Bordeaux, the pearl of Aquitaine, between vineyards, history and modernity
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for his exceptional architectural ensemble, Bordeaux is much more than just a simple wine capital of the world. It is a vibrant city, where the classical elegance of 18th-century facades stands alongside the boldness of modern structures like the Cité du Vin.
Crossed by the Garonne River, "the Sleeping Beauty" has awakened to offer visitors a unique experience blending sophisticated gastronomy, rich culture, and a relaxed lifestyle. Whether you're a history buff, a contemporary art enthusiast, or a connoisseur of fine wines, Bordeaux will captivate you.
Discover the city of Bordeaux.
I. Top 15 must-see places to visit in Bordeaux
1. The Stock Exchange Square and the Water Mirror 
It's the iconic image of Bordeaux. A symbol of the city's prosperity in the 18th century, the Place de la Bourse is a major architectural work. Opposite it, the Water Mirror, the largest in the world (3,450 m²), offers a magical spectacle by reflecting the majestic facades, alternating between mirror effects and refreshing mist. A must-see, especially at sunset.
- Address : Place de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Free parking 24/7. Water mirror: 10am-10pm (April to October, closed in winter)
- Price: Free
Learn more on the official website of the city of Bordeaux.
2. The City of Wine 
A true modern cultural beacon, The Cité du Vin is a A unique place in the world dedicated to wine as a cultural and universal heritage.
Its bold architecture in the shape of vine stock rises above the Garonne. Inside, a sensory and interactive journey takes you on a trip through the wine civilizations of the world. The visit culminates in a spectacular finale with a tasting at the Belvedereoffering a 360° panoramic view of Bordeaux.
- Address : 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Every day, generally 10am-6pm (see seasonal variations on the website)
- Price: From €23 (Full price, includes a glass of wine at the Belvedere)
Learn more on the official website.
3. The Grand Theatre of Bordeaux 
A masterpiece of 18th-century neoclassical architecture, The Grand Theatre is the’one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. Its facade is adorned with 12 Corinthian columns topped with statues representing Muses and goddesses of Antiquity. The interior is equally sumptuous, with its grand staircase and auditorium boasting exceptional acoustics. It is the cultural heart of the city, home to the Bordeaux National Opera.
- Address : Place de la Comédie, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Guided tours available by reservation (see Tourist Office website) / Open during performances
- Price: Guided tour approx. €12 / Shows: prices vary
Learn more on the Grand Theatre's official website.
4. Saint Andrew's Cathedral and the Pey-Berland Tower 
Located on Place Pey-Berland, Saint-André Cathedral is a imposing Gothic building, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Way of St. James. Its distinctive feature is its separate bell tower, the Pey-Berland Tower, built in the 15th century to prevent the vibrations of the bells from weakening the cathedral's structure. The ascent of 231 steps of the tower offers a breathtaking view of Bordeaux and its rooftops.
- Address : Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Cathedral: Every day / Tower: Every day (hours vary)
- Price: Cathedral: Free / Tower: €9 (Full price)
Learn more about Saint Andrew's Cathedral.
Learn more on the official Pey-Berland Tower website.
5. The Saint-Pierre District 
Historic heart of Bordeaux, The Saint-Pierre district is the cradle of the medieval city. It is a maze of picturesque alleyways with evocative names (rue des Argentiers, rue du Cancera) which abounds in artisan shops, lively terraces and restaurants. Strolling through Saint-Pierre means soaking up the authentic atmosphere of Bordeaux, between charming squares (Parliament Square) and sculpted stone facades.
- Address : Saint-Pierre district, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : 24/7 access
- Price: Free
Learn more on the official website of the city of Bordeaux.
6. The Museum of Fine Arts 
Housed in a wing of the Palais Rohan (City Hall), the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the oldest in France. It houses a rich collection of European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century, with works by masters such as Titian, Rubens, Delacroix, Corot or Matisse. The museum is particularly renowned for its collections of Dutch paintings and his section dedicated to Bordeaux artists.
- Address : 20 Cours d'Albret, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : 11am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays)
- Price: €8 (Permanent collections) (see other prices on the website)
Learn more on the Museum's official website.
7. The Public Garden 
Created in the 18th century, the Public Garden is the Bordeaux's oldest park.
A true haven of peace 10 hectares right in the city center, it is designed "in the English style" with a a meandering pond, shaded lawns, centuries-old trees and a botanical garden. It's the ideal place for a nature break, a family outing (playgrounds, carousel), or for visiting the Museum of Science and Nature located within the park grounds.
- Address : Cours de Verdun, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Every day, generally 7am-9pm (summer) / 7pm (winter)
- Price: Free
Learn more on the official Bordeaux website.
8. The Pools of Light 
Located in the’former submarine base Built during the Second World War, the Bassins des Lumières are the most world's largest digital art center. This monumental place projects spectacular immersive exhibitions dedicated to the great masters of art history (Klimt, Monet, Dali…). The artworks come to life through music and are reflected in the water of the four immense basins., creating an extraordinary sensory and visual experience.
- Address : Impasse Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Daily, hours vary depending on the schedule (generally 10am-7pm or 9pm)
- Price: From €16 (Full price)
9. The Cailhau Gate 
Majestic and defensive, the Cailhau Gate is a medieval relic dating from the late 15th century.
Built to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at the Battle of Fornovo, it was part of the city's fortifications. Its architecture is a transitional style between Gothic and Renaissance, with its pepperpot roofs, It gives it a fairytale castle-like appearance. From its upper floors, it offers a superb view of the Garonne and the Stone Bridge.
- Address : Place du Palais, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Guided tours by reservation (Tourist Office) / Exterior visible 24/7
- Price: Free (outdoors) / Guided tour approx. €7
10. The CAPC – Museum of Contemporary Art 
Housed in a former Real Warehouse for Colonial Goods (1824), the CAPC is a must-see for contemporary art. Its grand industrial architecture, with its cut-stone naves, serves as a showcase for a leading permanent collection and major temporary exhibitions. The CAPC's mission is to to discover and promote current artistic creation in all its forms.
- Address : 7 Rue Ferrere, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : 11am-6pm (closed on Mondays)
- Price: €8 (Full price)
Learn more on the Museum's official website.
11. The Stone Bridge 
Commissioned by Napoleon I and completed in 1822, the Pont de Pierre is the the first bridge to have linked the two banks of the Garonne in Bordeaux. Built of brick and stone, it includes 17 arches, number of letters in the name of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Historically strategic, it is now reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, offering a point of exceptional view of the classical facades of the quays and the Saint-Michel spire.
- Address : Pont de Pierre, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : 24/7 access
- Price: Free
Learn more on the Bordeaux website.
12. Darwin's ecosystem 
On the right bank, in a former military barracks, Darwin is a a vibrant, alternative, creative and eco-responsible space. It's a veritable open-air laboratory blending street art, urban farm, skatepark, organic shops and the largest organic restaurant in France.
It is a unique living space, a symbol of a Modern Bordeaux, Socially responsible and environmentally conscious, ideal for a unique cultural and gourmet break.
- Address : 87 Quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Daily, hours vary depending on the shop/restaurant (Darwin General Store daily 9am-11pm)
- Price: Free access / Drinks available for purchase
13. The Aquitaine Museum 
Located on Cours Pasteur, the Aquitaine Museum traces the history of Bordeaux and its region, from Prehistory to the present day.
Through archaeological and historical collections exceptional, it tackles major themes such as the’Gallo-Roman period (Burdigala), the Middle Ages, Atlantic trade and the slave trade in the 18th century, a crucial period for the development of the city.
- Address : 20 Cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : 11am-6pm (closed on Mondays)
- Price: €8 (Permanent collections)
Learn more on the Museum's official website.
14. The Bordeaux Park 
A veritable local "nursery" (a nod to Nancy 😉), the Parc Bordelais is, with its 28 hectares, THE largest green space in the city.
Designed in the 19th century as a "promenade" for the bourgeoisie, it is now a landscaped park very popular with the people of Bordeaux. It houses a a lake, playgrounds, a carousel, a miniature train and a wildlife park. It's the ideal place for a great family nature walk on the outskirts of the historic centre.
- Address : Rue du Bocage, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Every day, generally 7am-9pm (summer) / 6pm (winter)
- Price: Free
15. The Capuchin Market 
Nicknamed "The Belly of Bordeaux", the Capucins Market is the the oldest and most popular covered market in the city.
Authentic and welcoming, it's the ideal place to discover local cuisine: Oysters from the Arcachon Basin, canelés, charcuterie from the Southwest, foie gras, Pyrenean cheeses and of course, the wines of the region.
People come here to do their shopping, but also to Enjoy fresh products on-site at the counter, in a friendly atmosphere incomparable.
- Address : Place des Capucins, 33000 Bordeaux
- Schedules : Tuesday to Friday (6am-1pm), Saturday/Sunday (5:30am-2:30pm)
- Price: Free access / Drinks available for purchase
II. Why choose FranceBus as your transport provider in Bordeaux?
Organizing a group trip in a city as large and complex as Bordeaux requires impeccable logistics. Whether you are a travel agency, a company, an association, or a group of friends, we are the ideal partner to transform your trip into a seamless and premium experience.
1. A suitable fleet
We don't just transport you; we offer you a a haven of comfort. Our fleet is rigorously maintained and renewed to meet the strictest environmental standards.
- VIP minivan (8 seats) : Perfect for business delegations or small groups.
- Minibus (19 seats) : Ideal for families wishing to access the narrow streets of the Old Town.
- "Grand Comfort" coaches (49 seats and more): Equipped with reclining leather seats, tablets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi, they allow you to travel long distances without fatigue.
- Accessibility: We have vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility (PRM) to ensure total inclusion.
Discover our fleet of vehicles.
2. Local expertise and strict punctuality
Nancy is a city with sometimes complex access points, particularly around Place Stanislas which is entirely pedestrianized.
- Mastery of the terrain: Our drivers are fully familiar with the access points and authorized drop-off zones near museums and hotels in the city centre, which are often pedestrianized.
- Traffic management: Thanks to our knowledge of Bordeaux traffic flows, we optimize your routes to respect your schedule down to the minute.
3. A customized and flexible service
Each group is unique, which is why our The offer is 100 % customizable.
- 24/7 availability: Whether it's an early morning transfer or a late return after a gala dinner, our teams are ready to assist you.
- Logistical support: Beyond simply providing transportation, we can advise you on the best travel times between two visits to avoid any rushing.
4. Total security and peace of mind
The safety of our passengers is our priority. top priority.
- Professional drivers: All our drivers are trained in defensive driving and have excellent presentation skills, making them true ambassadors for your stay.
- Zero parking stress: Forget the hassle of finding coach parking or expensive parking fees. Your driver drops you off at your destination and picks you up again with a simple phone call.
5. An eco-responsible commitment
Travelling with FranceBus is also making a choice for the planet. One coach replaces on average 30 individual cars on the road, drastically reducing your group's carbon footprint while easing urban traffic in the ducal city.
Learn more about our bus rental service in Bordeaux.
Choosing Francebus means to make sure :
✅ comfort
✅ reliability
✅ punctuality
✅ safety
✅ peace of mind
Don't hesitate any longer and travel with Francebus!
Request your free quote online.
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Discover destinations to visit in 1 day from Bordeaux.
