BORDEAUX

Bordeaux was one of those cities that we had never thought of visiting, despite knowing it by "hearing".

When planning our visit to Malta, we saw that there was a direct flight from Malta to Bordeaux and then there was also a direct flight to Faro. So we went on the adventure and enjoyed it. In fact, we really liked it. We did not expect a city so grand, beautiful and with so much movement of people, including young people.

Upon arrival at Bordeaux airport you have several easy options to get to the city centre. The easiest are Uber-like apps, but we warn you that they are expensive. The cheapest and easiest way is to take the bus, right outside the airport. The ticket costs around €2 per person and the journey takes around 40 minutes.

Even before arriving in Bordeaux, you can install the TBM app (Bordeaux transport, Bus, Boat and tram) and buy your tickets, there are daily, 10 trips or just 1 trip. You can buy the ticket for 10 trips (rechargeable), you save a few euros and if you go with more people, that same ticket will do, because you are buying trips, regardless of the number of people. If there are 2 people, for example, when you get on the bus, you validate 2 trips and that's it... very simple.

In our case, it was not very useful, because we like to walk and visit cities on foot. If you also like to walk, and if you stay right in the center, like us, think carefully before buying the 10 trips, so you don't waste it.

Bordeaux is considered a gem of the French countryside, attracting fans of art, music, and (of course!) wine. Bordeaux is the capital of the Gironde department and is one of the largest cities in France, but despite being one of the largest, it is a city that you can visit in just a few days. We can say that it is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

History lovers can spend several days exploring its historical gems in the world's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, awarded in 2007 and the city is also called by many as the “wine capital” and produces some of the best labels in the world. .

What to visit in Bordeaux:

- Triangle-d'Or - The Golden Triangle is formed by the squares: the Place des Grands Hommes in the center, the Place Gambetta, the Place de Tourny and the Place de la Comédie.

- Place de la Comédie - The Grand Théâtre is home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux. Right next to this square, there is also the Tourist Office and a little further ahead is where several buses depart, to various destinations including Bordeaux.

- Église Notre-Dame - formerly called Saint-Dominique, the Église Notre-Dame, built in Baroque style.

- Bordeaux Cathedral - part of the famous “Camino de Santiago” and one of the main tourist attractions in Bordeaux. Next to the cathedral is the Pey-Berland Tower, about 50 meters high and from where you can have a spectacular view of the city.

- Bordeaux has several "gateways" such as Porte Cailhau, Porte de Bourgogne, Porte Dijeaux.

- Cross the Pont de Pierre on foot and walk along the river - The Pont de Pierre was the first bridge built in the city.

- Allées Tourny - A street with beautiful facades from the late 18th century, with elegant cafes and brasseries with outdoor seating.

- Place des Quinconces - 12 hectares surrounded by trees in a row, next to the Garonne river and makes it the largest square in Europe.

- Place de la Bourse - perhaps one of the symbols of Bordeaux. Everyone knows the square by seeing it in pictures.

- Miroir d'Eau - largest water mirror in the world. The Miroir d'Eau, considered a contemporary UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most photographed place in Bordeaux. The water goes through a programmed sequence of 3 minutes of fog, 3 minutes of mirror until the water goes down.

- Saint Pierre quarter - known as the old quarter of Bordeaux, perhaps the busiest both day and night. In Saint Pierre is the famous giant street, full of people and shops, Rue Sainte-Catherine.

- Rue Sainte-Catherine - It is the street for shopping lovers. Here you will find everything, from gift shops to major world brands. Here you can also find the Galeries Lafayette Bordeaux and the Promenade shopping Sainte-Catherine.

- Rue and La place du Parlement - Center of the lively district of Saint Pierre.

- Pey Berland Tower - Is the separate bell tower of the Bordeaux Cathedral.

- La Cité du Vin - A treasure for wine lovers. The museum was designed to look like a bottle of wine. It's an interactive experience that engages all your senses, ending with a top-floor wine tasting and a panoramic view of Bordeaux.

- Les Halles Bacalan - On the other side of La Cité du Vin, you have an essential place for the gastronomy of Bordeaux. Here you have 22 producers, artisans-traders and regional chefs.

- Pont Chaban-Delmas - Next to La Cité du Vin, it is the largest lift bridge in Europe. It contributes to the economic development of the city, because when going up it allows the passage of cruises.

- Walk along the main road that connects La Cité du Vin to Place de Quinconces and take the opportunity to take a break in the green lung of the city, the Jardin Public.

- Darwin Eco-système - Alternative location on the right bank of Bordeaux. Right next to the river. Place with some cafes, chocolate factory among others. This old abandoned barracks, now eco-rehabilitated, is one of the most visited places in the city. Entire walls dedicated to street art, skate-park, organic restaurant and grocery store, coworking spaces, business incubator, concerts… where thousands of people meet every day.