Bordeaux, the wine capital of France, is extensively frequented by travellers. Ideally, the best time to visit Bordeaux is between May and November. If you, too, are planning for a visit, you must have 3 days in hand to explore every corner of this city. Otherwise, if you have less time, you must try the top 6 activities mentioned below to feel the beauty of the place.
6 best activities to do when in Bordeaux
Below are the 6 must-try activities that you must explore when in Bordeaux:
1. Stroll around Place de la Bourse
Due to its beautiful architecture, designed by the famous architect Jacques Gabriel in the year 1720, Place de la Bourse became the symbol of the city. This majestic square is present on the left bank of the river Garonne. Here you can witness beautifully sculpted faces beneath the arches of the buildings. Additionally, you can witness the beautiful Water Mirror, designed by Michel Corajoud, just across the street. Here, you can witness a perfect reflection of Place de la Bourse.
2. Know about wine at La Cité du Vin
If you are an oenophile, you can spend an entire day in this place. This high-tech museum teaches you a lot about wine. There is a 10-hour long audio-visual material that you are sure to enjoy. Here, you will get a complete idea about the history of origin, how wine is made and about places where it is made and transported across the world. This museum is about 55-metre tall and occupies an area of 3000 square metres along with a magnificent bar.
3. Explore Quais de Bordeaux
This splendid waterfall is present on the left bank of the Garonne river. It is a famous world heritage site, where there are large areas of open spaces. You can easily plan a hiking trip or explore bike riding. Additionally, there are widely stretched buildings lining the 80m wide riverside promenade. Also, there are several benches, lawns, and flower beds where you can spend hours with your favourite people.
4. Take a tour at Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau is a magnificent place reflecting a transitional design between renaissance and gothic. It was designed to symbolize the victory of Kings Charles VIII at the Battle of Fornovo fought against the League of Venice. There is a small statue of Kings Charles VIII at one corner of this place. Additionally, there is a warning to beware of lintel as Kings Charles VIII died in one. This place is a symbol of victory as well as the centre of defence of the city.
5. Witness events at Esplanade des Quinconces
This place occupies about 12 hectares of the city, which is ideally suited for a variety of events throughout the year. During Euro 2016, this place was set up with giant screens and bars to serve as a ‘fan zone’. The main purpose behind designing this city was to recognize the contribution of a political group named Gironde during the French revolution. Also, there is a statue of liberty and beautiful fountains with bronze horses at its foot.
6. Visit Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
If you visit Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux after dark, you can get to witness the 12 statues of goddesses and muses and the entrance in light. Additionally, it is a must to witness the marvellous performance of the Bordeaux National Opera. There are about 110 orchestra musicians, 38 dancers, 37 choral singers, conductors and soloists almost every season. Victor Louis, in 1780, constructed this theatre with mesmerizing interiors in blue and gold.
Additionally, you must also conduct a Bordeaux food tour to explore the lip-smacking local cuisines. So if you are planning to visit France, you must also explore Bordeaux to witness its beauty.
