Guided Tours of Bordeaux’s Must-See Sites
There are a thousand and one ways to discover Bordeaux’s must-see places. Among them, four guided tours allow you to take in the wonders of this “Pearl of Aquitaine.” From the historic heart of Bordeaux to a guided tour of the Grand Théâtre, including unusual and surprising visits, follow us as we explore the top tours of these extraordinary sites.
Which tour to choose for discovering Bordeaux’s essentials?
Bordeaux takes to heart (in both senses) the task of unveiling its inner life! On this tour of the historic center, you’ll discover the capital of Gironde and its history in the tongue of Molière or Shakespeare, thanks to the talents of an experienced guide. On the agenda for this guided stroll: astonishing anecdotes, lesser-known corners, magnificent monuments, and a rich historical past to uncover with every step along the cobbled streets of Bordeaux.
With your guide by your side, you’ll begin with the famous Monument to the Girondins, which has stood for more than a century on the Esplanade des Quinconces. Next, you’ll pass by the Grand Théâtre, one of the city’s oldest symbols. Built in the 18th century, it commands the Place de la Comédie, watched over by its statues guarding passersby.
Keep your head up — you’ll notice every architectural detail that decorates the city: wrought-iron balconies here, a mysterious inscription engraved on a building there, and mascarons (stone faces) adorning facades across old Bordeaux.
After one last stroll through one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful squares — the famed Place de la Bourse — the walk ends on the quayside, with a tête-à-tête with the Garonne and France’s most famous water mirror.
The highlights you’ll encounter include: the Monument to the Girondins, the Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse, and the water mirror. Discover and book your guided tour of Bordeaux’s historic center.
The Monument to the Girondins
If you’re curious to discover Bordeaux’s hidden treasures, the 45-minute “Under the Monument to the Girondins” mini-tour is an experience not to be missed. A guide leads you through the secrets and stories of this emblematic monument — a posthumous tribute to the Girondins of the Revolution, celebrating the Republic. It includes bronze fountains and a 41-meter column topped by the Genius of Liberty, breaking its chains.
You will be shown the significance of the sculptures and explore areas typically off-limits to the public, such as the monument’s substructure and the fountain mechanics. Don’t miss the opportunity to uncover this architectural masterpiece!
Visiting Bordeaux in the Middle Ages
How would you like to take a ~1,500-year leap through time? While many Medieval structures disappeared over the 18th and 19th centuries, the city managed to preserve numerous traces of its illustrious past. Between futuristic buildings and new neighborhoods, Bordeaux has jealously safeguarded relics from the Middle Ages.
Walk through the streets of the city center to glimpse doors of medieval origin, half-timbered houses, Gothic windows, keystones, a maze of alleys, vestiges of chapels, fortifications, gates, and walls. Lend an ear to the legends and stories of key events from the era, told by a passionate guide. It’s ideal for seeing Bordeaux in a different light.
The Iconic Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux
This is one of Bordeaux’s most famous, oldest, and most beautiful monuments. Even more, it is an emblem of the city. Conveniently located at the entrance of the historic center, the Grand Théâtre pulses with the tiptoe of ballet dancers and musical notes resonating daily in its splendid halls.
Built by Victor Louis in the 18th century on the site of the old Roman forum, the building has much to tell those who visit. Thanks to the guide’s narration, you’ll learn all about Bordeaux’s counterpart to Paris’s Opéra Garnier. After an exterior presentation, you will wander inside. Enter the vestibule, slip into a box, and admire the auditorium from every angle. The Grand Théâtre will hold no more secrets for you.
Guided tour of the Opera House
