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Ahmed Samir
Ahmed Samir
Bordeaux is a very attractive tourist destination in France. It is located on the southwestern side of France on the Garonne River. Bordeaux is called the Port of the Moon because of a crescent-shaped curve on the Garonne River, which made its trade flourish. It is one of the most famous cities in the world after Paris, and it is about 562 km from the City of Lights.
Bordeaux has a great history. It is where many nobles lived, and it owns the largest ancient palaces of kings and nobles. Many of these palaces were announced as world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1998, and they contain more than 350 buildings classified as historical monuments.
Weather in Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s weather is usually rainy. The average daily temperature is between 6 degrees in January and 21 degrees in July. Winter lasts from December to February, and summer lasts from June to August.
Things to do in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is another beautiful city in France. It is considered one of the top attractions there, and many tourists love visiting it. This will be a fantastic journey, so let’s see the best places to visit and what you can do there.
1. Des Concussiers Square
Des Concussiers is a large public square in Bordeaux. It is located in the center of Bordeaux city and is considered the largest in Europe. It was built from 1818 to 1828. At its base, you can find the amazing Girondist Fountain with beautiful bronze horses.
That Fountain was a front and an arena for honouring many politicians. The original one was destroyed in World War ll, but it was restored once again.
2. The City of Wine in Bordeaux
The City of Wine is a great building, it overlooks the bank of the Garonne River, and it focuses on the history of winemaking from the beginning, starting with the cultivation of grapes, and the different stages it goes through until it turns into the famous Bordeaux wine.
The cultivation and trade of grapes date back hundreds of years, so it also includes exhibitions of products made from bottles of recycled wine. If you are a wine lover, this will be the best place to visit.
3. Bordeaux Cathedral
Bordeaux Cathedral is one of the important attractions in Bordeaux. It was built in the 12th century and was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its façade is fascinating and includes sculptures of the Last Supper.
In summer, the Bordeaux International Organ Festival is one of the city’s most notable festivals.
4. Place de la Bourse
It is a beautiful square built in the 18th century, surrounded by historical and classical buildings. It is on the left bank of the Garonne. The Fountain of the Three Graces is in the middle of the square. Two buildings surround it: the Stock Exchange Palace and the National Customs Museum.
Also, there is the Water Mirror, a decorated pool that reflects the facades of the Place de la Bourse buildings. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but don’t forget to take wonderful pictures in the square while you are there.
5. Aquitaine Museum in Bordeaux
Aquitaine Museum is one of the largest museums outside of Paris. It shows the history of Bordeaux from the prehistoric era to modern times. It has many antiquities, like Laussel Venus, an artefact from 25,000 BC, a statue of Hercules from the 3rd century, and gold coins from the 2nd century.
Also among its collections are the figure of a Knight of Curton from the 13th century and Montaigne’s tomb from the 16th century. In front of the museum was Montaigne’s monument, which visitors used to touch the statue’s foot to absorb the wisdom of the illustrious man.
6. The Grand Theatre of Bordeaux
The Grand Theatre of Bordeaux is one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. It was built in 1780 and designed by architect Victor Louis. In front of the theatre, you will see 12 colossal Corinthian columns, and beside them, there are 9 statues that represent muses and the goddesses Juno, Venus, and Minerva.
When you enter the theatre, you will see a spectacular lobby and a lovely staircase decorated with 400-light chandeliers made of Bohemian crystals. The best way to explore the theatre is by attending one of its ballet or opera performances, which will ensure an unforgettable night.
7. St. Michael’s Basilica
St. Michael’s Basilica is an essential church in Bordeaux because it is on the Route of Santiago pilgrimage trail. St. Michael’s Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Meynard in Bordeaux City. It took 200 years to build.
The church has a bell tower known as the Arrow, which is the main attraction of St. Michael’s Church. This bell tower dates back to the 15th century. It has 37 floors and is next to the cathedral rather than above it. Visitors can climb 230 steps to the top to enjoy panoramic and fantastic city views.
8. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is in Jardin de la Marine Public Park. It is part of the Town Hall building and contains a large collection of European art history.
Inside the museum, you will see masterpieces by artists such as Picasso, Veronese, Van Dyck, and many others. The paintings are arranged by eras and countries, such as the Renaissance and the 17th to 18th centuries.
9. The Grosse Cloche (Big Clock)
The Big Clock is one of the important places in Bordeaux from the medieval era. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and weighs about 7,000 kilos.
The bell rings on special celebrations like Remembrance Day on 11 November and the National Holidays on 14 July. In the old days, the tower was used as a prison and prisoners were locked and sealed up by a thick door.
10. Saint Catherine Street
Saint Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe, running from the Grand Theatre to Victory Square. The street is active at all hours and is full of shops. February and July are the best times to buy from there due to the sales that take place in many shops and the stalls that are put up on the street.
Also, you can rest in the street in any of its restaurants and cafes and have a cup of coffee or even a lovely meal. If you are a clothing brand lover, you will find these shops in the upper part of the street.
11. Victory Square
Victory Square is a famous square in Bordeaux. In the middle of the square, there is a piece of art designed by a Czech sculptor who lived in France, Ivan Theimer. It had marble blocks from Languedoc and a column 16 meters tall.
There are also two tortoise monuments designed by Ivan Theimer, which the children love playing with. Also surrounding the square are the triumphal arch and townhouses from the 18th century.
12. Saint Seurin Basilica
Saint Seurin Basilica is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built during the 14th and 15th centuries as a stop for pilgrims on their way to Saint James. The choir features a stone abbot’s throne and ornate stalls.
The choir chapel is decorated in a beautiful Gothic style. It shows 12 alabaster reliefs and a figure of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 14th century.
13. Chateau de la Brede
The Chateau de la Brede is a medieval castle located south of Bordeaux. It was built in the 13th century and can be reached by car in 30 minutes. It is surrounded by 150 hectares of forests and was built on two islands among a lake-sized moat.
The Chateau de la Brede is open for tourists from April to November. You can tour the chateau and the park, which was designed in the English style.
14. Stone bridge
Stone bridge is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bordeaux city. It consists of stones and was designed in 1817 by architect Claude Descamps and finished in 1821.
The bridge extends through the Garonne River with seventeen stunning arches anchored by piles of laid foundations. It was the first bridge to cross the Garonne River.
Places to stay on your visit to Bordeaux
While you visit Bordeaux, you will need a place to stay to complete your journey in this beautiful city. Here are some hotels that you can pick from:
1. Yndohotel
It is a five-star hotel with a beautiful garden surrounding it. The hotel also includes a restaurant that offers fantastic meals and comfortable rooms. Yndohotel is located in the historical city centre in a 19th-century mansion.
2. Hotel Burdigala
Hotel Burdigala is located near the famous Saint Catherine Street in Bordeaux. It is a four-star hotel with great rooms and a restaurant that offers delicious cuisine.
3. Le Boutique Hotel
Le Boutique Hotel is located near many tourist attractions and restaurants. It was built in the 18th century and offers a spa and excellent room service.
