Your Private Bordeaux City Tour Itinerary
Your day begins as your private driver and guide greet you at your accommodation and bring you to the heart of Bordeaux’s riverfront — a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its architectural harmony and historic significance.
Place de la Bourse & the Miroir d’Eau
Your introduction to Bordeaux begins at the city’s most iconic square: Place de la Bourse, a masterpiece of 18th-century neoclassical design created by Jacques-Ange Gabriel, architect of Versailles.
Directly opposite the colonnaded facades lies the Miroir d’Eau — the world’s largest reflecting pool. The elegant architecture shimmers across a thin layer of water, creating some of the most striking photographs in France.
Your guide explains how this square symbolised Bordeaux’s Golden Age of maritime trade and transformed the city into one of Europe’s wealthiest ports.
The Garonne River Quays (Les Quais)
A short stroll brings you to the beautifully restored quays lining the Garonne River.
This grand promenade, once the realm of merchants and shipping warehouses, is now one of Europe’s finest riverfront boulevards, perfect for scenic photos, gentle walking, and discovering the graceful 18th-century facades that have earned Bordeaux the nickname La Belle Endormie (“The Sleeping Beauty”).
Your guide reveals stories of river trade, architectural renewal, and the city’s deep connection to wine exportation.
The Golden Triangle (Triangle d’Or)
Next, step into the Golden Triangle, the most elegant district of Bordeaux.
Here, symmetrical boulevards and classical townhouses showcase the city at its most refined.
Highlights include:
- Place des Quinconces — one of Europe’s largest city squares
- Place de la Comédie — framed by the magnificent Grand Théâtre
- The shops and galleries of Cours de l’Intendance
Your guide shares the history, aristocracy, and artistic movements that shaped this neighbourhood into Bordeaux’s cultural heart.
Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André)
A short transfer takes you to the awe-inspiring Bordeaux Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece.
It was here that Eleanor of Aquitaine — one of Europe’s most powerful medieval women — married Louis VII of France.
Inside, admire soaring vaults, a luminous nave, and centuries-old stonework.
Guests who enjoy panoramic views may opt to climb the nearby Pey-Berland Tower, offering unmatched vistas over Bordeaux’s rooftops.
Porte Cailhau – Medieval Gateway
Continue to Porte Cailhau, a stunning 15th-century city gate that looks lifted from a fairy tale.
With its pointed turrets, carved stonework, and riverside location, it’s one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
A short optional interior visit offers insight into medieval defensive architecture.
Grosse Cloche – Timekeeper of Old Bordeaux
Nearby stands the Grosse Cloche, an imposing gate tower and one of the oldest belfries in France.
Your guide explains its role in Bordeaux’s medieval life — from fire warnings to festival celebrations — and the symbolism behind its great bell.
Rue Sainte-Catherine and Quartier Saint-Pierre (Old Town)
Stretching over a kilometre, Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets.
Whether browsing French boutiques, enjoying a café stop, or simply soaking up the energy of the crowds, this is an ideal place to experience modern Bordeaux at its most vibrant.
Your tour continues through the atmospheric Saint-Pierre district, the historic cradle of Bordeaux.
Here you’ll wander narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, wine bars, artisan shops, and centuries-old façades that reveal the true soul of the city.
Saint-Pierre is a place made for strolling, storytelling, and photography — and your guide ensures you don’t miss its tucked-away gems.
Optional Add-Ons for Your Bordeaux Tour
- Cité du Vin – Immersive Wine Museum: A spectacular modern landmark offering a global journey through wine culture, ending with a tasting on the panoramic top floor.
- Chartrons District: The historic merchant quarter is now home to antique shops, chic cafés, and riverfront warehouses with a distinctive bohemian feel.
- Marché des Capucins (Market Visit)
FAQs for the Best of Bordeaux City Tour
1. Can You Arrange Pick-Up From Bordeaux Hotels Or Surrounding Towns?
Yes. We provide private pick-up and drop-off from any central Bordeaux hotel. Pick-ups from Saint-Émilion, the Médoc, or nearby towns can also be arranged.
2. Can You Arrange Pick-Up From Bordeaux Hotels Or Surrounding Towns?
Yes. We provide private pick-up and drop-off from any central Bordeaux hotel. Pick-ups from Saint-Émilion, the Médoc, or nearby towns can also be arranged.
3. Is This Tour Suitable For Families Or Multigenerational Groups?
Yes. The itinerary is flexible, engaging, and easily adapted for guests of all ages, with options for shorter walks and snack or gelato stops.
4. Can You Arrange A Gourmet Lunch Reservation In The City?
Certainly. We can book anything from a relaxed brasserie to a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
5. Can This Tour Be Conducted In Other Languages Besides English?
Yes. Tours can be arranged in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and other languages depending on availability.
