower in front of the church in Canteloup Square is a pointer to the city of Bordeaux.
7. The wine museum
The wine museum is listed as one of the most important places in Bordeaux. The amazing library complete with the museum and provides you with a wealth of information about wine, which will be a great enjoyment. You can learn everything of the wine in the museum such as the culture, history and more aspect of wine. They mobilize your five senses to let you truly feel the charm of wine in all aspects, as well as the 3D screen experience sailing trade, and of course the wine tasting area. The adult fare is 20€ and the student price is 16€.
8. Pierre Bridge
The Pierre Bridge is also called Napoleon Bridge which is the first road bridge across Garonne river and connects the central city to the Bastide Street on the right bank. The Pierre Bridge began to be constructed in December 1812 and finally ushered in its inauguration ten years later, on May 1, 1822. This remarkable legend building has totally 17 arches which is corresponding to the number of letters in the name of Napoleon Bonaparte. The special feature of this great project is that it can visit its hollow structure from the inside.
9. Aquitaine Museum
The museum mainly introduces the relevant history of the Aquitaine area and is free to visit. If you want to know more about Bordeaux and this area, this museum is absolutely recommended. What’s more, you can learn more about wine. If you are interested in history, you must also go to this museum.
10. Jacques Chaban – Delmas Bridge
The construction of the Jacques Chaban – Bridge brings great convenience to the transportation of Bordeaux. Tramway and bus can also pass the bridge. The middle part of the bridge can be lifted and lowered. Bordeaux welcome many foreign luxury cruise ships in summer, the middle of the bridge will rise for them. The cruise ship can pass smoothly, and the bridge can be described as a landmark building that is convenient for transportation and is modern at the same time.
Trust me, there are still other attractive activities in Bordeaux. Don’t hesitate to take 2 or 3 days for benefit well this great city with our pocket wifi!