May, 2006
So, is Bordeaux worth a visit? Absolutely – vineyards, architecture, wine, food, culture and music. Truly though – it’s all about the wine! If you don’t know, Bordeaux is famous for its wine and for very good reason! You can easily experience the city on foot or rent a bike and explore.
You can access Bordeaux by train from Paris or you can fly into the BOD airport. The airport is ~9 km from the city centre with a public bus that runs from the airport. Once you have arrived in Bordeaux, I recommend making it your home base (La Maison Odeia, La Halte Montaigne, or of course my favourite, Air BnB) so that you can thoroughly explore areas including Saint-Émilion, Cap Ferret & Arcachon Bay. Rent a car and drive the French countryside at your own pace. This allows for you to take in the hilltop villages and wineries along the way. Sometimes the unplanned parts of trips with spontaneous stops make for the most epic memories.
Wine aside, there is so much to see and do in Bordeaux, that it is definitely worth a visit even if you aren’t a fan of wine. Let’s explore what else you should see and do!
Saint-Andres Cathedral and Pey-Berland Bell Tower – Exploring this beautiful cathedral is a sight worth seeing. Even if you aren’t a religious person, it might just make you a believer. You will want to climb the 229 stairs to the top of the bell tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
Rue Sainte Catherine – If you love shopping, this is the place to be! It is the longest pedestrian shopping street at 1.2km in length filled with cafés, boutiques, stores and souvenir shops. With over 250 stores, I am sure you can find a souvenir or two and if shopping isn’t your thing, then at least grab a cappuccino or a glass of wine and people watch! It is worth a stroll down this street. I brought home a cooking apron with hopes of recreating some of the French inspired cuisine I sampled on this trip! I love practical souvenirs.
La Place de la Bourse – One of the top tourist attractions which hosts the famous ‘Water Mirror’, this is actually the largest reflecting pool and it’s a worthwhile stop. It is mesmerizing to watch the buildings dance along the pool and the water is programmed for fog, mirror and pool. You’ll want to stay long enough to view it shifting through the phases.
Darwin Bridge – Head across this bridge to experience a different neighborhood filled with restaurants, organic grocery stores, unique street art, and boutique stores.
Monument aux Girondins – Here you will find a little taste of history which was built to celebrate the influence of the Gironde politics on the French Revolution. The monument is 54m high with majestic bronze horses at the base. Again, a popular location, but worth a stop along the way.
Place de la Victorie – Another busy square and the column consists of six marble blocks that were sculpted to honor viticulture and winemaking. It is rumored that it took forty qualified craftsmen to execute this column. A square with bars, restaurants and cafés. Sit back, sip some wine, admire the architecture and people watch.
La Cite du Vin – If museums are on your list, then embark on this journey to explore the cultures and civilizations of wine over time. The building design is unique and reminds me of a wine decanter.
Wine Tasting – Since we are truly in the heart of wine country, no trip to Bordeaux would be complete without tasting some wine. Wine Cab offers two of my favourite tour options. Consider the Gateways of Bordeaux where you have an opportunity to taste white and red wines which includes tastings at a family vineyard, at a chateau grand cru classe and one among the vines! Simply amazing. The Bordeaux by Night offers a romantic aspect to Bordeaux ideal for a couple. Starting at sunset, you will make your way across Bordeaux sipping wine and admiring the most beautiful monuments become illuminated while the day turns into dusk. Organized tours not your thing? I understand and would then suggest Bar a Vin – the sommeliers will be happy to share their passion for wine, helping you find the perfect dry red, sweet whites, silky roses, or sparkling to suit your tastes. To enrich your tasting experience, may I recommend pairing the wine with any of the local delicacies such as cheese, cold meats and chocolates on the menu.
Now onto the food! Bordeaux has some culinary specialties such as steak with bordelaise sauce, of course paired with a glass of local wine! You really can’t go wrong with that!
You know I love a good picnic and there is no better option then the largest market in Bordeaux. The Marché des Capucins, commonly referred to as the Belly of Bordeaux, is where you will find endless options of food from pastries, snack bars, cheese, oysters, fishmongers, fruits, vegetables and olives to make this an unforgettable culinary experience. Also, a great spot for souvenirs.
Looking for a panoramic view of both Bordeaux and the Port combined with a changing seasonal menu made from the region’s local produce? Look no further than Le 7 Restaurant which is located on the 7th floor of the La Cite du Vin. An elegant ambiance with a sophisticated cuisine that delights the palate paired with a selection of universal and local wines to complete the tasting and experience. I recommend securing your table about an hour before sunset so you can watch the caramel-coloured sky, while sipping fine wine and indulging in traditional Bordelaise fare.
Sensational French food on one of the busiest streets, La Brasserie Bordelaise is an absolute gem. The menu does change seasonally, and in winter, you may find melt-in-your-mouth black truffles. La Brasserie Bordelaise is known for their steaks and typical comfort French food. With an extensive wine list, I am certain one delightful Bordeaux wine will pair well with the tender and juicy boeuf de Bazas, the Blonde d’Aquitaine or the Simmental steak of your choice. Enjoy!
