Bordeaux in France

Where is Bordeaux in France ?

Bordeaux is on the Atlantic coast, in the south-west of France. It is the capital of the department of Gironde (Aquitaine region).

Only 2 hours from Paris by TGV (train), its location also allows to be in less than an hour on the beaches of Cap Ferret or the Arcachon basin …

Also, Bordeaux is mostly popular for its vineyards known around the world. They extend around the largest estuary in Europe and along three rivers (Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne).

In Bordeaux, the climate is sweet but the humidity is quite high because this city is close to the Atlantic Ocean.

South of France best places – Bordeaux ?

Considered as one of the most beautiful cities in France, Bordeaux has been inscribed in 2007 on the World Heritage List at UNESCO. Its cultural and architectural riches are many and varied. Hard to name them all.

In this article, I will try to mention only the biggest and most beautiful sites but also my good addresses …

Best places to see in Bordeaux France – My selection

• The Place de la Bourse and the magnificent water mirror ;
• The Grand Théâtre, an elegant and majestic building, inaugurated in 1780;
• The Cathedral located on Pey-Berland Square;
• the Cailhau Gate, which was part of the ancient wall of the city ;
• the Cité du Vin (city of Wine), which allows you to discover different wine cultures and learn about oenology … Link for reservation
• the Saint-Pierre district (historic center) to visit on Segway : Link for reservation
• The CAPC (magnificent museum of contemporary art) whose entry is free.
• St. Catherine Street (the largest commercial pedestrian street in Europe in the city center): 1.2 km of shopping!
• The Capucins market (the largest market in Bordeaux) to sample local products ;
• An excursion for the wine routes. The Médoc and its castles, Sauternes, Graves, Saint-Émilion and its medieval village … Link for reservation

Restaurants in Bordeaux – my favorite

Bordeaux in France has the record for the number of restaurants per people (1 in 5) and great french chefs have settling there : Pierre Gagnaire, Philippe Etchebest, or Gordon Ramsay.

Unfortunately, I am not rich enough to offer me a meal in their restaurants.

The restaurants I selected below are more modest but we can eat very very well !

C’Yusha

Link for reservation

In first place, being one of the best affordable restaurants in Bordeaux, I love the restaurant  !

Its Chef Pierrick Célibert (trained by Bernard Loiseau and Alain Ducasse) offers a fine, original and creative cuisine where the herbs have the best part.

If you have a small budget, I advise you to go for lunch. Indeed, you will be able to access a menu at 19 €! And if you really want to have fun, then treat yourself to a table in the evening (gourmet menu at 45 euros).

Link for reservation

NOFA

62-64 rue du Hâ, 33000, Bordeaux

Next to the place Pey Berlan, this little restaurant is my good plan for Bordeaux ! A revisited Italy cooking surprisingly French.

Best hotel in Bordeaux – my favorite

Cote Cour de L’Hôtel Particulier

More information on BOOKING

Here is the most beautiful accommodation I had the chance to find in the center of Bordeaux (100 m from the Saint André Cathedral) !

The courtyard side of the Hotel Particulier is not a hotel but a guest house dating from the 19th century.

These are fully equipped (very elegant) apartments overlooking the inner courtyard.

You have the possibility to order the breakfasts. They are fantastic so do not deprive yourself!

Location is just perfect ! Smack in the centre between the Grand Théâtre and Saint-Andre’s Cathedral, it’s on a quiet pedestrian street even though the (equally quiet) tram runs right past your door.

From here it’s a five-minute walk to many of the sights, to shopping on the Cours de l’Intendance, to busy Place Gambetta or to the chic bars and restaurants behind Place de la Bourse.

The hotel combines luxurious accommodation with the friendly informality of a family b&b. It’s a building of considerable charm, one that started out as the home of a cardinal, and it preserves a lot of the airs and graces of the 19th century: Original doors and windows, and many other features beautifully restored.

The Telegraph

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Aux Terrasses

48 Rue Sullivan, 33000 Bordeaux

To enjoy a beautiful terrace in the center of Bordeaux in a family holiday atmosphere … It feels like home in this beautiful home where the reception is really quality.

Set in Bordeaux, just a 12-minute walk from Saint-André Cathedral, Aux Terrasses features accommodation with free bikes, a garden, a terrace and free WiFi.

More information on BOOKING

Reasons why Bordeaux is one of South of France best places

I would say simply because in Bordeaux, there is something interesting for everyone. From the cultural visit (historical monuments, museums …) to the stroll along the quays with a tasting of good wine, Bordeaux is a city that has it all !

Why choose Bordeaux ?

After all what I said, I think we should not even ask the question !

It is forbidden to hesitate between visiting Bordeaux or another French city … no you must, before any other decision, simply schedule a trip in Bordeaux.

The other cities will come after !

If you are looking for

budget hotels in Bordeaux

look at :

The 3 best cheap hotels in Bordeaux