Aquitaine’s “pearl”, the city of Bordeaux, is elegant, sophisticated, packed with beautiful buildings, fabulous restaurants and is THE place to go if you love wine.
It’s a town to wander on foot or to be whizzed around by futuristic trams that criss cross the city – they’re easy to use and very economical.
Best way to find your bearings: nip to the tourist office (12 Cours du 30 Juillet) and check out the tours. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and can help you pick a tour to suit. Try a wine tasting tour on a bus round town, an express tour of St Emilion’s glorious vineyards close by or a city tour by double decker plus a whole load more.
Or wander: Ancient buildings, quirky shops, fabulous cafés, elegant squares – this sunny town is perfect for the café lifestyle. Bordeaux has the longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe so finding a souvenir to take home shouldn’t be a problem (rue Ste Catherine)! Don’t miss Le Miroir, Bordeaux’s stunning water sculpture in front of the Place du Bourse is a must see.
Eating and Drinking: Huge choice. Massive. Nip to the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux for a relaxing drink in a classy setting (you might bump into one Gordon Ramsay – he has a restaurant there). Nip across the road to dine in style at another of Bordeaux’s most prestigious eateries, the Café Opera at the Grand Theatre. Try wine tasting – there are lots of wine bar specialists. And don't forget to try the local speciality, cannelé, with a caramelised shell and sweet tender centre, it's seriously lush.
Stadium: Reach the Stade de Bordeaux by tram (line C to Parc des Expositions/Stade; line B to Porte de Brandenburg; by train 20 minutes from Bordeaux St Jean Station).
Fanzone: L'Esplanade des Quinconces in the city centre
Top Tip: 1, 2 and 3 day City Pass covers you for public transport, museums, city bus tour, guided walking tour - great value.