When it comes to classy and romantic travels, a trip to France is what usually comes to mind first. This is a given, with the glittering lights of Paris with its fashion streets and world class cafes and restaurants. However, a trip to Paris also means that you have to work your way through throngs of locals and foreigners.
Thus, when planning a trip to France, why not deviate from the usual trip to Paris and instead aim for a more relaxing and less crowded yet equally rewarding trip to Bordeaux?
Wondering what’s in Bordeaux? Here are our top 5 must see attractions of Bordeaux tailored for the first class traveller in you.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
Rue Sainte-Catherine is a famous shopping district in Bordeaux – a pedestrian lane of over one kilometre long, lined with various shops on both sides. Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Bordeaux and France, with its historical and trade importance dating back to the Roman days. While here, do stop by the Sainte-Catherine Chapel nearby, the chapel named after the martyr for whom this commercial shopping district was named after.
Le Nautilus
If you’re looking for some after hours fun, then head on to the Le Nautilus, a nightclub which is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and entertainment. Here you’ll get to enjoy performances from both local and foreign DJs cranking out techno and trance music – the perfect way to party the night away where you can let loose and have some fun. In other times and in nearby surrounds, there are various concerts where you can listen to various music genres. When planning to visit Le Nautilus, be sure to go early because despite the place being big, it tends to fill up rather early.
Musee du Vin et du Negoce
Okay, that was pretty difficult, so we’ll just refer to it as Bordeaux Museum of Wine and Trade. If there is one thing that Bordeaux is famous for, that would be its great tasting wines, and for wine aficionados, this museum is definite stopover. The museum is housed in an 18th century abode, with vaulted cellars and storehouses where some of the best wines in Bordeaux are fermented and stored. You can arrange for a guided tour of the museum, with commentaries about the wine culture of Bordeaux and some wine tasting sessions.
Place de la Bourse
Also known as the Palace Royale, the Place de la Bourse is a grand example of French Classical Bordeaux architecture. This majestic structure stands near and offers a lovely view of the Garrone River. You can stroll in the square and go over bridges in order to view the Palace Royale from different angles. With its lovely setting along the river and the classical French architecture, the Palace Royale is a photographer’s delight, even at night when the palace is flooded with soft light that gives it a wonderful contrast against the black sky.
Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre is one of the longest standing structure of Bordeaux, having been built back in the 1700s, with recent renovation in the late 1900s. The lovely architecture of the Grand Theatre boast of gilded walls and towering columns, with the interiors just as impressive as the outside. If you’re a fan of world-class opera, ballet and orchestra performances, then you should definitely book a seat.
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Photo by byneilhall on Flickr