Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons To Visit (2024)
Are you planning a trip to France and wondering if is Bordeaux worth visiting?
You have come to the right place!
I’ve been living in Bordeaux for over 3 years now, and I’m so excited to show you why you should visit Bordeaux.
From charming cobblestone streets to endless vineyards and beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux is more than just a city, it offers something for every type of traveler.
However, timing is everything with Bordeaux, as the city reveals its true charm during the warmer months.
Let’s jump right in!
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Is Bordeaux Worth A Visit?
Yes, Bordeaux is definitely worth a visit.
Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Some call Bordeaux “Little Paris” but I don’t think that does the city justice.
Bordeaux does not look like Paris.
The architecture in Bordeaux, with grand 18th-century buildings in the city center and charming houses with colorful doors, is completely different than any other French city.
The city center of Bordeaux is quite compact, making it a fantastic day trip or a weekend destination.
There are so many things to do in Bordeaux, from strolling the picturesque city center to taking a train and exploring the wine region or beach towns along the Atlantic coast.
You should visit Bordeaux as a stop on your France itinerary or as a city break destination.
TOP Reasons To Visit Bordeaux France
1. It Is Easy To Get To
The main reason you should visit Bordeaux is that it is so easy to reach!
Bordeaux is situated in the southwest of France, about 600km south of Paris.
But don’t let that distance scare you! Bordeaux and Paris are connected by a fast TGV train, so the journey takes less than 2 hours between the two cities.
This connectivity makes Bordeaux an ideal choice for a day trip from Paris!
Also, Bordeaux has an international airport, linking the city to nearly 100 destinations across more than 20 countries.
You can reach Bordeaux by direct flight from the UK, Ireland, Spain, Morocco, and even Canada!
2. You Can Visit Year-Round
Most tourist attractions in Bordeaux are not weather-dependent, so you can visit Bordeaux year-round.
That being said, there are better and worse times to visit Bordeaux.
The best time to visit Bordeaux is spring or autumn.
You can visit any time from April to October and you’ll likely get fantastic weather.
November to March are unpredictable. I lived here for almost 3 years and we’ve had sunny and warm days in January and month-long rain in November.
Also, summers in Bordeaux get very hot. Days are long, so you can take a train to the beach, but the city of Bordeaux is not a beach destination.
The first time I visited Bordeaux I came in December. I just moved from Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas, and I was quite disappointed by the lack of Christmas spirit in Bordeaux and gloomy days did not help.
3. Unique Architecture
The city center of Bordeaux is one of the most impressive Old Towns I’ve seen in France.
Interestingly, it’s not the same red buildings you can see in Toulouse or colorful houses in Biarritz.
Bordeaux city center is UNESCO-listed as a prime example of classical and neoclassical trends of the 18th century.
So, what can you see in Bordeaux?
Some of the most see spots in Bordeaux are La Place de la Bourse and the unique Miroir d’eau, Porte Cailhau, Grosse Cloche, and Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux.
My favorite thing to do is just walk around and see where I will end up. The houses around Jardin Publique and Rue Saint Cathrine are recently renovated and best looking.
The further you go from the city center, the 18th-century buildings are more rugged looking but still impressive.
4. Taste ALL The Wine
Ok, we can’t talk about Bordeaux without talking about the wine.
Simply put, if you like wine, you’ll like Bordeaux.
Bordeaux is one of the best-known wine regions in France, famous for its rich red wine called Bordeaux.
Now, I’m not a wine specialist, but you’ll find all the wine specialists you need in Bordeaux. You don’t have to worry about the language barrier as most of them speak English!
Whether you’re into wine tasting, wine festivals, or exploring wine museums, Bordeaux has it all.
5. Delicious Food
Bordeaux locals love eating out, and the offer matches the demand.
You can find virtually every type of cuisine in Bordeaux!
As a vegan, I couldn’t try most of the local dishes, until I found Dis Leur and had the best vegan bourguignon.
We can’t forget French pastries!
Michel MaBelle is my go-to for delectable French croissants and pastries, while Jolly is the place to go for the perfect French crepe and vegan-friendly ice cream!
6. Many Free Things To Do
While France is generally one of the most expensive European countries, you can also visit Bordeaux on a budget.
Over my three years in Bordeaux, I got very good at finding free activities in Bordeaux.
Firstly, sightseeing is free!
The whole city center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO site, so you’ll see impressive cultural heritage everywhere you look.
Bordeaux Museums are free to visit every first Sunday in a month (except July and August). I visited the Natural History Museum and Museum of Aquitanie and they were both fantastic!
Parks are free, walking along the river is free, strolling antique markets is free… the list goes on!
7. Escape The Crowds In Hidden Gardens
The first time I visited Bordeaux I found it lacked some greenery. In Bordeaux’s defense, it was December.
With time I’ve learned there are several charming green spaces, they are just a bit hidden.
Jardin Publique is where you’ll find all the Bordeaux locals gathering for a picnic, enjoying yoga, or simply soaking up the sun on a sunny day.
If you have more time in Bordeaux, you can hike to the viewpoint in Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine or visit the fairytale-like structures in Parc Majolan.
8. Stunning Sunsets
Bordeaux has some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen.
And I’ve seen a lot of beautiful sunsets, from the famous Oia sunset in Santorini to romantic Bali sunsets.
Still, I stop and admire the sunset every time I’m crossing Pont de Pierre at sunset time.
Days are quite long in Bordeaux, so the sunset time is almost 10 PM during summer, so you can catch it even if you go out of the city for a day trip!
9. Enjoy Vibrant Nightlife
Locals in Bordeaux love gathering for a drink after work and on the weekends.
You don’t need to go clubbing to enjoy Bordeaux nightlife, and most people don’t! All you need to do is go to the city center and
I love the vibrant atmosphere, the sounds of chatter street performers, and the tram blending on warm summer nights in Bordeaux.
10. Shop In Europe’s Longest Pedestrian Street
Rue Saint Cathrine in Bordeaux is Europe’s longest pedestrian street. It is also the main shopping street in Bordeaux where you’ll find all the most popular retail stores.
Other pedestrian streets connect to Rue Saint Cathrine, and you should explore them too for more unique local stores.
11. Bordeaux Is Cyclable City
One of my favorite things about Bordeaux is how bike-friendly it is.
Having lived in Belgium and Strasbourg, I became a big fan of getting around the city by bike.
You don’t have to worry about the traffic, there are bike lanes everywhere, and locals cycle to work and to the city center year round!
For an authentic local experience, consider renting a bike or joining one of Bordeaux’s bike tours!
12. Fun Events
There is always something going on in Bordeaux, and most of the events are free!
Most events take place at Place de Quinconces, one of the largest city squares in Europe. It regularly hosts the Bordeaux Fair, Brocante Market, and more!
My favorites are Fete de la Musique on the 21st of June and Bordeaux Carnaval des 2 Rives which takes place in late February or early March.
If you visit in December, you can’t miss the Bordeaux Christmas Market.
Of course, we can’t forget Bordeaux Fête le Vin in June, when you can spend 4 days degustating the best wines of the region along the Garrone.
13. Swim On Atlantic Beaches
Despite what you might have read elsewhere, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go to the beach while you’re in Bordeaux!
The best beaches around Bordeaux are on the Atlantic coast, about an hour by train from Bordeaux.
Beaches along the Cap Ferret towards Lacanau are my favorite, they are stunning, long sandy beaches.
One thing to consider is that Atlantic beaches are cold. I’m coming from Croatia, and I grew up on beaches in Pula, I had a hard time adjusting to the chilly beaches in Bordeaux.
Beaches in the Bay of Arcachon are significantly warmer but more crowded.
14. See The Largest Sand Dune In Europe
Even if the weather is not hot enough to swim, you should still take a day trip from Bordeaux to the Atlantic Coast to see the largest sand dune in Europe!
I was stunned the first time I saw Dune du Pilat.
I couldn’t believe this massive sand dune standing in front of me just appeared, standing between the ocean on one side and lush green pine forest on the other.
You can climb the dune for an incredible view over the region, roll down the dune like a kid, or simply walk around admiring this unique landscape.
The dune is also a popular spot for picnics and watching the sunset while having a picnic. French people love picnics!
Visiting the dune is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux, and you shouldn’t miss it.
15. Take A Day Trip To The Wine Region
Bordeaux is in the wine region, and I think that vineyard-covered hills and castles are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Bordeaux has several wine regions, but the most popular ones are Medoc and Saint Emilion.
To discover the Medoc region you can rent a car and drive around, visiting wineries and stopping in small villages.
If you don’t want to drive, you don’t need a car to visit Saint Emilion. Instead, go for a day trip from Bordeaux by train!
The train will take you about 10 minutes from the village, and you can walk along the vineyards to this beautiful medieval town.
FAQ:
Yes, Bordeaux is worth visiting if you don’t drink wine! Wine is just one small aspect of Bordeaux, and you can have a full weekend exploring the city and the surroundings without even thinking about the wine!
Bordeaux is quickly becoming one of the most popular cities in France. The main reasons for Bordeaux’s popularity are the laid-back atmosphere, convenient train connections to Paris, proximity to the Atlantic coast, and outstanding reputation for wine production.
The title is up for debate, but Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. For decades, it was considered the ‘Sleeping Beauty of France. However, in the last 20 years, this charming city has awakened to reveal its timeless beauty.
Summary: Is Bordeaux France Worth Visiting
Now that you have all the reasons why visit Bordeaux, if you see a cheap flight to Bordeaux, don’t hesitate to book it and visit this incredible city!
Discover the charming southwest of France, with Bordeaux as your getaway into this beautiful region.
Bordeaux, with its endless vineyards, picturesque hilltop villages, and the dramatic Atlantic coast, is undeniably a destination well worth visiting!
Even if you’ve already booked accommodation in Paris, Bordeaux is merely a convenient 2-hour train ride away. You can see all the main tourist attractions in Bordeaux in one day!
