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Things to see in Bordeaux

Attractions

Marché des Capucins

Although its architecture isn't very easy on the eye, the Marché des Capucins is Bordeaux's largest food market and the place to pick up the best in local produce. There's a large and tantalising selection of goodies on offer, from cheeses and meats to cakes, chocolates and, of course, wine.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +33 5 56 92 26 29
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 0600-1500

Website: http://marchedescapucins.com
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Darwin

This transformation of a military barracks on the right bank is one of the most exciting signs of Bordeaux's renaissance. Within Darwin's sprawling site are an arts venue, workshops, outdoor cinema, urban farm and skate park. The Magasin Général houses a supermarket and a rustic-chic restaurant with a large covered terrace.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +33 5 56 77 88 35 (Magasin Général)
Opening times:

Varies

Website: http://darwin.camp
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Musée d'Aquitaine

This superb museum has a rich collection of archaeological, historical and ethnographic artefacts illustrating Bordeaux's history from prehistoric times to the present. One highlight is a magnificent bronze statue of Hercules, which once stood at the entrance to the port. Another is the tomb of one of France's greatest writers, Michel de Montaigne.

Address: , 20 cours Pasteur, Bordeaux,
Telephone: +33 5 56 01 51 00
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 1100-1800

Website: http://www.musee-aquitaine-bordeaux.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Cathédrale St-André

One of three Bordeaux churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, the gothic Cathédrale St-André, built during the 13th and 15th centuries, is on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The top of the lofty free-standing bell tower commands superb views over Bordeaux.

Address: , Place Pey-Berland, Bordeaux,
Telephone: +33 5 56 52 68 10
Opening times:

Mon 1400-1900, Tues, Thurs-Fri 1000-1200 and 1400-1800 (Wed till 1900, Sat till 1930), Sun 0930-1200 and 1400-1800

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes

Cité du Vin

Built in the shape of a giant swirling glass of wine, this colossal celebration of wine in the revitalised Bassins à Flot area is a fitting addition to France's wine capital. Along with an interactive museum, a classy restaurant and an observation deck, there's the chance to taste hundreds of wines from around the world.

Address: , 134 Quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux,
Telephone: +33 5 56 16 20 20
Opening times:

Daily 0930-1930 Jun-Aug; other times vary.

Website: http://www.laciteduvin.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Jardin Botanique

After centuries of having the Jardin Botanique on the left bank of the Garonne, the authorities decided to move this large garden to the right bank in 1997. Along with wonderful views of the Vieux Bordeaux, the gardens feature an arboretum, graceful glasshouses and a creatively designed water garden.

Address: Rue Gustave Carde, Esplanade Linné, Bordeaux,
Telephone: +33 5 56 52 18 77
Opening times:

Daily 0800-1800 winter; 0800-2000 summer

Website: http://jardin-botanique-bordeaux.fr
Admission Fees:

Free, but there are charges for temporary exhibitions

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Quartier des Chartrons

Fabulously rich European wine merchants built sumptuous residences in this Bordeaux quarter just steps from the Garonne and whose southern border is the Esplanade des Quinconces. The area declined after the French Revolution, but was spruced up and is now home to swanky shops, restaurants and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Address: , Quartier des Chartrons, Bordeaux,
Telephone:
Opening times: Website:
Admission Fees: Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: Yes

Esplanade des Quinconces

One of Europe's largest squares, this vast open space has the Monument des Girondins (a memorial to the Girondin deputies guillotined during the French Revolution) along one side, and two tall ships' columns on the riverside. It's used throughout the year for fairs and circuses, when food stalls start to take over.

Address: , Esplanade des Quinconces, Bordeaux,
Telephone:
Opening times: Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: Yes

Musée des Beaux Arts

This handsome 1881 building covers several centuries of art in two wings. Check out the south wing for works from the 16th to the 18th centuries, including Rubens, Brueghel, Veronese and Van Dyck. The north wing features works from the 19th and 20th centuries by Picasso, Matisse, and Renoir, among others.

Address: , 20 cours d'Albret, Bordeaux,
Telephone: +33 5 56 10 20 56
Opening times:

Thurs-Tues 1100-1800.

Website: http://www.musba-bordeaux.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Musée d'Art Contemporain (CAPC)

This Bordeaux museum of contemporary art is housed in a monumental former warehouse. As the permanent collection is a small one, the focus of the museum is on large temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists from around the world. Head up to the roof terrace for lovely views of the city.

Address: , 7 rue Ferrère, Bordeaux, 33000
Telephone: +33 5 56 00 81 50
Opening times:

Thurs-Tues 1100-1800, Wed 1100-2000.

Website: http://www.capc-bordeaux.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Office de Tourisme de Bordeaux

Address: 33080 Bordeaux, 12 cours du 30 Juillet, Bordeaux,
Telephone: +33 5 56 00 66 00
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0900-1830; Sun 0930-1700

Website: http://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk

The main tourist office in Bordeaux organises city tours – on foot, by bicycle and by boat – as well as guided tours of the vineyards. There's also a tourist information office at St-Jean railway station. The Bordeaux Wine Council (www.vins-bordeaux.fr) provides information about local wines and vineyards.

Tourist passes

The Bordeaux Metropole CityPass covers one, two or three days and gives you free public transport and admission to most of the city's museums as well as guided tours, bus tours and vineyard visits. There's also a 10 per cent discount to the Cité du Vin.

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