Biking Through Bordeaux

There are few things as quintessentially French as cycling through the French countryside.

Enjoy biking along stunning vineyards and scenic landscapes and perhaps seeing grand estates. The views are particularly wonderful to savor when biking through the Bordeaux wine country.

What Will You See?

There’s so much more to see in Bordeaux than the incredible wines.There are numerous monuments and landmarks to enjoy, such as the lovely Place du Parlement with its richly decorated façade. The square was created in 1790and it has been listed as a historical monument since 1952. On our guided bike tour, you’ll also see the more modern Tribunal de Grande Instance and the Grosse Cloche, one of the oldest belfries in France. First cast in 1775, it rings once a month (first Sunday at noon) and for six special occasions during the year (such as Bastille Day and Christmas).

The striking Grand Theater of Bordeaux is a neoclassical masterpiece and some may consider it to be among the most beautiful landmarks in Bordeaux. It has Corinthian columns and 12 statues depicting the nine art muses (music,astronomy, epic poetry, dance, tragedy, comedy, rhetoric, lyric poetry and history) and three Roman goddesses. Today, it is home to operas, musicals and theater.

One Of Bordeaux’s Most Iconic Landmarks

Always a favorite, the exquisite Place de la Bourse (sometimes referred to as the Place Royale) is one of the most recognizable sights in a region primarily known for its incredible vineyards. Built from 1728-1755 by Jacques Gabriel and his son Ange-Jacques Gabriel (known for the Place de la Concorde in Paris and parts of Versailles), the Place de la Bourse was originally intended to honor King Louis XV with a large equestrian statue of the ruler in the middle of the square. Attacked and removed during the French Revolution, the statue was ultimately replaced by the lovely fountain of the Three Graces that resides there to this day.

Of course, one of the most striking features is the “Mirror des Quais” or The Quay Mirror. A recent addition, Jean-Max Llorca built this so-called ‘mirror’ in 2006. It is the world’s largest reflecting pool and a popular spot for both kids and adults to play during the summer.

Ideas During Free Time

During your guided bike tour, you’ll have ample time to stop, take photos and learn more. At the end of the tour,you’ll also have the option to follow the guide back to the ship or loop back to spend more time at one of your favorite spots. You could check out the stunning new wine museum, which Alain Juppé declared a “Guggenheim to wine.” Designed by Paris-based XTU Architects to resemble “the swirl in a wine glass” the building is a sight to see from the exterior shots, as well as a thrill to explore inside. Or go shopping. The Rue Sainte-Catherine and Cours de l'Intendance are the two main shopping streets you’ll see—and perhaps choose to cycle back to at the end of the guided tour.

See all these breathtaking sites on our Taste of Bordeaux itinerary.