Email     Print     Bookmark & Share
France travel Forum

Bordeaux
Esplanade des Quinconces © Jonas Witt
The world's wine capital is disappointingly shabby, but is currently undergoing some renovation and clean-up projects which, while not adding to its aesthetic value at present, will ultimately make this large, wealthy metropole with its classical architecture easier on the eye. Bordeaux is sited on the Garonne River, 20 miles (32km) in from the Atlantic, and is France's fifth largest city with a population of 650,000. In days of yore it started out as a Roman trading post, and passed into the hands of the English who owned it for some 300 years, imparting a British frosting on the French flair of the city and surrounds. Many of the grand chateaux in and around the city are still in English hands and many are open to tourists. Visitors can also sample the wares at several wine exporters premises in the city, which chiefly serves tourists simply as a stopover and central transport hub useful for accessing France's famous wine-growing region.




Attractions

Basilique Saint-Michel, Bordeaux © Eric-P

Basilique St-Michel

Constructed in stages between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Basilique St-Michel is a typical Gothic-style church and the main place of Catholic worship in Bordeaux. The main distinguishing feature, the Basilique's tower and spire, which rises to a height of 374 feet (114m)...  see full details



Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux © josu.orbe

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

Designed by renowned architect Victor Louis, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux was built between 1773 and 1780 and is one of the oldest 18th century theatres remaining in the world. Inaugurated in 1780, it served as the National Assembly for the French Parliament briefly...  see full details



L'embarquement de la duchesse d'Angoulême, Antoine-Jean Gros

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts was established in 1801 and is one of the largest galleries outside of the capital city of Paris. Featuring the works of artists from 15th to the 20th centuries, visitors can view the works of Perugino, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and...  see full details



Bordeaux

Vieux Bordeaux

Vieux Bordeaux (old town) centres on the Quartier St-Pierre, which is surrounded by narrow streets, and lined with old churches and grand mansions adorned by wrought-iron balconies and arcading. There has been a lot of restoration over the last few years, but many streets...  see full details



Excursions


The Wine Country

The area surrounding Bordeaux produces over 70 million gallons of wine each year including the world's best red wine. Many vineyards are small family run businesses without staff to cater for tourists, but the larger more famous ones organise tastings and tours of the...  see full details
France travel Forum
more
information »
France     Spain     Amsterdam
About Us
P&O Ferries boasts the largest fleet of ships offering a wide range of services and facilities on cross channel ferries and the Continent. Passengers can book a ferry online, or with their call centre.
Families
The short hop over the channel makes family holidays in France a big favourite, and with sandy beaches, awesome nature reserves and culture-soaked cities family holidays in Spain are always ideal as well.
Onboard
The variety of facilities onboard your cheap ferry crossing will add so much more to your sense of escape and relaxation, helping you arrive at your destination totally refreshed and raring to go. P&O Ferries are more than just a car ferry operator.
France
A ferry to France with P&O give you many holiday options whether it's the cosmopolitan and romantic ambience of Paris or the laid back way of life in Provence. There is also the 'best fare sailing', providing cheap ferries for this route.
Spain
From the intimate coves of Asturias to the ancient Basque traditions of Navarra, there is so much on offer for those boarding ferries to Spain. The adventure starts as soon as you book your ferry tickets.
Amsterdam
Whether you want to wander along idyllic canals, watch the world go by in one of its numerous cafes, or explore the stunning architecture, a ferry to Amsterdam really does have something for everyone.
« book a ferry



Compare the prices of flights to Bordeaux. Search a huge range of deals online to find the best price.
iExplore designs made-to-order, privately-guided adventure tours to France and over 200 other world wonders. Come Back Different!
Intrepid Travel is one of the world's leading suppliers of small group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track and having real life experiences in France.