Nicknamed “the sleeping beauty”, Bordeaux has become a very sought-after tourist destination in recent years. Read on to discover why the next trip you take should be to this fantastic city.
Esplanade des Quinconces
This is a very popular and nice place where you can come for leisure, but also to have a taste of history, especially regarding the French Revolution. Esplanade des Quinconces is one of the most beautiful things to see in Bordeaux and I recommend you do not miss it! This is actually the largest public square in France where you can see the Monument aux Girondins (Girondist Monument) – a historical column dating from 1902 and one of the landmarks of this city. It is 54 meters high and you can find the beautiful Fontaine des Girondins (Girondist Fountain) with majestic bronze horses at its base. The entire monument was built in order to celebrate the influence that the Gironde political group has had in the French Revolution.
You can go to Esplanade des Quinconces for a nice walk and to take pictures!
Price: free
Bordeaux is the most famous wine region in the world. While its illustrious wines are the most expensive globally, Bordeaux is more than just its price tag – it’s also full of history and quirky facts as well.
You may know some of the surrounding towns, with names like Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Saint-Emilion.
Admire the architecture
Two decades ago, Bordeaux was a bit on the scruffy side, but thanks to Mayor Alain Juppé, the city has spruced up its image and this year it celebrates a decade of its architecture being Unesco-listed.
Rue Saint-Catherine is actually the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe, as it’s 1.2 kilometers long! This famous street is always full with people wandering through its dozens of cafes and many shops. In case you’re on a shopping spree, I’m pretty sure you will find countless of brands here in more than 250 stores or you can at least relax while sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine and admire the tourists!
Come in spring or summer. Make the most of the city’s café and restaurant terraces. Bordeaux is packed with lovely pedestrianized streets and squares where you can sit outside and enjoy your coffee in the sun, and you can do that pretty much from March until November. Try Place Camille-Jullian, Place Saint-Pierre, Place du Parlement, Place Saint-Michel, and Place du Palais.
