BordeauxTravel Guide

Bordeaux's grandest 18th-century square, facing the Garonne river — its facade reflected in the Miroir d'Eau makes it one of the most photographed spots in France.

The world's largest reflecting pool, a thin sheet of water that alternates with mist over granite paving directly opposite Place de la Bourse — free, and popular with kids cooling off in summer.

A striking, swirl-shaped museum dedicated to wine culture worldwide, not just Bordeaux — the top-floor tasting with a panoramic view is included in the ticket.

A UNESCO-listed medieval wine village 40 minutes from Bordeaux by train, built into limestone hillsides riddled with underground cellars and a monolithic church carved from rock.

The former wine-merchants' quarter, now Bordeaux's antiques and design neighbourhood, with a Saturday market and some of the city's best independent restaurants.

Bordeaux's answer to a covered food hall, working since 1749 — oysters and a glass of local white wine for breakfast is a genuine local tradition here.

A former military barracks converted into a sprawling alternative space of street art, an urban farm, skate park, and vegan eateries — Bordeaux's counterculture answer to its wine-country image.

A Gothic cathedral where Eleanor of Aquitaine was married, with a detached bell tower (the Pey-Berland Tower) offering city views for those who climb it.

A 15th-century belfry and city gate, one of the oldest bells in France still ringing from its original 1775 mechanism — a short walk from Capucins Market.

One of the largest public squares in Europe, anchored by the Monument aux Girondins fountain — a good orientation point near the river and tram lines.