"Bordeaux has been named the world’s best city, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 list.

Known for its occasionally left-field choices, Lonely Planet highlighted the French city’s new wine-themed visitor experience, the Cité du Vin, its “gastronomic revolution” and forthcoming high-speed rail line as reasons it had been bestowed the title."

The independent

Bordeaux, World Heritage at the gates of the vineyard

Only one hour from Paris by plane, and three hours by train (TGV), Bordeaux is the capital of southwestern France.

It is distinguished by its exceptional 18th century architecture that has earned it the title of “Little Paris” around 200 years ago, and more recently its World Heritage status by UNESCO (External link) .

Its recent urban developments are in a city where life is good, and where gastronomy, culture, shopping and services are held, near the famous vineyards of the world’s finest wines.

Many discovery tours and gourmet strolls are offered in order to taste the local produce, and particularly the prestigious wines.

Did you know that every two years, the Bordeaux Wine Festival takes place in the last week of June? It was the first tourism event for wines in France, and it is a very unique program which boasts many simultaneous festivals.

Bordeaux, look no farther!

Things to be sure not to miss in Bordeaux

The Esplanade des Quinconces , the largest downtown city square in Europe

The facade of the dock, its walkways, taverns and river excursions

The Grand Théâtre, the Rohan Palace and the Palace of the Bourse … Masterpieces of the eighteenth century

The cathedral and the two basilicas , historical steps on the way to Saint Jacques de Compostelle

The squares of old Bordeaux, its many craft shops and vast number of outdoor cafés

The “Bordeaux Triangle,” the four-seasons marke t, its palace, opera house and luxurious boutiques

St. Catherine Street, with its many shops and sidewalk cafés

The district of Chartrons , a former headquarters for traders, antique dealers, and artists alike

The Saint-Michel district , its many flea-markets and their hidden treasures

The numerous museums and antique art galleries

Parties / Events

Antiques Fair (January), the most important event of the year in this region

Horsemen of the World Cup (February), international horse-jumping show

Carnival of the Two River Banks (March)

The Traveling Photographer’s route and book stop (April)

Biannual event of architecture (April)

International Golf Open of Bordeaux (May), the rendez-vous of champions!

The Bordeaux Quartet (May): European collaboration of chamber music

Bordeaux Wine Festival (June), a biannual event, and the largest gathering of Bordeaux wine connoisseurs

International Organ Festival (July/August), a large musical gathering

The stage for the Tour de France (July) – International cycling event (August)

European Heritage Days (September), and Heritage Night

Wine festival of Brocante (October), a very festive and friendly weekend

Novart (November), biannual event of contemporary art

Christmas Market (December), the traditional market in the prestigious passageways of Tourny

Coming to Bordeaux

SNCF Train Station: 3 hours from Paris, 5 hours from Lille by the TGV (10 minutes from downtown by tram)

Airport: 1 hour from Paris (approximately 30 minutes from downtown)

Highways: A10 (580km/360mi arriving from Paris), A62 (arriving from Spain), A63 (arriving from Italy)

Contacts

Tourism Office of Bordeaux

12 cours du XXX Juillet

33000 Bordeaux

Tel : +33 (0)5 56 00 66 00

Fax : +33 (0)5 56 00 66 01