Walking tour of Bordeaux's historic heart: 2.5 hours, 5 km
From the river to the classical squares, this walk crosses 18th-century Bordeaux before returning along Rue Sainte-Catherine.
Practical information
- Duration: around 2h30
- Distance: around 5 km
- Start and finish: from our B&B, 24 rue des Fours
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon, for the light and the quiet
This walk suits anyone who wants to see the essentials of historic Bordeaux in a single outing, without needing any transport. Allow around two and a half hours to cover its five kilometres, at an easy pace, with stops on the squares. It works just as well in the morning, while the streets are still quiet, as in the late afternoon, when the light rakes across the 18th-century facades. You feel the contrast between the medieval Bordeaux of Porte Cailhau and the classical Bordeaux laid out by the 18th-century royal intendants, before ending in the bustle of Rue Sainte-Catherine. It starts and ends at our home, 24 rue des Fours, a short walk from Saint-Michel Basilica, and we're always happy to share our favourite addresses for afterwards.
The stops
The walk follows the Garonne to Porte Cailhau, one of the city's last surviving medieval gates.
1. Porte Cailhau
📍A late 15th-century city gate facing the river, poised between Gothic and Renaissance.
From there, Place de la Bourse opens its classical view onto the river.
2. Place de la Bourse
📍A classical 18th-century square, open to the river. The first open square in French town planning.
Right opposite, the Water Mirror reflects the 18th-century facades.
3. Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror)
📍A thin sheet of water on the quays, reflecting Place de la Bourse or wrapped in mist, depending on the time of day.
A few lanes further on, Place du Parlement and its terraces lead into the Saint-Pierre district.
4. Place du Parlement and the Saint-Pierre district
📍An 18th-century square and its neighbouring lanes, at the heart of the Saint-Pierre district. Terraces and close-set facades.
The route continues towards the Grand Théâtre and its colonnaded facade.
5. Grand Théâtre
📍A neoclassical opera house opened in 1780, its facade carried on a peristyle of twelve Corinthian columns.
Heading up towards Place Pey-Berland, Palais Rohan, the former archbishop's palace now the city hall, opens its main courtyard.
6. Palais Rohan
📍A neoclassical palace built for an archbishop, and Bordeaux's city hall since the 19th century.
Saint-André Cathedral and its Pey-Berland Tower stand over the neighbouring square.
7. Saint-André Cathedral and the Pey-Berland Tower
📍Bordeaux's largest church, consecrated at the end of the 11th century, with its separate bell tower, the Pey-Berland Tower.
The way back continues along Rue Sainte-Catherine, the old town's shopping spine.
8. Rue Sainte-Catherine
📍A 1,250-metre pedestrian street, presented as one of the longest shopping streets in Europe.
Start and finish: our home, 24 rue des Fours
Addresses along the way
- Déméter — 9 rue Ausone — Sharing neo-bistro, creative small plates, natural wines. One of our favourites. 📍
- Madame Pang — 16 rue de la Devise — Fusion Asian, very well executed, small space, very popular. Reservations advised. 📍
- Maison du glacier — 1 pl. Saint-Pierre — Bordeaux's best ice cream according to many. Queue is justified. 📍
- Atelier des Faures — 15 rue des Frères Bonie — Creative cuisine in a refined setting. Short menu that changes often. Our favourite. 📍
- LouLou — 16 rue de la Croix des Aides — Elegant French brasserie, unpretentious. Good wine list, pleasant terrace. 📍
- Buvette — 41 cours d'Alsace-et-Lorraine — Natural wine bar, relaxed atmosphere. Neighbour of Berthom. 📍
All our neighbourhood addresses
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