The city of Bordeaux lies in the south-west of France and is the world’s major wine industry capital. It is home to the world’s main wine fair, Vinexpo held at Bordeaux Expo.
Bordeaux historic city centre, with it’s beauty and unity of style of architectural heritage, is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Bordeaux World Heritage site covers half of the city, from the outer boulevards to the banks of the Garonne River.
Right in the heart of historic Bordeaux lies the Saint Pierre Quarter. This 18th-century historic neighbourhood boasts grand mansions, narrow streets and an abundance of small restaurants. The Eglise de Saint Pierre, built in the XVth and XVIth centuries, rests on the site of the former Gallo-Roman port. Nearby Quarter of St Michel, around The Basilica of Saint Michael, is the most lively and colourful quarter in the city.
The city centre offers excellent museums and a lively nightlife. Wide avenues, neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks all give the city a certain 18th-century grandeur. You can easy discover the city on foot, by tram, by boat, by renting a bicycle or by an open top sightseeing bus.
Bordeaux is also home to one of France’s seven key wine regions and known for its award-winning red wines. Tour the chateaux, imbibe the world-class wines and indulge in the regional cuisine. In the surrounding area, you can also discover: the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Arcachon, Perigord and its prehistoric remains, Gascony and the Basque region, as well as the Landes forest and the Pyrenees.
The Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux football stadium is located to the north of the city centre.
Main City Squares located in downtown Bordeaux France
Place de la Comédie — is a busy traffic hub and was once the site of a Roman temple. One of France’s great theaters, Grand Théâtre is located on this squaer. The Great Theater, 1773-1780, is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, built by Victor Louis.
Place de la Bourse — is a Royal Square at the edge of the Gironne River. It’s one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful squares. The square and and its surrounding buildings, are seen as a perfect example of Bordeaux architecture at the end of the 18th century.
Gambetta Square — this part of the town is nicknamed Little Paris. The streets around Gambetta are part of the city’s main pedestrian and picturesque shopping streets.
Place des Quinconces — one of the largest city squares in Europe situated on the site of the old Chateau Trompette. Sculptures on the square include the triumph of the Republic, triumph of the Concorde, and The Girondist Column.
Place Pey Berland — Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bordeaux Cathedral or Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux and it’s seperate bell-tower Tour Pey-Berland are located here. The Pey-Berland tower is a flamboyant Gothic structure built between 1440 and 1466. The Cathedral itself is a monumental 11th century church combining Roman and Gothic styles.
Place Fernand Lafargue — one of the nicest places in the city centre. Many cafes and bars with terraces on the square.
La Place du Parlement — situated in the center of Bordeaux in the St Pierre Quarter, near the Place de la Bourse.
Place Saint-Pierre — in front of Eglise St Pierre ir Saint-Pierre Church.
Place Camille Jullian — close to Place du Parlement. Square with bars and restaurants.