Bordeaux
[I] Like the wine.
Bonjour. Now that we’ve covered where’s what in France, let’s head over to Bordeaux.
This map is a bit different from the previous. The shaded areas denote pedestrian areas (of which there are several) because there was no official/unofficial misnomers.
Instead, I found articles that broke Bordeaux into neighborhoods but those seemed to be directly tied to the landmarks (usually churches) that they were near. And they’re all very lovely churches whether they be gothic or romanesque in splendor but I feel like, for us, Bordeaux will be a lot of walking then “everyone look at that beautiful [church, building, roman ruin, tower, gate]” and then we take some pictures and keep moving.
Except the Miroir D’Eau which is the largest reflecting pool in the world and I’m sure we will visit daily.
A note on wineries: there are a ton of wineries around Bordeaux but more like an hour outside of Bordeaux in all directions. The Medoc region is to the north and has Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. Saint-Emilion is to the east of Bordeaux, has a medieval town in it and is all about Merlot.
There are tons of maps that outline the different wineries and grapes so I will direct you here: https://allwinetours.com/how-to-visit-wineries-in-bordeaux/ for that. Half way down there is a link to an interactive google map and below that there is a large photo of the region with the types of wines broken out by color.
Saint-Emilion is roughly 45 minute car ride but much less accessible by public transportation so without a car we’re probably stuck taking a tour which looks to be about $200 a person but I’ve only done a quick search.
Here’s the selectable info:
Churchyhoods
Saint-Louis des Chartrons
Saint-Seurin
Saint-Pierre
Bordeaux Cathedral
Saint-Paul
Saint-Michel
Saint-Croix
Markets
Marché des Quais: Sunday morning market with fresh everythihng and food vendors.
Marché Royal in Saint Michel: Open air market with lots going on on Saturdays with food and sundries, Fridays/Sundays it’s more of an antiques/flea market and Mondays more housegood and books.
Marché des Capucins: The city’s biggest daily market with fresh everything and food vendors.
Top Sights
Cité du Vin: Big sculptural wine museum with exhibits. Another market, Halles de Bacalan, is also next door. 21,00 € for adults, 9,00 € for kids or 52,00 € for a family (2 adults/2 kids). Adult tickets come with 1 tasting.
Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux: A more rustic wine museum and cellars with a heavier lean to what trading was like in the 19th century.Adults 10 € with 2 wine tastings, kids free.
Jardin Public: Large public garden
Palais Gallien: Remains of a Roman amphitheater.
Place des Quinconces: Large plaza with fountain. Space for festivals.
Place de la Comédie: Large plaza surrounded by gorgeous architecture.
Place de la Bourse: Large plaza surrounding Miroir D’Eau
Miroir d’Eau:World’s largest reflecting pool/splash pad/instagram magnet.
Place du Parlement: Historic square with fountain and cafes.
Porte Dijeaux: Historic city gate.
Porte Cailhau: Castle-like gate that used to be the city entrance.
Pey Berland Tower: 15th century bell tower to the Cathedral. 6,00 € for adults
and free to kids.Rue saint catherine: Longest pedestrian street in France full of all sorts of fancy stores.
Grosse Cloche: Bell tower that is often the symbol for Bordeaux
Darwin: An old military base turned into an artsy community and skate park.