Bordeaux to see. Bordeaux city on the map of France
“Little Paris”, “Sleeping Beauty”, as the inhabitants lovingly call their city, spread out on the banks of the Garonne. Bordeaux is the largest city in France in terms of territory, the population is about 250 thousand people, and most of them are employed in agriculture. The climate of Aquitaine is unique for the cultivation of vineyards and the main pride of this region has become an amazing wine. It is produced in small quantities, mainly in private wineries. It is highly valued all over the world for its exquisite taste and wonderful aroma. The most successful batches are entered into a special register and transferred to a number of collection wines, connoisseurs are ready to pay impressive sums for them.
For tourists, special wine routes, they include visits to vineyards, workshops and cellars, a story about the intricacies of production and tasting. The city has a turbulent history, evidence of which has survived to this day and attracts travelers no less than wine routes.
Interesting places and sights of Bordeaux
The history of the city began in the 1st century BC. since the founding of the settlement by the Celtic tribe of the Biturigs. He was subordinate to the Romans, the British. After the Hundred Years War, he finally became a French citizen. In the XVIII century, the Marquis de Tourny, the mayor, vowed to make Bordeaux the most beautiful city country, starting the restructuring of the central part in accordance with the principles of classicism.
Attractions on the map
The cultural heritage includes architectural monuments, a large number of museums with unique exhibits, exhibition centers, art galleries, gardens, parks. The city hosts many festivals, exhibitions and themed holidays.
architectural beauties
The choice of what to see in Bordeaux is impressive. Ancient buildings and examples of modern styles organically coexist in the appearance of the city. Many of them are included in the UNESCO lists. The oldest buildings are cathedrals and churches, built mainly in the Gothic style. You can admire the beauty of the facades, high spiers piercing the sky and intricate stone carvings that fill the space between sculptures and bas-reliefs when you get to the Cathedral of St. Andrew, the Pe-Berland tower, the Basilica of St. Michael.
One of the main attractions of Bordeaux is the Bolshoi Theater, one of the 5 most beautiful theaters in the world built in the 18th century, in the best traditions of classicism.
Of the medieval buildings, the Gross Kloss tower, which was part of the city's security system, the magnificent gates of Cayo, called the Parade, is well preserved. They were erected in honor of the next victory of the troops of Charles VIII.
Squares and streets
The city is famous for having the largest square in Europe and the longest pedestrian street. For mass events, the residents of Bordeaux chose Kenkons and it is natural, on 12 hectares. can comfortably accommodate almost the entire population. The rectangular area is framed on both sides by parks, closer to the residential areas there is a monument to the Girondins.
Let's go for a short trip to Bordeaux (France). The sights of this region immerse us in a medieval fairy tale, where there is a place for princes, knights and long-haired beauties. Then they fought for the honor and heart of the lady, and it would be nice to feel the atmosphere of that time at least for a while.
Basilica Saint Michel
This majestic building has a second informal name, which was invented by locals- "Arrow". You can understand why the basilica was named that way by looking at its bell tower. Its shape resembles an arrow pointing to the sky.
The temple was built in the 16th century to the glory of the Archangel Michael. The architects opted for the flaming gothic style, so the building looks very impressive. The facade of the temple is decorated with stone decorations that complement its overall style. There are 22 bell towers in total, and the height of the building is 114 m. The interior decoration of the basilica impresses with its luxury and wealth.
Great bell of Bordeaux
The weight huge building exceeds 8 tons. This attraction is better known as Armande Louise. The bell rings at 11 am no more than 6 times a year. This usually happens during holidays that are important to residents.
The bell tower was built over 500 years ago. Previously, the city prison was located in the tower of the Big Bell, where they were serving sentences for especially serious crimes. That is why everyone will be able to appreciate the gloomy and mysterious rooms located inside. You can also see an old clock and a coat of arms depicting a mighty lion.
Grand Theater of Bordeaux
This famous building is one of the three most beautiful and popular opera houses in Europe. The architecture of this theater strikes with luxury. The building is framed with graceful sculptures of muses and goddesses.
Lush Corinthian capitals add a special charm to this place. The auditorium will accommodate 1,100 people, who will sit on chairs upholstered in red velvet. On the ceiling is a chic fresco, which harmoniously combines golden, blue and white colors.
On the stage of the theater, the most popular performances are shown, which have managed to fall in love with viewers from different parts of the world.
Cathedral of Saint-André
A beautiful building that immediately catches the eye is located in the center of Port Luna. Cathedral made in the Gothic style, and some of its buildings were erected many centuries ago.
Bell towers in the form of sharp arrows immediately attract attention.
The interior of the majestic building is decorated various subjects that belong to the Middle Ages. If travelers are not too lazy to climb the bell tower of Pius Berlan, overcoming great amount steps, they will be able to admire the unforgettable landscapes of old Bordeaux and the Garonne. The bell tower is quite high - 66, and the bell weighs as much as 8 tons.
Museum of Aquitaine
This museum should be visited by every visitor to Bordeaux. Artifacts and ancient statues are collected in a huge building. Their age is 25 thousand years BC. Carefully crafted collections recreate a complex and compelling story.
This is a kind of kaleidoscope of the development of Aquitaine from ancient times to the present. The Museum of Aquitaine has collected more than 70 thousand impressive exhibits.
Most recently, the building underwent a global reconstruction, so now all the exhibits are presented in a more modern, interactive form. Such a spectacle will appeal to both young visitors to the museum and people of age.
Fine Arts Museum of Bordeaux
This museum is considered one of the oldest in the country. Museum guests will be able to appreciate the huge collection of paintings by artists that were created in the 15th - 20th centuries. The building contains not only paintings by French artists, but also works of art from European painters.
You can get to the thematic exhibitions that take place in the museum with enviable regularity. The museum is located in the former City Hall, surrounded on all sides by a picturesque park.
Walking in this wonderful place will bring you a lot of positive emotions, so you can "digest" the impressions received in the museum.
Modern Art Museum
This museum contains the latest achievements of the exact and fine sciences. The museum is located in the building of the former port warehouse, and in its arsenal there are more than a thousand works.
A visit to the museum will bring a lot of positive emotions even to those people who are not fans of contemporary art. On the territory of the building there is a picturesque terrace, as well as a cozy cafeteria. Nearby is the magnificent garden-park Jardin-Public. Walk around its territory to enjoy beautiful scenery and clean air.
Square "Water Mirror"
This unique and inimitable place will give you the opportunity to replenish your photo album with impressive shots. Here heaven and earth seem to change places with each other.
It seems that nearby buildings are floating right in the air.
An incredible reflection effect was achieved by covering the area with a small layer of water, under which there is a granite "substrate". After every 20 minutes, spray condensers are automatically turned on, which immerse all people in clouds of water dust.
Port of the Moon
it famous place It was named so because the harbor resembles a neat crescent. It is located on the left bank of the Garonne. Luna Port is a symbol of the city's prosperity as a river port.
Previously departed from this place water transport who transported goods to England. That is why, even in our time, the Port of the Moon has remained the center of Bordeaux. Most of the most beautiful and popular attractions are located in this place, as well as many other useful establishments.
If you want to get to know Bordeaux better, then start your tour from Port Luna.
Arc de Triomphe of Cayo
The architecture of this arch harmoniously combines two styles: Gothic and Renaissance. This building is considered one of the oldest in Bordeaux. The arch was created back in 1495.
She became a symbol of the victory of the King of France over the Italians. The height of the building reaches 35 m, and its facade is decorated with magnificent sculptures. Inside there is a museum that anyone can visit.
An open gallery gives you the opportunity to admire the view of the Garonne. Be sure to visit the Arc de Triomphe so that you will remember your trip to Bordeaux for a long time.
We took a little walk around Bordeaux. France, whose sights are more detailed, has always given guests only positive emotions. At least once, but it's worth seeing.
The symbol of the city and the main attraction is large belfry (Grosse cloche de Bordeaux). It appeared when a bell was added to the Saint Eloi gate in the 15th century. A huge bell rang at certain hours every day, helping residents to navigate the time, as well as to announce important decrees. The inhabitants of the city were extremely upset when in 1548 King Henry II ordered the removal of the bell as a punishment, but 13 years later it was restored. In 1567 a new bell was hung to replace the old one, but it was replaced again in 1759. Further, already in the 19th century, the cracked old bell was again replaced with a new one. It took at least 14 pairs of oxen to transport the new bell, the largest in France (it weighed 6.5 tons). Today, the magnificent gate, more than 40 meters high, is crowned with a gilded weather vane in the shape of a leopard.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew is the largest temple in the city of Bordeaux. The construction of the cathedral began in 1096 and was completed only in the 16th century. The central nave, built in the 12th century, was changed in the 13th and 15th centuries, the choirs and chapels were built in the 14th century, the transept was laid at the same time, and work continued around the entire perimeter of the temple. A magnificent part of the exterior is the northern entrance, richly decorated with sculptures - " The Last Supper"," Ascension "," Savior in strength ". Towers rise on both sides of the entrance. In 1535, the English chronicler noted:" St. Andrew's Cathedral has the most beautiful and largest organ in the entire Christian world. "Unfortunately, after After a long period of restoration work, it was decided to sell the organ, and its pipes were melted down for the needs of the army.Today, inside the cathedral there is an organ created by Danio Gonzalez.It was beautifully tuned by Jacques Bertrand and tested by Jean-Jacques Grunenwald in 1982.
Not far from the cathedral is Esplanade Cancons - the largest square in Bordeaux which overlooks the banks of the Garonne. There are two huge columns on the square, crowned with statues of "Navigation" and "Commerce". Also, on the square there is a monument to the Girondins - it was erected in honor of the leaders of the French Revolution who died during the bloody terror of 1789. The Cancons esplanade occupies almost 12 hectares, which makes it the most large area of this kind in Europe. On the square, overlooking the river bank, there is a 43-meter rostral column built in 1894-1902 in memory of the victims revolutionary terror. The column is crowned with a statue, personifying freedom.
Another significant attraction of Bordeaux is Grand Theater. The Duke of Richelieu decided to build in the city Opera theatre, which would match the beauty of Bordeaux and asked the architect Victor Louis to lead the project. The construction of the Grand Theater began in 1773 and lasted 7 years. This neoclassical building can accommodate more than a thousand people at the same time. The Grand Theater was last restored in 1991, during which the original decorations of the building were restored. Today, the Grand Theater is undoubtedly one of the beautiful buildings Bordeaux.
In Bordeaux, on the banks of the Garonne River, Burs Square, built in 1730-1755 by the Gabriel family of architects. On both sides of the square are two pavilion-shaped buildings - the stock exchange building and the customs museum building, where you can study the history of the commercial port of Bordeaux (exhibits include ship models and measuring instruments). In the center of Burs Square is Fountain of the Three Graces. This square is also known as the Place Royale and is a typical Bordeaux architecture of the late 19th century. The area borders on the embankments of the Garonne. The Petra Bridge, built during Napoleon's Spanish campaigns, spans the river. Particularly bewitching views of the square open from the bridge in the evening and at night, when everything is illuminated by spotlights. The former Place Royale, dedicated to Louis XV, was designed by Jacques and Ange Jacques Gabriel in the 18th century at the behest of Intendant Boucher. Later, during the French Revolution, the fountain of the Three Graces replaced the statue of Louis XV.
Bordeaux - Place du Bourse, Fountain of the Three Graces
Petra Bridge was built by order of Napoleon. Its construction was completed in 1822. The length of this 17-arch bridge spanning the Garonne River is 486 meters. Previously, residents of the city had to pay for crossing the bridge, but since 1861, the passage through it has become free. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful bridges in, it is inferior, only, to bridges.
The highlight of Bordeaux is courthouse (Tribunal de Grande Instance de Bordeaux). The building is located in the very center of the city next to the Cathedral of St. Andrew and the city hall. The building is a combination of various elements. Located right in front of the cathedral, the silhouette of the new building follows the shapes of the old Gothic buildings, successfully harmonizing with the surrounding architecture. To get to the courthouse, you need to go through a huge staircase hanging over the pool, which leads to a huge atrium connecting the courtrooms.
French Bordeaux is the "heart of Aquitaine" and the wine capital of France, and possibly the whole world. It is called "little Paris", the city seems to have absorbed all the charm of the eighteenth century. The sights of Bordeaux are wide squares surrounded by classicist architecture, arch bridges over river channels, gothic cathedrals and ancient gates. What is worth seeing? Let's find out.
Photos and sights of Bordeaux
When talking about this city, the French usually do not skimp on words. He is surrounded by dozens of epithets and rave reviews. Strict and romantic, perhaps this is how Bordeaux can be described. In the Middle Ages, its appearance was influenced by the culture of England, whose kings ruled here until the end of the Hundred Years War.
The heyday of the city came in the XVIII century, thanks to the "triangular trade" between America, Europe and Africa. Then it already belonged to France, and the local authorities decided to make it the most beautiful in the country. At this time, most of the sights of Bordeaux appeared. The streets have acquired the features of classicism.
At the same time, its fame as a wine-growing region also developed. Around the city there are many farms that make wine from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Semillon, Cabernet Franc and other grape varieties.
The city itself is major port and tourist center. More than two million guests visit it every year. Many cruise ships traveling across Atlantic Ocean, by all means make a stop in it.
In the list of the main attractions of the city of Bordeaux in France, as a rule, the following objects are distinguished:
- Basilica Saint Michel.
- Moon port.
- Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
- Bridge Pont de Pierre.
- Submarine base BETASOM.
- Museum of Aquitaine.
- Basilica of Saint Seren.
- Botanical Garden.
- Telephony Museum of Aquitaine.
- Town of wine culture.
- Rogan Palace.
Basilica Saint Michel
Not to see Bordeaux is simply impossible. The huge spire of the cathedral rises to a height of 114 meters, notifying all guests of the city of its presence. The construction of the temple began in the XIV century, but ended only in the XVIII. The result was a beautiful Gothic building with sharp towers, decorated with stone "thorns" and openwork molding.
Inside the cathedral is divided into seventeen chapels. Each of them belonged to some craft brotherhood and is decorated in its own way. There are marble sculptures of saints, and in the chapel of St. James you can see a wooden carved altar. The Saint-Michel tower has 22 bells.
Port of the Moon
The Port of the Moon is not one, but a whole complex of sights of Bordeaux (France). Now this is the name of the old part of the city, but once there was a fully functioning port. He served until the 20th century, but then was moved a little lower.
The Garonne River, on which Bordeaux stands, meanders in this place in the shape of a crescent, which is why the port got its name. Instead of taking it now it takes thousands of tourists. Its warehouses are overgrown with pedestrian streets, while the historic ships are left to entertain guests. The ship Colbert, for example, has been turned into a restaurant and museum.
The port of the moon is surrounded huge complex classical and neoclassical buildings and structures. Here is the famous Exchange Square, the Bolshoi Theater, the Cayo Gate, the City Hall and the Rogan Palace. Former port and all architectural ensemble listed in UNESCO as a unique example of the Enlightenment.
Pont de Pierre bridge
Pont de Pierre is the most long bridge throughout France and the oldest in Bordeaux. The attraction is located in the port of the Moon and connects the two parts of the city, separated by the Garonne.
The current of the river here is very strong and crossing it was accompanied by a number of difficulties. Nevertheless, the stone bridge appeared in Bordeaux only in the 19th century. It was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. As a sign of this, each of the seventeen spans was decorated with the profile of a great commander. They say that the number of arches is not accidental, but corresponds to the number of letters in his name.
Exchange Square
Exchange Square is one of the most popular attractions in Bordeaux. It is not bypassed by any guidebook. Like most objects in the central part of the city, it appeared in the 18th century. It adjoins the Quai Garonne and is surrounded by two classical buildings arranged in a semicircle.
But there are many such ensembles in the city. The quarters of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Catherine are overcrowded architectural monuments the era of the economic heyday of Bordeaux. What attracts this area? Relatively recently, a “water mirror” appeared on it. The entire flat surface of the square is now covered with a layer of water several centimeters thick, which reflects the building of the former stock exchange.
From time to time, holes in the concrete "spew" clouds of steam, making it even more tempting. Children are happy to play and splash in the water, tourists are amazed to take pictures of the resulting landscape. In general, the "mirror" was liked by everyone.
Botanical Garden
After getting acquainted with all the architectural sights of the city of Bordeaux, you can go to the Botanical Garden. Of course, the atmosphere of antiquity will not leave you here either. The garden was founded in 1629. At first, only useful plants were grown in it. Medicinal herbs and shrubs were used to extract oils and make perfumes.
A small garden gradually grew into a city park, where numerous exotic species were brought. In the 19th century, its arrangement was entrusted to the royal architect. The park was supplemented with walking paths, a river with a waterfall, bridges and stone sculptures.
It combines the elegance of French gardens and the naturalness of English landscape decor. Today, swings, carousels and other attractions have been placed in the park. They are decorated in the old style and do not stand out from the general picture of the garden.
Wine City
There is an absolutely modern, and even futuristic attraction in Bordeaux - the City of Wine. This is a huge ten-story building in which everyone will tell you about wine. Animated pictures tell about the trade journeys of wine both in the past and in the present. Screens and tablets will show the vineyards and their features, while interactive globes will reveal the economic secrets of winemaking.
The building itself is an example of the latest architecture. It has the shape of a twisted vine. Its walls are metal frames and glass panels. And the upper part of the "vine" in the form of a tower rises 55 meters in height.
The French city of Bordeaux is located on the banks of the Garonne River. It's the least French city France, which was ruled by the British for over 300 years, therefore has a strong British influence. Once a sleepy city, but now popular and bustling tourist place destination. It is a wonderful travel location, attracting millions of visitors every year. The Bordeaux region is known for its wine and vineyards. The city itself is spread over a rather large area, because the soil here is weak, and it is impossible to build high buildings and skyscrapers. The center is a wonderful destination to explore. There are hundreds of miles of bike paths, incredible bars and Bordeaux attractions.
Rohan Palace
Rohan Palace is located in the city of Strasbourg in Alsace France. It is an artistically important building that represents the high point of the local vibrant architecture. It houses three of the most important museums in the city, which include the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum fine arts. After the French Revolution, the palace was the new residence of the Emperor until a new period in 1870, after which it became a museum.
City hall
The city hall of Bordeaux was built in 1835 and housed in the Palais Ronan, who before the French Revolution was Archbishop of Bordeaux. After the revolution, it was used for many purposes such as the criminal court, imperial palace Napoleon I and the Royal Palace. The Ronan Palace is a stunning architectural building, with a superb staircase, an impressively decorated dining room and beautiful paintings. This landmark of Bordeaux has its own interesting past. 
grand theater
The Grand Theater in Bordeaux is an 18th-century masterpiece built by Victor Louis. The magnificent structure has a long history, the theater in the past has presented theatrical plays, concerts and operas. This institution has hosted many famous artists, and nowadays it is the National Opera Stage of Bordeaux. The Grand Theater is extravagantly decorated in the royal colors of blue, gold and white and is a truly remarkable architectural structure. The grand theater now hosts a wide range of artistic performances from famous composers. 
Basilica of Saint Serin
The Basilica of Saint Serin in Bordeaux is an impressive architectural treasure. It has a long and interesting story and is thought to date back to the early 6th century. Today it is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, with a style medieval Europe, to which other styles have been added over the centuries, and now the basilica has elements of the Gothic design. The architecture is simply breathtaking, with impressive buildings, columns and huge pillars. In addition, there are many fine sculptures in this magnificent building. A wealth of history awaits you as you explore this amazing landmark. 
burgundy gate
Burgundy Gate is located at the end of Victor Hugo Avenue. This is the place where the legendary city gates once stood. On either side of the gate flows the river Garonne and the Pont de Pierre, which connects the right bank and the left bank. This is one of the most famous gates of the city of Bordeaux, almost as famous all over the world as Bordeaux wine. They were built around 1750, marking the official route to the city and old road to Paris. 
Colosseum Bordeaux
The wonderful Roman Colosseum is an interesting attraction of Bordeaux. This is a perfect example of an amphitheater ruin, where you can almost feel how the place once teemed with life. History reigns supreme here, the Colosseum is one of the top destinations to visit and attracts visitors from all over the world. The ruins make it clear how impressive a large stadium was several centuries ago on this site. 
Exchange Square
The Place de la Bourse, or stock exchange in Bordeaux, was built under the direction of Claude Booker by the royal architect Ange Jacques Gabry between 1730 and 1751. Previously, there was an equestrian statue destroyed during the Revolution. The King of France, Louis XV, made Birzhevaya Square a symbol of the prosperity of the city. Later it was called the Royal Place, Fried Square during the Revolution, the Imperial Place under Napoleon. 
Bridge St. Pierre
The impressive masonry stone bridge crossing the Garonne River is one of the famous sights of Bordeaux. It connects the city center with the La Bastide area on the right bank. The stone bridge was built by order of Napoleon between 1810 and 1822 and was designed by Claude Deschamps and built with the help of over 4,000 workers. In 1865, the stone bridge changed the economy, allowing at that time to expand and create new port facilities. This is a very interesting architectural structure. 
Chateau Margaux
Chateau Margot is a vineyard located in Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne River. It is one of the first wines to reach the top status in 1855. The wines are exceptional but expensive. The estate has been inhabited here since the 12th century and has had a series of owners. During the 16th century the Lestonnac family arrived here and this was the beginning of an important wine industry. Over time the property was expanded to make way for more vines and today is one of the most significant vineyards in the country. 
Cathedral of Saint André
The striking Gothic Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux is one of the largest religious buildings in the city. Located in Aquitaine, this place world heritage UNESCO since 1998. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and completed in the 14th century. This is a historical landmark in France, reaching 124 m in length and 18 m in width. Every year this Bordeaux attraction attracts visitors from all over the world.
