When you think of Bordeaux, you often think of wine. While wine is a significant part of this historic city, Bordeaux offers a wide range of leisure activities to suit everyone. From its ancient cathedrals to its stunning architecture, Bordeaux is home to a variety of attractions. Interestingly, almost half of the city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History and culture in Bordeaux
The city of Bordeaux values its history while also shaping its future. Starting from January 2024, Bordeaux Métropole, which comprises 28 communes, including Bordeaux, has been involved in an urban renewal initiative. This program encompasses the development of new infrastructure, housing, transportation, green spaces, roads, and economic activities. Bordeaux aims to rethink and revitalize its entire ecosystem to foster diversity, social cohesion, and economic appeal.
The city has not forgotten its rich past and is proud to be the first major urban center to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Want to discover the city? Here are a few must-see addresses:
- Saint-André Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998;
- The Gothic church of La Flèche Saint-Michel;
- Châteaux de Hâ, Langoiran, Cadillac, Brède, Malle and Benauges (in Arbis);
- The Beaux-Arts, Decorative Arts, Aquitaine, Goupil and Centre National Jean Moulin museums;
- Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'Eau.
If you love movies, opera, and theater, there are numerous theaters, cinemas, and cultural venues to choose from, including the impressive Opéra National.
Parks and nature in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to a variety of parks and gardens, with the Jardin Public and the Parc de Majolan among its highlights. Those interested in exploring further should consider joining a cycling tour of the vineyards. With a guide, you can cycle through the picturesque Saint-Émilion region, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy tasting sessions at local wineries. This is a highly sought-after activity, particularly during summer. Alternatively, you also have the option to rent a bike and plan your own day trip to Saint-Émilion.
The French way of life in Bordeaux
Markets, fairs, and flea markets are an integral part of French culture, even in major cities such as Paris and Bordeaux. Many people enjoy exploring these markets as a popular pastime, especially for those seeking bargains.
Undoubtedly, gastronomy holds a significant position in Bordeaux culture, much like it does throughout France. The city is home to numerous open-air restaurants that offer stunning views and provide an ideal setting for savoring excellent wines. Bordeaux's culinary heritage will delight food enthusiasts with specialties such as cannelés bordelais, Sauternes wine confits, Arcachon basin oysters, puits d'amour, and lamprey à la bordelaise. To explore the gastronomic offerings of Bordeaux, consider visiting The Fork website and the Bordeaux Tourist Office website.
Sports in Bordeaux
If you're looking for an active lifestyle in Bordeaux, you won't be disappointed. The city offers opportunities for golf, swimming, soccer (FC Girondins de Bordeaux, men's and women's teams), and rugby (Union Bordeaux Bègles, men's and women's teams). In addition, the banks of the Garonne River provide an ideal setting for walking, jogging, or rollerblading.
Young people and enthusiasts enjoy the Chartrons skatepark, one of the largest open-air skateparks in France. The park caters to rollerblading, BMX, and skateboarding. After undergoing renovations, the new skatepark reopened at the end of 2022. The redesigned space has been adapted to accommodate the constraints of its new location within the UNESCO-protected city center, and it has received mixed feedback from skate fans.
Unlike the previous skatepark, which catered to various disciplines such as rollerblading, BMX, and skateboarding, the new site is now primarily dedicated to skateboarding and facilities for beginners. However, Bordeaux continues to be one of France's prominent cities for board sports and was one of the first to provide an open-air skatepark. Enthusiasts are optimistic that the project will continue to develop and regain its multi-disciplinary nature once again.
Be sure to stay informed about the numerous festivals, events, and celebrations happening in Bordeaux. Keep an eye on the Bordeaux city website, especially in the summer when the long days in southern France make it ideal for social gatherings. In summary, Bordeaux has so much to offer that you're unlikely to ever get bored during your time there.
Useful links:
Bordeaux Métropole Convention and Visitors Bureau
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