Bordeaux

Bordeaux has long been associated with wine, but there’s more to the city than vineyards and grand labels. Its compact centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a walkable mix of 18th-century architecture, riverside views and a growing cultural scene.

Situated on the Garonne River, about 50km inland from the Atlantic, Bordeaux underwent a significant transformation in the early 2000s that reshaped its waterfront and urban core. Today, the city has an efficient tram network spanning over 77 km, and its once-industrial river quays have been redeveloped into pedestrian and cyclist-friendly public spaces. The result is a more accessible city, with improved transport and public spaces contributing to a rise in tourism and attracting new residents.

Running from Place de la Victoire to the stunning Grand Théâtre is rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, stretching over a kilometre through Bordeaux’s central district. Nearby, squares like Place de la Bourse and Place Pey-Berland give a sense of the city's scale and elegance. Open-air markets and terrace cafés keep things lively, particularly in the Chartrons and Saint-Michel districts.

Bordeaux’s wine culture is present, but casual. Locals often stop for a glass after work at small bars serving wines from nearby appellations like Médoc, Pessac-Léognan or Saint-Émilion. La Cité du Vin, a museum and tasting centre on the riverfront, offers a more structured introduction, with rotating exhibitions and panoramic views from its upper-floor wine bar.

The city’s cultural offerings continue to grow. The Bassins des Lumières, housed in a converted submarine base, uses digital projection to show large-scale art exhibitions. Outdoor concerts, light festivals and public art installations are now regular features in the city calendar, especially in the autumn.

While green space is more concentrated in the outer districts, the historic centre still offers accessible pockets of nature. The Garonne riverside and the public gardens near Quinconces provide central options for walking, cycling, and relaxing outdoors, while the wider Bordeaux Métropole area features over 160km of marked trails through parks, wetlands and wooded areas.

Accommodation ranges from modern hotels like FirstName Bordeaux to renovated historic spaces such as the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes. Dining options cover both traditional French cuisine and more contemporary, casual spots popular with locals.

Bordeaux may be best known for wine, but as a city, it’s practical, attractive and increasingly dynamic - worth a visit on its own terms.