We happen to be in Bordeaux occasionally, either for family reasons or on our own. Bordeaux is a gateway for various little trips in the region, including the famous Dune du Pilat or the Canal de Garonne. But Bordeaux definitely deserves at least one day of attention. And we love Bordeaux! Magnificent city in which we like simply everything. Unlike Paris or Marseille, Bordeaux corresponds to every stereotype about France. Relaxed atmosphere, useless scarves, gorgeous architecture, cozy little cafés and let’s not forget that Bordeaux region is the birthplace of some best wines of France. Some people enjoy making acid remarks reminding that Bordeaux owes its “aristocratic and bourgeois spirit” to its active slave trade in XVIII century that used to significantly enrich the local aristocrats. Well, history didn’t spare anyone and anything.

If you have only a day in Bordeaux, take your time hanging in the city centre and enjoying everything around. We’ll do without a sightseeing list, but here are several places that can be worth of your time.

The most iconic view of Bordeaux. In front of the palace there is a very funny thing – a mirror lake. It is a small area on the quay every ten minutes changes its appearance. First it starts to be filled with water, then it calms down and the surface becomes a perfect mirror in which the reflection of the palace can be seen. Finally the water disappears and the area fills with mist. It is not just beautiful and extremely photogenic, but this attraction creates such a joyful atmosphere! Loads of kids are going crazy playing and running in the water. Non-stop party. We spent an hour hypnotised by this life-fountain – perfect spot for pictures!

Monument aux Girondins on Place des Quinconces – one of the biggest squares of Bordeaux. No, we are not big fans of sculptures and statues, but this monument to the Terror victims is almost as mesmerising as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Wherever stops you glance, you find again and again small details that hadn’t been noticed before. Even afterwards looking at the pictures I’ve found some. Isn’t it beautiful?

360° view on Bordeaux from a cathedral tower. Through the grill, naturally, but still it’s better than glass wall like on Montparnasse in Paris. The ascent is not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia.

6€ – Enter to the tower. Free for students till 26 years old.

Rue Sainte-Catherine is also considered to be a local sight, but actually it’s just another shopping street which becomes too overcrowded and simply impossible to walk in the evening. So if you are not interested in the last H&M collection, the pleasure of taking it approaches to zero. But out of the “rush-hour”, you might enjoy the vintage shops!

“Just get lost” – is the rule applicable to almost any place, and to Bordeaux too. Narrow and oh-so-French streets with the shutters, bicycles and flowers. Every street near the Grosse Cloche deserves your attention. :) Check out the quartier Saint-Pierre, la place Camille-Jullian and the beautiful cinema “Utopia”, and place du Marché-des-Chartons. Absolutely have a drink on any of the terraces!

100% bicycle and pedestrian-friendly, a long and refreshing walk along the river while enjoying the gorgeous façades of Bordeaux – it’s a certain must. The city takes a lot of measures to expulse the cars from the city-centre and Bordeaux gets more and more pleasant for visitors. Less cars = more bikes! 🌿

It’s the most important question, especially in France. First of all, get in the nearest bakery a “cannelé” – a local pastry including rum, sugar and cinnamon. That sums it up pretty much – it will bring anyone to heavens. :)

Bistro du Musée – An excellent lunch in a very decent place. (30€ for two)

Marché des Capucins – a covered market, which is a perfect place for a quick snack.

We were amazingly lucky with our CouchSurfing hosts, who as true locals were connected to the wine production. Look, what they treated us with, not to mention that they lived near the very Grosse Cloche! And no, I won’t reveal their identity!