Things to Do in Bordeaux

With a winegrowing reputation like Bordeaux’s, it would be foolish not try at least a couple of glasses, particularly as the French are careful to keep the good stuff close to home. Be warned, though: even a glass of Chateau Lafite could cost you more than your bed for the night!

This imposing Gothic structure rises up magnificently from the center of the city. Its belfry offers stunning views of the city, while inside, everything is wonderfully illuminated by the light pouring in through its huge windows.

Sunday is a good day to be in Bordeaux. There are markets: St Michel holds a flea market whilst down on the Quai des Chartons there’s an organic produce market (where you can buy delicious cheeses, breads and sausage). On the first Sunday of every month, the Musee des Beaux Arts throws its doors open for free, too.

Bordeaux’s flagship art gallery is nothing short of excellent. Containing an incredibly varied array of works by Picasso, Titian, Renoir and Caravaggio, it’s right up there with the best galleries in France.

Bordeaux has a vibrant nightlife, and the Place de la Victoire is its epicenter. On a night when there’s a big football game, or the large student population decide, en masse, to really let their hair down, the streets can course with electricity.