Would you like to visit Bordeaux without breaking the bank? We’ve put together a free, turnkey tour of must-sees.
Arm yourself with your cameras and keep your eyes peeled – you’re bound to come across some architectural and historical nuggets along the way, without even realizing it! Here are twenty or so free activities, visits and things to do in Bordeaux:
Stroll along the Quays
Start your exploration on the Quais de Bordeaux, featuring a cycle path and a variety of sports facilities: basketball, soccer and beach volleyball courts near the Conservatoire de Musique, close to the St. Jean train station.
The Porte de la Monnaie
Built in 1758. Formerly located on Rue des Arlots ( harlot meaning « girl of joy » in English), it is one of the city’s smallest gates.
Address: Porte de la Monnaie, 1 rue de la Porte de la Monnaie
Take a short detour and admire…
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Jean-Christophe BENOIST
The Basilica of Saint-Michel and its Flèche
A UNESCO monument completed in the 16th century, located on the Place Canteloup et Meynard, the Basilica was built in the flamboyant Gothic style and features a separate tower, nicknamed « La Flèche de St. Michel », measuring 114m.
Address: Basilique Saint-Michel, Between Place Canteloup and Meynard
The Grosse Cloche
Located in line with Rue du Mirail, this is the oldest gate still visible in Bordeaux. It still closes a prison…
Address: Grosse Cloche, 45 Rue Saint-James
The Porte de Bourgogne
From the Grosse Cloche, head back down the Cours Victor Hugo to the Quays and you’ll come across a 3rd gateway, opening onto the Pont de Pierre and the Garonne. Located on Place Bir-Hakeim, this arch is also known as Porte des Salinières.
Address: Porte de Bourgogne, Place de Bir Hakeim
Cailhau Gate
Facing the Place du Palais, this gate dates from the late 15th century. Resembling a miniature fortified castle, it stands out for its aestheticism and refinement.
Address: Porte Cailhau, Place du Palais
Photo credit: Flickr – Koolbe
Place de la Bourse and its water mirror
Formerly known as Place Royale, this square was built in the 18th century. The centerpiece is the Three Graces fountain, built in 1896 and depicting the three daughters of Zeus: Aglaé, Euphrosyne and Thalie.
Address: Place de la Bourse, Quai du Maréchal Lyautey
The Esplanade des Quinconces
Built on the former site of the Château Trompette, the Esplanade des Quinconces is the annual venue for fairs and funfairs of all kinds. You can admire the Girondins fountain and its horses standing amidst water jets.
Address: Esplanade des Quinconces, Place des Quinconces
The Golden Triangle
This space characterizes the triangle formed by the Allées Tourny, the Cours de l’Intendance and the Cours Georges Clémenceau.
Photo credit: WikiPedia – Patrick Despoix
The Grand Théâtre and its 12 muses and goddesses
Bordeaux’s National Opera House, where you can watch operas and ballets. Located on the Place de la Comédie, it was completed in 1780. Its pediment features 12 statues: Euterpe, Muse of Music; Uranie, Muse of Astronomy; Venus, Goddess of Love; Calliope, Muse of Eloquence; Terpsichore, Muse of Dance; Melpomène, Muse of Tragedy; Thalie, Muse of Comedy; Polymnie, Muse of Writing; Hera, Goddess and Queen of the Gods; Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom and War; Erato, Muse of Music; and Clio, Muse of History.
Address: Grand Théâtre, Place de la Comédie
Allées Tourny
Following on from the Place de la Comédié and the Grand Théâtre, discover the Allées Tourny and its merry-go-round of wooden horses. Every year, this square hosts a Christmas market, where you can buy Canadian « ice wine » and maple syrup « caught » on the ice.
Address: Allées Tourny, Allée Tourny
The Great Men’s Market
This metal-architecture shopping mall was inaugurated in 1991 by Queen Elizabeth II, no less! Located on the Place des Grands-Hommes, you’ll find a variety of shops nearby.
Address: Le Marché des Grands Hommes, Place des Grands Hommes
Near the Golden Triangle, you’ll find :
The Public Garden
Listed as a Historic Monument since 1935 and classified as a « Remarkable Garden of France », you’ll discover the Natural History Museum, a palm grove, a cromlech, a circle of menhirs…
Address: Jardin Public, Cours de Verdun
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Marc Ryckaert
The Palais Gallien
These are the remains of a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, an arena dating from the 2nd century. Only a few arcades are still visible.
Address: Le Palais Gallien, 126 Rue du Dr Albert Barraud
Saint-Seurin Basilica
A UNESCO monument, explore the crypt in the basement. Address: Basilique Saint-Seurin
Let’s stroll along Rue St. Catherine, the Roman cardo
The Dijeaux Gate
Featuring a triangular pediment carved with the Bordeaux coat of arms, an orna d’abondance and fleurs-de-lis, it was erected in 1748.
Address: Porte Dijeaux, 90 Rue de la Porte Dijeaux
L’Utopia
This cinema has taken root in the former St. Siméon church on Place Camille Jullian, near St. Catherine.
Address: Utopia, 5 Place Camille Jullian
St. André Cathedral
Located on Place Pey-Berland, this Gothic church dates back to the 12th century. This cathedral has seen the advent of two French queens: first in 1137, when Eleanor of Aquitaine married the King of the Franks, Louis VII, and then in 1615 with the Infanta of Spain, Anne of Austria, who married King Louis XIII.
Address: Cathédrale St. André, Place Pey Berland
The Musée d’Aquitaine
From prehistory, through antiquity, the Middle Ages and Bordeaux’s 18th-century triangular trade, this museum will give you an overview of the history of the city of Bordeaux from its beginnings to the present day.
Address: Musée d’Aquitaine, 20 cours Pasteur
Free admission every first Sunday of the month, except July and August.
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Patrick Despoix
The Porte d’Aquitaine
This triumphal arch is located on the Place de la Victoire. The Bordeaux coat of arms and fleurs-de-lis are visible on both sides.
Address: Porte d’Aquitaine, Place de la Victoire
The Obelisk and its tortoiseshell friend
Dominating the Place de la Victoire, the obelisk is accompanied by a curious tortoise, ridden by a mischievous passenger. A meeting place for students on Thursday evenings, the Place de la Victoire is one of the city’s main public squares.
Address: Obelisque, Place de la Victoire
Wishing you all the best!
Main photo credit: Pixabay
Map of hotels and accommodation – Bordeaux,fr