Couple this elegant architecture with a viticultural heritage that matches anywhere on Earth, and the city is revealed as one of Europe’s finest and best city break destinations.
Art, architecture and dimly-lit wine bars; they’re all here in Bordeaux. Tucked away on the Garonne River to the extreme west of France, Bordeaux enjoys a unique feel that sets it apart from other French cities – offering wonderful opportunities for sightseeing and culinary discovery.
The imposing Grosse Cloche in the heart of Bordeaux is one of the oldest belfries in France. Literally translating from Latin as ‘Big Bell’, the belfry holds the largest and oldest bell in the city, affectionately nicknamed Armande-Louise. Cast in 1775, Armande rings six times a year to mark special occasions, including Bastille Day, VE Day and Remembrance Day, and also on the first Sunday of every month. You can enjoy a guided tour of the belfry in the company of an experienced local guide, who will also show you its rather spooky subterranean dungeons.
For those keen to chip away at Bordeaux’s illustrious history, the ideal place to start is at the Musée d’Aquitaine. Documenting the city’s progression from the Roman-era onward, Musée d’Aquitaine provides a timeline of Bordeaux’s development as it was continuously transformed by countless invading forces. If you must visit only one museum during your trip to the city, we’d recommend opting for this one.
Sampling Bordeaux’s wine is all well and good, but why not learn about it at the Musée du Vin et du Négoce? For French wine lovers, this in-depth visitor centre offers a comprehensive insight into the success and history of Bordeaux’s wine trade, as well as the production and consumption of wine more generally. The centre also features its own designated wine tasting area, where it’s possible to sample a handpicked selection of some of the region’s favourite vintages.
Labelled the ‘historic heart of Bordeaux’ by the city’s tourist board, the St Pierre District is certainly not without its ancient monuments and pockets of timeless heritage. Many of the buildings in this charming quarter date back to the medieval period, and sit close together overlooking quaint cobbled byways. Despite the antiquity of its architecture, St Pierre is one of the busiest and most popular areas of the city, with no end of cafés, restaurants and bars gracing its age-old streets.
Discover our complete collection of Bordeaux river cruises below or download our brochure for further details.