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France Bordeaux travel guide
24 things to do in Bordeaux, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Cathedral — cathedral located in Bordeaux (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux — basilica located in Gironde, in France (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Synagogue — synagogue in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of Saint Severinus of Bordeaux — roman catholic basilica located in Gironde, in France (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux — theater in Bordeaux (Gironde) (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux — museum of fine arts in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 120 min)
- place des Quinconces — city square in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Church of the Holy Cross — Roman Catholic church located in Bordeaux, southern France, formerly the church of a Benedictine abbey (visit ≈ 30 min)
- place de la Bourse — square in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Porte Cailhau — historical monument in France (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Aquitaine Museum — history museum in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Cité du Vin — museum as well as a place of exhibitions, shows, movie projections and academic seminars on the theme of wine located in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Palais Rohan, Bordeaux — city hall in France (visit ≈ 90 min)
- The big bell of Bordeaux (visit ≈ 40 min)
- CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux — museum of contemporary art in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Tour Pey-Berland — Belltower of the Bordeaux cathedral (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Monument aux Girondins — monument in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 15 min)
- amphitheatre of Bordeaux — Roman amphitheatre in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Piliers de Tutelle — archaeological site in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Jardin botanique de Bordeaux — garden in France (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Museum of Decorative Arts of Bordeaux — French museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Église Notre-Dame de Bordeaux — church located in Gironde, in France (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fort du Hâ — French fortress (visit ≈ 75 min)
- place de la Victoire — square in Bordeaux, France (visit ≈ 15 min)
1-day Bordeaux walking itinerary
Starting point: Saint-Pierre. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.2 km · 9,690 steps · 1 h 35 min on the way): Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux → Church of the Holy Cross → Synagogue → Bordeaux Cathedral → Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux → Basilica of Saint Severinus of Bordeaux → place des Quinconces → Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
- Saint-Pierre: The heart of the old town; squares and restaurants.
- Chartrons: The old merchants’ quarter of antique shops and wine bars.
- Saint-Michel: A local area with a market and a multicultural feel.
- Quinconces / Golden Triangle: Elegant streets, the opera and shops.
Getting from the airport to Bordeaux
- Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD): Airport bus ≈ 35 min
Getting around
The tram network covers the whole centre; the riverside and old streets are great on foot.
Classic places to eat
- La Tupina: South-West French dishes cooked over an open hearth.
- Le Petit Commerce: Fresh fish and oysters in Saint-Pierre.
- L'Entrecôte: One menu only: steak with its secret sauce and fries.
- Baillardran: Bordeaux’s famous canelé pastries.
- Cadiot-Badie: A chocolate maker since 1826.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Le Pressoir d'Argent — 2 MICHELIN stars, Modern French
- Soléna — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- L'Observatoire du Gabriel — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern French
- Le Prince Noir — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
Romantic views
- Miroir d’Eau (Sunset): A huge shallow pool reflecting the Place de la Bourse.
- Pont de Pierre (Evening): The skyline from the historic bridge over the Garonne.
- Jardin Public (Afternoon): An English-style park with a pond and botanical section.
- Place de la Bourse (Evening): Floodlit 18th-century façades.
Football stadiums in Bordeaux
- Stade Atlantique: Home of FC Girondins de Bordeaux
Good to know before visiting Bordeaux
- Fine: Clothing that fully covers the face is banned in public places.
- Fine: Keep your metro/RER ticket until you exit; riding without one is fined at checks.
- Fine: Since July 2025 smoking is banned on beaches, in parks, at bus shelters and outside schools.
- Fine: Flying drones is prohibited over most of Paris.
- Warning: Carry ID or your passport; police may check identity.
- Warning: Driving into city low-emission zones requires a Crit'Air sticker.
- Emergency: 112 (police 17, ambulance 15, fire 18)
- Plugs: C/E, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe; you can ask for a free "carafe d'eau" in restaurants.
- Tipping: Service is included by law; leaving a few euros is a nice extra.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: France, Wikivoyage — France, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Bordeaux travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Bordeaux?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Bordeaux?
- Highlights: Bordeaux Cathedral, Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux, Synagogue, Basilica of Saint Severinus of Bordeaux and Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. The map has 24 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Bordeaux?
- Saint-Pierre: The heart of the old town; squares and restaurants. Other options: Chartrons, Saint-Michel and Quinconces / Golden Triangle.
- How do you get from the airport to Bordeaux city centre?
- Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD): Airport bus ≈ 35 min
- How do you get around Bordeaux?
- The tram network covers the whole centre; the riverside and old streets are great on foot.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Bordeaux?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: Le Pressoir d'Argent (2 stars), Soléna (1 star), L'Observatoire du Gabriel (1 star), Le Prince Noir (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Bordeaux?
- Emergency: 112 (police 17, ambulance 15, fire 18).
- Do you tip in Bordeaux?
- Service is included by law; leaving a few euros is a nice extra.
Nearby cities
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