Bordeaux is famous for its eponymous wine but you cannot spend your entire visit in a cellar or vineyard. Here’s everything else to do in Bordeaux.
This isn’t a wine article.
And do keep us honest: we’ll take a sip every time we utter the ‘w’ word and bet you that we can make it through this what to do in Bordeaux guide as sober as a judge.
Bordeaux is indeed a variety of an, umm, vin de table, but the city was named well before the grape grew on the vine. This city has much more to offer: gastronomy, architecture, monuments, parks, workshops, markets, and that’s just the start.
Don’t touch that cork: this is your no-vino guide to Bordeaux.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: La Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux, France.
Everything about Bordeaux beyond its famous bottles
What is Bordeaux, France known for?
You already know the star of the show: Bordeaux from Bordeaux. What else is Bordeaux known for? Regional foods are cooked up to pair with such bottles, though certainly enjoyable with sparkling water. Its history as a major port city means impressive architecture and a non-culinary yet equally delicious history exist beyond Bordeaux’s bistros.
Is there a train station in Bordeaux?
The century-old Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station is your point of entry into Bordeaux from other French cities like Paris, Marseille, and more. There is no subway in the city but a tram system will help you breeze through these beautiful streets.
Can I take a day trip from Paris to Bordeaux?
Yes, you can take the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Bordeaux St-Jean station in two hours. It’s a perfect day trip, especially considering France officially axed short-haul domestic flights that can be achieved with a short train ride. Plus, you can drink your plonk on the train to make the scenic ride just as rosy-cheeked on the inside.
How many days is enough for visiting Bordeaux?
You can have a memorable time on a day trip to Bordeaux. Two days is much more relaxed, three lets you do it all, and anything longer affords you the option to explore the region’s vineyards.
Is Bordeaux a good place for kids?
Yes, Bordeaux is a good place for kids—they actually prefer their grapes whole and unfermented). Jardin Public is a great greenspace to play tag (or put Bluey on the iPad under a beautiful blue sky). The Miroir d’Eau has water sprinklers erupting every 15 minutes. Zoo de Pessac is another easy win for kids of the non-teen varietal.
Image Credits: Getty Images, Daniele Schneider. Image Location: Jardin Public, Bordeaux, France.
What should I do when visiting Bordeaux?
Whether you’re coming for a long babymoon or a short stopover en route to Paris, we’ve poured a sampling of things to do in Bordeaux for every traveler.
For the foodie
Bordeaux has 10 Michelin-stars scattered around the city. Gordon Ramsay's Le Pressoir d'Argent offers modern takes on the French classics. L'Observatoire du Gabriel gets a little more creative with a fantastic tasting menu. Tentazioni if you’re gazing at this beautiful French city and suddenly want a fine Italian meal. There are plenty of no-star but still all-star restaurants around the city so bon appétit.
For the history buff
Spot the 300 monuments in the Old Quarter if you must, though don’t limit your historical hangouts to the city center. Bordeaux’s history is on full display at Musée d'Aquitaine, Musée de l'Histoire Maritime de Bordeaux, and Musée Mer Marine. Musée du Vin et du Négoce and Ecomusée de la Vigne et du Vin show you where your vin ordinaire comes from.
For the drink-a-bottle-and-see-what-happens crowd
After downing a lovely vin du pays, wander around to find none of the above. Les Bassins des Lumières is an immersive exhibition space for art, music, and digital interpretation. Head to the east side of the Garonne River where you’ll find Hangar Darwin Skatepark, the Bordeaux Botanic Garden, playgrounds for kids, sports courts for adults, and wonderful people watching with the city in full view.
And if it’s all the same to you, we’ll have that drink now. Download the Trainline app and purchase cheap tickets to Bordeaux. Then, finally, check out our ultimate *wine* guide to Bordeaux. Ever thought about running a marathon while sampling the best wine of the Bordeaux region? Check out the Marathon du Médoc.
Header Image Credits: Getty Images, Artur Debat. Image Location: Bordeaux, France.