Things to do in  Aquitaine

With its gothic turrets, cathedral-esque spire, and dramatic central arch, Porte Cailhau gives off fairy tale castle vibes. Built in 1495 to commemorate King Charles VIII’s Italian War victory, the historic city gate once formed part of Bordeaux’s medieval city walls. Today, it’s a landmark and viewpoint linking Place du Palais and the Garonne waterfront.

Built in the 13th century, the Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale St. André is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its role in the religious and cultural development of Bordeaux. Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII here. Her wealth benefited both the city and the cathedral, which was subsequently enlarged and lavishly decorated.

One of the oldest belfries in France—and among Bordeaux’s most recognizable landmarks—the Grosse Cloche (the Big Bell) is a veritable symbol of the city. Dating back to the 13th century and located right in the city center, the belfry used to serve as a defensive gate and prison; what’s left of the old ramparts and dungeons can be visited on select dates throughout the year.

Bordeaux has long been one of the world’s top wine destinations but when Cité du Vin opened in 2016, it finally got a museum to match its reputation. Housed in a modernist building that resembles a wine decanter, the center comprises exhibition spaces, cultural events, a Belvedere with a beautiful view of Bordeaux, an auditorium, and more.

More than 500 years old, Château Margaux is one of France’s most esteemed wineries. Located in Bordeaux, the winery is one of only four Premier Cru Classé properties in the region. Château Margaux’s wines are some of the most expensive in the world.

One of Bordeaux’s most famous sights, the Place de la Bourse combines ancient and modern influences to create a welcoming public square. Built in the 18th century, the buildings here once housed the Bordeaux stock exchange as well as several private houses. The addition of the striking Mirror of Water feature in 2006 has turned this grand space into a must-visit destination.

Overview Built in the 18th century, Bordeaux’s Grand Theatre is a well-known symbol of French culture. The ornate neoclassical building is used for theatrical and operatic performances and has also served as the location of the French parliament during times of war.

On the banks of the Bidasoa river, sheltered by Mount Rhune’s austere peak, Hondarribia is one of the most picturesque towns on the Basque coast. Close to the French border, just east of San Sebastián, this lovely walled fishing village is enjoying a gastronomical moment, with an explosion of noteworthy restaurants.

Connecting the left and right bank of the city since 1819, Pont de Pierre was the first bridge to cross the mighty Garonne River. Its construction was challenging as the river’s current is extremely strong, and it took more than 4,000 workers to construct. Pont de Pierre was the only bridge to connect the two banks for nearly 150 years.

Although built outside the city walls in medieval times, Place Gambetta is now the bustling center of Bordeaux, both figuratively and literally—the square is, technically, the kilometer zero milestone of Bordeaux, from which all distances are calculated. Recently renovated, it’s a popular meeting point, known for its tree-lined gardens.

One of the most esteemed appellations of the Bordeaux region’s Right Bank, Pomerol is known for its red wines, which are made primarily with Merlot. Located between the city of Libourne and the celebrated Saint-Émilion, Pomerol is home to upwards of 140 wineries, including the world-renowned Château Pétrus.

Located in the very center of Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, the Girondins Monument (Monument aux Girondins was elevated in the late 1800s to commemorate the Girondists, a republican political faction that was one of the first group to openly denounce Louis XVI’s reign and the monarchy in general.

Stretching more than 12 hectares (30 acres) along the banks of the Garonne River, Quinconces Square (Place des Quinconces) is Bordeaux’s largest square. Comprising a vast esplanade flanked by tree-lined walkways and fronted by the grand Monument to the Girondins, it’s among the most important sites of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center.

Also known as the Palais Rohan, the Bordeaux Hôtel de Ville (Bordeaux City Hall was built in 1771 in the elegant Louis XIV neoclassical style. It was here that celebrated painter Eugène Delacroix, fascinated by the Pompeii-style trompe l’oeil fresco in the dining room, discovered his calling in the 1780s.

The intricate facade of the Basilica of St. Michael (Basilique St. Michel) in central Bordeaux is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It took more than 200 years to build, from the end of the 14th century to the end of the 16th century. The freestanding belfry, with its ornate decorations, also draws many visitors.