Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting? 12 Good Reasons to Visit Bordeaux Now!

12 Reasons Why Bordeaux is Worth Visiting

I’ve put together a list of all the reasons why Bordeaux is so attractive and such a great destination. Honestly, there could be a lot more than just 12 reasons to visit Bordeaux, but every list has its limits. Take a look below!
 

1. Bordeaux is the capital of wine

Bordeaux is THE wine capital of the world! 2,000 years of history have made Bordeaux the heart of France’s leading wine-growing region, with nearly 14,000 producers and offering the largest selection of prestigious wines on the market.
 

La Cité du Vin

In 2016, the city opened a whole museum dedicated to wine, the Cité du Vin. In this unique venue with its futuristic design, visitors can explore diverse wine cultures, delve into the art of enology, and savor wine tastings from a panoramic belvedere.

In addition to this museum, the city boasts a number of wine bars where you can sample some unique wines you won’t be able to taste anywhere else, at a reasonable price!

Read more: World’s Best Wine Regions to Visit

2. Bordeaux has a huge amount of historical landmarks

Bordeaux features no fewer than 350 listed historical buildings. In other words, you won’t have time to get bored!
 

Since 2007, the entire old town has even been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the monuments themselves, UNESCO particularly praises the city’s remarkable architectural harmony. Wandering through the streets of Bordeaux, you’ll discover a stunning ensemble of classical and neoclassical buildings, each beautifully maintained and restored.

With its large squares, huge avenues, picturesque narrow streets, and elegant facades, you’ll be impressed by the old town. Highlights include Bordeaux Cathedral and its bell tower (Pey Berland), the Grosse Cloche, and the Porte Cailhau.
 

3. Bordeaux is easily accessible

Bordeaux is one of the top 10 largest cities in France, and as such is well connected to the country’s road network and is well served by public transport. The city even has its own airport, just 40 minutes from the city center.
 

 
But what truly sets Bordeaux apart from other major French cities is that it’s only 2 hours by high-speed train from Paris! This makes Bordeaux the quickest southern destination to access from the capital city.

So if you’re in Paris and looking for a day trip, Bordeaux is an option to consider, and not the least! If you plan your trip early enough, you’ll be able to find affordable train tickets.

Read more: Paris to Bordeaux Day Trip: The Complete Guide

4. Discover the world’s largest reflecting pool

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Miroir d’Eau (water mirror) is located in front of the Garonne River on the Place de la Bourse, a must on any Bordeaux itinerary.
 

 
The water mirror is an expansive granite slab, the largest in the world, covered with 2 centimeters of water reflecting the 18th-century buildings of the Place de la Bourse. Perfectly symmetrical, the reflection is a feast for the eyes attracting photographers and Instagrammers from all over the world.

The water jets sprouting from the platform often turn into a mesmerizing mist, especially during the summer months due to the high temperatures. Both adults and children love to play here, and the photos are even more beautiful.

5. You can explore Bordeaux at any time of the year

Although very popular in the warmer months, Bordeaux is really a city that can be visited all year round.
 

 
Spring and autumn truly shine as the best times to visit. The weather is just right – not too hot or too cold, and rainfall is rare, so you can walk around the city all day without sweating or shivering. Crowds are also manageable, so you won’t be too bothered.

However, don’t rule out Bordeaux for summer or winter either! Summer brings its own charm, allowing you to enjoy the beaches nearby in Arcachon or Cap Ferret. Bordeaux in winter exudes a different kind of magic, especially during the holiday season. It’s also the best time to save on prices!

Read more: Best Time to Visit Bordeaux for You

6. Bordeaux has one of the most delicious French treats

Bordeaux is famous for being the birthplace of one of the most tasty and beloved French delicacies: the canelé. It’s actually one of my all-time favorite desserts!
 

 
Made with vanilla and rum, this traditional small cake is slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and can be eaten as a dessert or a snack. It owes its name to the small copper mold in which it is baked.

In Bordeaux, there’s no shortage of excellent places to indulge in canelés. In my opinion, the best canelés come from Baillardran, a small local chain easily recognizable by its distinctive red storefront.
 

7. Bordeaux has the world’s largest digital art center…

Hosted in a former World War II submarine base, the Bassin des Lumières is a breathtaking place. Abandoned for a long time, this lively museum is housed in a historical site that has been transformed into the world’s largest digital art center since 2020.
 

 
Within these monumental surroundings, art masterpieces come to life, covering the walls, ceilings, and even the water’s surface, crafting a magnificent sound and light spectacle. This immersive journey makes you discover some of the most famous masterpieces like no other.

In addition to art and cultural exhibitions and events, the Bassin des Lumières also hosts concerts, dance performances, and plays all year round.
 

8. … And Europe’s longest pedestrian street!

Stretching over 1,250 meters, Rue Sainte-Catherine is Bordeaux’s main shopping street and also Europe’s longest pedestrian street. This vibrant avenue slices through the city, connecting Place de la Comédie with Place de la Victoire.
 

 
Souvenirs, clothes, shoes, local produce… Rue Sainte-Catherine is a true shopper’s haven where you’ll find almost anything. Lively almost day and night, you’ll also find cafés, brasseries, and even street musicians.

This is a popular spot for the locals, who often gather here to either embark on shopping sprees or simply relax over a drink.
 

9. It’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world

Bordeaux is regularly cited as a top bike-friendly city in France and worldwide. In 2022, Bordeaux was ranked 12th among the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities!
 

 
The city is fully committed to making cycling accessible and promoting eco-friendly transportation. Initiatives like closing the iconic Pont de Pierre to cars, enhancing existing cycle paths, and establishing more bicycle parking spaces are some of the ways they’re championing this cause. Bordeaux now boasts an impressive network of 700 kilometers of cycle paths!

Visiting Bordeaux by bike is a real pleasure, especially along the banks of the Garonne. You’ll find electric bikes and scooters for rent everywhere or you can book a guided bike tour for a unique experience.
 

10. Europe’s largest sand dune is right next door

We’re talking about the famous Dune du Pilat! This exceptional site, located about an hour away by public transport from Bordeaux’s city center, is a natural wonder that you must see once in your lifetime.
 

 
Situated between the lush forest on one side and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the Dune du Pilat offers a breathtaking spectacle. It’s incredibly huge, spanning almost 7,000 hectares and a crest of 3 kilometers.

It’s easy to reach from Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, and you can climb to the top of the 110-meter dune thanks to a staircase installed from April to October. If you visit outside these months, the climb is a bit more challenging but still doable!
 

11. There are plenty of day trip options around Bordeaux

The Dune du Pilat is just one of the fantastic day trip options from Bordeaux, and there’s an abundance of more enchanting destinations to explore in the region.
 

Arcachon

The bucolic landscapes of the Saint Emilion vineyards and the medieval town are well worth a visit. Other historic villages and castles to visit include Mazères, the Roquetaillade castle, and La Sauve just to name a few of them.

For beach lovers, there’s plenty to choose from: Lacanau, Bassin d’Arcachon, and Cap Ferret are the most popular. So make sure you have more than one day in Bordeaux to enjoy the region to the full!
 

12. You don’t need to leave Bordeaux to visit a vineyard!

The Chateau Pape Clément winery is conveniently located in Bordeaux (Pessac to be accurate), just a short 30 to 40-minute train or bus ride from the city center. If you prefer to drive or take a taxi, you can get there in as little as 15 minutes!
 

 
Not only is Chateau Pape Clément incredibly accessible, but it’s also one of Bordeaux’s most historic and prestigious Grands Crus. In fact, the first grapes were harvested here in 1252!

When joining the 1.5-hour tour (costing 20€/person) with a sommelier guide, you’ll get to explore the beautiful gardens, vineyards, and the exceptional wine cellar. Plus, you’ll be able to savor tastings of 3 different Bordeaux wines.
 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

Convinced to travel to Bordeaux? To make sure you have an absolute blast, here are my top accommodations in the best areas of Bordeaux.

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Konti Bordeaux by HappyCulture: You’ll be surprised by the price as this is a 4-star hotel right in the old town! It’s tastefully decorated, with large rooms and all the equipment you could need. Your best bet in Bordeaux!

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre: This hostel is located in the old town and provides dormitories or private rooms, as you prefer. This place has among the cheapest rates in Bordeaux, with amazing services.

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux: Elegant, large, and comfy rooms await you in this beautiful 4-star hotel. Some units feature balconies and there’s a wonderful rooftop terrace providing a unique view of Bordeaux Cathedral.
 

Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas from the Garonne banks

FAQ About Visiting Bordeaux

What is so great about Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is an incredible city to discover mainly for being the wine capital with amazing vineyards and wine estates to explore. If you’re a wine lover, Bordeaux is definitely for you. But the city also has more than 300 historical buildings to discover, a cute picturesque old town, world-class museums, and riverbanks that are worth strolling. Locals are also friendly and welcoming, food is amazing so it’s an overall pleasant city to discover.
 

Is Bordeaux better than Paris?

As a true Parisian, it’s difficult to answer this question, but I’ll try to keep it objective.

First of all, it’s important to say that Paris and Bordeaux are not comparable cities, in any way. Paris stands as the capital of France and ranks among the world’s largest cities. On the other hand, Bordeaux is noticeably smaller across the board. So, I’d say the choice between the 2 cities depends on what you’re looking for.

Paris offers so much to do and see that a lifetime wouldn’t be enough. I’ve lived in Paris since I was born, and I’m always discovering new places, new exhibitions, new restaurants, etc. Not to mention the iconic landmarks that you can revisit countless times, such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, or Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Bordeaux, on the other hand, might not have the same amount of attractions, but it has a distinct, relaxed atmosphere that’s incredibly enjoyable. The city’s wine heritage, food scene, and proximity to the sea give it a unique charm. What a pleasure to be able to go swimming less than 1 hour away!

So, to cut a long story short, if you really have to choose to visit Paris or Bordeaux, I’d recommend Paris for its iconic monuments. But I’d add that Bordeaux is a must-see if you’re traveling through France.
 

Is Bordeaux expensive to visit?

Bordeaux isn’t exactly famous for being a budget-friendly destination, and it might not be the top choice for backpackers. However, you can absolutely explore Bordeaux without breaking the bank.

To give you a rough idea, you should budget around 80€ per person per day, which includes expenses for accommodation, meals, and public transportation. Keep in mind that your budget can increase depending on the activities and food you choose. Wine tastings and dining are quite expensive so you should watch your spending.

Depending on your plans, you might want to consider purchasing the Bordeaux City Pass. This pass provides free entry to over 20 attractions and grants you unlimited access to public transportation, which can be a cost-effective way to explore the city.
 

Is Bordeaux worth visiting in winter?

Definitely yes! Bordeaux in the winter season is the best moment to discover the city crowds-free and without breaking the bank. Outside of the Christmas season, accommodations, flights, and train tickets are much less expensive. Also, the city has another charm and aesthetic during the winter, which is nice to discover even though it rarely snows in Bordeaux.
 

How many days do you need in Bordeaux?

To fully discover the city, I recommend staying 2 to 3 days in Bordeaux depending on your pace and the attractions you want to visit. A weekend getaway in Bordeaux is ideal, but if you want to do a day trip around, then you should book 3 to 4 days.
 

Read More About Traveling Bordeaux

I’ve crafted several other guides about Bordeaux to help you best prepare for your trip:

➡️ Here are a few pieces to learn more about exploring Bordeaux:

• Best Time to Visit Bordeaux
• Safety in Bordeaux
• How Many Days to Visit in Bordeaux
• Fun Facts about Bordeaux

➡️ Here are complete Bordeaux itineraries tailored to the length of your stay:

• 1 Day in Bordeaux
• 2 Days in Bordeaux
• 3 Days in Bordeaux

➡️ And here are other posts to better discover Bordeaux and beyond:

• Visit Bordeaux in Winter
• Day Trips from Bordeaux
• Day Trip to Arcachon from Bordeaux
• Best Beaches in Arcachon
• Discover the Dune du Pilat
• Camping near the Dune du Pilat

If you were wondering ‘Is Bordeaux worth a visit’, I hope you got your answer and you are ready to go; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂