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 Celebrating wine, gastronomy, arts and culture, Bordeaux is a city that represents the very essence of the French spirit. Located in the southwest of France, on the Garonne River, Bordeaux casts its charms around the region through its broad pedestrian boulevards, gorgeous squares, modern buildings and historical architecture. Pay a visit to Bordeaux on your next trip to France and see why the city was once elected as "European Best Destination".

The Porte Cailhau or Porte du Palais is a former town gate of the city of Bordeaux, France. It is one of the main touristic attractions of the city. LucVi / Shutterstock.com

The City

Synonymous with wine and the finer things in life, Bordeaux reigns as the ultimate grape lover's haven. Boasting wine bars, merchants, and over a hundred winery châteaux, this city celebrates wine not only as a beverage but also for its therapeutic potential in wine therapy spa treatments, which utilise grape extracts for body rejuvenation.

Bordeaux's stunning Baroque architecture, originally designed to mask slums, has since become a major draw for visitors. Complementing its historic charm, the city has embraced modernity with futuristic buildings, contemporary transport, and an increasingly trendy urban scene. Strolling through the well-organised riverbanks, structured squares, and pedestrian streets of this Garonne gem, you'll delight in exploring, shopping, and savouring the finest of French gastronomy.

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Port of the Moon

Couple standing by a fountain in Bordeaux with map goodluz / Shutterstock.com

Do & See

History, sights, landmarks, architecture, arts and tons of activities have turned Bordeaux into a beautiful and exciting city. Consistently renewing itself, for example with the recent construction of the Cité du Vin, Bordeaux is typical and modern at the same time, with sights and entertainment for everyone. One thing is for sure: hold on to your camera, because everything here is highly photogenic.

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Place de la Bourse & the Water Mirror

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Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

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La Cité du Vin

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Arcachon Bay

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Saint-Émilion

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AviaSim Bordeaux

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Bordeaux Cathedral of St Andrew

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Wine School

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Church of Our Lady of Bordeaux

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Bordeaux by Bike

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Petit Train Touristique

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Dining

Bordeaux's cuisine offers as many flavours as its wines, and they are a perfect match for each other. Marry your favourite red or white wine with one of the city's culinary specialities: lobster, oysters, Pauillac lamb, Aquitaine beef, Entrecôte "à la Bordelaise", and the list goes on.

If your mouth is not watering yet, step into one of the following restaurants and we guarantee it will.

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Restaurant Influences

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Le Café du Port

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La Tupina

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Le Bar du Boucher

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Baud et Millet

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Restaurant Soléna

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C'yusha

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Wok Way

French dessert, cakes, caneles, rum baba with fresh raspberry and dessert wine on a white background Anna_Pustynnikova / Shutterstock.com

Cafés

Whether you want to take a break in between visits or you feel you might have indulged too much in French wine the night before, there is no bad excuse for a coffee break in Bordeaux.

Although you will be spoiled for choice with all the beautiful and tasty French pastries on offer, there is one local speciality you shouldn't leave without trying: the canelé, a small pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla with a soft custard centre and a dark caramelized crust.

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L'Autre Salon de Thé

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Le Grand Café

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Bread Storming

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Pâtisserie Mi Cielo

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SIP Coffee Bar

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KURO espresso bar

restaurant with wine decoration, Bordeaux ariadna de raadt / Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

It's not all about wine tasting in Bordeaux. Although this experience you should definitely not miss out on while in the city, Bordeaux, despite its size, does offer vibrant nightlife. Most bars and clubs are concentrated in walkable areas, mostly along the river. Check out the areas around the Place du Parlement, Rue Sainte-Catherine, and the University of Bordeaux for more options.

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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin

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Calle Ocho Café Cubano

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Le Bar à Vin

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IBOAT

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Le Lucifer

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Levrette Café Bordeaux

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The Connemara Irish Pub

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Seeko'o Bar

Closeup shot of wineshelf. Bottles lay over straw. Valentyn Volkov / Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Wineries, food stores, markets of all kinds, large brands and designer objects can be found when walking in the streets of Bordeaux. The variety is huge and every shopper can find what they are looking for. Markets are also a great place to have a bite and a walk, and second-hand is big in Bordeaux.

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Baillardran

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Badie

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Neuf & Royal Markets of Saint Michel

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Culinary Delights

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High Fashion & Fast Fashion

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Saint Christoly Shopping Centre

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Galeries Lafayette

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Aushopping Bordeaux Lac

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Marché des Quais

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Agapi

BORDEAUX arrow and wine barrels along rural road Pincasso / Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)

Bordeaux is primarily served by Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), which is the main international airport in the region. It's located in the commune of Mérignac, approximately 12 kilometres west of Bordeaux city centre. The airport provides flights to numerous destinations across Europe and some international locations. It's well connected to the city by public transport, making it convenient for travellers.

The 30’Direct offers a direct 30-minute service between Bordeaux Airport and Saint-Jean train station. Bordeaux tramway's Line A links the airport with the city centre since the end of April 2023.

Taxis are available outside Hall A. An average trip to the city centre will cost you about €30 during the day and €45 at night.

Address: Aéroport de Bordeaux-Mérignac, Bordeaux

Email:

Phone: +33 5 56 34 50 50

Website: www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en

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Public Transport

Bordeaux offers a variety of public transportation options, making it easy to navigate the city. The TBM (Transport Bordeaux Métropole) network operates trams, buses and a river shuttle. The tram system is particularly comprehensive with four lines (A, B, C and D) that cross the city and connect major points of interest. Buses complement the tram services and cover more extensive areas. The river shuttle, Bat3, offers a scenic route along the Garonne River. For those preferring self-guided transport, the V3 (also known as VCub) bike rental service is a popular choice, with numerous docking stations around the city.

A good tip is to invest in a Bordeaux City-Pass card that you can buy in the tourist office. It includes free entry to several museums as well as free travel on municipal buses and trams.

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Website: www.infotbm.com/en

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Taxi

There are many taxis and taxi stations available all around Bordeaux.

Taxis Mérignac : +33 05 56 97 11 27
Taxis 33 : +33 05 56 74 95 06
Taxis Alliance : +33 05 56 77 24 24
Taxis Télé : +33 05 56 96 00 34
Taxis Girondins : +33 05 56 80 70 37

Bicycle-Taxis are also available in the city centre.

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Post

Bordeaux is well-serviced by a network of post offices, typically found in shopping centres and on main streets, with varied operating hours. Additionally, stamps can conveniently be purchased in "Bureaux de tabac". Letters or postcards can be posted in the distinct yellow and blue post boxes scattered around the city. These post offices also provide international postage and parcel services, making it easy to send a piece of Bordeaux to loved ones abroad.

Address: La Poste, 43 Place Gambetta, Bordeaux

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Website: www.laposte.fr

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Pharmacy

Pharmacies in Bordeaux are easily identified by the green cross, often illuminated, on their exteriors. They are well-stocked with over-the-counter medications and also fulfil prescriptions. However, note that only a select few remain open after 10pm. In case of a late-night medicinal need, check the SOS Medecins website or call 3237 to find the closest on-duty pharmacy.

Address: Pharmacie Robigo, 68 Cours de la somme, Bordeaux

Email:

Phone: +33 5 56 91 40 70

Website: www.sosmedecins-bordeaux.com/pharmacies

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Telephone & WiFi

Country code + 33

Bordeaux Council offer free WiFi hotspots around the city, in libraries and main attractions.

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Electricity

In Bordeaux, as in the rest of France, the power supply is 220-240 volts and 50Hz. The plug type used is the Type C plug, which has two round pins. Plug type E has an additional hole for the socket's male earthing pin.

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