Bordeaux is the heart of the Gironde department and the Aquitaine region, a city nicknamed “Little Paris,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Port of the Moon” by the French. This picturesque corner, nestled on the gentle banks of the Garonne River, is the largest city in France by area, with a population of nearly one million.

Bordeaux Attractions
The historic center of Bordeaux boasts numerous monuments reflecting the various eras of its rich history.

The Port of the Moon, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, was the starting point for the colonization of Aquitaine as early as the 1st century BC. The Gallo-Roman port of Burdigala was located here, marking the beginning of the city’s development as a crossroads of maritime trade routes. Bordeaux has experienced various periods of English rule, the medieval heyday under the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the glorious 18th century, when the city inspired Montaigne and Montesquieu, and the 19th century with its urbanization, the construction of bridges across the Garonne, and the creation of majestic boulevards.

The old port, Les Quais, and the Pont d’Aquitaine are true symbols of Bordeaux. The Pont d’Aquitaine is the longest in France, and the Pont Neuf is the oldest. Nearby, the historic warship Colbert is moored, converted into a museum and restaurant.

Pedestrian areas such as the Saint-Pierre, Saint-Michel, Sainte-Croix, and Saint-Eulalie districts delight the eye with a variety of architectural styles: from massive medieval buildings to graceful Gothic architecture and arched galleries with Spanish motifs. Rue Sainte-Katherine, renowned for its shops, is ideal for strolling, and the Saint-Michel Tower offers stunning views of the city. The La Victoire district is famous for its perfectly preserved ancient Roman Triumphal Arch, a magnet for history buffs. Place Gambetta marks the beginning of the city’s elite neighborhoods, heading north.