Bordeaux: the inspiration of Paris
3 days in Bordeaux
3 day plan
Day 1
- Free tour
- Grosse Cloche
- Porte Cailhau
- 1h30 boat trip in Garonne river
- Place de la Bourse
Day 2
- Musée des Beaux-Arts
- Torre Pey Berland and Saint-André Catedral
- Rue Sainte-Catherine
- Flecha Saint-Michel
Day 3
- National Opera
- Church of Our Lady of Bordeaux
- Monument aux Girondins
- Public Gardens
The Places to visit
Grosse Cloche
In the heart of the city, this is one of the oldest steeples in France, the only thing left from the old city walls.
These bells are present in the life of Bordeaux since the 13th century.
Porte Cailhau
It used to be a defensive gate of the city of Bordeaux. And it gives direct access to the riverside avenue. It's picturesque look reminds you of something like Disney, right?
Place de la Bourse
If you like perspective photos, this is the place to be! In front of the Place de la Bourse, you have a water "mirror" that will give the monument reflection - in the winter there is no water though, because of the freeze risk.
I really advise you to come here in the end of the day (near sunset), the colors are just splendid.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
This is the perfect museum to visit in Bordeaux if you like art.
You can find two different collections: on the south wing, there are old collections from 16th and 17th century, whereas on the north wing, you can find collections from 19th and 20th century.
You can also make a pedagogical visit with your family or a playful one with your friends where you will find out from which school a certain artist is from and which art belongs to each artist.
Torre Pey Berland and Saint-André Catedral
The most beautiful monument in Bordeaux, is where a lot of royal weddings take place (first image).
Right next to the Catedral, its steeple, Per Berland Tower, is the best spot for a 360º view over the city. The ticket to go up in the tower, is 9 euros, but until 25 years old EU citizen, it is free of charge (second image).
Rue Sainte-Catherine
It's about 1,200 metres long and 10 metres wide. That makes nearly 3 km of shop windows to take in!
It divides the city in two along a north-south axis from Place de la Comédie, where the Grand Théâtre is, to Place de la Victoire where the Theimer Column is.
Basilica Saint-Michel
Another beautiful gothic church in Bordeaux, with its steeple, Flecha Saint-Michel, under construction at the moment.
National Opera
This theatre, 3 century old now, holds all year long shows as operas, ballets and concerts.
Is a very elegant building right in the middle of the city, mandatory passage into the Rue Sainte-Catherine.
Church of Our Lady of Bordeaux
It is the most baroque and Romanesque-style church in Bordeaux.
The church and Cour Mably (Mably Courtyard) are the only vestiges of a Dominican monastery going back to the 13th century.
Monument aux Girondins
The most emblematic of the French Revolution in Bordeaux with the famous monument built for the Girondins !
Public Gardens
The perfect place to chill and take a break from the city center. It has a lot of places to sit and even make a picnic! And also, some playgrounds for the kids.
The Activities
Besides the Musée des Beaux-Arts already mentioned before, in the 3 days plan, I mentioned two other activities that are great if you are tight in terms of time:
Free tour
I like to always start with a free tour in a new place I´m at, specially if I´m short in time. It is the perfect way to get to know the main monuments and places to visit and, at the same time, get to know a little bit more about the city's history. And it is budget friendly - you give the guide whatever you feel is deserved in the end of the tour.
I usually book them in Civitatis:
Boat trip in Garonne river
A way to see the city from a different perspective!
I would recommend the following, also from Civitatis, where you will be able to get to know even more about Bordeaux, specially in terms of maritime and trades history.
The Places to Eat and Drink
Crème
A beautiful, well decorated restaurant, on a narrow street in the center of Bordeaux with cheese as the main character of its dishes.
Very good wine (of course), and dishes with combinations that will surprise you. Book in advance!
Café Piha
One of the most coziest cafes in Bordeaux, with a coffee smell all over! They have several types of coffees from different places around the world and a very cool concept around it. The croissants are fantastic and it's the perfect place for a good breakfast!
The Dog & Duck
Very nice pub, with several craft beers, including IPA and Guiness! On the river side, it has the perfect ambience to watch the game or just chill with your friends! Make sure you take advantage of the Happy Hour!
Canard Street
Perfect for a quick typical meal with, naturally, the duck as the main character! In the center, with several options, even for those who don't like the duck!
I recommend the Magret.
Édouard
Very nice atmosphere, Édouard is a central restaurant with options for every taste, including vegetarian! They have a wide selection of wine and super good desserts!
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