Bordeaux – tips for a city trip

Bordeaux, not Porto! After our weekend trip, there were one or two communication problems in the office, where we hung out at the weekend. What both cities have in common is that grapes play an important role in liquid form. Instead of the hilly cityscape for which Porto is known, Bordeaux is dominated by uniform 18th-century architecture that extends into the plain. Bordeaux is beautiful. But this is not rubbed under anyone’s nose.

Traveled

Our trip to Bordeaux was associated with a premiere. For the first time we travelled via EuroAirport Basel. Normally, the flight times of the low-cost airlines departing there are so inconvenient that we have discarded it so far and have opted for either the expensive variant in Zurich or the train. For Bordeaux, the flight times were ideal. The outbound flight took off from Basel at 7:10 p.m. on Thursday evening. The return flight took off from Bordeaux around 21:00 and reached Basel 15 minutes before the scheduled landing time. With a flight time of 1.5 hours, this is rather surprising. So we were back in Zurich before midnight on Sunday evening. From Bordeaux Airport to the city centre, bus line 1 runs regularly (costs 1.50 euros, journey time to the city centre takes about 45 minutes).

Done – See
sights in Bordeaux

Marvel at facades of the 18th century |

The center of Bordeaux is architectural perfection from the 18th century. A uniform structure of cream-colored sandstone buildings, each higher than the other. If you build in the city centre, you have to follow a strict list of colours and materials. The basis for this was laid by the so-called Malraux Law, with the aim of preserving the structure of historic districts. They even went so far as to solve the electricity supply for the new tram lines in the inner city area underground. Nobody wanted to spoil the beautiful facades with driving performance. Since 2006, the “skyline” of Bordeaux has been reflected in the Miroir d’eau. A successful addition to the existing urban structure and definitely the meeting point in Bordeaux.

Stroll through charming city districts |

It’s no secret. I like beautiful alleys. And Bordeaux has more than enough of that. Most of the streets in the city centre are traffic-calmed or, with the exception of feeder services, completely car-free and are ideal for strolling. In my opinion, the most beautiful alleys are in the Saint-Michel district. Be sure to plan a detour to the Marché des Capucins on Saturday morning.

Enjoy insights and views |

Weather-wise, Bordeaux was not so kind to us. We had to flee from torrential rains more than once. We passed the time until the next dry phase at the CAPC, the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is located in an old warehouse. Dry feet are also guaranteed in the Saint-André cathedral and in the Saint-Michel church, respectively in the adjacent bell towers. The entrance fee is five francs. And once you’ve mastered the narrow, steep steps, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the city at the top.

Discovering new standards |

As uniform as the colour scheme and structure of the historic centre is, it is just as colourful and wild around the Bassin à flot. This is where the new face of Bordeaux is born. Bordeaux’s newest attraction is extravagant. The Cité du Vin opens its doors on 1 June. However, the building is already attracting attention.

Alternative Relax |

If you dare to cross the Pont de Pierre to the other side of the Garonne, you will be rewarded with a great postcard view of the sandstone-coloured façade. On the other hand, the spacious waterfront design invites you to take a walk in the countryside. After about 15 minutes of walking upstream, you will find the Darwin Eco-Système on the right. An exciting project. Under one roof, various needs are covered and space is created for things that are banished in many places (street art, skate park). Here you can drink coffee. Lying around. Enjoy the sun and people watch.

Eaten – Restaurant tips for Bordeaux

Coffee Break |

If you let yourself drift through the Quartier Saint-Michel, you will pass some great cafés. You don’t even need a lot of research. The Rue Saint-James is particularly recommended. Books & Coffee not only serves freshly roasted coffee, but also serves delicious cake variations. Two or three steps away is M&O Glacier, which, according to a woman from Bordela, has the best ice cream in town. I can confirm that. Another safe place to go for a good coffee is the Black List Café, right next to the cathedral.

Mittagsstärkung |

Bordeaux surprised me in a positive way. Not only in terms of restaurant variety and quality, but also in terms of friendliness of the service. If you like fresh seafood, Le Petit Commerce (22 Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre) is the place to be. Here you will find a lunch menu at an attractive price of less than 20 euros on the menu.

Fine sandwiches and other appetizers are served at L’Autre Petit Bois (12 Place du Parlement). In addition to the good food, the unusual ambience scores.

Fine Dining |

We had the two dinners reserved a week in advance through our accommodation. Unfortunately, my planned restaurant “Garopapilles” was already fully booked. What a pity. But we found two worthy alternatives. “Une cuisine en ville” (77 Rue du Palais Gallien) focuses on a modern interpretation of local cuisine. And so skilfully that I even liked the accidentally ordered black pudding (nicely camouflaged with a green herb crust). Starter, main course and dessert are available here for around 45 euros.

The restaurant le Bouchon Bordelais (2 Rue Courbin) is one of the recommended classics. Accordingly, I was critical. This would not have been necessary at all, because here too a culinarily perfect evening.

Slept – hotel tip for Bordeaux

What shall I say… The pictures speak for themselves. The La Course (affiliate link) was recommended to us and hit the nail on the head. The property is within walking distance of the center. The nearest tram stop is less than 400 m away. As a supplement – but unfortunately it was too cold – there is a great roof terrace with jacuzzi and sun loungers. In summer, you can certainly relax up there. Each of the seven rooms is designed differently. For breakfast we were served fresh croissants and baguettes, jam, fruit with yoghurt and a large pot of coffee. No extensive buffet, but selected and fresh products. Just the way I like it.

Practical tips for your city trip to Bordeaux

• Overnight stay incl. breakfast at La Course from around 180 euros / room
• Depending on how many museum visits are planned and how often you travel by public transport, the CityPass is worthwhile. The day pass costs 24 euros
• The tram tickets must be purchased before boarding the tram. Bus tickets can be purchased on the bus
• If you want to go on the Tour Pey-Berland, you have to expect waiting times, as the access is limited to 20 people. Less frequented is the Flêche Saint-Michel
• Bordeaux is great to explore by bike. There are rental stations everywhere and numerous bike paths
• To toast with a fine wine, it is best to go to one of the numerous wine bars (e.g. L’Oenolimit, 2 Rue des Ayres)
• On a three-day city trip, this is enough for a trip to the wine-growing region. We were in Saint-Emilion.

Note: Our trip to Bordeaux was supported by Bordeaux Tourisme. Thank you very much for this! As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm.