World-famous wine & 18th-century grandeur
Bordeaux
Bordeaux · Wine capital of elegant stone
The world's wine capital is a graceful city of pale-gold 18th-century facades along the curving Garonne. A UNESCO-listed centre, mirror-pool riverfront and gateway to legendary vineyards make Bordeaux one of France's most refined escapes.
Top sightsSights
Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'eau
The elegant square reflected in the world’s largest reflecting pool.
La Cité du Vin
A futuristic museum devoted to wine, with a top-floor tasting.
Saint-André Cathedral
A Gothic cathedral with a climbable bell tower.
Médoc & Saint-Émilion vineyards
World-renowned châteaux a short trip from the city.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets.
What to eatFood
Canelé
A caramelised rum-and-vanilla custard cake, Bordeaux’s signature.
Entrecôte à la bordelaise
Steak in a red-wine and shallot sauce.
Oysters from Arcachon
Fresh oysters from the nearby bay, with white wine.
Good to know
- Book a vineyard day tour — many run from the city centre.
- The compact centre is walkable, with a clean modern tram network.
- Pair a canelé with the local sweet wine for the full experience.
Getting there
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) serves Europe; the TGV now reaches Paris in just over two hours.
Next city
Strasbourg