Bordeaux is a city in southwestern France, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, on the banks of the Garonne River. It is best known as the wine capital of France, and the surrounding vineyards are one of the reasons many visitors plan a trip here. The city's older name, Burdigala, and its local form, Bordèu, are also worth knowing as you read signs and maps.
What to see in the city
The historic centre is listed by UNESCO, and it is the part of Bordeaux most visitors come to walk through. Its elegant 18th-century architecture, with pale stone façades and wide, orderly streets, gives the centre a calm and graceful character. Strolling without a fixed plan is one of the easiest ways to enjoy it.
Because Bordeaux is a major port on the Garonne, the riverside adds a different side to the city. Walks along the water let you see how the port shaped its growth over the centuries.
Wine and the surrounding area
- The city is the natural base for exploring the wine country that surrounds it.
- Wine tasting and visits to producers are among the most common things to do nearby.
- Many people combine a few days in the city with day trips into the countryside.
Bordeaux suits visitors who enjoy architecture, a relaxed pace, good food and wine, and a city with a strong sense of its own identity. If you come for the wine, the city gives you a comfortable place to stay between visits to the vineyards.
