Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview

Bordeaux traces its origins to Roman times, when a settlement was founded on the Rive Gauche (left bank) of the River Garonne. The site chosen was on a bend of the river, which formed a crescent-shaped harbour, known as Port de la Lune. 

Bordeaux grew rich from a surge in international commerce in the 18th century. Inspired by their new-found wealth, the city's burghers decided to redesign their city. Its winding medieval streets were cleared to make way for grand squares and elegant tree-lined avenues, lined with monumental buildings. 

Bordeaux is famous for wine, not surprising as it sits at the heart of one of the world's best wine regions, but the wine trade was not enough to prevent a slump in the 19th century, during which much of the city centre deteriorated. It has since been restored to its former glory, however, with landscaped quaysides and the colonial-era warehouses now housing trendy bars and restaurants, and beautiful parks giving the city space to breathe.

Sightseeing in Bordeaux is a pleasure. Most of the city's monuments are within easy walking distance, and the tourist office is a good starting point. Nearby the fine Esplanade des Quinconces overlooks the Garonne, and the superb wine merchants' residences in the rejuvenated Chartrons Quarter have been converted into trendy shops and museums, including the Musée d'Art Contemporain.

South along the Garonne is the beautiful Grand Théâtre, the elegant Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes (Custom House). On and around the rue des Trois Conils are the 11th-century Cathédrale St-André, the majestic Hôtel de Ville and the Musée des Beaux Arts. The superb collection at the Musée de l'Aquitaine is one of the highlights of the city.

Tourist Information

Office de Tourisme de Bordeaux
12 cours du 30 Juillet, 33080 Bordeaux
Tel: (05) 5600 6600.
Website: www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

The main tourist office in Bordeaux organises city tours and guided tours of the vineyards. They have a good-value package ‘Bordeaux Découverte' offering two nights' accommodation, a guided tour of the city and the vineyards with wine tasting and one pass giving admission to the city's principal monuments.

The Comité Régional du Tourisme, 23 parvis des Chartrons (tel: (05) 5601 7000; www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr), deals with the Aquitaine region. The Bordeaux Wine Council (www.vins-bordeaux.fr) provides information about local wines and vineyards.