Bordeaux is a historic city in southwestern France. Arc de Triomphe of Cayo. Must visit

Let's go for a short trip to Bordeaux (France). The sights of this region immerse us in a medieval fairy tale, where there is a place for princes, knights and long-haired beauties. Then they fought for the honor and heart of the lady, and it would be nice to feel the atmosphere of that time at least for a while.

Basilica Saint Michel

This majestic building has a second informal name, which the locals came up with - "Arrow". You can understand why the basilica was named that way by looking at its bell tower. Its shape resembles an arrow pointing to the sky.

The temple was built in the 16th century to the glory of the Archangel Michael. The architects opted for the flaming gothic style, so the building looks very impressive. The facade of the temple is decorated with stone decorations that complement its overall style. There are 22 bell towers in total, and the height of the building is 114 m. The interior decoration of the basilica impresses with its luxury and wealth.

Great bell of Bordeaux

The weight of the huge structure exceeds 8 tons. This attraction is better known as Armande Louise. The bell rings at 11 am no more than 6 times a year. This usually happens on those holidays that are important for residents.

The bell tower was built over 500 years ago. Previously, the city prison was located in the tower of the Big Bell, where they were serving sentences for especially serious crimes. That is why everyone will be able to appreciate the gloomy and mysterious rooms located inside. You can also see an old clock and a coat of arms depicting a mighty lion.

Grand Theater of Bordeaux

This famous building entered the top three most beautiful and popular opera houses in Europe. The architecture of this theater strikes with luxury. The building is framed with graceful sculptures of muses and goddesses.

Lush Corinthian capitals add a special charm to this place. The auditorium will accommodate 1,100 people, who will sit on chairs upholstered in red velvet. On the ceiling is a chic fresco, which harmoniously combines golden, blue and white colors.

On the stage of the theater, the most popular performances are shown, which have managed to fall in love with viewers from different parts of the world.

Cathedral of Saint-André

A beautiful building that immediately catches the eye is located in the center of Port Luna. The cathedral is made in the Gothic style, and some of its buildings were erected many centuries ago.

Bell towers in the form of sharp arrows immediately attract attention.

The interior of the majestic building is decorated with various items that date back to the Middle Ages. If travelers are not too lazy to climb the bell tower of Pius Berland, having overcome a huge number of steps, they will be able to admire the unforgettable landscapes of old Bordeaux and the Garonne. The bell tower is quite high - 66, and the bell weighs as much as 8 tons.

Museum of Aquitaine

This museum should be visited by every visitor to Bordeaux. Artifacts and ancient statues are collected in a huge building. Their age is 25 thousand years BC. Carefully crafted collections recreate a complex and compelling story.

This is a kind of kaleidoscope of the development of Aquitaine from ancient times to the present. The Museum of Aquitaine has collected more than 70 thousand impressive exhibits.

Most recently, the building underwent a global reconstruction, so now all the exhibits are presented in a more modern, interactive form. Such a spectacle will appeal to both young visitors to the museum and people of age.

Fine Arts Museum of Bordeaux

This museum is considered one of the oldest in the country. Museum guests will be able to appreciate a huge collection of paintings by artists that were created in the 15th - 20th centuries. The building contains not only paintings by French artists, but also works of art from European painters.

You can get to the thematic exhibitions that take place in the museum with enviable regularity. The museum is located in the former City Hall, surrounded on all sides by a picturesque park.

Walking in this wonderful place will bring you a lot of positive emotions, so you can "digest" the impressions received in the museum.

Modern Art Museum

This museum contains the latest achievements of the exact and fine sciences. The museum is located in the building of the former port warehouse, and in its arsenal there are more than a thousand works.

A visit to the museum will bring a lot of positive emotions even to those people who are not fans of contemporary art. On the territory of the building there is a picturesque terrace, as well as a cozy cafeteria. Nearby is the magnificent garden-park Jardin-Public. Walk around its territory to enjoy beautiful scenery and clean air.

Square "Water Mirror"

This unique and inimitable place will give you the opportunity to replenish your photo album with impressive shots. Here heaven and earth seem to change places with each other.

It seems that nearby buildings are floating right in the air.

An incredible reflection effect was achieved by covering the area with a small layer of water, under which there is a granite "substrate". After every 20 minutes, spray condensers are automatically turned on, which immerse all people in clouds of water dust.

Port of the Moon

This famous place was named so because the harbor resembles a neat crescent. It is located on the left bank of the Garonne. Luna Port is a symbol of the city's prosperity as a river port.

Previously, water transport departed from this place, which transported goods to England. That is why, even in our time, the Port of the Moon has remained the center of Bordeaux. Most of the most beautiful and popular attractions are located in this place, as well as many other useful establishments.

If you want to get to know Bordeaux better, then start your tour from Port Luna.

Arc de Triomphe of Cayo

The architecture of this arch harmoniously combines two styles: Gothic and Renaissance. This building is considered one of the oldest in Bordeaux. The arch was created back in 1495.

She became a symbol of the victory of the King of France over the Italians. The height of the building reaches 35 m, and its facade is decorated with magnificent sculptures. Inside there is a museum that anyone can visit.

An open gallery gives you the opportunity to admire the view of the Garonne. Be sure to visit the Arc de Triomphe so that you will remember your trip to Bordeaux for a long time.

We took a little walk around Bordeaux. France, whose sights are more detailed, has always given guests only positive emotions. At least once, but it's worth seeing.

The population of Bordeaux speaks exclusively French. Not quite a friendly attitude here towards people who use English for communication.

No one will be bored here: excellent places for recreation, exciting excursions, ancient monuments - all this can be of interest to almost any tourist. Holidays in Bordeaux are suitable for both couples and young people who want to have a good time in the ancient city.

Climate and weather

Bordeaux has a wonderful maritime climate. Thanks to the westerly winds of the Atlantic, winter temperatures are moderate. Summer is long and warm. average temperature in winter is +8 °C, in summer - about +21°C. However, in recent years there has been a trend towards an increase in average temperatures.

The best time to travel to Bordeaux is from May to September.

Nature

The nature of this city captivates with its beauty. , and cool green gardens are not only the decoration of the city, but also a great place to relax.

The picturesque harbor is a special gift of nature. As if conceived in the form of a crescent, it gives the outlines of the city an extraordinary beauty.

Attractions

Most of the buildings of the city of Bordeaux are protected by UNESCO: they are recognized as real values ​​of historical significance.

An excellent start to your acquaintance with Bordeaux will be a visit to one of the largest squares in Europe - Esplanade Cancons. Until the middle of the 19th century, the square was dominated by medieval castle, after it was destroyed, and in its place monuments were erected in honor of the prominent politicians of France.

If you would like to visit "Little London" be sure to take a walk around the area Shatron. Its cobbled streets and many architectural objects will not leave you indifferent.

A magnificent monument of architecture from the time of Napoleon is the bridge Petra. It consists of 17 arches, the total length of the bridge is five hundred meters. Take a walk here in the evening, when the evening lights illuminate the night Bordeaux - get an incomparable pleasure.

The most famous religious site is the basilica. Saint Michel. Its construction began in the 14th century and ended two hundred years later. This magnificent building in the Gothic style is decorated with statues of saints and ancient frescoes.

Another majestic Gothic building is the Cathedral Saint Andre. It was here that Louis VII married Eleanor of Aquitaine. The cathedral was built specifically for this wedding. Luxurious decoration is complemented by a high tower, where an observation deck is equipped, from which the entire panorama of the city opens.

National holidays are spent on the waterfront Garonne, it is definitely worth a visit. From the embankment it is good to go to the square burs, where do the streets begin architectural monuments, restaurants and shops.

On Birzhevaya Square you can see the Fountain of the Three Graces, opened in 1864.

You will enjoy the masterpieces of Rubens, Matisse, Titian by visiting Museum of Fine Arts.

In many museums in Bordeaux, once a week, free entry. There is a system of discounts for group excursions and for children.

Nutrition

In Bordeaux, even restaurants are real attractions. A huge selection of establishments for every taste and wealth is an indisputable advantage of the city.

A cozy restaurant was founded on the site of an old wine warehouse Le Plat dans l'assiette. Old paintings, antique furniture, figurines, lamps - all this allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of past centuries. The restaurant's specialties are escalopes, cheese casseroles and fragrant homemade sausages.

You will feel the atmosphere of a fairy tale in the restaurant La Fontaine Aux Fees. Magical Celtic music plays here, and the hall is lit with decorative lanterns. The specialties of this establishment are porcini mushrooms in a special sauce and stuffed fish. The wine list of the restaurant requires special attention: in it you will find an option for every taste and budget.

Gourmet cuisine served in the restaurant Cafe Borie. Dishes such as beef stew with morels, foie gras and fried flounder make up the menu Cafe Borie.

Fine Asian dishes are served in Li Jiang. The menu of this restaurant will especially appeal to connoisseurs of seafood and Thai delicacies. Special oriental spices make each dish unforgettable.

Sweet tooth will love this restaurant Anael. You will be delighted with the variety of sweets. The institution is located near the famous Bordeaux confectionery.

Accommodation

Not far from the city center there is a budget hotel apart-hotel Galerie Tatry. The rooms have air conditioning, kitchenette, satellite TV. Prices - from 45 to 180 € per day.

Three-star hotels are in high demand City Residence, Continental, apart-hotel All Suites Bordeaux Lac And Citadines Bordeaux Meriadeck. They are distinguished by a convenient location, excellent quality of service and reasonable prices. Room prices - from 52 to 200 € per day.

For those who love a vacation of the highest category, a five-star hotel is suitable Grand Hotel De Bordeaux & SPA. The hotel is located in the heart of the historical center of Bordeaux. There is a spa center and a fine restaurant for you. There is a Turkish bath, swimming pool, sauna. Room rates range from 250 to 1,600 €.

Entertainment and recreation

When visiting historical monuments, do not forget to look into one of the hundreds of shops and entertainment centers, clubs or cinemas. There is a famous cinema almost in the center of the city. Utopia where film screenings take place every evening. Right after watching the movie, you can stop by one of the fine restaurants in Bordeaux.

For those who love spa treatments, there is a great modern salon Guily Fish Spa. In it you will find a swimming pool and a cafe that sells exceptionally healthy dishes.

Fans of clubs will not be left without entertainment. The club is popular among young people Austin. The hall of this club is decorated with huge mirrors, and soft sofas are provided for relaxation. Always in the club cozy atmosphere and a great selection of original drinks.

The club is open until the morning Aztecal. The clubhouse is decorated in a medieval style. Themed evenings of various musical directions are often held here. You can go to a techno-style disco or dance to the incendiary sounds of salsa.

Electronic music preferred in the club La Factory. A special feature of the club is the hall, designed as a ship's cabin.

Purchases

The work of most shops in Bordeaux starts at 10:00 and ends at 18:00-20:00. Sunday is always a day off here, and on Saturdays the schedule is reduced. In small shops and trade pavilions there is a lunch break during the day.

Most of the shopping centers and boutiques are located in the center of Bordeaux. Popular among them shopping mall Baillardran. In it you will find clothes and shoes from the best French fashion designers, as well as perfumes from world famous brands.

Goods of almost all categories are sold in the center Antonin.

For small purchases and souvenirs, it is better to go to the market Marche des Grands Hommes. It is located almost in the center of the city, so getting here is always convenient and fast.

Transport

City transport is represented by three tram routes and 65 bus routes. Public transport hours are from 6:00 to 00:00.

A ticket for an hour, which is sold at the box office at stops, costs 1.5 €. You can purchase a ticket without limiting the number of trips for 1 day. It will cost 4.6 €. For a week - 11 €.

Connection

In Bordeaux, you can always find a place where you will be provided with Internet services. Mobile communications, city telephone network, post office work fine.

If you want to make a call to another country, use specialized machines located near government agencies and large shopping centers. With the help of a plastic card you can call at the most favorable rates.

Safety

The inhabitants of Bordeaux do not know foreign languages ​​well, so be sure to take a French phrasebook with you. They show a wary attitude towards the British and Americans, therefore it is not always prudent to try to speak with them in English. It is preferable to speak French. Even if you do not speak it well, every resident of Bordeaux will try to understand you.

The crime rate in the city is extremely low. However, crimes such as pickpocketing are quite common. Protect yourself from theft, loss of money and documents: just do not carry them with you.

Business climate

The main business of Bordeaux is winemaking and the subsequent wine trade. In addition, the city has developed engineering, chemical and oil refining industries.

Real estate

In the Koderan area, 1 m 2 of secondary real estate is estimated at 2,400 €, primary - at 3,800 €.

In the most sought-after areas - Kenkons and City Hall - the average price per 1 m 2 is 4,000 €.

If the price of your purchases in Bordeaux exceeds 330 €, issue a document detaxe, which allows you to return 13% of the total cost of purchases when leaving the country.

Remember that in expensive restaurants it is customary to book a table in advance. In addition, after 20:00 all restaurants and cafes are filled with visitors, so it is better to come to dinner in advance.

If you are going to rent a car, you must have international driver license. The minimum price for renting a car per day is 70 €. Also, a fixed amount is paid on bail, depending on the brand of the car.

If the restaurant has an inscription "service compis" then the service tip is already included in the total bill. In other cases, it is customary to leave 5-10% of the amount submitted for payment. Tips are also left for maids and taxi drivers.

Pay attention to signs at the entrances to restaurants. For the convenience of visitors, many cafes and restaurants have signs showing the average price for the dishes offered on the menu. This will always allow you to choose the most suitable option and don't feel embarrassed.

Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in the front seat of the car. Otherwise, the adult will be fined. Breaking the rules traffic punishable by large fines (up to 200 €).

In the territory picturesque city Bordeaux is home to a dozen attractions. One of them is the Church of St. Peter. The temple was built in the 19th century, on the site where the old church stood in the 17th century.

The architecture of the temple is made in the Gothic style, which includes three arches with wonderful sculptures in the central portal. Among them are winged angels, prophets and garlands of leaves.

The interior of the church is very rich and consists of beautiful stained glass windows of the 19th century, statues of the 17th century and many ancient icons. The central window is decorated with the Mother of God and the Assumption. Big interest evokes the choir and its unusual complex with ribbed vaults.

Among other things, three chapels deserve special attention: the left one is decorated with a gilded wooden statue of St. Paul, the right one has placed a bust of God the Father and a statue of St. Peter. And the chapel of the font gives you the opportunity to admire a painting by Pierre de Nantac.

Bordeaux airport

The terminal is located in close proximity to the motorway, which makes transport links to the city and the entire province of Aquitaine fast and convenient. The airport building is divided into 2 halls: hall A and hall B. The airport halls are equipped with additional desks for people with disabilities.

There is a developed transport infrastructure and communication between the city and the airport is provided by almost all types of transport: bus, taxi, car rental and even motorcycles. The airport management also provides the opportunity to rent special vehicles for people with disabilities. A dedicated bus route will take you directly to Bordeaux train station. The bus leaves every 45 minutes and costs 8 euros. Travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes.

The airport has 6 cafes, 12 shops, a bank, 2 currency exchange offices, a post office and free wireless Internet access. There are several hotels within a radius of 1.5 km from the airport building.

What sights of Bordeaux did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Cathedral of Saint Andrew

The most fascinating cathedral on the territory of Bordeaux is the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. The temple was built over five centuries, which greatly affected its architecture.

The cathedral is a one-nave church in the Gothic style, with two symmetrically located towers. The height of the towers reaches about 81 meters. Distinctive feature The cathedral lies in the placement of its entrance: unlike Christian churches, the entrance of which is located in the west, it is located on the north side.

The northern facade is decorated with the Royal Portal, which depicts the Last Judgment, and in the eastern part of the temple there is a choir. The bypass gallery opens five chapels, which are decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible.

Inside the temple has special place painting of the XIV-XVII centuries, sculpture of the beginning of the XIV-XVI centuries. The modern organ deserves special attention. Since 1998, the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called has added to the list world heritage UNESCO as a shrine of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

At the moment, after many reconstructions and repairs, the cathedral, as before, gathers a huge number of both pilgrims and ordinary tourists.

Japanese garden Compance Caffarelli is located in the city park Compance Caffarelli of Toulouse. Japan in miniature on French soil: all the features characteristic of the gardens of the Land of the Rising Sun are presented here with detailed study.

Several types of sakura, bamboo, small ponds, in particular, in the park the lake symbolizes the sea, gazebos, a stone waterfall, the originality of trimmed tree crowns, and of course, the dragon, in the park it is made of iron and reaches a height of about three meters - all this splendor takes more than 3000 meters, and is a kind of oasis of a business city.

Small wooden bridges are also remarkable, which are located throughout the garden, passing through which you find yourself in a certain island of the garden - an elevated hill, or on a platform for admiring the moon.

In addition to the garden, the park as a whole is an excellent area for family vacation and a picnic, wedding photo sessions are also often held here.

Wine therapy center "Sources of Kodali"

The Codali Springs Wine Therapy Center is located near Bordeaux (15 minutes drive), among the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Bordeaux is the oldest city in France, located on the banks of the Garonne River. The Wine Therapy Center was opened in 1999 and since then has not lost its good reputation. In addition, this is not only a wellness center - it is a real health and relaxation center with a large selection of unique programs.

The Kodali Springs Center offers a complex of unique wellness and beauty programs based on wine therapy, for example: grape therapy, balneotherapy (mineral water jet shower, underwater massage in a mineral water pool, vine pomace baths, Barrick bath - pomace bath from freshly crushed grapes and vegetable oils, massage with grape seed oil, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, anti-cellulite massage).Cosmetic treatments. In your spare time you can order excursion programs: a tour of Bordeaux, a visit to the famous wineries, a visit to the Planet of Bordeaux museum, a trip to the Atlantic coast in the resort town of Arcachon.

Cayo Gate

The Cayo Gate, more commonly known as the Palace Gate, is national monument. They are located on the street of the same name, on the east side of the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. The construction of the gate was conceived to protect the palace, and they also acted as a triumphal arch, in honor of the victory of King Charles VIII during the Italian wars.

Today, the gates are the decoration of the city, which tourists willingly come to see. The architecture of the Palace Gate is very interesting and original. This architecture is of the Gothic style with an admixture of elements of the Renaissance.

The facade of the gate is crowned with medallions, hinged loopholes and dormer windows. The pointed turrets, which, together with the spire, reach a height of 35 meters, make a special impression. Due to damage to the facade, its bas-reliefs were restored in 1822 and transferred to the Museum of Aquitaine for preservation.

Oyster Museum

The Oyster Museum is located in the small Mediterranean fishing village of Bouzigues, France. It gives visitors a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the working principle of the so-called "farmers of the sea" - fishermen. Visitors can watch them work and fish, learn how to open oysters and, of course, taste them.

In 1981, the idea of ​​preserving the traditional shellfish tools was adopted by the locals. An exhibition of these instruments was presented on a temporary basis in the farmhouse of the village of Bouzigues. The exhibition was successful and the collection eventually expanded and became a permanent exhibition. Thus, already in 1991, the Oyster Museum opened its doors on a regular basis to visitors who can observe the work and fishing of local fishermen for various shellfish and fish.

The museum is divided into three parts that can be visited. These are the "Clam Room", the "Fisherman's Shop" and the "Aquarium". Also to the attention of visitors is a master class on opening oysters and tasting.

The most popular attractions in Bordeaux with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places Bordeaux on our site.

Individual and group

French city of Bordeaux (Aquitaine region)

The French city of Bordeaux is a locality located in the southwest of France, which is the center historical area Aquitaine and the modern department of the Gironde.

In fact, Bordeaux is located on the banks of the Garonne, known for its traditions and success in the field of winemaking. Including the suburbs, the total population is about 500,000 inhabitants.

The city of Bordeaux (Bordeaux) is striking when you approach it from the south, along the river bank. It boasts of large size (with a population of half a million) and, of course, wealth - since it has remained a busy trading center since Roman times. Particularly attractive is the relatively small center of the 18th century, built with money from colonial trade.

The rest of the city is unattractive and, given its long history, attractions there is little. But if you still have to pass through it (and this is the main transport hub of the region), it is worth visiting a few of them; There are also many cheap hotels and restaurants. The atmosphere in Bordeaux is hospitable, and therefore you can spend time cheerfully and profitably.

Arrival, information about the city and accommodation in Bordeaux

Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (Bordeaux-Merignac) is located 12 kilometers from the city: from there, regular buses run every half an hour to the main tourist office (45 minutes; 6.50 €). Arriving by train, you will find yourself at Saint-Jean station, which has its own small travel agency located in the heart of a somewhat unsightly area, about 3 kilometers south of the city center, where bus number 16 and tram line C go .

There is no central bus station in the city, but most of the buses plying the region stop on the north side of the Quinconces esplanade on the allees de Munich. job information public transport can be obtained from the information center of Bordeaux. New system trams (commissioned in autumn 2003) make it faster and easier to get to the city. Trams (three lines are open) run quite often from 5.00 to 1.00. A ticket (for both tram and bus) for one trip costs 1.30 €, but it will be cheaper to buy a booklet (carnet) of 10 tickets at a tobacconist (10 €) or a travel card for 1-7 days at a transport bureau.

The ticket must be validated on the bus (tram): tickets from the booklet are then valid for an hour, and during this time you can change up to 4 buses (trams), each time you validate the same ticket again. At the main tourist office of Bordeaux, at the Grand Theater (12 cours du 30-Juillet), free of charge for you book a hotel room and provide useful information about the city and the surrounding vineyards, to which they also organize tours. The tourist office of the Gironde region is located at the address: 21 course de l "Intendance.

The area around the station itself, in particular, Charles-Domercq Street and the Marne Alley (cours de la Marne), is full of one-two-star hotels, although it is not very pleasant to stay here. It is better to head to the city center, where you will find a good choice: from the simplest to the luxurious options. As a rule, finding a room is not difficult: the only exception is the week of the Vinexpo Trade Fair (on odd years) and the Wine Festival (on even years) in June, when there is nowhere for an apple to fall in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Hotels

1). Hotel De la Boetie“Cheap central one-star hotel in a quiet side street, owned by Bristol, with whom he shares the front desk. Hotel address: 4 rue de la Boetie;

2). Bristol Hotel– A comfortable two-star hotel where you can relax, just south of Place Gambetta. Its well-appointed en-suite rooms are generously sized and stylishly furnished. Hotel address: 4 rue Boffard;

3). Dauphin Hotel“Although a little far from the center, this artsy old-fashioned hotel is well-deservedly popular. in the most spacious and expensive rooms with huge windows and high ceilings, you will find the best combination of price and quality. Hotel address: 82 rue du Palais-Gallien;

4). Hotel Gambetta- Great location in the old town. All rooms have TV, telephone and bathroom. Hotel address: 66 rue Porte-Dijeaux;

5). De Normandie Hotel- Large bright rooms. There is internet access. Some rooms with balconies offer amazing views of the city. Hotel address: 7 courses du 30-Juillet;

6). Notre-Dame Hotel– A quiet, fine establishment offering good value for money in an interesting area full of old streets, just north of the Kincons esplanade. Air conditioning and a large bathroom are available in every room, although the decor is of little interest, and cheap rooms will be small for two. Hotel address: 36 rue Notre-Dame;

7). Hotel De la Presse– Recently updated family hotel in the heart of the pedestrian part of Bordeaux. The light and bright rooms are harmoniously designed and include all the amenities of a three-star hotel: mini-bar and air conditioning. Opening hours: Closed one week at Christmas. Hotel address: 6-8 rue Porte-Dijeaux;

8). Des Quatre Soeurs Hotel– A popular, well-organized and welcoming hotel with an ideal location next to the tourist office. The rooms are decorated in cheerful colors, although some of them are a bit cramped for the price. Hotel address: 6 courses du 30-Juillet;

9). Regina Hotel- The best option near the train station - will offer you simple, elegant rooms of decent size. The cheapest of the rooms have showers but no toilets; they are all equipped with telephones, but only a few have televisions. Ask to be placed in a quieter room, facing the courtyard. Hotel address: 34 rue Charles-Domercq;

10). Studio Hotel– Offers simple single rooms with bath and TV for only 18 €, so it is popular with tourists. Hotel address: 26 rue Huguerie;

11). De la Tour Intendance Hotel– Despite its exterior, this pleasant hotel nestled in a quiet corner near Place Gambetta boasts an elegant small lobby and comfortable spacious rooms (all with ensuite bathrooms). You can also use the hotel garage. Hotel address: 14-16 rue de la Vieille-Tour;

12). Tulip Inn Bayonne Etche-Ona Hotel– Two renovated hotels: one exemplifies classic modern chic, the other recalls its Basque roots with a luxurious environment in red and green tones. All the latest amenities and attentive service. Hotel address: 15 cours de l'Intendance.

Hostel Bordeaux

1). Hostel– Located near the alley Marne (cours de la Marne), just a 10-minute walk from Saint-Jean station (you can take bus number 16). There is a kitchen and a laundry room. Among the shortcomings: the area, which enjoys a bad reputation, and poor security. Hostel address: 22 courses Barbey.

Sights of Bordeaux

Old Bordeaux

The center of the elegant city of the XVIII century is the quarter of Saint-Pierre (quartile Saint-Pierre), and it stretches all the way to the Grand Theater in the east, the cathedral in the west and the alley Victor-Hugo (cours Victor-Hugo). The narrow streets are lined with magnificent mansions built during the glory days of Bordeaux. Much of the area has been tidied up in recent years, although some of the streets look abandoned, waiting for the arrival of restorers.

The civic center of the 18th century city was the impeccable classical style of the Grand Theatre, on Place de la Comedie, at the northern end of Rue Sainte-Catherine. High building, built on the site of a Roman temple by the architect Victor Louis in 1780, adorns the front with a huge portico with columns topped with twelve Muses and Graces. No less luxurious interior is diversified by frescoes in the style of "optical illusion". It is best to see them while visiting the opera or ballet, which take place here all year round - a place in the gallery will cost only 8 euros, or ask the bureau about excursions that are sometimes offered there.

From here, beautiful streets radiate in all directions: Sainte-Catherine, where the main city the shops, goes south and partially remains pedestrian to facilitate the movement of buyers; fashionable alley Intendance (cours de l`Intendance) goes to the west; and the sandy, shady avenue of Tourny (allees de Tourny), leading to the northwest, perpetuates the name of the Marquis Louis-Aubert de Tourny, the 18th century steward who did the most for the "Golden Age" of Bordeaux and personally oversaw most of the rebuilding. In the narrow alleys of the Old Town, along the harmonious Place du Parlement and Place Saint-Pierre, the mansions typical of Bordeaux are lined up - in addition, they are decorated with twisted balconies and galleries: an impressive example of urban planning.

The planners of the early 18th century did not forget about the river bank: the impressive Place de la Bourse became the center of the embankments. The impressive building of the old customs house from 1733 houses the Museum of Customs (Musee des Douanes), which briefly describes the port of Bordeaux and the seafaring past of the city, as well as traces the history of the management and operation of the French customs. The area is balanced by the Stock Exchange (Palais de la Bourse), overlooking the embankment, to the wide Garonne. Cayo Gate(Porte Cailhau) of the 15th century, south along the coast, got its name in honor of the stones (“cailloux, in the local dialect - “cailhaux”), which were unloaded on a nearby embankment to be used on ships as ballast.

If you cross the river a little to the south, you can see the only evidence of a glorious past - the impressive Pont de Pierre (Pont de Pierre), " A stone bridge"with 17 arches (although it is made mainly of brick), built by order Napoleon during the Spanish campaigns and dedicated to his victories. You will never forget the view that opens from here to the river and the embankment - especially if you admire it at night, in the light of searchlights.

Place Gambetta, cathedral and surroundings

Lined with chic shops, the Cours de l'Intendance connects Place de la Comédie with place Gambetta, the center of the city's shops and museums, where the cathedral is located. At one time, this square was a grandiose parade ground, created in the time of Louis XV as a magnificent architectural unit: the facades of houses at the level of the pavement are decorated with galleries and rows of carved masks. In the center of the square, the brave architect created a semblance of an English garden, where it will be pleasant to relax - it is impossible to believe that in times French Revolution the guillotine chopped off three hundred heads here. One corner is occupied by the ancient city gates of Dijo (Porte Dijeaux) - an arch of the 18th century.

South of Place Gambetta is located Cathedral of Saint Andre(Cathedrale Saint-Andre) or the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called, where the eye is most attracted by the double spiers stretching upwards above the northern transept - the visual effect is enhanced by the adjacent, albeit standing separately, bell tower, Pey-Berlan tower(Tour Pey-Berland) XV century. The interior of the cathedral, whose construction began in the 12th century, is not particularly interesting - except for the kliros (which is one of the few completely preserved examples of the ornate late Gothic known as the "radiant"), as well as the doors of the north transept and the Royal Gate on the right, decorated with wonderful carvings .

The best of Bordeaux's museums are dotted around the streets around the cathedral. Just behind the classical City Hall, the former palace of the Archbishop of Rohan, the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses a small but interesting collection of European art, including works by Reynolds, Titian, Rubens, Matisse and Marquet (born in Bordeaux), as well as excellent painting by Delacroix "Greece on the ruins of Missolonghi".

However, a visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts (Musee des Arts Decoratifs; the same payment system as the Museum of Fine Arts), two blocks north, on Bouffard Street, housed in a pretty 18th-century mansion, will be much more exciting. The extensive collection includes beautiful (mostly French) faience and porcelain, period furniture, glassware, miniatures, animal sculptures of Bari and engravings depicting the city in its days of maritime glory.

Continuing clockwise around the cathedral, you will pass the Center National Jean-Moulin, a mediocre museum dedicated to the local Resistance Movement, and then you will find yourself in front of the ingeniously planned Museum of Aquitaine (Musee d'Aquitaine; cours Pasteur) - one of best museums cities. The inspiring variety of exhibits and different ways of presenting them highlights the region's ethnography and tells about the three main aspects of its development: maritime, commercial and agricultural.

Drawings and documents from that period will allow you to understand why 18th-century Bordeaux was so praised by contemporary writers who compared this city to Paris. It's also worth checking out the section dedicated to the wine trade before embarking on a tour of the region's vineyards. A few blocks to the east, above Saint-James Street, rises the heavy 15th century Grosse Cloche Gothic tower, which was originally part of the medieval town hall.

North of the center of Bordeaux

North of the Grand Theatre, 30-Juillet alley (cours du 30-Juillet) leads to the empty, boring (and, frankly, unattractive) expanse of the Quinconces esplanade (esplanade des Quinconces), considered the largest municipal square in Europe. From the side of the embankment you will see two tall columns erected in 1829 and crowned with statues-allegories of Trade and Navigation. At the opposite end of the esplanade is the Girondins Monument (Monument aux Girondins), a magnificent ensemble of statues and fountains of the "end of an era", built in honor of influential local deputies of the Revolutionary Assembly of 1789, later executed by Robespierre for "moderate views" and "counter-revolutionism".

During the Second World War, the Germans, in a fit of anti-French sentiment, planned to demolish and melt the monument - they were carried out by members of the local Resistance, who reached it first and, under the cover of darkness, dismantled the monument piece by piece to hide it in a barn in the Medoc until the end of the war. To the northwest of here there is a wonderful regular park (Jardin Public), where the city's botanical garden is located, as well as a small museum. natural history. Behind it, to the north and west, is a quiet, provincial quarter, consisting of two-story stone mansions. Among the narrow streets, on Dr-Albert-Barraud Street, there is a large building made of bricks and masonry - the so-called Gallic Palace (Palais Gallien).

In fact, this 3rd century arena is all that remains of Burdigala, the Roman capital of Aquitaine. Next door, on Place Delerme, is the main goal of a walk in this quarter: an unusual round covered market. To the east of the garden, near the river, the Museum of Modern Art (Musee d'Art Contemporain; rue Ferrere) is waiting for you, housed in a converted 19th-century warehouse for goods brought from the colonies.

The expansive hall with arches and galleries provides the perfect backdrop for sculptures (mostly made after the 1960s) and installations by artists such as Richard Long, Daniel Buren and Saul Levitt. At one time in the museum you can see only a few of the exhibits of the permanent collection, since the main hall is occupied by temporary exhibitions, so whether you like the exposition or not is a matter of chance. However, there is an excellent collection of glossy art books in the library and an exquisite rooftop cafe-restaurant (lunch only).

A little further you will see the Conservatoire International de la Plaisance at dock number 2, off Alfred-Daney Boulevard: an old base for German submarines with concrete walls and a roof up to 9 meters thick has been converted into an unusual museum , telling both about pleasure craft and about the history of the fleet.

Where to eat and drink in Bordeaux

The French city of Bordeaux (Aquitaine region) is full of countless restaurants(mostly first class) and since the town is located on the Atlantic coast, fresh seafood is on many menus in abundance. A good restaurant is easiest to find around Place Parlement and Saint-Pierre, where you will find options for every taste and budget. Plenty of sandwich bars and fast food outlets are located on the south end of Rue Ste-Catherine and dotted around student-favorite Place Victoire.

In summer, on the quai des Chartrons, under the open sky, coastal stalls (guinguettes) appear, selling regular and king prawns and other seafood snacks. In Bordeaux there are surprisingly few truly pleasant cafe where you can relax while watching passers-by. While it's worth checking out Cafe Regent (46 place Gambetta; €15 for lunch), a nicer and cheaper option is Cafe Dijeaux (14 place Gambetta) located opposite, outside the city gates.

Picnic supplies can be purchased at the wonderful round market on Place des Grands-Hommes, and on Montesquieu Street, a little to the side, is the best cheese shop in town, run by Jean d'Alo, where you will offer dozens of cheeses made on farms.

Thanks to the student population of Bordeaux, many lively youth bars, some of which are located on and around Place Victoire. Some have live music, and on Thursday nights they are not overcrowded. Bordeaux now has a group of English, Irish and Australian pubs open as well, rather than the less-than-impressive establishments for individuals gay concentrated in the southern part of Rempa street (rue des Remparts).

Cafes and restaurants in Bordeaux

1). Wine shop Baud et Millet– A real abundance of wine and cheese awaits you at several tables in the courtyard of the wine shop, where you can choose a bottle directly from the shelf. The portions here are generous and the dishes are nutritious, so even one will last you a long time. Sets of dishes from 19.50 €. Opening hours: closed on Sundays. Store address: 19 rue Huguerie;

2). Bistro Le Bistrot dedouard- No doubt, there are a lot of tourists here, but the establishment is located very conveniently, on beautiful square, and in the summer you will find tables outside. There is an inexpensive three-course set for 12 €, which includes a selection of regional delicacies, as well as the usual beer menu. Place address: 16 place du Parlement;

3). Bistro Le Bistrot des Quinconces– Lively bistro, which also serves as a cafe during the day, and as a tapas bar in the early evening (19.30-20.00). IN good weather locals compete for the opportunity to sit at tables outside in a beautiful place opposite the fountains. Modern eclectic menu. A set of three courses for lunch (on weekdays) for 15 €. Location address: 4 place des Quinconces;

4). Cafe des Arts“This is a café-beer house on the corner of Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the few old-fashioned unique atmosphere create tarnished relics from the 1940s. The dishes are also good, and the kitchen does not close until 1.00. Twice a month there are free jazz concerts (mostly acoustic music from the 1960s), and then the place is not overcrowded. Dish of the day around 9 €. Cafe address: 138 cours Victor-Hugo;

5). Restaurant Chez Dupont– Noisy, old-fashioned restaurant in the Chartrons district with wooden floors, old posters and waiters in bright vests. The prices are very low. Restaurant address: 45 rue de Notre-Dame;

6). Restaurant Le Mably– An informal, hospitable and popular restaurant with a warm, bistro-like atmosphere. Choose from a variety of meal sets (22€) starting with the "dish of the day". The portions are large and the food is very high quality. Opening hours: closed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as the first three weeks of August. Restaurant address: 12 rue Mably.

Bars of Bordeaux

1). Bar de l'Hotel de Ville (BHV)– A friendly little gay cafe-bar that hosts one of the many different free shows every second Sunday (22.30). Bar address: 4 rue de l'Hotel de Ville;

2). Bar Calle Ocho– The most famous and lively of the salsa bars in Bordeaux, full of people on Friday and Saturday evenings. They serve authentic Cuban rum and mojitos, a traditional drink made with mint, lemon, sugar, sparkling water and more rum. The music is very loud. Bar address: 24 rue des Piliers-deTutelle;

3). Pub Connemara– Guinness-weary Englishmen will love the liveliest of Irish pubs, Bordeaux, where there are often concerts or other performances in the evenings, as well as cheap snacks like fish and chips, Guinness pie or apple dessert. Pub address: 18 cours d'Albret;

4). Pub Dick Turpin's– Opposite the courtyard of the Municipal Archives overgrown with wisteria, a very good option an English urban pub with a great atmosphere and visitors from all over the world. You'll be served the standard beer selection of Guinness, Bass and Newcastle Brown, in addition to decently priced bar food (or tea and cake in the quiet early evening). Happy hour: 17.30-20.30. Pub address: 72 rue du Loup;

5). Institution Le Plana“One of the more informal and quieter student establishments around the square. Although, like all other local bars, on Thursday evenings it is full of people. Live music: Sunday - jazz, Monday and Tuesday - different styles. Location address: 22 place de la Victoire;

Nightclubs and entertainment in Bordeaux

Since dance clubs in Bordeaux are constantly changing, it's worth asking around what are the most popular venues right now. There are one or two discos in the city center, like Le Mnseigneur (42 allees d'Orleans). Majority night clubs is located along the southern quai du Paludate, where the fun begins only closer to two in the morning and lasts until four or five in the morning (clubs are usually closed on Sundays).

La Plage (No. 40) - one of the longest-running in the area - a fun disco, decorated like a tropical beach Shadow Lounge (5 rue Cabannac), wonderfully decorated in baroque style, twisting house and techno. For the latest events and performances in and around Bordeaux, buy the regional newspaper Sud-Ouest.

In addition, a free but less detailed Bordeaux Plus is published, as well as Clubs & Concerts - also free, which lists in detail the city's now popular clubs. The Tourist Office publishes "Bordeaux Magazine", a free French-language monthly covering more intellectual developments in cultural life cities.

To buy tickets for performances in Bordeaux or the region, contact the venue directly or go to the box office in the 19th-century Galerie Bordelaise passage wedged between Rue Sainte-Catherine and Rue des Piliers-des-Tutelle ). There is also a ticket kiosk at the Virgin Megastore on Gambetta Square.

Jazz and blues fans should head south downriver to the Comptoir du Jazz (57 quai de Paludate): admission is free, but you have to buy at least one drink. Other options include the Cafe des Arts and the more frantic L'Alligator (3 place du General-Sarrail), where blues masters cast their magic on Wednesday nights. There is also enough modern music in the city, for example, rock is performed at Rock School Barbey (18 cours Barbey).

The first vineyards in Bordeaux appeared thanks to the ancient Romans. It was they who laid down the traditions of winemaking, which subsequently glorified this region throughout the world. The Romans also gave impetus to shipping and the development of trade relations, thanks to which, through the centuries, Bordeaux turned into the largest cultural center of France, in no way inferior to Paris.

First of all, Bordeaux is known for its gastronomic traditions. Who hasn't heard of the great local wines? Moreover, the graceful, smooth, aristocratic streets and squares of the city attract thousands of tourists every year. Here you can feel the true French sophistication and the ability to enjoy life. The refined atmosphere of Bordeaux can be felt in the Porte Lune, on the square of Saint André Cathedral and on the banks of the picturesque Garonne River.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Bordeaux?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Port of the Moon is an allegorical name architectural ensemble the historical center of Bordeaux, which is located near the river Garonne (Gironde). Picturesque buildings in the classical style are located in a semicircle on its banks. The complex of buildings includes: the building of the town hall, the grand theater, the Place de la Bourse, Sainte-Catherine, the gates of Cayo and the Hotel Labottier. The Port of the Moon has played an important strategic role since Roman times.

The area is located near the Garonne embankment. Its architectural appearance in the Baroque style took shape in the 18th century. The project was developed by A. J. Gabriel. The square is surrounded by the buildings of the Customs Museum and the Exchange Palace. The main decoration of this place is the Fountain of Mirrors, which is a wide and flat surface filled with water. With the help of special sprayers, tiny drops are sprayed into the air, which sometimes causes fog over the area.

A small square in the Italian style, located near the Cathedral of Bordeaux. Most of the magnificent mansions surrounding the square were built in the 18th century. In the central part there is the fountain of the Parliament of 1865 in the neo-Renaissance architectural style, installed thanks to the efforts of G.-A. Brochon, one of the mayors of Bordeaux. Place de la Parlement is a historical monument of France.

The main square of the city of Bordeaux, one of the most impressive squares in Europe. The vast spaces of the Kinkons are capable of accommodating a large number of people, which is why fairs and concerts are constantly held here. In 1883, a monument to the Girondins was erected on the square - representatives of one of the political parties of the period of the Great French Revolution, which were eventually persecuted by the Convention.

The magnificent building of the Grand Theater was erected in the classical style on the site where ancient era was a Roman temple. Perhaps this fact eventually influenced the choice appearance the buildings. The facade of the theater corresponds to the canons of the ancient Corinthian order, the portico is complemented by statues of the goddesses of the Roman pantheon. The architect V. Louis was invited for the construction. Since the 18th century, the Bordeaux theater scene has been the center of the city's cultural life.

Previously, the palace served as the residence of the Archbishop of Bordeaux - F. M. de Rogan. The complex was built in the 18th century under the guidance of the invited architect V. Louis, who also worked on the design of the Grand Theater of Bordeaux. The building changed owners several times. During the revolution, a tribunal was located here, during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte - imperial palace, since 1835 the building houses the city hall of Bordeaux and a museum.

The Cathedral of Bordeaux, dedicated to St. Andrew (in the Orthodox tradition, he is known as Andrew the First-Called). The building was erected in the 11th century on the site of a destroyed temple of the 9th century. For a long time of its existence, the cathedral has experienced several redevelopments of the interior space and renovation of the facade. With each new reconstruction, its appearance gradually changed, while maintaining the reference Gothic features.

The tower is located on the square of the same name, which was named after Archbishop P. Berlan. The personality of this minister of the church remained in history due to the fact that he founded a city university for poor students. The tower is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint André, although it is located at some distance from it. The structure was built in 1863, in 1869 an 8-ton bell was hoisted to its top.

The temple is located on Place Menard, which is located near the Pont du Pierre. The building of the church was erected in the XV-XVI centuries according to the project of J. Leba. The temple is built in an elegant architectural style, known as "flaming gothic". The bell tower of the basilica is located at some distance from the main building. The bell tower is almost 115 meters long, making it one of the tallest temple structures in the world.

An expressive Baroque church built at the very beginning of the 18th century. The building has a very magnificent and pompous facade with an abundance of decorative finishes, decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs. An image of the Virgin Mary is placed on the figured stained-glass window. The internal spaces are interconnected with the help of arched galleries. The walls of the church are painted with skillful frescoes of the 18th-19th centuries.

The Bordeaux region is known throughout the world for its excellent wines. You can learn more about the history of winemaking, learn more about the varieties of the drink and the features of its production in the "City of Wine". This interesting museum, located in a modern building, which is called the "Wine Guggenheim". The museum opened in 2016 and quickly gained popularity among fans and connoisseurs of the grape drink.

In the 18th century, the Museum of Stone Sculpture was founded in Bordeaux, where artifacts from the period of the Roman Empire found in the surroundings were kept. From 1962-63 it became a regional museum of ethnography, archeology and history. The collection has existed in its present form since 1987. The exposition covers a rather extensive historical period; about 70 thousand exhibits are located on 5 thousand m².

In the Middle Ages, the tower was part of the urban fortification system of Bordeaux. It is believed that the building was erected in the 15th century on the site of the destroyed gate. The image of Grosse-Cloche is present on the city coat of arms and is a symbol of Bordeaux. The building acquired its modern look in the 18th century, when two side towers acquired cone-shaped roofs. The northern façade is decorated with figures of fabulous gargoyles; in the central part there is an astronomical clock dial.

In the 15th century, the Cayo Gate (or Palace Gate) was the main entrance to Bordeaux. The gate was erected after the victory at the Battle of Fornovo, when the troops of Charles VIII defeated the Italian army. The architectural style of the building is a transition from Gothic to Renaissance, which knocks the building out of the surrounding landscape, giving it a slight “medieval” flavor.

A street with a length of about 1.3 km., On which there are more than 200 different shops. It can be safely called the main trading artery of Bordeaux. From the 70s. In the 20th century, the alley became pedestrian, which further increased tourist traffic. In addition to shops, there are several historical sights here, including a Gothic cross on the site of an old cemetery and the Church of St. Simeon, built in the 14th century.

The base was laid before the start of World War II by agreement with Hitler, when the Italian navy was stationed in this area. Italian and German submarines were based here. The place was reliably protected from bombardments, so the ships were practically not damaged during air raids. Today, an exhibition center is located on the territory of the gloomy concrete docks of the former base.

A vertical lift bridge across the Garonne River completed in 2013. President F. Hollande and Mayor of Bordeaux A. Juppe attended its opening. The design is equipped with an elevator that lifts passengers to a height of 50 meters. Once every few days, the bridge is raised to allow the passage of ships to the harbor of Bordeaux. The structure was named after J. Chaban-Delmas, a former prime minister.

The old 19th century bridge across the Garonne, designed by C. Deshampeau. The customer was Napoleon Bonaparte himself. The design is a series of arched spans similar to ancient Roman bridges. The pillars are decorated with medallions depicting the profile of Napoleon. In the evening, the Pont de Pierre is illuminated by a system of floodlights, which gives it a very romantic look.

The river originates in the central part of the Pyrenees and flows into the Bay of Biscay. The total length of the channel is 647 km. The Garonne is an important shipping artery in France and has several hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs. The river flows through the cities of Toulouse, Bordeaux and Agen. With an enviable frequency, it spills, which causes problems in the settlements located on the banks.

20. Wine tours and excursions in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the oldest wine region France, where the best quality drinks are produced using traditional technologies. Local (and not only) travel companies offer a huge number of interesting wine and gastronomic excursions, during which tourists visit vineyards, factories, wine cellars, taste different varieties and learn to distinguish one wine from another.