City highlights
Palais Gallien
Today only one entrance gate to the amphitheater is well preserved. More details under
Grand Théâtre
The Grand Théâtre is known far beyond the city limits for its opera and theater performances. More details under
Cathédrale St. André
The cathedral was inaugurated by Pope Urban II in 1096 and comes close to the enormous dimensions of Notre Dame in Paris. More details under
Special streets and neighborhoods
Faubourg des Chartrons
The wine merchants’ quarter of Chartrons is in the suburbs and is therefore also called Faubourg des Chartrons. The name comes from the Carthusian monks who founded their convent here in the 14th century.
Many beautiful merchant houses date from the time when British, Scandinavian and Hanseatic merchants settled here.
Cours de l’Intendance
The much-visited shopping street in Bordeaux is the Cours de l’Intendance, located near Place Gambetta.
Rue Sainte-Cathérine
Another shopping street is the Rue Sainte-Cathérine, with a length of more than one and a half kilometers.
Special places
Place de la Comédie
An urban center is the Place de la Comédie, which was laid out on the former Roman forum. The most important building on the square is the Grand Théâtre, built under the direction of the architect Victor Louis (see below).
Esplanade des Quinconces In
front of the Monument aux Girondins is the 12 hectare Esplanade des Quinconces. It was built between 1818 and 1828, north of the Place de la Comédie and is one of the largest squares in Europe.
Place de la Bourse
The Place de la Bourse was laid out between 1730 and 1750 according to the plans of the Gabriel brothers. The fountain of the three graces is located on the square, as well as the customs office and the stock exchange, which flank the square on both sides.
Special structures
City Hall
The city hall, the Hôtel de Ville, was the archbishop’s palace in the 18th century. The beautiful staircase is particularly worth seeing.
Address: Rue des 3 Conils
Palais Gallien
To the west of the Jardin Public are the remains of the Palais Gallien. The amphitheater, which dates from the 3rd century AD, used to hold 15,000 visitors. Today only one entrance gate is well preserved.
Address: Rue Docteur Barraud
Cité Mondiale du Vin
The modern Cité Mondiale du Vin is a huge glass building. This “world wine center” in the wine merchants’ quarter of Chartrons serves as a congress center.
Address: Quai des Chartrons
Monument aux Girondins
The Monument aux Girondins with its bronze sculptures and fountains commemorates the murdered Girondins at the time of the French Revolution. In front of the monument is the 12 hectare Esplanade des Quinconces.
Pont de Pierre
With its 486 meters and 17 arches, the Pont de Pierre spans the Garonne. The mighty bridge was completed in 1821 and offers a good overview of the port facility. At the western end of the Pont is the Porte de Bourgogne.
A little along the Cours Victor Hugo you can see the Grosse Cloche, a tower from the 13th century.
Museums
Musée d’Aquitaine
The Musée d’ Aquitaine shows the history of Aquitaine. The history of the region is retold on an interactive tour.
Address: 20, cours Pasteur
Musée d’Art Contemporain
The museum of contemporary art, the Musée d’Art Contemporain, prefers to show room installations in an old warehouse.
Address: 7, rue Ferrère
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs exhibits ceramics, porcelain and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Address: 39, rue Bouffard
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Works by Kokoschka, Rubens, Matisse and other artists can be seen in the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Address: 20, cours d’Albert
Musée des Chartrons Wine
lovers will get their money’s worth in the Musée des Chartrons. A collection of ornate labels is the flagship of this museum.
Address: 41, rue Borie
Musée d’Histoire Naturelle
The Musée d’Histoire Naturelle is located in the Jardin Public. It shows minerals and fossils, among other things.
Address: 5, place Bardineau
Opera houses, theaters
Grand Théâtre
The Grand Théâtre is known far beyond the city limits for its opera and theater performances. From the outside, too, the imposing neo-classical building with its column front and the embedded statues shows a lot. It was built in 1780 under the direction of the architect Victor Louis.
Address: Place de la Comédie
Internet: www.opera-bordeaux.com
Palais de Sport
The Palais de Sport is used for events, especially classical music performances, that attract more audiences than the Great Theater can accommodate.
Address: Place de la Ferme-de-Richemont
Casino de Bordeaux
According to youremailverifier, the Casino de Bordeaux also hosts a large number of events, especially large-scale events, as the large hall can accommodate over 700 people.
Address: Rue Cardinal Richaud
Théâtre National Bordeaux Aquitaine
In the Théâtre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, the three halls with 760, 420 and 130 seats, newly renovated, shine in new splendor. The Théâtre National Bordeaux Aquitaine is the cultural center in the Sainte Croix district.
Address: 3, place Pierre Renaudel
Internet: www.tnba.org