It is impossible to miss the fact that the center of Bordeaux was built to resemble Paris. Same architecture, same trees, beautiful parks, and an even better riverfront. It is a very walkable city, though the streetcar system is simple to use and doesn’t go far enough to get lost.
The main square, framed by the Opera House and the Intercontinental Hotel, is a very easy walk from the quay where your river cruiser will pick you up. Most itineraries include a day in Bordeaux because a) it’s an important part of the trip and, b) the rest of the trip is so short.
The main avenue is a pedestrian mall and the older part of town has enough traffic restrictions so that strolling is a great way to see the city. Most places you will want to see are within walking distance. The one exception is the Cite du Vin, or the Wine “experience” on the north end of the waterfront. Take the streetcar there and back.
At night, the beautiful architecture is lit up and it is warm enough to sit on the riverfront grass by the fountains of the main plaza, along with many of the residents. France is not known for its plentiful air conditioning. Electricity has been at a premium in this country ever since it was invented. So, everybody comes out in the warm summer evenings to enjoy the sites and breezes by the river.
I strongly suggest that you add a day or two to either end of your itinerary, just to enjoy the city and to take the rush out of your airport transfers.
Check out the Cathedral St. Andre, the wonderful fountain in Plaza des Quinconces, the old Basilica Saint-Seurin, and the Disney-esque medieval city gates. You may see some interesting street art as murals on the buildings.
Above all, take in the cafes and enjoy the wine. Ground zero for this is La Cite du Vin, basically, the interactive wine experience on the edge of town. It is an unmistakable building, intended, we think, to resemble wine being poured into a wine glass. There are lots of fun exhibits including one area where you can exercise your “nose” by sniffing about fifty or so different smells that might be found in the bouquet of a fine, or even not-so-fine Bordeaux wine.
Staying at the Intercontinental is a great, old world elegant experience. We also had an Airbnb in the Old Town that was perfectly situated for wandering. The river cruisers and even small cruise ships, (those that fit under the bridge just north of town), are tied up all along the primary quay, mostly north of the Plaza Quinconces.
We loved Bordeaux. Big enough to have some cool things to see. Small enough to easily navigate in a couple of days.
