Online Mortgage Advisor, the UK’s leading online mortgage advice platform, recently published its ranking of the 25 most beautiful cities in the world. Bordeaux lands in the #9 spot ahead of Paris at #12. More than 2,400 buildings and hundreds of streets were analyzed and measured against the golden ratio to establish a winner.
Approximately 360 miles southwest of Paris, Bordeaux is a port city on the banks of the Garonne River. It’s the unofficial wine capital of France and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention notes the city has more protected buildings than any other in France except Paris.
Bordeaux benefits from kicking Paris off the top spot. The prestige creates an increase in visitors, along with the 2024 Olympic Games. Their overall bookings increased by 38 percent compared to last year. Travel transformation tech company Amadeus’ business intelligence data shows that the visitors are mainly from America and Britain.
The Allure of Bordeaux
Bordeaux is more than 2,000 years old and, during the 1st century, was part of Julius Ceasar’s domain. During the 12th century, it established itself as a port city, exporting wine and building commercial links with Britain. Today, Bordeaux’s wine, architecture, and food make it a popular tourist destination.
The cathedral in Bordeaux, Cathedrale Saint-Andre, hosted the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Dauphin of France, who later became King Louis VII. Following their annulment, she married Henry Plantagenet, soon King Henry II of England. Bordeaux then fell under English rule for 300 years.
Must-Visit Spots in and Around Bordeaux
Bygone days and rumors of ghosts keep visitors returning. Compared to Paris, it’s much smaller, and the tramline throughout the city makes it easy to get around.
Place de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse, built between 1730 and 1775, was intended to be a royal square to show off the city’s wealth. The symmetrical buildings and classic French architecture reflect the grandeur of the 18th century. The central fountain, added in 1869, depicts the three Graces, daughters of Zeus.
Miroir d’eau
Bordeaux’s popular Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflective water mirror, spanning nearly 37,000 square feet. It sits opposite Place de la Bourse on the Garonne River and alternates between water, fog, and mist.
Saint Emilion
A 30-minute train ride separates Bordeaux guests and the stunning medieval village of Saint Emilion. The region’s charming cobbled streets, underground church, and around 800 wineries make it a spectacle for visitors. The village’s underground quarries provided the limestone for many Bordeaux buildings.
Don’t Forget the Museums
Bassins Des Lumières
Located in an old submarine base, Bassins des Lumières is the largest digital arts center in the world. Projections of works by famous artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt illuminate the walls and nearby pools of water. The immersive show, set to music, captivates guests for 75 minutes.
Cité du Vin
The Cité du Vin dedicates more than eight floors to wine’s worldwide heritage. The building’s unique, fluid design represents the pouring of wine into a glass, and its interactive layout involves all five senses, appealing to seasoned wine lovers and beginners alike.
Musée D’Aquitaine
The Musée d’Aquitaine focuses on the history of the Aquitaine region and Bordeaux from prehistoric times to today. The museum’s collection has expanded since the 16th century, and today, with the help of other museums’ public collections, it exhibits 1.3 million pieces.
Eat Your Way Around Bordeaux
Bordeaux loves food, which means explorers will find no shortage of markets to browse. The most popular is Marché des Capucins, a covered market nicknamed “Stomach of Bordeaux.” In the Chartron district, Marche des Quais is on the river with food trucks serving fresh Arcachon oysters.
A must-try Bordeaux delicacy is the canelé, a small, fluted cake with a dark, caramelized crust and moist interior. The treat comprises just flour, milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla, with a hint of rum for flavor. A handful of simple ingredients combine to create irresistible contrasting textures — crunchy on the outside, custardy on the inside.
Steak lovers in Bordeaux must make their way to L’Entrecôte. The restaurant has no menu options; it only serves steak frites. Guests’ sirloin steaks are dressed with a signature butter-based sauce and served with unlimited French fries. The only decision guests make is the steak temperature.
The Longest Shopping Street in Europe
Rue Sainte-Catherine extends from Place de la Comédie to Place de la Victoire, crossing the historic center of Bordeaux. Stretching three-quarters of a mile, it is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. The street became a pedestrian-only area in 1984, and the route has been a significant axis since Roman times.
The famous Galeries Lafayette department store, established in 1912, is home to many luxury brands. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Bordeaux, providing a unique vantage point to see the city’s landmarks.
Bordeaux as a Summer Destination
Bordeaux draws you in the minute you arrive. In the city center, every street leads to a square filled with cafes, restaurants, and old buildings. It’s like stepping back in time. The architecture is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the wine is superb.
