Exciting things to do in Lake Garda

What to do in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city with a long history and enough attractions to keep you entertained for several days. The principal sights are relatively close together, and most are easily reached from the magnificent Grand Théâtre or the vast central square, Esplanade des Quinconces. The relatively new tram system makes the city’s main attractions even more accessible. If it is your first visit to Bordeaux, be sure to walk out onto the Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux’s oldest bridge, for great views of the Porte de Bourgogne and the stone buildings lining the quayside, where a regeneration project has brought new life to the area.

Campsites in France

Our visitors prefer campsite locations as the base for their holidays for varying reasons. Some stay on-site preferring the convenience of everything in one place. Others use it as a base for exploring France. Contact us if you want to arrange a multi-site holiday travelling through two or more sites.

Our closest campsite to Bordeaux is Camping Le Ruisseau. It's a couple of hours away from the city but worth the trip for a good day out. If you are staying at Le Ruisseau and La Garangeoire, Bordeaux is ideally positioned to visit en route to one or the other.

Where is Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. It is the capital of the Gironde department and one of the most visited cities in the country, known for its rich history, cultural sites, and renowned wine production. This elegant city is world-famous for the quality of its wines. Other attractions include a superb 18th-century theatre, a 1,000-year-old cathedral and a fine arts museum. Bordeaux has something to offer everyone – from art galleries and museums to lively bars and restaurants and a beautiful waterfront promenade.

How to get about in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is easy to get around on foot or by bike. The city has an extensive tram system with four lines and dozens of stops, providing quick access to many attractions. Buses are also available in the city centre, while taxis can be hired from most major hotels. Drivers should note that parking can be expensive and limited in some areas. The city centre is also closed to traffic during certain periods of the day, so it's best to plan and use public transport or park outside the centre.

For longer distances, trains run from Bordeaux to many other cities in France and abroad.

Bordeaux attractions

Pont de Pierre
If it is your first visit to Bordeaux, be sure to walk out onto the Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux’s oldest bridge, for great views of the Porte de Bourgogne and the stone buildings lining the quayside, where a regeneration project has brought new life to the area.

Musée d'Aquitaine

The Musée d'Aquitaine is dedicated to the history of the Bordeaux and Aquitaine regions, with artefacts from as far back as prehistory. It's located in the former Faculty of Letters and Sciences, built in the 1880s by the municipal architect Charles Durand. The museum boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, coins and archaeological finds.

Several collections include over 70,000 pieces that trace the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine from Prehistory to current times. The harbour history of the city is depicted by 5,000 pieces of art from Africa and Oceania. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, so check what's on when you plan to visit Bordeaux.

Grande Théâtre de Bordeaux

The stunning Grande Théâtre de Bordeaux is the city’s principal theatre and a symbol of its history and culture. Built in the late 1700s, the theatre is a magnificent example of Neo-Classical architecture. Its façade features several Doric columns, statues and sculpted figures representing Music, Comedy and Tragedy.

Visitors can admire the beautiful frescoes and ornate gilding that adorn the walls, ceiling and balconies. The theatre hosts operas, ballets and plays, as well as special events like concerts and lectures. It's worth checking out the events calendar before visiting Bordeaux.

Esplanade des Quinconces

The city’s largest square, Esplanade des Quinconces, is home to many monuments including the Monument aux Girondins, which pays tribute to the victims of the Reign of Terror. On weekends and summer days, this enormous space is filled with locals and tourists alike.

The square has a large amusement park, an outdoor market and numerous bars, restaurants and shops. It's also a great place for people-watching or just enjoying the atmosphere in one of France’s most beautiful cities.

Place de la Bourse

Place de la Bourse is also worth a visit, as it's surrounded by some of the city's finest buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Place de la Bourse is one of the most recognisable sights in Bordeaux. It is one of the most representative works of classical French architectural art of the eighteenth century.

Taste fine wine

Bordeaux is world-famous for its wines, so take time to sample some at one of the local vineyards or wineries in the area. Guided tours are available to help you explore the wine-making process, and some even offer tastings. You can also buy bottles of wine directly from the vineyards.

Located just outside of Bordeaux, Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest wineries in France with an 800-year history. It is a stunning example of medieval architecture and features beautiful gardens, an art gallery, a chapel and a winery. The winery also offers guided tours which are extremely popular with tourists.

Shopping in Bordeaux

Rue Ste Catherine is the main shopping street in Bordeaux and a great place to pick up souvenirs or find something special. You can also find plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants here for a bite to eat. Be sure to explore some of the side streets for more interesting shops and boutiques.

Explore churches in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is home to several beautiful Catholic churches, including Église Saint-Andre, Église Saint-Michel and Cathédrale Saint-André. Take a walk around these historic churches to admire the stunning architecture and artwork. Each church has its own unique charm and features beautiful sculptures, paintings and stained-glass windows.

The Jardin Public

The Jardin Public is Bordeaux’s main park and a great place to relax. The 19th-century garden, redeveloped in the style of an English country garden, has several impressive monuments and statues, as well as an aviary with exotic birds. There are also plenty of walking paths to explore, a children's area and the Museum of Natural History. Take some time to explore the park’s lush greenery and admire its unique sculptures.

Bordeaux History

Bordeaux is one of France’s oldest trading ports, with its wealth built on wine. The Romans were among those who took advantage of the city’s coastal position and proximity to plentiful vineyards. When the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the future Henry II brought the western half of France under English rule in the 12th century, the city enjoyed a vast upsurge in revenue.

Many wine merchants became wealthy, and their legacy lives on in the elegant mansions and palaces they built. The 18th century, in particular, sealed the city’s reputation, and many of the great monuments date from that time. Like Paris, only a century earlier, the city underwent reconstruction with the creation of wide boulevards, public gardens and the colonnaded Grand Théâtre. During this time, wealth was also boosted by trade with the colonies in sugar, spices and coffee.

Bordeaux is a great city for visitors, with something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the area's history and culture or enjoy some of its fine wines, Bordeaux has it all! Don't forget to take time to wander the streets and sample the local cuisine – you won't be disappointed.

Other Campsites in France

France offers a wealth of holiday choices, whether travelling with children, older family members or groups of friends. Our customers like the flexibility of staying on a campsite, often using it as a base while going off to explore, either as a group or taking turns to go in separate smaller groups. Each of our campsites is ideally situated to enjoy the local area or travel further afield to find cultural attractions, entertainment, nature or beaches.

We've been delighting holidaymakers for thirty years, so we know a thing or two about European holidays. Get in touch and we'll help you plan the perfect holiday.