I recommend exploring Bordeaux by neighborhoods. You can see all the main sites while also enjoying the architecture and the people/shops/food that make Bordeaux so special. There is a tram line that is easy to use and you can do these in any order depending on where you stay. Lunch in Bordeaux is from 12:00 – 2:00, the food is fantastic and is worth stopping for. You need to try and grab a table by 1:00 at most places. You will see a chalkboard with Entree +Plat/Dessert or Entree+Plat+Dessert and the choices for the day. If you can’t make that, grab a sandwich in a Boulangerie and eat in Jardin Public, a gorgeous park in the city center.

Places de Quinquonce (major tram stops) where you will see a beautiful fountain Monument aux Girondins. Stop at Le Bar à Vin where you can get tastings of wine from all over the Bordeaux region with very low prices. They also have nice charcuterie plates so you could do this as a light lunch or as an apéro late in the afternoon. The decor inside is also worth seeing. Then stroll down the shops that lead to Opera House in a beautiful square.

Hotel de Ville & Gambetta Square.

When I first walked by the Hotel de Ville I commented to my son “that hotel is amazing”; he laughed because that is the French term for city hall. There is a beautiful square where the Cathédrale Saint-Andre is located. Stop at Pierre Mathieus Patisserie Bordelais, one of my favorite patisseries. I love to sit and people watch in Gambetta square. It’s next to a long avenue of shopping including luxury shops like Hermes, LV. Make sure to pick up some Canelés, a small French pastry from Bordeaux flavored with rum & vanilla. Also a great Apero stop.

St Michael’s Neighborhood

Stop at Basilique Saint-Michel, a gothic church with a freestanding bell tower. You can’t visit Bordeaux without a stop at their largest covered food market, Marché des Capucins. Eat like the locals at Chez Jean-Mi and sample the best fresh oysters, cheese plate and wine for an incredible price.

Saint–Pierre Neighborhood in the historic Old Town district ( directly across from Place de la Bourse built 1730-1775). There are buildings here that date from the 15th century with narrow winding streets and landmarks like Porte Cailhau built in 1494-1496.

A must see is the famous Miroir d’Eau. Take your shoes off and venture out for an incredible picture with the Place de la Bourse behind you.

Cité du Vin Wine Museum

If you are a wine lover and you can fit it in this is one of my favorite spots. It’s an interactive museum so even my teens enjoyed it. Your ticket includes a glass of wine at the top of the building; the balcony has incredible views of the city.

For more on Bordeaux see my future posts:

My Favorite Restaurants in Bordeaux.

Day trips from Bordeaux:

• St.Emilion – a beautiful village and incredible wineries.
• Arcachon- the beach village and Dune of Pilat