Bordeaux

While the Basilica of St. Michael might be the most notable monument of Bordeaux, the most memorable part of our stay was an excellent bicycle tour that we took. On our own, we probably wouldn't have dared attempting bike riding in the center of such a big city, but the guide knew the perfect route on lesser-used streets and bike paths. Walking around on our own, we had seen the basilica and some other grand monuments, but the bike tour took us to some other interesting parts, such as the ruins of the roman amphitheater and the unconventional Darwin shopping hall across the river from the main downtown area. Near the Gross Cloche, our bike tour guide also introduced us to the local cannelés and explained the connection between the pastry and the french colonial era, represented by the rum, vanilla, and spices in the cakes. The Jardin Public near downtown was also a highlight, and though it isn't a distinguishing WHS feature, it is a beautiful aspect of the city.

October was a wonderful time of year to visit this pleasant city, and enjoy its pastry shops and cafes. We stayed the opposite direction from downtown from the train station, so we got to walk through some other neighborhoods and enjoyed sampling some dishes at the Halle Boca food court.

When our car crossed Pont de Pierre and we saw the whole skyline with the long row of stately buildings along the Garronne and Porte de Bourgogne at the end of the bridge was like a symbolic city gate, Bordeaux welcomed us with its really grand appearance. This was my second time I visited Bordeaux, but last time I travel by train and did not have a chance to see this fantastic view. After hotel check in, we drove our car to see the city, the traffic was really bad as there were many junctions, and the new tram system also added more traffic lights. Bordeaux’s city center was like little Latin Quartier of Paris with many fine buildings, nice but nothing remarkable.

In my opinion the only part of the city that made Bordeaux stunning is the riverside, all the beaux art buildings seem to be transported from Paris grand boulevards of Baron Haussmann. The crescent shape of the riverside made the whole view of these buildings more magnificent and looked endless. We decided to park our car near Place des Quinconces that unfortunately closed for preparation of city festival. We walked to see the famous Place de la Bourse, the square was indeed very grand and the best sight of Bordeaux. The riverside terrace was a popular place for evening exercise, I saw many joggers, cyclists and many safety patrols. Flèche Saint-Michel, the gothic tower of Basilica of Saint Michael was a landmark dominating the southern part …

I visited Bordeaux in March 2014. The view of the Port while strolling on the Pont de Pierre is already something to behold. Numerous spires, steeples and elegant buildings adorn the waterfront of the Garonne river. Place de la Bourse is magnificent - the epitome of symmetry and beauty. Not only is it a wonderful sight, effortlessly accessible with the modern Bordeaux trams, but it is in a way enhanced with a touch of innovative genius. Just opposite, every now and then, the open space of the wide waterfront transforms itself first into a flooded space or giant puddle, then in an enormous mirror which depicts a surreal reflection of Place de la Bourse and then a spray fountain which slowly but surely fades away into thin air. It's not the only square to visit though - Place des Quinconces, Place Gambetta, Place de Bourgogne, Place de la Comedie, Place Jean Moulin, etc. Bordeaux is one of those cities in France that enjoy double inscription in the Unesco WH list. The Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France WHS includes Cathedral of St. Andrew, the Basilica of St. Michel and the Basilica of St. Seurin. Inside the latter, peregrinos can write their names and prayers on a peregrino guestbook inside one of the minor chapels inside the basilica. For 5,50 euros I climbed the 231 stairs of the Pey-Berland Tower and from the top I could afford incredible panoramic views of Bordeaux and a bird's eye view of the Cathedral. …

As the other reviewers have pointed out, Bordeaux is a very pleasant city with many fine monuments and sights, and it is certainly a good base for exploring the many attractions in the surrounding area. There are several historic buildings, a large number of churches, and a fine riverfront to be explored. Even though there are no standout sights (except maybe the Monument aux Girondins at the Place des Quinconces), Bordeaux has a well-maintained centre stretching along a bend of the Garonne River (somewhat shaped like a crescent, hence the name "Port of the Moon"). The massive Cathedral of St. André, as well as the basilicas of St. Michel and St. Seurin, are also part of the Route of Santiago inscription.

There's no doubt that Bordeaux is a very pleasant and liveable city. We arrived late in the evening (11 p.m.) and our taxi driver proudly pointed out all the monumental highlights: the bridge across the Garonne, the Place de la Bourse, the old city gates and the water mirror to name but a few. They are all flooded in light after it gets dark: a very fine sight.

The next morning we did a self-guided tour of the main city area, which is not very large. The streets are well-geared to pedestrians, and everything looks very neat and well-preserved. The buildings are very uniform in style and colour. We were already completely in awe of the monumental fountain with its statues of horses at the Place de Quinconces.

As other reviewers have remarked, there are no really outstanding buildings that warrant a separate visit. The most interesting structure may be the Cathedral. This is part of the French Routes to Santiago de Compostela also, and I think that it fits that label better because of its age.

There are lots of smaller things to see and do however in the streets of Bordeaux: the pastry shops, the plentiful terraces of its bars and restaurants, the well-stocked shops (I bought some smelly cheese to take home with me!), the Jardin Public. Combined with especially sunny and warm weather for early October, we had a good time in Bordeaux.

I found Bordeaux to be a great, medium sized European city, though it has some lovely buildings there are no real stand out monuments. The large uniform buildings do not seem to be over-powering and the streets are reasonably sized so it doesn't feel intimidating like Paris sometimes can. For me one of the real joys of travelling in Europe is losing time in great cities like this, they do not have the masses of tourists like the continents star attractions but still showcase the architecture and lifestyle that make this such an interesting part of the world to travel in.

My first view of the city centre was the broad sweep of buildings facing the river, from here it is easy to understand the moon shaped layout of the city centre. Perhaps my highlight was strolling aimlessly along St Catherine Street watching everyone else doing pretty much the same. I also enjoyed a lovely wine-tasting session, allowing me to sample the region's most famous export. I would like to suggest this was a cultural quest to get myself better acquainted with the product that led to the development of such a grand port, however I would be lying, it was just because there are few things like more than relaxing with a glass of wine, a newspaper and a plate of cheese in a foreign city.

Bordeaux also deserves top marks for the way in which it has presented its city centre. Obviously a lot of time and money …

To get around the large city area I invested 4.10 euros in a day ticket for the trams and buses. During the course of the day I visited the three sites duplicated on the WHS Way of St James, the St Andre cathedral, St Seurin basilica and St Michaels church, as well as some Port of the Moon sites:

Palais Rohan - now the Hotel de Ville

Palais Gallieni - a Roman ruin

Portes de Bourgogne, Dijeaux and Aquitaine - triumphal arches, former city gates

Place Gambetta - a landscaped garden

Place Quinconces - a huge space with an elaborate fountain

Place de la Bourse - elegant customs buildings

Grand Theatre - an elegant colonnaded building