A Paris but stress- and noise-free. With its wide, elegant avenues, 350 historical monuments, majestic squares, countless private mansions and Haussmann buildings, Bordeaux is indeed a miniature Paris. True serenity reigns here, however, only highlighting the urban landscape beauty and inviting you to take your time. Few motor vehicles are in the city centre, rather plenty of bicycles, trams and pedestrians who generally don’t rush. The lifestyle evokes the charm of the countryside in a dreamlike setting.
The undisputed capital of wine, trading since the Middle Ages, Bordeaux is now shining internationally. With 40 % of its territory listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is an essential stop for anyone visiting France. Having undergone a considerable recent facelift, Bordeaux is nestled on the Garonne River banks, its waters constantly shifting with the tides, reflecting the Place de la Bourse. A picture-perfect scene. Its many parks are offering a green getaway, particularly appreciated by cyclists. Numerous walks can also be enjoyed along the river and through its vast green spaces.
Parc de Majolan, labelled a remarkable garden, stands out for its artificial grottoes, lending it a touch of fantasy. Bordeaux thus seamlessly blends historic architecture with lush vegetation. Its living, restorative heritage is nourished by the iodine-rich air from the nearby ocean.
Firmly committed to sustainable tourism, the home of Montaigne and Montesquieu is striving to be environmentally conscious, minimizing its carbon footprint. Thanks to this commitment among other things, visiting it is such a pleasure.
A leisurely walk through the old town reveals a whole treasury of spectacular monuments. Built over 500 years ago on the old ramparts, Porte Cailhau used to serve as the royal entrance.
The freestanding Saint-André Cathedral bell tower, the Pey-Berland with its belvedere is offering a truly breathtaking panoramic view. Reopened this summer, another freestanding bell tower of nearly 120 metres (the fourth tallest in France), Saint-Michel spire is well worth a visit! Making a list of all the remarkable sites to visit thus seems quite impossible. Not to mention an 18th-century gem, now the town hall, Palais Rohan.
Furthermore, Bordeaux is boasting the longest pedestrian street in Europe. One kilometre of inviting little bars and boutiques, Rue Sainte-Catherine is promising a pleasant shopping experience.
As to local museums, Bordeaux is certainly not short of them. Don’t miss the, unique for France, Customs Museum. The interactive tour introduces you to the evolution of this particularly important institution for a commercial port like Bordeaux. Built in the early 18th century, bordering the Place de la Bourse, it is still housing the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Customs Directorate. With its beautiful facades, courtyard and woodwork, the museum is unsurprisingly a listed historical monument.
Another gem that just reopened last April is the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. Nestled in the very heart of the city, having undergone an extensive renovation, the MADD is a vast collection of decorative arts from the 18th century to the present day, highlighting the contemporary design through its various exhibitions. An ambitious and very successful architectural project has connected its two iconic buildings: a private, late 18th century mansion and a former, late 19th century municipal prison. The challenge was twofold — that of preserving the architectural identity and unique atmosphere of these heritage sites, whilst adapting to the contemporary museum requirements. And it turned out very successful.
Another major event, in 2026 La Cité du Vin is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Yet another reason to visit Bordeaux without delay!
Bordeaux Tourist and Congress Office
Tel. +33(0)5.56.00.66.00
www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
The “Cité du Vin” is celebrating its tenth anniversary
Ten years of the French art of living, honouring vineyards from all around the world, offering tastings and exhibitions to wine enthusiasts coming from every continent. Since its opening on June 1, 2016, this iconic Bordeaux building has welcomed three and a half million visitors. Its bold architecture is standing out in the city’s landscape. A unique glass and metal structure, with its curves inviting the sun to reflect off its surface. Built on the banks of the Garonne River, the “Cité du Vin” is one of Bordeaux’ major highlights.
Celebrating the work of winemakers, championing the terroirs, showcasing oenological expertise, this place is truly unique. Conceived under the aegis of the Wine Culture and Civilizations Foundation, the very building is reminiscent of a glass, gently swirled in anticipation of a winetasting. Here you can almost feel the dance of wine ready to tantalize your taste buds. These curves also evoke the gnarled vines, whilst others can distinguish the Garonne River flowing by. This architecture is thus totally in line with Bordeaux spirit and emblem: Wine.
From the very moment you walk into the wine cellar, wonder and astonishment take over. This genuine library of bottles showcases some 500 wines from 35 different countries. A unique selection in a truly enchanting setting.
This is a kind of a prelude before exploring the permanent exhibition — a journey through time and space, an initiation comprising all the elements constituting wine culture. Cutting-edge digital and interactive technologies have been employed to celebrate this human heritage — aerial views of vineyards, winemaking secrets, world’s terroirs and the grand Bordeaux saga. A total of 18 spaces to explore at your leisure. Ten winemakers from ten winemaking regions unveil the specificities of their terroir and its impact on the wines.
Here we also learn how, following the conquistadors’ folly, the vineyards reached the most remote islands of Polynesia. The snow-covered slopes of Switzerland are also lending themselves to viticulture just as the Australian outback and distant Asia do, and as far as the hostile Mount Fuji slopes in Japan. We also realize to what extent winemakers are genuine landscape architects, adapting to a complex geology, playing with climate constraints, like the violent winds of the Greek Santorini or the Landes forest mists in order to produce legendary bottles of Sauternes. An animated presentation of the vine reveals the interactions between the soil, plant and grapes, while the “Five Senses Buffet”, a playful, olfactory journey exploring aromas and colours of wine, is providing keys to expert winetasting.
You can easily spend hours here, with the exhibition culminating in a truly magical moment — a tasting of a selected Belvedere vintage hosted on the top floor. A dreamlike setting with an immense oak bar and a chandelier made of thousands of bottles. And, not to mention the exceptional view of Bordeaux and its surroundings from the terrace.
A lovely bonus, a temporary exhibition celebrating the tenth anniversary is running until December 31st. “Around the World across 50 Wine Regions” is a collection of photographs revealing the very soul and essence of each terroir. Experience this tribute to the partner wine regions, offering tastings of their finest vintages through sensory experiences and workshops. Explore vineyards from all around the world, from South Africa to Argentina, from Australia to Mexico, passing through a number of European countries, including, of course, the major wine regions of France.
This year, the cultural agenda of the season is busier than ever. It’s a lively and entertaining encyclopedia unlocking all the secrets of a beverage that, since the dawn of time and across all civilizations, has always stirred the hearts of men.
Cité du Vin
134, Quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux
Tel. +33(0)5.56.16.20.00
The Palais Gallien: French luxury and art de vivre
Timeless, luxurious, intimate, utterly romantic. The Palais Gallien is housed in a private mansion, just out of the city centre, by the Roman amphitheatre ruins, in a charming little street in the very heart of the designated UNESCO World Heritage area. Elegantly combining modern comfort and timeless antique charm, this hotel truly stands out for its typically French art of living.
Its rooms are named after the greatest writers — Montaigne, Montesquieu and Shakespeare. Some suites open onto a spacious terrace offering panoramic views over Bordeaux rooftops. Admire them while enjoying a soothing soak in the private jacuzzi. The very pinnacle of well-being.
The Palais Gallien is home to the Nuxe Spa. Offering a wide range of treatments, it is nestled in a cocoon of tranquillity, just next to the outdoor pool — a perfect spot for relaxation during the summer months. Massages performed by Marie-Ange are truly exceptional. Targeting any tension, aches or pains, this young therapist expertly adapts to your individual needs. Enjoy authentic treatments in an equally authentic setting. No frills here, just excellence and simplicity.
The refined and inventive cuisine at “Le Cercle de Montaigne”
This gourmet restaurant has chosen Montaigne as its slogan: “It is healthier to eat more beautifully…” Two magnificent salons, one red, the other green, are thus providing an exquisite setting. During the warmer months, everything moves to the gardens around the pool. Precious woods and black marble tables are highlighting its hushed atmosphere. Discreet and efficient service only contributes to a feeling of being welcomed in the grand home of a friend.
“Le Cercle de Montaigne” offers creative, locally sourced and passionately crafted gourmet cuisine. Chef Oli Williamson has his own unique mastery of cooking and presenting the fish. His menu is thus featuring truly exquisite creations, pleasing to the eye and the palate alike. Savour his meltingly tender and fragrant scallops with vanilla or the beautiful monkfish cheeks with spinach. Following the seasons and selecting the finest market produce, the Chef favours authenticity and simplicity.
This gourmet journey is totally in line with the Palais Gallien spirit, standing out as a charming gem. Nothing else, but luxury and serenity.
Palais Gallien
144, Rue Abbé de l’Épée, Bordeaux
Tel. +33(0)5 57.08.01.27
