Things to do
Make sure you discover Quartier St-Pierre, Bordeaux’s medieval core, and stroll by Flamboyant-Gothic basilica, Basilique St-Michel. And if your feet ache from all the walking, jump on a tram or take a bus tour to appreciate the rest of the city. There are also excellent museums to visit: Musée d'Aquitaine, which recounts the whole history of the city or the Cité du Vin which offers many interactive exhibits and a glass of wine at its bar which overlooks the city. And there’s always retail therapy: some consider rue Saint Catherine to be Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street!
Special Events
Bordeaux is never short of festivals and cultural events either. Both in June, here are two not to miss: ‘Bordeaux fête le vin’, a biennial wine festival celebrating local appellations through tastings, concerts and fireworks; and Les Epicuriales, a very different kind of culinary festival, with tastings, demonstrations and even a ‘waiters’ race!
Local Discoveries
The miroir d’eau at the Place de la Bourse is nothing short of magical, and is the world’s largest reflecting pool, super for splashing about in on a hot summer’s day. Amble along the Marché des Quais – Bordeaux’s Sunday market on the Garonne – the route is also interspersed with skate parks and playgrounds to keep littler ones amused. No trip to Bordeaux could ever be complete without tasting some of its world famous wines, and these can easily be accompanied by the city’s fine cuisine. When you’re quite replete, remember to mosey through the city’s streets once again and enjoy Bordeaux sparkling by night.
Places to go nearby
Visit the charming medieval village of St. Emilion for vineyard tours and tastings, but also discover a surprising underground church and labyrinthine caves. The extraordinary Bay of Arcachon is also nearby – a beautiful beach playground, famous for its sublime oysters. If you follow the road out of Arcachon to Pilat, you will find Europe's biggest sand dune, the impressive Dune de Pyla.
