Capital of the Bordeaux region and of the south-west, port city on the Gironde estuary, university and cultural city, Bordeaux is a major tourist destination to visit. This prestigious city is distinguished by its Unesco World Heritage Site and its architectural jewels, including Saint André Cathedral and the Grand Théâtre. The totem pole of its Cité du Vin, with its incredible architecture, presents the wealth and diversity of the world's wine industry through an innovative museography. On the right bank, discover the alternative space Darwin, a former military barracks with an urban farm, skatepark, organic grocery store, restaurant and recuperation-style decoration. Enjoy with your family the playful and romantic Miroir d'eau with its fog effects, the Public Garden in the heart of the city which houses the oldest Guignol in France and a natural history museum. With twenty or so listed museums and monuments, there is no doubt that your visit will be rich, especially if you have your Bordeaux guidebook in your pocket! Among the pleasures of Bordeaux, boarding a river cruise, strolling along the quays of the Garonne, left bank, alternating shopping (Quais des marques), playgrounds and green spaces, or strolling in the historic district of Saint-Pierre, without forgetting a gastronomic meal washed down with great wines. Wine lovers will appreciate the wine bar itinerary, which links some fifteen establishments in the city centre, all vying to share their passion for wine with you in a friendly and innovative way. You will need your Bordeaux travel guide to make sure you don't miss anything and know what to visit in Bordeaux first.
Bordeaux can be visited all year round. The tourist offer is always rich and the student and commercial life is vibrant. However, be aware that the high summer heat will not make it easy to wander from monuments to museums. Don't forget that you'll have to walk a lot to discover the UNESCO World Heritage site! At the height of summer, even at night, the temperature in the city center does not drop. In the summer, when the heat is suffocating you, go to the quays where a small wind from the sea blows. The best thing to do is to go to the seaside during the day and reserve the morning and evening for your visits to Bordeaux. And if it's too cold, because winter is harsh, take shelter in the city center where you can always warm up in the many stores and cafes. However, even in winter, if the sun is shining, it is not uncommon to eat on the terrace.
Autumn is often gray and rainy, so spring is the most pleasant time of the year. But it is in September that Bordeaux records the highest number of tourists. Finally, in June, Bordeaux celebrates the wine and the river, two opportunities to plan your visit at this time.
Please note: the water mirror is not in use from November to April, when it is under maintenance.
Bordeaux benefits from an Aquitaine oceanic type of climate and the temperate influences of the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures are fairly mild. However, the cumulative rainy days represent one third of the year, especially in autumn and winter. Spring is generally mild and sunny. Summer is very hot, especially in the city center. In winter, the evenings can be very cool, the feeling of cold being accentuated by a permanent wind.
