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Bordeaux France tourist information

Bordeaux is in the Gironde department, in northern Aquitaine, near the Atlantic coast. Happily, Bordeaux never quite feels like a tourist town - perhaps because it is a large, vibrant city, but misses the 'great attractions' that entice the visitors.

In recent years Bordeaux has had quite a facelift, and modern trams now whisk visitors around, while the section of the town along the riverfront has also had a major improvement.

The most interesting part of the city, including the 18th century old town, is to the west of the Garonne River. The old town is the part of Bordeaux between the cathedral and the river. The quartier St Pierre above all has some fine 18th century houses and mansions, although many are still rather run-down.

You should also try to see the river-front, perhaps above all for the lovely bridge, the Pont de Pierre and its views over the river frontage.

Wander up Rue Ste Catherine, a long shopping street (the longest in Europe, I was told), as far as the Grand Theatre, then back via some of the attractive side streets, admiring some of the mansions and architecture en route.

Take a side trip also along the Cours de l'Intendance, westwards from the theatre, as far as Place Gambetta for a stop in a cafe and a look at some more fine architecture.

Next stop the cathedral, then head a little further south for my favourite Bordeaux museum, the museum of Aquitaine, with some interesting remnants and displays of items from the last 2000 years of Aquitaine's colourful history.

Bordeaux has several other museums - too many to recount here but the Contemporary Art Museum and the Natural History museum could feature during your visit.

Try to spend a night or two in Bordeaux - firstly because it looks very attractive lit up at night, and second because you will have time to explore some of the more out of the way corners: the art museums; the narrow streets in the Saint Pierre region of the town; and do some shopping in the chic 'triangle' quartier.

If you get tired from all that traipsing city streets, Bordeaux also has some lovely public gardens where you can escape to.

Bordeaux has installed a new, modern and clean tram system over the last few years, so now parking and access to the city centre is pretty easy.

If you have time for a day out from Bordeaux, and want to do the same as the rest of Bordeaux, head west, down to Arcachon, and the sea. (See note about Bordeaux wine)

Bordeaux tourist information, map, places to visit and Bordeaux gites

Grand Theatre, Bordeaux

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Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Bordeaux

See the Visit Bordeaux section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Bordeaux car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.

 

Places to visit - Bordeaux

• Bordeaux Place

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos of Bordeaux, France

This Bordeaux tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 

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