Place de la Bourse and Miroir d'eau
The 18th-century royal square designed by Jacques Gabriel and his son Jacques Ange Gabriel, facing the Garonne, with the Miroir d'eau, a 3,450 square metre reflecting pool laid out in 2006 in front of it.
On this page
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne in south-west France, the prefecture of the Gironde department and the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Its 18th-century centre, 'Bordeaux, Port of the Moon', has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Visitors come for the stone-fronted quays and the Miroir d'eau on Place de la Bourse, the Gothic cathedral and Tour Pey-Berland, the Marché des Capucins and La Cité du Vin, and for the wine country around the city, including Saint-Émilion, the Médoc and Sauternes. Trams and a flat, walkable centre make the city easy without a car, and TGV trains reach Paris in about 2 hours 4 minutes.
- Capital
- Paris (national capital); Bordeaux is the regional capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Largest city
- Bordeaux (largest city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
- Population
- About 260,000 in the commune of Bordeaux; about 800,000 in Bordeaux Métropole (recent INSEE estimates)
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris (UTC+1, summer UTC+2 CEST)
Explore Bordeaux by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Bordeaux
The 22 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Cathédrale Saint-André and Tour Pey-Berland
UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II, with a free-standing 15th-century bell tower, the Tour Pey-Berland, that visitors climb (about 229 steps, small groups) for the best panorama over the city.
La Cité du Vin
Wine museum and cultural centre in a 55 m curved tower opened in 2016, with an immersive permanent exhibition on the world's wine cultures and an 8th-floor belvedere serving a glass of wine included in the ticket.
Bassins des Lumières
Digital-art centre inside the former German submarine base of 1941-43, where giant projections fill four flooded concrete basins; exhibitions change each season (the 2026 programme includes Matisse, Frida Kahlo and Dinosaurs from 3 October).
Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
Neoclassical opera house by Victor Louis, opened in 1780, with a colonnade crowned by twelve statues (nine Muses and three goddesses) and a grand staircase that inspired the Paris Opéra.
Basilique Saint-Michel and its bell tower
Flamboyant Gothic basilica (14th-16th centuries) on a lively market square, with a detached tower of 114 m, the tallest bell tower in southern France; the tower is open to climb on selected dates.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Bordeaux Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Bordeaux, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Bordeaux
- Days 1-2Bordeaux city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Bordeaux
- Days 1-3Bordeaux comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Bordeaux, departure
Where to stay in Bordeaux
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 60-110 (~$69-127)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 150-290 (~$173-334)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 450-1,100+ (~$518-1,265+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hôtel
Five-star 18th-century grand hotel facing the Grand Théâtre, with a spa and a restaurant, in the middle of the historic centre.
Check rates on Booking.comHôtel de Sèze
Four-star hotel on the Allées de Tourny, a short walk from the Grand Théâtre and Place des Quinconces, with a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comHôtel Burdigala by MGallery
Four-star MGallery hotel on Rue Georges Bonnac near Place Gambetta, with a restaurant and walking access to the cathedral and shopping streets.
Check rates on Booking.comMarty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Four-star Tapestry Collection hotel on Rue Georges Bonnac on the western edge of the centre, a few minutes from Mériadeck and Place Gambetta.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Bordeaux
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
La Tupina
Rustic inn founded in 1968, known for open-hearth Southwest French cooking; chef Franck Audu.
Brasserie Bordelaise
Brasserie serving grilled meat and traditional dishes, open daily and late.
Chez Dupont
Chartrons bistro with a zinc counter; it also has guest rooms.
Chez Pompon
Relaxed riverside bistro with daily specials; aperitif service Thursday to Saturday.
Brasserie Maillard
Modern take on classic brasserie fare.
Le Chapon Fin
Historic gastronomic restaurant (founded 1825) in a classified rococo setting, with a prestigious wine cellar; chef Younesse Bouakkaoui since December 2023.
Book a food tour in Bordeaux We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Bordeaux
Transportation options in Bordeaux include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 30-65 (~$35-75) | EUR 90-170 (~$104-196) | EUR 250-600+ (~$288-690+) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 20-30 (~$23-35) | EUR 40-80 (~$46-92) | EUR 120-300+ (~$138-345+) |
| Transportation | EUR 0-8 (~$0-9) | EUR 5-20 (~$6-23) | EUR 30-150 (~$35-173) |
| Activities | EUR 0-15 (~$0-17) | EUR 15-40 (~$17-46) | EUR 50-250+ (~$58-288+) |
| Daily total | EUR 60-110 (~$69-127) | EUR 150-290 (~$173-334) | EUR 450-1,100+ (~$518-1,265+) |
Best time to visit Bordeaux
Weather through the year in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Nouvelle Aquitaine.
May-June and September to early October
Late spring and early autumn combine warm days, open terraces and active vineyards. The Atlantic beaches (Arcachon, Cap Ferret) are 1 hour from the city, so mid-June to mid-September suits beach days.
Essential travel tips
- Buy tram tickets from machines at stops or on the TBM app and validate them on the first ride.
- Book Cité du Vin and Bassins des Lumières online in summer.
- Visit the Marché des Capucins before 11:00, Tuesday to Sunday.
- Many restaurants close on Sunday evening and Monday; reserve dinner ahead.
- Take the TER train to Libourne for Saint-Émilion rather than driving after tastings.
Safety information
Keep phones, passports and wallets in zipped inner pockets or a cross-body bag worn in front on Rue Sainte-Catherine, Place Saint-Michel, Cours de la Marne and around Gare Saint-Jean
Do not leave phones on cafe tables on Place de la Victoire or Place Pey-Berland; phone snatching from terraces is common
Lock bicycles with two locks to a fixed rail; bike theft is frequent in Bordeaux, including from hotel courtyards
Validate the tram ticket on every boarding; inspectors fine unvalidated tickets
Keep to lit streets at night around the quays, Place de la Victoire and Gare Saint-Jean, and take a taxi or tram after midnight
Stay off the Garonne riverbanks and the water's edge at night; the river has strong tidal currents and swimming is dangerous
Do not leave valuables visible in rental cars on the Médoc and Saint-Émilion wine roads; break-ins at car parks near châteaux and Dune du Pilat are reported
Avoid demonstrations around Place Pey-Berland, Place de la Victoire and the Hôtel de Ville, which are common on Saturdays, and follow police instructions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bordeaux?
Entry follows France/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card or passport; visitors from many non-EU countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days; others need a Schengen visa. Check france-visas.gouv.fr.
What currency is used in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted; carry a little cash for market stalls.
How do visitors get from Bordeaux airport to the centre?
The TBM Liane 1+ bus runs from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport to Gare Saint-Jean in about 35-45 minutes; a taxi takes 25-35 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
May-June and September to early October offer warm weather and open terraces; the harvest runs from September to October.
Is Saint-Émilion an easy day trip from Bordeaux?
Yes. TER trains from Gare Saint-Jean reach Saint-Émilion's station in about 35-40 minutes; the village is a 20-minute walk uphill from the station.