Visit Bordeaux

Bordeaux, World Heritage Surrounded by Vineyards

Only one hour from Paris by plane and three hours by train (TGV), Bordeaux is the capital of French wine in the southwest.

Its is distinguished by its exceptional 18th century architecture that earned it the title of “Little Paris” around 200 years ago, and more recently World Heritage status by UNESCO.

Bordeaux was also named Best European Destination in 2015 and Lonely Planet's Best of Travel 2017 Top City.

Its recent urban developments are in a city where life is good and where gastronomy, culture, and shopping are just a stone's throw from famous vineyards and some of the world’s finest wines.

Many discovery tours and gourmet strolls are available to taste local dishes and flavors - especially the region's famous wines.

Did you know that every two years, the Bordeaux Wine Festival (External link) takes place in the last week of June? It was the first tourism event for wine enthusiasts in France, and it is a very unique program which boasts many simultaneous festivals.

Bordeaux, look no further!

Must-See Sites in Bordeaux

  • The Esplanade des Quinconces, the largest downtown city square in Europe

  • The facade of the dock, its walkways, taverns and river excursions

  • The Grand Théâtre, the Rohan Palace and the Palace of the Bourse… Masterpieces of the eighteenth century

  • The cathedral and the two basilicas, historical steps on the way to Saint Jacques de Compostelle

  • The squares of old Bordeaux, its many craft shops and vast number of outdoor cafés

  • The “Bordeaux Triangle,” the four-seasons market, its palace, opera house and luxurious boutiques

  • St. Catherine Street, with its many shops and sidewalk cafés

  • The district of Chartrons, a former headquarters for traders, antique dealers, and artists alike

  • The Saint-Michel district, its many flea-markets and their hidden treasures

  • The numerous museums and antique art galleries

Parties / Events

  • Antiques Fair (January), the most important event of the year in this region

  • Horsemen of the World Cup (February), international horse-jumping show

  • Carnival of the Two River Banks (March)

  • The Traveling Photographer’s route and book stop (April)

  • Biannual event of architecture (April)

  • International Golf Open of Bordeaux (May), the rendez-vous of champions!

  • The Bordeaux Quartet (May): European collaboration of chamber music

  • Bordeaux Wine Festival (June), a biannual event, and the largest gathering of Bordeaux wine connoisseurs

  • International Organ Festival (July/August), a large musical gathering

  • The stage for the Tour de France (July) – International cycling event (August)

  • European Heritage Days (September), and Heritage Night

  • Wine festival of Brocante (October), a very festive and friendly weekend

  • Novart (November), biannual event of contemporary art

  • Christmas Market (December), the traditional market in the prestigious passageways of Tourny

Coming to Bordeaux

SNCF Train Station: 3 hours from Paris, 5 hours from Lille by the TGV (10 minutes from downtown by tram)

Airport: 1 hour from Paris (approximately 30 minutes from downtown)

Highways: A10 (580km/360mi arriving from Paris), A62 (arriving from Spain), A63 (arriving from Italy)

Contacts

Tourism Office of Bordeaux
12 cours du XXX Juillet
33000 Bordeaux
Tel : +33 (0)5 56 00 66 00
Fax : +33 (0)5 56 00 66 01

Bordeaux 

Cours du XXX-Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux