Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city that wears its heritage proudly, with an 18th-century centre that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Grand neoclassical buildings line the Garonne River, while the Place de la Bourse and its iconic water mirror reflect the city’s refined charm. The Gothic Saint-André Cathedral and the Grosse Cloche tower offer a sense of Bordeaux’s medieval past, while newer landmarks like the Cité du Vin create a link between tradition and innovation. Art lovers will find the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art and the Musée des Beaux-Arts particularly rewarding.

Cultural life in Bordeaux is lively year-round, with events ranging from classical concerts at the Grand Théâtre to contemporary street festivals and summer open-air cinema. The city’s tram system makes it easy to explore different neighbourhoods, including the buzzing Chartrons district—once home to wine merchants, now full of galleries, concept stores, and riverside cafés. Music is woven into the city’s identity too, from jazz clubs to experimental venues, with something happening on most evenings if you know where to look.

Naturally, food and wine are a key part of any visit to Bordeaux. Beyond the grand crus and world-renowned vineyards of Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, there’s an evolving culinary scene in the city itself. Local specialities like canelés, entrecôte à la Bordelaise, and oysters from Arcachon Bay sit comfortably alongside modern bistros and wine bars that celebrate seasonal produce. Wine tasting tours, cooking classes and covered markets like Marché des Capucins offer hands-on experiences that suit every level of interest—from the curious to the connoisseur.