Bordeaux is known worldwide for its wine production, and many people visit the region just to enjoy the wines. However, Bordeaux is much more than just wine; it’s a place full of history and culture. There are over 7000 wineries in Bordeaux, and each offers something different. Whether you want to taste some of the world’s best red wines or learn about the local culture, here are some suggestions of where to go and what to do while visiting Bordeaux.
Visit the vineyards
The first thing you should do when visiting Bordeaux is to head out to the vineyards. You can choose between two types of tours: a guided tour and a self-guided tour. A guided tour is recommended if you have never been to a vineyard before. If you prefer to explore on your own, then you can take advantage of the free maps provided at the tourist office. These maps show the locations of the major wineries and their tasting rooms.
You can find information about the winery's location, opening hours, and prices on these maps. Once you arrive at the winery, you can sample the wines and buy bottles to bring home. Most wineries offer tastings of their wines, but they don't always provide glasses. You may need to ask them to provide you with a glass.
If you're looking for a specific type of wine, you can ask the staff at the winery whether they sell that particular kind. Many wineries have a list of wines that they only produce in certain years.
Learn about the history
Bordeaux was once the capital of France, and it still retains a lot of its historical charm. Visit the city center and discover the old buildings and monuments. You can also visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Science and Technology) located near the Place de la Comédie. Here, you can learn about the history of science and technology in France.
There are several museums in Bordeaux that focus on the history of the city. One of the most famous is the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum). Located in the Hôtel de Ville, this museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts dating back to the Middle Ages. Another interesting museum is the Musée du Vieux Bordelais (Old Bordeaux Museum), which focuses on the history of the region.
Take a walk around the city
After learning about the history of Bordeaux, you might feel like taking a stroll around the city. Take a look at the architecture of the city center. You'll notice that many of the buildings were built in the 17th century. In addition, there are several parks in Bordeaux. The largest park is called Parc de l'Espérance (Hope Park). This park is located in the heart of the city and features a lake, a zoo, and a botanical garden.
Another popular spot is the Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden). This garden is located in the suburbs of Bordeaux and contains a collection of exotic trees and shrubs.
Explore the art galleries
Bordeaux is well-known for its fine arts. There are several art galleries in the city that showcase the works of artists from all over the world. Among the most notable ones are the Galerie Chappe, the Galerie La Boetie, and the Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire. Each gallery specializes in different kinds of art. For example, the Galerie Chappel exhibits contemporary art, whereas the Galerie La Boettie shows modern French art.