Why Bordeaux is definitely worth visiting

Obviously, I decided to write this article to convince you that Bordeaux is worth visiting.

But I wasn’t always that enthousiastic.

I remember the very first time I came to Bordeaux. I didn’t like it at all.

I came to attend a football match between the local team, the FC Girondins de Bordeaux, and my hometown’s local team Stade Rennais Football Club.

That was probably in 2003. I remember that I found the city center dirty, very dirty, and noisy. That was true. The buildings were dirty black because of the pollution of the commerce port and the cars.

10 years later I came back with a group of Chinese friends who asked me to show them Bordeaux and its surroundings. I was kind of reluctant but I finally agreed and acompanied them, good fortune.

That’s how the love story began. I found the city changed, clean, shining, splendid.

The city had been cleaned, the car traffic disminished, the quais refurbished… evereything had been updated and upgraded.

The next year I got married with my Chinese wife. I had to take her to Bordeaux to. And guess what happened? She fell in love with the city to.

10 years later, we ended up in Bordeaux. We decided to settle down here in 2024.

Wondering if Bordeaux in France is a good destination for you? Let me try to convince you that Bordeaux is not only a good destination, it is possibly one of the best destinations in France.

Over 2000 years of history

Bordeaux is not the oldest city in France, it’s Bézier. Still, Bordeaux boasts over 2,000 years of history. The first settlers were the Celts around 300 B.C.

The history of Bordeaux is incredibly rich especially because of its key location on the map of Europe.

Then the Gauls, founded Burdigala in 100 B.C.

Then Julius Ceaser conquered Gauls in 50 B.C. and Burdigala flourished under Roman rule. After the fall of Rome in 476 A.D., Bordeaux endured invasions by Visigoths, Moors, and Vikings before becoming part of the Frankish Kingdom in the 8th century.

The city experienced a Golden Age during the 12th–15th centuries under English rule, thanks to the thriving wine trade.

French territory again, Bordeaux later prospered during the 18th century Enlightenment, transforming into a cultural and economic center with grand squares, elegant mansions, and bustling ports tied to Atlantic trade.

Bordeaux was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. 1,800 hectares of the 4,000 that counts the city are classified. Bordeaux is the biggest city in the UNESCO World Heritage.

Now here’s a quick list of the best reasons to visit Bordeaux.

1. The Wine Capital of the World

There are 8000 wineries in Bordeaux producing 900,000,000 bottles a year: 70% of reds, 30% of whites, and a bit of sparkling and rosé.

Bordeaux is the first wine region in France, and one of the most famous, if not the most reknowned wine in the world: Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Émilion.

You know the names? They are in Bordeaux.

2. Stunning Architecture

Bordeaux’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason.

The 18th-century architecture is breathtaking, with landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the Grand Théâtre, and Saint-André Cathedral.

The Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror), the world’s largest reflecting pool, is a must-see and offers incredible photo opportunities.

3. A Walkable City

Bordeaux is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in France. Its compact city center, flat terrain, and extensive pedestrian zones make it easy to explore on foot.

Join me for a free guided tour around the city center!

4. Delicious Food

Bordeaux’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional French cuisine and innovative gastronomy.

Here are some of the most famous bordelese delicacies:

• canelés (caramelized pastries),
• entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with red wine sauce),
• and fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay.

The Marché des Capucins is a great spot to sample those.

5. Proximity to Other Attractions

Bordeaux is an excellent base for exploring southwestern France.

Take a day trip to Saint-Émilion, a medieval village surrounded by vineyards, or visit Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe.

Both destinations are less than an hour away.

And how about continuing your journey going to Spain and San Sebastian? It’s only 300 kilometers away from Bordeaux!

6. Affordable Compared to Paris

Bordeaux is more affordable than Paris, with lower costs for accommodation, dining, and entertainment.

You’ll get more value for your money, whether you’re staying in a boutique hotel, dining at a mid-range restaurant, or enjoying a glass of local wine.

7. Easy to Reach

Bordeaux is well-connected by air, train, and road.

The city’s airport offers flights to major European cities, and the high-speed TGV train connects Bordeaux to Paris in just over two hours.

Once you’re in the city, the tram system makes getting around a breeze.

8. Nice museums

There are about 15 museums in Bordeaux. Not all of them are interesting

The wine museum is great, a bit pricy but great. If you don’t know much about wine, it’s defenitely the place to visit. The museum has reached the top 3 in France.

Then, there’s the museum of fine arts which I find very interesting.

9. The submarine base

I love it. The submarine base or “Le bassin des lumières” is the biggest digital art center in Europe: 12,000 sqm dedicated to light exhibitions bringing art to live. The best place to see in Bordeaux out of the city center.