Tourism
Bordeaux
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La Region Bordelaise is incredibly rich and has a ton to see and do. Here are a few things we recommend, if you’re looking to get to know the city. Check out the Bordeaux Tourism Office for more information.
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Place de la Bourse: Bordeaux’s main square (pictured above).
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Monument aux Girondins: fountain honoring the Girondin victims of the french revolution.
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Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux: church in the center of the city, the most beautiful religious monument in town.
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Pey-Berland Tower: provides a beautiful view of the city, just be ready for a few hundred stairs.
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Porte Cailhau: a fairytale medieval gate open to visitors.
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Cité du Vin: a monument and museum of local wine with daily tastings.
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Rue Sainte-Catherine: the city’s main artery and shopping street.
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Jardin Public: the public gardens, wonderful for a walk or picnic.
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Musee d’Aquitaine: local history museum telling the story of the region.
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Try a canelé: a regional specialty pastry most famously available at La Toque Cuivrée.
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Saint-Émilion​
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As in Bordeaux, the local tourist office (Office de Tourisme du Grand Saint-Émilionnais) is an incredible resource and always staffed with English-speaking guides. They offer regular tours of the city and have up to date information on tour schedules and booking options. In our opinion, the key things to see are:
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The Monolithic Church: a cathedral not built, but carved directly out of the hillside.
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The Bell Tower: crowns the Monolithic Church, providing idyllic views of surrounding wine country.
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The Collegiate Church and its Cloister: gothic church whose former refectory houses the local tourism office.
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La Porte Brunet: the city’s most notable medieval gate.
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La Tour du Roy: a romanesque keep from the 13th century.
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The Cloître des Cordeliers: If you can’t join us on Friday, a 13th century franciscan monastery and a great spot for a picnic.
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Learn & sample local wine:
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For those willing to do a short drive:
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