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Travel to Bordeaux: discover the "Sleeping Beauty"
Nestled on the Garonne River, Bordeaux is the capital of the Aquitaine region. It is world-famous for its wine, its countless historical monuments and its French way of life. The "Sleeping Beauty" has many treasures for you to discover!
Bordeaux : the places not to be missed
The Old Bordeaux and the Place de la Bourse
If you don't know yet what to visit in Bordeaux, start with the old town, which stretches along the left bank of the Garonne. The Old Bordeaux has a unique architectural richness. You will find the famous Place de la Bourse, lined with two 18th century palaces: the Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes. In the evening, the illumination of these buildings offers a grandiose spectacle. The Place de la Bourse is also equipped with the largest water mirror in the world, reflecting the facades of the palaces. In summer, the few centimetres of water covering the pavement and the misters are a watery playground for young and old.
The Port of the Moon, a unique architectural ensemble
Among the places to visit in Bordeaux, the Port of the Moon holds a special place. The city is indeed inseparable from its port, which was the largest in France in the 18th century. Named "Port of the Moon" because of its crescent shape, this river space impresses with its quays lined with buildings of classical and neoclassical architecture. Quai des Chartrons, Quai Louis XVIII, Quai Richelieu... A stroll along the quays will allow you to appreciate the architectural homogeneity of Bordeaux.
The Place des Quinconces, one of the largest in Europe
Situated on the banks of the river, the esplanade des Quinconces has a surface area of 12 hectares, which makes it one of the largest squares in Europe. It hosts many events: concerts, circuses, fairs, etc. Built in the 19th century, this square is dominated by the monument to the Girondins, which pays tribute to the Girondin deputies executed during the Revolution.
A route strewn with majestic monuments
Wondering what to visit in Bordeaux? Start your tour of the city with the Rohan Palace, which today houses the city hall. This neoclassical building, completed in 1784, has rooms decorated with woodwork and trompe-l'oeil frescoes. Behind the city hall lies the Place Pey-Berland, with its Saint-André cathedral and its 15th century Gothic tower. Take the Cours Pasteur and then the Cours Victor-Hugo. At the end of the rue Saint-James, you can see the Grosse Cloche, cast in 1775. Named Armande-Louise, this bell weighs nearly 8 tons and rings on special occasions. Go back north, to take the Cours d'Alsace et Lorraine. Turn left, place du Palais, to admire the Cailhau gate. A remnant of the ramparts protecting Bordeaux in the Middle Ages, this gate was built in honor of King Charles VIII, at the end of the 15th century. Cross the gate to arrive at the Richelieu quay. Go up towards the Place de la Bourse. Cours du Chapeau Rouge, finish your itinerary by the Grand Théâtre, which is located on the Place de la Comédie.
Things to do in Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s museums not to be missed
Soak up Bordeaux culture by visiting the city's iconic museums. Start with the Cité du Vin and its 13,350 m² dedicated to wine: a must if you don't have time to visit the vineyards of Bordeaux. On the Place de la Bourse, you will find the National Customs Museum. In this majestic building, a host of objects and works of art will allow you to retrace the history of French customs. Art lovers will not miss the paintings and sculptures housed in the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts, opened in 1801.
A cruise on the Garonne
A cruise on the Garonne River will allow you to discover Bordeaux along the water. To vary the pleasures, the companies propose different types of cruises. Opt for a guided cruise to learn the secrets of the capital of Gironde. If you prefer a more romantic outing, choose a gastronomic cruise in the evening, to have dinner while admiring the illuminated quays. For a more festive stroll, embark on an "apéritif cruise", animated by a DJ.
An escapade in the Bordeaux vineyards
It would be a shame to come to Bordeaux without visiting its vineyards, the most prestigious in the world. Book an excursion from Bordeaux to discover wine regions such as Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac or Médoc, Graves and Sauternes. This will be an opportunity to talk with winemakers, visit châteaux and of course taste the wines of the region. You can also go to some vineyards independently, by bike, bus or streetcar, and walk in the vineyards.
Practical information
Coming to Bordeaux
Entry requirements in Bordeaux, France:
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Map of Bordeaux
How to get to Bordeaux
Going to Bordeaux from Noumea
To reach Bordeaux easily from Noumea, consult our page Flight Noumea Bordeaux.
Travel time
The shortest travel time from Noumea to Bordeaux is 26 hours and 40 minutes. This travel time may vary depending on your itinerary. Flights beyond the Aircalin network are operated by our partner airlines.
Time difference
It is 9 hours later in Noumea, New Caledonia than in Bordeaux, France.
When to go to Bordeaux
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has an oceanic climate and can therefore be visited at any time of the year. Depending on what you want to do in Bordeaux, the best times to visit are :
- Summer period : Enjoy Bordeaux in the sunshine! Take a stroll along the Garonne River along the quays or visit the cobbled streets of the city. Get out of the city to discover the Bordeaux wine cellars of the region.
- Winter period : From October to March, take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures (between 0°C and 15°C) to visit the city's cultural institutions. Museums, exhibitions, theatres... you are bound to find something to entertain you.
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