I should probably start off by pointing out that most of Bordeaux (1,810 hectares) is classed as a World Heritage Site, so it’s probably going to be worth a visit. It has more protected buildings than any other French city except Paris. It also served as the temporary capital of France during the Second World War.
I was lucky enough to be invited to stay in a Chateaux not too far from Bordeaux for a wedding (more on the wedding later). I really love France, so I jumped at the opportunity to extend our trip so that we could explore the city. We have driven through France several times, but I haven’t spent much time in the Aquitaine region
I have just returned from France’s 6th largest city, and what can I say, c’est magnifique. It’s a big city, with plenty to see and do, but it doesn’t feel at all cramped, and the architecture is simply breathtaking. The city offers plenty of restaurants serving both French and international cuisine, excellent shopping and plenty of historic sites. Here’s what we got up to on our holiday in Bordeaux.
Place de la Bourse
This is perhaps the most recognisable and best known landmark in the city. Make sure you go to the Place de la Bourse, even if it’s just to snap a few photos. The building is elegant and is the focal point of the city. Try and go in the evening if you can, the lights really emphasise the stunning architecture.
Just in front of the Place de la Bourse is the Miroir d’Eau de Bordeaux. It’s supposed to be a water feature designed to look like a mirror. The water rises and just about covers your feet, it’s so refreshing after a long day walking around the city in the sunshine. It also occasionally changes into a light mist, which is equally cool and refreshing. Lots of kids play in the very shallow water and you also see some dogs enjoying a cooling stroll across the water.
Jardin Public
The public gardens in Bordeaux are beautiful. It’s the perfect place to get away from the busy city centre and enjoy some peace and quiet. We went on a run through the park during a thunderstorm which was actually very refreshing. The park was rebuilt to look like English gardens and has little bridges, lush greenery and plenty of pretty flowers.
Parc de Majolan
For me this lovely park was a highlight. You have to get a bus outside of the city, but it’s very easy and takes about 40 minutes. It was definitely worth the trip. We loved strolling around this picturesque park and watching the wildlife. There’s ducks, geese and also Coypu, river rats who swim around the lake and occasionally climb up the river banks. We saw a mother duck with her little ducklings which was very cute.
After wandering round the park we sat on a bench and did some reading in the sunshine and we spotted a peacock wandering around. There are also some caves which we walked through, I think you can go inside but unfortunately they were closed.
Europe’s longest shopping street
As if Bordeaux wasn’t awesome enough, it also has Europe’s longest shopping street. No wonder it took us so bloody long to get to the end of it. I think we spent about four hours shopping before heading to the fountain to collapse. There’s an excellent variety of shops, from a few high street stores such as H&M and Mango to quirky vintage stores and quite a few high end boutiques.
Cycling around the city
We decided to hire bikes so that we could see as much as the city as possible. You can quite easily walk around the city in a day, but we fancied a bike ride. It was so lovely riding along the river and gazing at all the landmarks as we cycled by. We went all the way down to the Le Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas bridge and took some photos.
A word of warning though, avoid using V-club bikes, which are all around the city unless you register online. If you don’t go online and just pay at the bike station they take a 200 euro deposit per bike. The next day after hiring the bikes my boyfriend checked his bank account and found 400 euros was missing (for two bikes). After contacting the company they said it will be returned but not for ‘several weeks’. Not cool if you are holidaying on a budget to be down 400 euros. #raging
The tourist train
Okay I know it sounds super nerdy and lame, but this was also a highlight for me. Don’t go on the tourist buses, opt for the train instead. It’s much more open and is a fun way to see the city.
Go to the tourist office and get your tickets in advance (7 euros per person). You listen to a guide to all the key landmarks and it also gives you a brief history of the city. The train stops so you can take plenty of photos.
The Dune du Pilat
It’s a bit of a trek from the city to get to the Dune of Pilat, but trust me, it’s worth it. You get a train which takes about 45 minutes and then catch a bus from Arcachon to the dune which takes about 40 minutes.
Arcachon also seemed like quite a nice town, I wish we had more time to look around. It’s by the beach, so if you fancy a day by the beach it’s only about a 40 minute train ride from Bordeaux. The Dune of Pilat is the tallest sand dune in Europe. When you get there it’s a long climb to the top, and the views are incredible. On one side all you can see is dense woodland, and on the other side you look out to sea. You can walk down the other side of the sand dune to the beach and take a dip in the sea, but be aware, it’s a long climb back up to the top again.
Tower of Pey-Berland
For panoramic views of the entire city, climb up the steps of the Tower of Pey-Berland. This is the best place to take pictures of the city. Also if you go down to the room in the bottom there’s a video (in French) about the mummies that used to be housed in the tower.
Our accommodation
We used Air BnB to book a lovely apartment in the city centre. It was in an ideal location, clean, spacious and beautifully decorated. We also had a balcony where we sat out in the evenings drinking wine. It was the perfect place for us and we would stay there again. Ask me for details if you are planning a trip to Bordeaux.
So I have run out of time to talk about the wedding, I think maybe it deserves it’s own blog post. Anyway, here’s a sneak peak for now…
