Croiseur Colbert
Quai des Chartrons, Bordeaux, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 44 96 11
The Croiseur Colbert is one of France's largest battleships. Taken out of service in 1991, and docked at Bordeaux's Quai des Chartons, the ship has been transformed into a fascinating museum. This popular tourist attraction delights children and adults alike, as they find out about life on board a battleship, from exploring the admiral's quarters and the ship's hospital, through to the engine-rooms and the kitchens. Two-hour guided tours are also available.
Bordeaux tourist attraction open: daily, June, July and August - 10:00 to 19:00; daily, April, May and September - 10:00 to 18:00; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, October to March - 10:00 to 18:00
Palais de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, 33000, France, FR
Looking out over Bordeaux's River Garonne, the Palais de la Bourse was once the city's stock exchange and its imposing architecture is hard to miss. This majestic building currently houses Bordeaux's Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Bordeaux tourist attraction open: pre-booked guided tours (Bordeaux's Tourist Office)
Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace)
Place Pey Berland, Bordeaux, 33000, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 00 66 00
The grand Palais Rohan now serves as the town hall. Originally, it was a palace built for the Archbishop of Bordeaux and dates back to the Middle Ages. The building was restructured in the 18th century. Since then, few changes have been made to the building. Of particular note is the fact that both the front and back of Palais Rohan are exactly the same. Other attractive features are its fine staircase and richly decorated dining room.
Bordeaux tourist attraction open: Wednesday - guided tours in French
Grand Theatre
Place de la Comédie, Bordeaux, 33025, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 00 85 95
The Grand Theatre is seen as one of Bordeaux's 18th-century cultural attractions. It is also the last surviving original wooden-framed theatre in Europe. Its neo-classical façade is particularly impressive and is matched by its interior. Restored in 1991, visitors can once again enjoy the splendor of its blue and gold decoration. Some of France's best-known stars have performed in the theatre, both past and present. Today, the Grand Theatre holds regular ballet and musical performances. Weekly guided tours also take place.
Bordeaux tourist attraction open: Tuesday to Saturday - 11:00 to 18:00 (ticket office hours)
Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac (Bordeaux Zoo)
3 Chemin du Transvaal, Pessac, Aquitaine, Bordeaux, 33600, France, FR
Located on the southern side of the city and just a short drive from the centre, the local zoo is full of attractions for all of the family. With literally hundred of animals spread around 12 acres / 5 hectares, the zoo is home to many exotic creatures from both Asia and Africa, including parrots, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, hippos, pelicans, lions and even a white tiger. Also expect to find fossils, a restaurant area, water tobogganing and plenty of other activities for children.
Bordeaux tourist attraction open: daily, October to March – 10:00 to 18:00; April to September – 10:00 to 19:00
Musée d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum)
Bordeaux, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 48 29 86
Bordeaux's Natural History Museum (Musée d'Histoire Naturelle) is actually one of the oldest in France. Set up at the beginning of the 19th century, the museum is housed in a grand mansion overlooking the Jardin Publique. Visitors both old and young will enjoy its large collection of zoological specimens, as well as exhibits of local wildlife and fossils.
Bordeaux museum open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 11:00 to 18:00; Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Musée d'Aquitaine
20 Cours Pasteur, Bordeaux, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 01 51 00
The local commercial, maritime and rural history is brought to life in this fascinating museum. Most notably, the Musée d'Aquitaine includes a collection of 18th-century drawings and writings relating to the city of Bordeaux. As you'd expect, the wine trade is also featured in the exhibits.
Bordeaux museum open: Tuesday to Sunday - 11:00 to 18:00
Centre National Jean Moulin
Place Jean Moulin, Bordeaux, 33000, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 79 66 00
This museum was set up in 1967 to commemorate the role played by the French Resistance during World War Two. As well as giving visitors an insight into the way that the Resistance operated, the Centre National Jean Moulin also celebrates the life of Bordeaux's most famous Resistance member, Jean Moulin. As well as a vast archive of Resistance documents, the museum also provides guided tours in French and English.
Bordeaux museum open: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 18:00; Saturday to Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Vinorama de Bordeaux
10 Cours du Médoc, Bordeaux, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 56 39 53 02
A visit to Bordeaux wouldn't be complete without a visit to a museum dedicated to its most famous export - wine. At the popular Vinorama Museum, visitors can find out more about wine of different ages, from Bordeaux and other regions. There's also a chance to buy some bottles to take home with you – the perfect souvenir of your holiday.
Bordeaux museum open: Tuesday to Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00