Bordeaux holidays

Begin your holiday to Bordeaux by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage–listed harbour, ‘Port de la Lune’ (Port of the Moon). With 350 historic structures here, you’ll want to set aside a few hours to see them all. The ‘Miroir d’Eau’ (Water Mirror) makes the biggest splash. Covering an enormous footprint, the world’s largest reflecting pool can be walked right over and is the most photographed site in Bordeaux.

No holiday to Bordeaux would be complete without visiting one of the region’s many vineyards. There are literally thousands of chateaux to choose from. Unsure where to start? Why not join a vineyard tour for sightseeing and wine tasting. The Graves region has been producing wine since the Middle Ages. Home to the iconic Chateau Pape Clement, it’s an unmissable stop for any wine connoisseur.

France’s premier wine region is also home to the biggest sand dune in Europe. Grab your sandboard and head to the Dune of Pilat. Surrounded by pine forest and the Bassin d’Arcachon tidal bay, it’s an impressive sight even from a distance. But the real thrill is strapping yourself to a board and sliding down its steep face.

The historic centre is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bordeaux for iconic sites like the Place de la Bourse, Grosse Cloche and Grand Theatre de Bordeaux. You’ll also have easy access to gastronomic highlights along the Rue des Remparts, Rue Des Trois Conils and Rue de la Vieille Tour.

Good for: Historic landmarks, dining, nightlife 

Though it attracts fewer tourists than other districts, Saint-Michel might be the trendiest neighbourhood in the city. The daily market, Marche des Capucins, has been feeding local residents for centuries and will be buzzing by lunchtime. If you’re visiting between March and October, climb the gothic Basilica of Saint Michael’s bell tower for panoramic views of the city.

Good for: Cosmopolitan atmosphere, market, viewing point

Chartrons began as a wine merchants’ neighbourhood and continues that tradition today. This is where to stay in Bordeaux if you love to shop. The big trades here are in wine and antiques, but you’ll also find plenty of brand stores and chic boutiques. Chartrons is also home to Au Petrin Moissagais, the city’s oldest ‘boulangerie’ (bakery), which is still baking bread in its 18th-century oven.

Good for: Quaint streets, wine tasting, antiques

For one of the best things to do with family in Bordeaux, pack a picnic and head to Jardin Public, the city’s biggest green space. In July and August, travel an hour to Biscarrosse, where AquaPark, one of the world’s biggest inflatable water parks, is guaranteed to exhaust the kids.

In the heart of Bordeaux is Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. Here, you’ll find trinkets, high street brands and everything in between. Beyond the classic bottle of local red, stock up on cheese, chocolate and ‘canele’, a small pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla that was originally made by Bordeaux nuns.

Learn about the ‘living heritage’ of wine at La Cite du Vin museum, then drink in more than the views in the rooftop bar. If art is more your thing, you have your pick of the Museum of Fine Arts, CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, and Les Bassins des Lumieres — the world’s largest digital art centre.

Some of the best nightlife in Bordeaux is located within the ‘Triangle d’Or’ (Golden Triangle), where you’ll find the trendiest clubs in the city. Elsewhere, The Base is a unique nightlife concept, with restaurants, bars and a dance floor all housed in a large former motorbike garage. Electronic club Iboat is located on a ferry in the Bassins a Flot district.

Pair your wine with an amazing meal at one of the fantastic restaurants in Bordeaux. Your first stop should be the Marche des Capucins, the biggest daily market in Bordeaux. Suck down the region’s famed oysters at Chez Jean-Mi. And whether you opt for duck, lamb or beef, always say “‘oui’” (“yes”) to the wine sauce.

One of the best free things to do in Bordeaux is to stroll along the banks of the Garonne River. Cross the picturesque Pont de Pierre before making your way to the Port de la Lune, where you’ll find the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas — one of Europe’s tallest lift bridges — illuminated against the night sky.