This Southern France City Is Famous for Wine — But Its Stunning Architecture and Landmarks Will Steal Your Heart

Tucked away in southern France, right along the Atlantic coast, is France’s 9th biggest city and the capital of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Welcome to Bordeaux!

I’ll be honest, here. I love love LOVE Bordeaux. I think it’s one of the most beautiful and fascinating big cities in France.

In fact, after my first trip to Bordeaux, I came home and gushed about the city to my husband. When I finally got to bring him along on another trip, it only took a couple of hours before he remarked, “Okay, I get it – Bordeaux is amazing.”

So what makes Bordeaux so great? It’s a city of iconic landmarks, towering medieval gates, Gothic cathedrals, picturesque Haussmannian streets, elegant squares, and neighborhoods rich in history.

The city’s architectural identity is defined by its Haussmannian style—ornate and elegant stone facades developed under the direction of Georges Haussmann, a Bordeaux native who later reshaped Paris itself. This has given Bordeaux the nickname of “Mini Paris of Southern France.”

And, of course, Bordeaux’s global reputation is tied to its wine culture. Dubbed the wine capital of France, Bordeaux is the perfect place to dive into the world of wine: learning about its production, blends, flavors, and notes, and exploring the many wine shops that dot the city.

9 Spots You Can’t Miss in Bordeaux

1. Porte Cailhau

Bordeaux was once a walled city with six grand gates that served as entrances. These fortifications, built over centuries, were originally constructed to defend against Germanic invasions.

In the 18th century, the medieval walls were demolished to allow for city expansion, leaving the gates standing on their own. All six gates remain today as historical monuments that visitors can explore.

One of the most popular gates is Porte Cailhau (Palace Gate), one of the oldest and most ornate. (It almost looks like something out of Disneyland!) You can climb its narrow spiral staircase to the rooftop, where small windows offer stunning views of the Garonne River and the city.

2. Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche, or the “Big Bell”, is the biggest gate in Bordeaux, making it one of the most iconic and easily recognizable spots in the city. It holds a giant bell that rings six times a year during special occasions, such as Bastille Day – a national holiday that commemorates the fall of Bastille on July 14, 1789.

Not only that, but it has dungeons inside that used to jail young people who didn’t follow the curfew or public order. You can see these dungeons in person and learn about the history of this monument on a 30-minute guided tour during spring, summer, and fall.

• Hours: Open to the public during spring, summer, and fall
• Price: €6 

3. Place de la Bourse + Miroir d’Eau

If you can only visit one of the squares in Bordeaux, it should be the Place de la Bourse – the biggest and fanciest square in the city. It’s the only open square in Europe where the square is open to the river instead of being enclosed by buildings or city.

As mentioned, one side of the square faces the Garonne River. From that side, you can also find the iconic Miroir d’Eau, which is an enormous reflection pool that also functions as a splash pad in warmer months.

By the time it was built, Bordeaux had been exporting wines and exchanging goods with other countries, particularly the Americas. King Louis XV commissioned the square to be as luxurious and elegant as possible, showcasing the grandeur of Bordeaux and his power to the foreign trading ships arriving in the port.

In fact, there was once a statue of King Louis XV in the fountain of the square. However, it was destroyed during the French Revolution and replaced with the current statue of the Three Graces.

4. Saint André Cathedral

Saint André Cathedral is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in France, thanks to its enchanting Gothic architecture and interesting historical background.

The cathedral is made beautiful by its towers, high-vaulted ceilings, religious sculptures, stained glass windows, its “Royal Gate” entrance, and its huge organ, which is one of the largest in France.

This is where the 13-year-old Eleanor of Aquitaine, a beloved French historical figure, married her first husband, King Louis VII of France, in 1137. (I know…13 years old!) Then, at one point, it was used to store fodder during the French Revolution until a devastating fire happened in the 19th century.

5. Pey Berland Tower

The Pey Berland Tower is the free-standing bell tower of Saint André Cathedral. Originally constructed in 1440, the original bell was replaced in 1853 by an 11-tone tenor bell, the fourth largest in France.

In Bordeaux, bell towers are built separately from churches due to the city’s marshy soil, which can’t support heavy structures. This is also why Bordeaux doesn’t have an underground metro system and why most buildings are limited to four stories.

Although you can admire its beauty from the outside, especially from Rue du Loup, Pey Berland Tower is best experienced by climbing its 229-step staircase to the top of the tower.

From there, you can gete up close and personal with the gargoyles as you admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the cathedral and the city of Bordeaux. (See the picture at the top of the Saint André Cathedral section, just aabove).

• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
• Price: €9 – must book your tickets online in advance, no tickets are sold on-site

6. Jardin Public

I love visiting gardens in France—they truly go all out for their green spaces, and the Jardin Public is no exception. Bordered by elegant buildings with upscale terraces, sculptures, large flower pots, and even some cafes, the park feels like a special place from the moment you enter through its massive wrought iron gate.

Within the garden, you’ll find a playground, a carousel, a children’s area, a bridge over the pond, and plenty of benches to relax on. Despite its size, the park feels easy to explore, thanks to its lush greenery and scenic, winding paths.

At the far end, you’ll discover a beautiful botanical garden, accessible through an old pavilion with an ornate stone arch. This structure, once part of the garden’s greenhouse, is now known as the Palais du Capitole.

• Hours: Daily, usually from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Price: Free to visit

7. Cité du Vin

Cité du Vin is a must-visit destination whether you’re a wine drinker or not. Unlike the traditional Musée du Vin, this museum offers a modern, immersive experience that explores wine-making and trade practices not just in Bordeaux, but around the world.

The lower floors are filled with educational exhibits and interactive displays that cover topics like global wine history (from Mesopotamia to Egypt), vineyard cultivation, and wine cultures across countries. You can also dive into the nuances of wine types—white, rosé, red, sparkling—and learn about their preparation and tasting.

Some of our favorite features included the “smelling station,” Via Sensoria, where you can explore the aromas and notes of wine, and a fun “grape-stomping game.”

At the top floor, enjoy a wine tasting with stunning panoramic views of Bordeaux. Choose from 10 to 12 wines from Bordeaux, France, and beyond, or opt for grape juice, perfect for non-drinkers and kids.

• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
• Price: €37.40 (permanent exhibits + top floor + sensory tasting journey)

8. Bassins des Lumières

The Bassins des Lumières is a breathtaking light and art installation inside a submarine bunker that was constructed by Germans during World War II when they controlled the south of France.

The structure in itself is just a piece of large gray concrete, but once you step inside of it, you will be transported to a large piece of moving art.

It features four spacious, interconnected rooms, each with a large water basin that reflects the stunning light show, all set to relaxing music.

While the entire compound displays the same art set at once, walking through the different rooms never feels boring or repetitive. The moving art is designed to constantly change, grow, and shift, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Whether you’re an art lover or not, this is a must-visit!

• Price: €15
• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm (until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)

9. Eat Canelé

No visit to Bordeaux is complete without trying a canelé, the city’s signature pastry and one of the most delicious regional foods you can eat in France. This iconic dessert features a dark, caramelized crust and a soft, custard-like center, flavored with rum and vanilla—a combination that’s simply irresistible.

Believed to have originated in the 16th century, canelés were first made in convents around Bordeaux’s wine region. Over time, they became a beloved local delicacy and remain a must-try treat for visitors.

You can find canelés throughout the city, but for an authentic experience, head to one of the seven La Toque Cuivrée locations in and around the city center.

How Many Days Do You Need in Bordeaux?

While 1-2 days will give you a nice taste of the city, I’d recommend 3-5 days to really see and do everything on this list at a leisurely pace, with time to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere.