Architectural Jewels Walking Tour, Bordeaux

Architectural Jewels Walking Tour (Self Guided), Bordeaux

Napoleon Bonaparte referred to Bordeaux as "The Sleeping Beauty" upon seeing its classical architecture when visiting the city. In his turn, Honore de Balzac, the renowned French novelist, impressed by Bordeaux's timeless charm and elegance described it as "an extraordinary town".

Indeed, Bordeaux is one of Europe's most original architectural centers. More recently, the city has been included in UNESCO World Heritage List as "a great urban and architectural ensemble".

Undoubtedly, the main jewel in the architectural crown of Bordeaux is the Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Cathédrale Saint-André), a Gothic masterpiece that has stood here for nearly a millennium. Its intricate facade, stunning stained glass windows, and towering spires can leave anyone in awe.

Also, one cannot pass without notice the imposing Big Bell (Grosse Cloche). Adorned with a charming clock (added in the 18th century), this medieval gate once guarded the city entrance.

Another historical gateway worthy of attention is the Palace Gate (Porte Cailhau), a picturesque showcase of the city's medieval and Renaissance heritage.

The Stock Exchange Square (Place de la Bourse), with its stunning mirror-like water feature and majestic architecture, is a testament to Bordeaux's prosperity during the Age of Enlightenment.

And, of course, the architectural gem of Bordeaux Grand Theatre is a sight to behold. This neoclassical masterpiece in the heart of the city is still busy hosting world-class performances all year round.

Rest assured, the hours of your time dedicated to experiencing these and other architectural marvels in Bordeaux are going to be well spent. This self-guided journey is bound to leave you with a profound appreciation for the city's heritage and a desire to explore even more.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Patrick Despoix.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Bordeaux

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Guide Location: France » Bordeaux (See other walking tours in Bordeaux)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Bordeaux?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Bordeaux Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Bordeaux?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Bordeaux, France

Create Your Own Walk in Bordeaux

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bordeaux is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Bordeaux Introduction Walking Tour

Bordeaux’s story begins long before vineyards and grand squares – its earliest name, Burdigala, suggests a Celtic origin tied to rich soil and waterways. Over time, its location on the meandering Garonne shaped both its identity and destiny. As the river curves through the city, it forms a crescent: hence Bordeaux’s poetic nickname, Port of the Moon, a name used since the Middle Ages to... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Once dubbed “The Sleeping Beauty” (La Belle au Bois Dormant), Bordeaux owes its nickname, in large part, to its impossibly beautiful religious architecture. Indeed, given the abundance of historical churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in this city, it's no wonder that a good half of Bordeaux is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. Let's delve into the significance of some of them.

The... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

Bordeaux Food Tour

Widely acclaimed for its prestigious wines, Bordeaux is also a prominent gastronomic destination in France. The local cuisine reflects the advantages of being a port city on the Atlantic coastline (with its fish and shellfish galore) and a carnivore country.

Perhaps the best place to start your culinary adventure here is the bustling Capuchins Market (Marché des Capucins), where you can savor... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles