Bordeaux

Bordeaux stands majestically on the Garonne river. The harbour, because of its curved shaped has inherited the poetic name of ´Port of the Moon´. It figures among the Unesco world heritage list for its outstanding architecture and its long lasting role in human and commercial exchanges.

Just an hour's drive away from Bordeaux, the Arcachon Bay offers deep blue waters, shiny white sand, a "bird island" and stunning views in a pleasant micro-climate. It has inspired poets, writers, singers, but also movies and is ideal for a day at the beach or a long bicycle ride. Shaped by oyster culture, it is also a great dining spot.

If you are looking for some serious sensations, go rent a jet ski on the other side of the Garonne. Ideal for a super fun afternoon or a bachelor/bachelorette party, Bordeaux Jet will make your stay in the city unforgettable. You can also go on a jet ski tour in the area.

If you are among those who are always tempted to press the big red button, this is your chance. Jump aboard the cockpit of an Airbus A320, fasten your seatbelt, fly and attempt the hardest landings of the world in this flight simulator. A dream come true for many, an incredible adventure for everyone.

The Grand Théâtre hosts l´Opéra National - the National Opera. The magnificent building was built on the site of a Roman temple. Operas, ballets and classical music are performed here. Prices vary in four different categories depending on the position of the seat.

This gigantic cultural centre devoted to wine was opened in June 2016 and offers an experience close to that of an amusement park. The post-modern building itself is worth the detour, but the visits are almost impossible to exhaust with 19 thematic modules, tours given in 8 languages and over 120 audiovisual productions. The Cité is also to be experienced through performances, concerts, tastings, a multi-sensory space, a panoramic restaurant and more.

Bordeaux’s wine school, L´Ecole du Vin, offers courses on wine and the Bordeaux vineyards. Of various duration and existing both in English and French, these short training classes will allow you to act like a true connoisseur. To perfect the practice, each course also features several wine tastings.

Extremely scenic, the Place de la Bourse is a good spot to get a first impression of Bordeaux and find yourself in complete awe. It is also a very photogenic square, especially thanks to the Water Mirror which creates a perfect reflection of the buildings. The emblematic site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its incredible architecture and its history.

Simple and authentic, L'Absinthe de Gilles is ideal for an aperitif at the bar or a dinner. The dishes are original and offer variety, simple or more sophisticated, sea-food or meat. The restaurant also has a very nice outdoor area open in the summer months. The chef is very involved and the service nice.

La Turpina is perhaps Bordeaux's most famous restaurant. Opened in 1968 by Jean-Pierre Xiradakis, whom still runs the place, it has not stopped receiving praises for the quality and finesse of its food, its desserts and its wines and the perfection of its service. The decor is what a textbook French restaurant should look like, with its open fire and farmhouse feel. The owner has opened five more restaurants in the same street.

Slightly cheaper than most restaurants in Bordeaux, La Cagette delivers way beyond expectations. A short menu and wine card but the dishes are original, simple and excellent. The brunch is of the same quality and we can only advise you to try this restaurant for all it offers! Think about making a reservation.

Paradise for meat eaters, Le Bar du Boucher - litterally the butcher's bar - offers a wide range of meat you can choose directly and see cut at the butcher's stand inside the restaurant. The dining room with its communal tables and its arcs are beautiful, the service and the atmosphere warm.

Rest'O is an excellent and beloved vegetarian and vegan restaurant that offers big portions, beautiful plates, fresh and organic products, all of this sublimed by the adorable couple who owns the restaurant and clearly wants to make it an exceptional place.

Baud et Millet is both a cheese and wine cellar. Products are authentic, rare and high-quality, the cheese can be chosen from a buffet of 100 different kinds and the wine wall will never leave you option-less. This family restaurant is the place to be if you want the full wine&cheese experience, and you can count on the owners knowledge on the subjects.

Baillardran is famous for bein the expert in"canelés" - a French small cake with vanilla filling and caramelized crust.

Discover the Bordeaux wines in an exceptional setting with a beautiful circular staircase.

Pétrusse is a great shop to buy beautiful cashmere or luxurious silk pashminas. You will also find superb, hand-woven scarves in here.

If you want to buy wine but do not feel like venturing outside the city all the way to the wineries and castles, Bordeaux’s streets and squares are full of wine merchants. One of the oldest and more popular wine of them is Badie.

Sunday is the day to visit the flea market on Quai de Salinières. Here you can find everything from a cheerful mess of furniture to nick-knacks, clothes and books - all of which is second-hand. These types of markets are the classic family or friends outing in France, and a great Sunday activity.

Locally-made goose liver and goat cheese are sold at the Capuçins Market on Saturdays. At the Centre Commercial Saint Christoly and the Galerie des Grand s Hommes department stores there are innumerable shops, cafés and fast food outlets. If you like sweets things, Baillardran on Grands Hommes is the must for cakes, pastries and sweets.

Bordeaux’s luxury shops are situated in a district called ”the golden triangle,” between Cours de l´intendance, Cours Georges Clemenceau and Allées de Tourny. Here you will find Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Longchamps, Kenzo, Hermes and Dior. Look for bargains in the young and trendy shops on rue St. Catherine and rue Porte-Dijeaux: Galeries Lafayette, Levi’s, Disney Store, Foot Locker, Lacoste, Zara, H&M.

The well-known Saint Christoly Shopping Centre offers a wide variety of shops. You can find it ideally located in the city centre.