Bordeaux Things to Do

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Definitely the best place to hang out on a warm summer evening, Bordeaux's roughly 2.5km long quais are not to be missed. Starting at Pont St Pierre, they stretch along the Garonne and offer one breathtaking view after the other. It is, however, rather uncommon to see a ship anchoring at the quais, probably because of the incredibly strong current of the river. Entertainment can thus be found mostly on the quais: people go cycling, running or roller-skating, they have fun at the Miroir d'Eau or marvel at the illuminated facades of the quaiside at night. In summer, there is a plethora of events taking place such as open-air dancing classes, concerts or exhibitions. Further downriver, there is a skate park which is packed with talented skaters until late at night. Even further, elegant (and rather expensive) bars attract visitors to have a cocktail or a wine with a view. During the day, you can shop in the so-called "Hangars" at the far end of the quais.

Bordeaux's old town is giant. Roughly surrounded by Cours de la Marne, the quais, Cours de l'Intendance and Cours Pasteur, it is home to numerous tiny little alleys with lots of things to discover. It's easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets, but it's worth it. There are art nouveau designs on a number of buildings, there is the somewhat obscure display of a neighbourhood shop, there are wide plazas with inviting street cafes, freshly laundered clothes dry in front of the window shutters while a cat hisses menacingly from a shady doorway. As I enjoy discovering cities by foot anyway, I did so as well in Bordeaux - and I would highly recommend it to all of you. One can easily spend an afternoon simply strolling through Bordeaux's old town. A good starting point is the Quartier Saint-Michel with its market and splendid church.

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Located at the Southern end of rue Saint Catherine, the Place de la Victoire features a large arched entry, a large obelisque of various colored marble from the local areas and some bronze turtles with bunches of grapes. Next to the University, there are kebab places and a McDonalds. It seems to be a place where things occur.

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Right in the middle of the city center at place comedie, is the regal Grand Theatre. Unfortunately the music/ballet season was over in July, but on the plus side they turned the theatre into a museum featuring the costumes of the myriad of ballets and opera staged there. The inside is quite stunning, with decorated boxes allowing full wonderful view to the stage.

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The Musee d'Aquitaine is a wonderful museum reflecting this history, archeology and ethnology of the Acquitaine area. From pre-history, through the Roman period (with excellent mosaic floors on exhibit), dark ages, medieval and a well chronicled exhibit of the Bordeaux hey day in the 1800's. The post WW1 exhibits are light. Probalby a little too light.

If, like me, you are a wine lover, you must visit chateaux in Bordeaux area. You have different places to go : Medoc, St Emilion, Graves are the most important places.
You have different touring organization to go with (it is better to have a guided tour, because you do not waste time, you have good explanations and you can drink wines without having to drive back to your hotel).
Whatever, I chosed a guided tour called "rendez vous au chateau". The guide was excellent, he took me to Saint Emilion area and organised different visits. He explained us many things about wine making. The day was very pleasant.
A guided wine tour is the best thing to do in Bordeaux.

The reknown painter Goya spent his last years in Bordeaux. His funeral services were held at the L'eglise Notre Dam. Outside the church is a statue of the famous painter. I found it odd that I could not find any of his works in Bordeaux.

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In th esouth East corner of the town center off of cour de Alsace et Lorraine is the very pleasant place du Palais. 1000 years ago it was the site of a dark "Dungeon of Arbalesteyre", but now is a pleasant collection of outdoor cafes and shopping. Once the seat of Parliament, it was demolished in 1800. The attractive arch and stonework is cool.