Bordeaux travel

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Bordeaux

An intoxicating cocktail of 18th-century savoir-faire, millennial hi-tech and urban street life, France's sixth largest city is among Europe's most exciting and gutsy players.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

La Cité du Vin
Bordeaux
The complex world of wine is explored in depth at ground-breaking La Cité du Vin, a stunning piece of contemporary architecture resembling a wine decanter…
Miroir d’Eau
Bordeaux
A fountain of sorts, the Miroir d'Eau is the world's largest reflecting pool. Covering an area of 3450 sq metres of black granite on the quayside opposite…
Cathédrale St-André
Bordeaux
The Cathédrale St-André, a Unesco World Heritage Site prior to the city's classification, lords it over the city. The cathedral's oldest section dates…
La Base Sous-Marine
Bordeaux
By far the city's eeriest and most menacing sight, this mammoth hulk of a submarine base (1941–43) was one of five built on the Atlantic Coast by the…
Basilique St-Michel
Bordeaux
This imposing Flamboyant Gothic church lies at the heart of St-Michel. Begun in the 14th century, it took more than 200 years to complete and is best…
Place de la Bourse
Bordeaux
This is Bordeaux's most iconic square. A mirage of elegance and symmetry, it was laid out by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel between 1730 and 1775 and…
Porte Cailhau
Bordeaux
The main entrance into medieval Bordeaux, this grandiose 15th-century city gate was built to celebrate King Charles VII's victory at the Battle of Fornovo…
Musée d’Aquitaine
Bordeaux
Gallo-Roman statues and relics dating back 25,000 years are among the highlights at this bright and spacious, well-curated history and civilisations…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Neighborhoods

Bordeaux is so much more than a provincial city in southwest France. Read on for the best neighborhoods to explore in this vibrant, eclectic city.

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Day Trips

While it might be hard to leave fabulous Bordeaux, these easy day trips from the city offer sand, nature, charming villages and plenty of wines to taste.

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Money and Costs

Here’s how to eat, drink and merrymake with Bordelais sass and cent-smart panache.

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Transportation

Whether you bike or walk, take the tram or a boat, or choose to drive yourself, it’s easy to get around one of France’s best-connected cities.

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Traveling with Kids

Forget the capital – France's most family-friendly city is arguably beautiful Bordeaux. Here's all you need to know about visiting with tots in tow.

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Spending Diaries

Senior Director of Publishing Laura Motta shows us how she threw together a quick, inexpensive weekend in Bordeaux, France.