Bordeaux, France: what to see and do
Bordeaux serves as both the regional capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the prefecture of Gironde. The city has a population of 267,991, while Bordeaux Métropole extends over 57,830 hectares. Across the metropolitan area there are 154 parks and natural spaces.
Things to do in Bordeaux
Victor Louis was the architect responsible for Bordeaux's Grand Théâtre. At Saint-André Cathedral, the twin spires rise to a height of 81 metres. Construction of the cathedral's bell tower, the Pey Berland Tower, began in 1440. Its more than 230 steps lead to a pair of terraces, one at 40 metres and the other at 50 metres. The Water Mirror has 3,450 square metres of granite surface.
The Bordeaux self-guided walking tour with an audio guide app lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. It includes 29 audio commentaries, an interactive 3D map with live geolocation, offline access after downloading, sharing across devices for groups and families, and access without an expiry date.
The Bordeaux self-guided walking tour and city game by app lasts 3 hours. It includes the city game app, GPS navigation, questions and tasks tied to locations, and historical and cultural information provided at each stop along the route.
The harbour and the Garonne
Bordeaux's harbour is known as the Port de la Lune, meaning Port of the Moon. The name comes from the crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne, and a crescent moon has long featured on the city's coat of arms. Ocean liners can reach the Garonne at Bordeaux by way of the Gironde estuary. The river's course runs through northern Spain and southwestern France.
The Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge has a central lifting section 117 metres long, which can rise vertically to 53 metres. The bridge varies in width between 32 and 45 metres.
Bordeaux wine and food
In the United Kingdom, the name claret refers to red Bordeaux wine. The main grape varieties of red Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère; since 2021, a few climate-adapted varieties may make up a small share of the blend. Bordeaux's wine classification is dated 18 April 1855. The Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce commissioned it from the city's wine brokers for the Universal Exhibition in Paris, held under Emperor Napoleon III.
The private Bordeaux food tour with wine and artisan tastings lasts 4 hours. It includes a private local guide for the full duration, artisan chocolate, a cheese selection from a specialist shop, French speciality foods, regional pastry and Bordeaux wine tastings.
The Bordeaux natural wine blind tasting tour with five wines lasts 1 hour. It includes five natural wines, a charcuterie and cheese platter, guidance from an expert host, tasting notes and producer references, with the session in English, French or Spanish.
The Bordeaux organic wine blind tasting with cheese and charcuterie lasts 1 hour. It includes three organic Bordeaux wines, a sommelier-led blind tasting, assorted cheeses, French baguette and information about Bordeaux appellations, grape varieties and labels.
The guided food tour in Bordeaux Old Town market lasts 3 hours. It includes food tastings at seven stops, wine tasting, bottled water, a local food guide and access to the market and Old Town sites.
Which region is Bordeaux the capital of?
Bordeaux is the regional capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and also serves as the prefecture of Gironde.
What does Port de la Lune mean?
The name means Port of the Moon and refers to Bordeaux's harbour.
How high are the terraces of the Pey Berland Tower?
The terraces stand at 40 and 50 metres, reached by more than 230 steps.
Who designed the Grand Théâtre?
The architect behind Bordeaux's Grand Théâtre was Victor Louis.
What is claret?
Claret is the United Kingdom's name for red Bordeaux wine.
Frequently asked questions
