One Day in Bordeaux : Itinerary Ideas

Bordeaux is a captivating city. Wrapping around a curve in the Garonne River, it has the best of both historic sites and dynamic new developments. It is also more than just wine too. Yes, yes, I know that it has the Cité du Vin, and that Saint-Émilion is just down the road. And while wine certainly draws the crowds, there is so much more to do in one day in Bordeaux than just wine-tasting. Although I do recommend some of that too!

One Day in Bordeaux : My Day Trip Itinerary Ideas

Rather than a timed itinerary, I’m going to group activities together into categories, much like this blog: History, Food, Nature, Shopping, Art and more. And for those wanting more than one day in Bordeaux, Accommodation!

History

If you are into historic buildings and architecture, Bordeaux is the French city for you. Did you realise that, outside of Paris, it has the biggest number of preserved historic buildings in France? Here are some of my favourites, they are all grouped in the centre of town so you can walk between sites:

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

This magnificent 11th century Romanesque Cathedral is a sight to behold. There are often concerts and recitals held inside; and the cathedral sits on Place Pey Berland which has many cafés. The Hotel de Ville (town hall) is just opposite the Cathedral (image above) too.

The Big Bell of Bordeaux

The Grosse Cloche is a giant 7.75 ton bell that sits above an old jail in the one of the city gates. It is rung on special occasions only. Can you imagine having an apartment nearby? What an alarm clock!

Enjoy the other city gates in Bordeaux as you wander: Porte Dijeaux is in the Neoclassical style, Porte Cailhau was built in 1495 and used to be the main gate to the city. Porte de Bourgogne is a grand Roman-style city gate, built in the late 1700s.

Miroir d’Eau & Place de la Bourse

Probably the most famous scene in Bordeaux. The Place de la Bourse is an 18th century plaza with the beautiful ‘Fountain of the Three Graces‘ in the centre. Across the street between the plaza and the River Garonne is the Miroir d’Eau. This hyper modern reflective pool was installed in 2006, and turns a plain granite plaza into a 2cm deep pool that looks like a misty mirror. It is best seen at night, when the lights on Place de la Bourse are reflected in the Miroir d’Eau!

Sadly, both times we have visited recently, the Miroir d’Eau hasn’t been working (I will update the photo when I finally catch it on!).

Food

L’Entrecôte

L’Entrecôte has a few restaurants around France, and it is an interesting concept. They only serve one thing – steak frites. You get asked two questions upon arrival – ‘How would you like your steak cooked?’ & ‘What wine would you like?’! You get a simple lettuce and walnut salad to start, followed by a large platter of entrecôte steak, sliced finely and smothered in a delicious butter sauce, and unlimited frites. They do fabulous desserts too, if you can fit any more in! It is the epitome of a simple concept, done well.

We try to get down to Bordeaux at least once a year, and always squeeze in a meal at L’Entrecôte. But make sure you queue up early – it gets super busy!

Restaurant streets

I particularly like Camille-Jullian Square for casual student bars and cheap beer. The cafés around Place du Parlement, the winding old town vibe of Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges, and the restaurants off the intersecting streets – Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre etc.

Fancy some wine tasting on your one day in Bordeaux?

I’m a fan of the more relaxed wine-tasting places such as Le Wine Bar (Rue des Bahutiers); or you could just head to the Cité du Vin for an all-round wine education + rooftop tasting rooms!

Nature

Garonne Quays (Bordeaux riverfront)

There’s nothing better than a walk down the promenade along the Garonne quay on a sunny day. There are gardens, trees, river views, and the Miroir d’Eau to cool you down. Head to Les Platanes des Quais and Parc des Allées de Chartres for tree-lined market areas which are often populated with festivals and events.

Shopping

Bordeaux is home to the longest shopping street in Europe – Promenade Sainte Catherine. There are the usual big chain stores, but the street is also alive with interesting boutiques, galleries and bakeries. Galeries Lafayette Bordeaux is along this street, as are some quaint old fashioned gallerias.

Art

I’ll admit, I miss living in a city – I miss art! Bordeaux offers the classic fine art museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux behind the Hotel de Ville. As well as some incredible contemporary spaces that are helping transform the outer port areas of the city into thriving hubs. Le Base Sous-Marine is an ex WWII submarine base, that has been converted into a modern art space. This brutalist beast of a building may look dismal, but wow, the potential for art exhibitions is endless!

We visited for the Klimt & Klee illuminations are were blown away! Check out the Les Bassins de Lumières website for latest exhibition details.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Can’t stop at just one day in Bordeaux? No, me neither! I like to stay around the Opera House – near the big underground carpark at Allées de Tourny, and a hop skip and a jump from the river and old town restaurants.

Try the Hotel des 4 Soeurs for an affordable city centre option. Or if you want to push the boat out, stay right opposite the Opera House at the lush InterContinental Hotel Le Grand!

One Day in Bordeaux

Bordeaux makes for a fabulous long weekend destination, but if you only have a short time to visit, this guide should help you focus your attentions. My favourite thing about Bordeaux is the mix of historic architecture and progress. A modern tram system runs through the city – past historic squares and ancient monuments, and the juxtaposition is most pleasing. One day in Bordeaux will have you hooked, and you will end up wanting to stay longer!

Have you visited Bordeaux? Drop your favourite bars, attractions and secret spots in the comments below!

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