Bordeaux, Port city in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Bordeaux is a city on the Garonne River in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwestern France. The central area displays 18th-century limestone facades, tree-lined boulevards, and public squares that spread from the train station to the waterfront over several kilometers.
A Roman trading post called Burdigala was founded here around the 1st century and grew into a river port that supplied the empire with wine. The arrival of merchants and builders in the 18th century transformed the waterfront into a major Atlantic harbor connecting France with its overseas colonies.
Market halls and neighborhood bakeries shape daily life, with locals stopping for coffee before work and gathering at the quays during weekends to walk or jog along the river. University students from the law and philosophy faculties frequent secondhand bookshops near Place Gambetta and fill outdoor seating in the Saint-Pierre district.
The tram network runs from the main train station to the river docks and covers most neighborhoods visitors explore on foot. Electric bike stations and pedestrian signage help with navigation, and the central area remains flat and easy to walk across without steep inclines.
A continuous line of 80 LED lights embedded in the pavement traces the entire route of the old city walls through streets, parks, and squares. This installation lets visitors follow the original medieval boundary without needing to see any surviving stones or gates.
Location: Bordeaux Métropole
Location: arrondissement of Bordeaux
Location: Gironde
Inception: 5 century BCE
Elevation above the sea: 9 m
Shares border with: Blanquefort, Talence, Bègles, Mérignac, Pessac, Bassens, Le Bouscat, Bruges, Cenon, Eysines, Floirac, Lormont
Address: Place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux
Phone: +33556102030
Website: https://bordeaux.fr
GPS coordinates: 44.84123,-0.58004
Latest update: December 2, 2025 22:16
This collection brings together the 50 most populous cities of France, from the metropolis to overseas territories. It includes the major urban centers shaping the national territory, from Paris with its capital status to regional metropolises like Marseille with its Mediterranean port, Lyon where the Rhône and Saône meet, or Toulouse with its aerospace industry. These cities represent the main economic, cultural, and administrative hubs of the country. The selection covers all French regions and illustrates the diversity of territories: dense communes in Île-de-France, southern cities like Nice on the Côte d'Azur and Montpellier near the Mediterranean, eastern cities such as Strasbourg hosting the European Parliament, northern centers like Lille close to Belgium, or Bordeaux known for its architecture and vineyards. From Nantes, former capital of the Dukes of Brittany, to communes of La Réunion, this collection offers a complete overview of major French urban areas and invites exploration of their history, heritage, and unique vitality.
City of light and stone, Bordeaux tells a piece of French history with every street. From the gilded facades of the 18th century to the redesigned quays along the Garonne, the Gironde capital combines classic elegance with modern dynamism. Strolls can be enjoyed among the columns of the Grand Théâtre, the reflections on the Water Mirror, the streets of Old Bordeaux, and the lively terraces of Saint-Pierre. Here, wine is not just a beverage; it's a culture. The Cité du Vin, museums, and traders remind us that vineyards have shaped the identity of an entire region. Bordeaux is also a forward-looking city, influenced by alternative venues like Darwin, bustling markets, and UNESCO-listed heritage. A city that embodies both tradition and innovation, blending art, cuisine, and river calmness.
Bordeaux offers photographers a range of subjects spanning from medieval architecture to contemporary structures. The medieval Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche represent the city's historic gateways, while the Pont de Pierre, the oldest bridge in the city, crosses the Garonne River. The Place de la Bourse with its Miroir d'Eau attracts visitors and photographers alike. The Basilica of Saint-Michel dominates the southern district with its freestanding bell tower, and the Grand Théâtre displays neoclassical design at Place de la Comédie. The city also presents its Roman past at the Palais Gallien, an ancient amphitheater ruin, as well as the Pey-Berland Tower beside the cathedral. Along the waterfront, Quai Richelieu and Quai des Chartrons provide perspectives on the river and the historic warehouses of the wine trade. The Jardin Public represents a formal urban park, while more recent developments such as the Cité du Vin and the modern Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas showcase contemporary Bordeaux. From the pedestrian Rue Sainte-Catherine to hidden passages like Passage Sarget, the city offers numerous opportunities for different photographic approaches.
The wine bars in Bordeaux feature local and international wine lists, ranging from historic cellars to modern spaces. Fine dining restaurants, including several Michelin-starred establishments, offer refined French cuisine. The venues allow exploration of Bordeaux appellations with tasting services and professional advice.
Indoor leisure centers in Bordeaux offer a range of activities: virtual reality, flight and driving simulators, trampolines, karting, bowling, escape games, laser tag and sports. These establishments provide entertainment experiences for all ages with modern equipment. The centers are spread across Bordeaux and its surroundings, some specializing in digital games, others in physical activities or traditional games.
Pont Jacques-Chaban-Delmas
2.9 km
Stade Chaban-Delmas
2 km
Pont de pierre
1.4 km
Bordeaux Cathedral
433 m
Pont d'Aquitaine
5.5 km
Cité du Vin
3.3 km
Rue Sainte-Catherine
1 km
Bordeaux-Saint-Jean railway station
2.6 km
Place de la Bourse
785 m
Monument aux Girondins
618 m
Passerelle Eiffel
2.4 km
Miroir d'eau
864 m
Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
527 m
Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux
1.4 km
Burdigala
371 m
The big bell of Bordeaux
922 m
Bassins de Lumières
3.7 km
Port of the Moon
669 m
Amphitheatre of Bordeaux
739 m
Porte Cailhau
951 m
Château La Mission Haut-Brion
3.5 km
Jardin public
880 m
Aquitaine Museum
739 m
Palais Rohan, Bordeaux
385 m
Église Notre-Dame de Bordeaux
321 m
Darwin ecosystem
1.8 km
Church of the Holy Cross
1.9 km
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