Things to do in Gironde

Place de la Bourse is an elegant city square, bordered by grand, palatial buildings and facing the Garonne River. Marvel at the perfect symmetry of the square and surrounding buildings, designed to reflect the king's power and bring Bordeaux into modernity.

The vast Place des Quinconces stretches for about 30 acres (120,000 square meters) across the center of Bordeaux, making it an ideal venue for concerts and festivals. Explore the tree-lined square and admire its ensemble of monuments, which are dotted around the edges of the plaza. Take in views of the adjacent Garonne River.

Bordeaux’s Rue Sainte-Catherine (Saint Catherine Street) stretches as far as you can see from one end to the other. It is one of Europe’s longest commercial pedestrian streets, measuring 0.8 miles (1.2 kilometers) long. Walk freely along this street filled with people. It is closed to vehicles, apart from an occasional delivery van. Be sure to explore the many side streets that offer unique and interesting stores and places to eat.

Explore centuries of wine heritage and viticulture via cutting-edge exhibits when you visit Cité du Vin. Housed in an iconic, contemporary building notable for its bold curves, Cité du Vin is a museum, events venue and culinary space. Spend a day learning and tasting your way around the world of wine.

East of Bordeaux is St. Émilion, a picturesque Girondin town dominated by the Église Monolithe (Monolithic Church), a medieval church with a distinctive bell tower. The church was given its name because it was made out of a single block of stone, although the bell tower was added later. Explore the site and climb to the top of the tower for views over the quaint village and surrounding vineyards.