From strolling along the scenic Garonne River to exploring the majestic Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux is filled with must-visit attractions and hidden gems. This travel guide will help you uncover the very best experiences the city has to offer, including wine tours, stunning viewpoints, and unforgettable local cuisine.
Here are the top 10 best things to do in Bordeaux, France, attractions to explore.
1. Explore La Cité du Vin – A Wine Lover’s Paradise
No trip to Bordeaux is complete without visiting La Cité du Vin, an iconic wine museum that celebrates the region’s rich viticultural heritage. This futuristic building offers interactive exhibits, wine-tasting sessions, and panoramic views from its observation deck.
Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world, and La Cité du Vin provides an immersive experience where visitors can learn about wine production, history, and global influences. The museum also features a gourmet restaurant where you can pair local wines with exquisite French cuisine.
For wine enthusiasts, this is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France, as it combines education with indulgence. Don’t miss the chance to sample rare vintages and expand your wine knowledge in this architectural marvel.
2. Wander Through the Historic Quartier Saint-Pierre
The Quartier Saint-Pierre is the heart of Old Bordeaux, featuring charming cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and lively squares. This district is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
Key attractions include Place de la Bourse, an 18th-century masterpiece, and Porte Cailhau, a historic gate that once served as the city’s main entrance. The area is also filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and wine bars where you can enjoy a glass of Bordeaux’s finest.
Exploring Quartier Saint-Pierre is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France, especially for those who appreciate history and architecture. The district’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit for every traveler.
3. Visit the Iconic Place de la Bourse & Miroir d’Eau
Place de la Bourse is one of Bordeaux’s most photographed landmarks, known for its stunning symmetry and grandeur. Built in the 18th century, this square reflects the city’s golden age of prosperity.
Adjacent to it is the Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool. This unique attraction creates a mesmerizing mirror effect, especially at sunset. Visitors love walking through the shallow water or capturing stunning reflections of Place de la Bourse.
Including Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’Eau in your itinerary is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France, offering both historical insight and Instagram-worthy moments.
4. Discover Bordeaux’s Wine Country with a Vineyard Tour
Bordeaux is synonymous with exceptional wine, and touring its vineyards is a bucket-list experience. The region boasts famous appellations like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pessac-Léognan, each offering unique flavors.
Many châteaux (wine estates) welcome visitors for tastings and guided tours. Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Pape Clément are among the most prestigious. A day trip to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-listed medieval village surrounded by vineyards, is also highly recommended.
For wine lovers, a vineyard tour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France, providing an unforgettable taste of the region’s finest wines.
5. Stroll Along the Garonne River & Pont de Pierre
The Garonne River is the lifeblood of Bordeaux, offering scenic waterfront walks and boat cruises. The Pont de Pierre, a historic stone bridge commissioned by Napoleon, provides breathtaking views of the city.
Walking along the riverbanks, you’ll encounter lively markets, picnic spots, and cultural events. Sunset is the perfect time to enjoy the riverside ambiance, with the city’s landmarks beautifully illuminated.
A riverside stroll is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France, blending relaxation with stunning scenery.
6. Admire Masterpieces at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux
Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, one of France’s most prestigious fine arts museums. Housed in two elegant 19th-century buildings flanking the City Hall gardens, this museum boasts an impressive collection spanning from the Renaissance to 20th-century modern art.
The permanent collection features works by European masters including Rubens, Van Dyck, Delacroix, Picasso, and Bordeaux-native Odilon Redon. Particularly noteworthy is the museum’s exceptional collection of French painting, with highlights by Corot, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Marquet. The sculpture garden displays beautiful works in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Visiting this cultural gem is absolutely one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France for art lovers. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on specific artists or artistic movements, making each visit unique. After exploring the galleries, visitors can relax in the adjacent Jardin de la Mairie, a perfect spot to reflect on the artworks while enjoying Bordeaux’s pleasant climate.
7. Relax and Recharge in Jardin Public – Bordeaux’s Green Heart
Covering 11 hectares in the city center, Jardin Public is Bordeaux’s most beloved green space and an ideal place to experience local life. Designed in the classic French formal garden style with English landscape influences, this botanical paradise features meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, a picturesque lake with ducks and swans, and shaded walking paths beneath centuries-old trees.
The park includes several attractions that make it one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France for families and nature lovers. Children adore the vintage carousel and playgrounds, while everyone enjoys the free-roaming peacocks that add a touch of whimsy. The Natural History Museum within the park offers fascinating exhibits on regional flora and fauna.
What makes Jardin Public truly special is its atmosphere – locals come here to picnic, play boules, read under the trees, or simply enjoy the tranquility. The on-site Orangerie café serves excellent coffee and light meals in a beautiful glasshouse setting. Whether you want to join a yoga class on the lawns, rent a small boat to paddle on the lake, or just find a quiet bench to people-watch, this urban oasis provides the perfect respite from sightseeing.
8. Experience Bordeaux’s Vibrant Nightlife at Rue Saint-Rémi
When the sun sets, Rue Saint-Rémi transforms into the epicenter of Bordeaux’s exciting nightlife scene. This lively street in the historic center comes alive with the sounds of clinking glasses, live music, and cheerful conversation spilling out from its many bars and clubs.
Experiencing Bordeaux’s nightlife is definitely one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France for those who want to see the city’s more playful side. Start your evening at one of the sophisticated wine bars showcasing local vintages by the glass, then move on to cocktail lounges mixing creative drinks with French flair. As night progresses, the energy builds in the area’s clubs where DJs spin everything from electronic beats to vintage French pop.
What makes Rue Saint-Rémi special is its diversity – you’ll find everything from intimate jazz cellars to sprawling dance clubs, all within easy walking distance. The street’s historic architecture provides a stunning backdrop for nighttime revelry, with 18th-century buildings housing modern entertainment venues. Many establishments stay open until the early hours, particularly on weekends when the street takes on a festival-like atmosphere.
9. Marvel at Basilique Saint-Michel and Climb Its Tower
The flamboyant Gothic Basilique Saint-Michel, with its distinctive 114-meter freestanding bell tower, is one of Bordeaux’s most recognizable landmarks. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, this UNESCO-listed church showcases breathtaking medieval architecture with intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass, and an impressive organ.
Visiting this architectural masterpiece is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, France for history and architecture enthusiasts. The highlight is climbing the 230 steps to the top of the Flèche Saint-Michel tower, which rewards visitors with panoramic views over the city’s rooftops to the Garonne River beyond. On clear days, you can see all the way to the vineyards surrounding Bordeaux.
The lively Marché des Capucins adjacent to the basilica is Bordeaux’s largest food market, perfect for sampling local specialties after your visit. The square in front of the church hosts a vibrant flea market on weekend mornings, where you might uncover vintage treasures. The surrounding Saint-Michel neighborhood, with its multicultural vibe and eclectic shops, adds to the area’s charm.
10. Take a Breathtaking Day Trip to Arcachon Bay and Dune du Pilat
Just an hour from Bordeaux, the stunning Arcachon Bay and its famous Dune du Pilat offer a perfect nature escape and are undoubtedly among the best things to do in Bordeaux, France for outdoor enthusiasts. This unique ecosystem combines ocean, forest, and Europe’s tallest sand dune in one spectacular setting.
The Dune du Pilat stretches nearly 3km along the coast and reaches 110 meters in height. Climbing to the top rewards you with unforgettable views – on one side, the vast Atlantic Ocean; on the other, a sea of pine forests. Visiting at sunset is particularly magical as the shifting sands glow golden in the fading light.
The charming seaside towns around Arcachon Bay, particularly Cap Ferret, are famous for their oyster farms. Many waterfront restaurants serve the fresh catches of the day with local white wine. You can take boat tours to see the bay’s unique “cabanes tchanquées” (stilt houses) or rent bikes to explore the scenic coastal paths.
Between the natural wonders, delicious seafood, and picturesque villages, this day trip encapsulates the diversity of experiences available near Bordeaux. Whether you want to hike, swim, feast on oysters, or simply marvel at nature’s grandeur, Arcachon Bay delivers an unforgettable experience.
