Top Things to do in Gironde
Top Hotels in Gironde
- 1. Chateau Pape Clement
- 2. Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche-Ona
- 3. Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
- 4. Staycity Aparthotel Bordeaux City Centre
- 5. Radisson Blu Hotel Bordeaux
- 6. Hotel Le B d'Arcachon
- 7. Chateau Grand Barrail Hotel
- 8. Hotel Cardinal Bordeaux
- 9. MEININGER Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean
- 10. Le Boutique Hotel & Spa
What to do and see in Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Gironde, France including St. Andre Cathedral, Church of Notre-Dame de Bordeaux, Grand Theatre, Chateau Margaux, Place de la Bourse, La Grande Dune du Pilat, Pont de Pierre, Winter Town (Ville d’Hiver), Tour Pey-Berland, Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion.
Restaurants in Gironde
1. St. Andre Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,362 reviews
This beautiful 17th century church is one of Bordeaux's main attractions.
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
Bordeaux's cathedral is massive Gothic pile, very reminiscent to us of many other Gothic churches we visited around France and Spain. But there was also plenty more about St Andre's to ensure we did not succumb to 'cathedral overload' here. Its towering spires, highly decorated doorways and flying buttresses all catch your eye from the square outside, while from the inside the ribbed vaults of the soaring ceiling and the light shining through the stained-glass windows are awe-inspiring. Best of all though were the cathedral's magnificently decorative rose windows. Also of note is that Eleonor of Aquitaine married here in 1137.
2. Church of Notre-Dame de Bordeaux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Not to be confused with its more famous namesake in Paris, this 11th century church is beautiful in its own right, with its elaborately carved facades and detailing.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Notre Dame Church is a beautiful, baroque style church, built in the 17th century. We happened to be passing by, while walking around the streets of the city and went inside. It is quite elaborately decorated and contains lovely paintings and other artworks. It is worth taking the time to stop by and have a look.
3. Grand Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,235 reviews
Considered by many to be the cultural heart of the city, this elaborately carved opera house surprises the senses with its fine architecture and interior design as well as its world-class performances.
Reviewed By CwparisR - Calgary, Canada
My husband and I attended the afternoon performance on a Saturday. Very beautiful opera building and the ballet was outstanding.
4. Chateau Margaux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
5. Place de la Bourse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,857 reviews
Reviewed By Effecrisse - Milan, Italy
The square is really marvelous, we can be breathless at night thanks to a spectacular lighting and to the Miroir d'Eau just in front of the palaces that perfectly reflect on it. You can take fabulous pictures there!
6. La Grande Dune du Pilat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,264 reviews
The highest dune in Europe, a unique landscape with an incredible panoramic view over the ocean, forest and Arcachon Bay but also and more importantly, a living, natural space that needs to be looked after and protected. Since December 2007, the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat has been working to protect and preserve this national piece of heritage that belongs to us all. From the top of this giant (109 meters high, 2,7 kilometers long, 500 meters wide), you can see many remarkable sites of the region.
Reviewed By sandyt186 - Mold, United Kingdom
Visited while cycling through France and Spain. Parked up our bikes and walked up the dune and along the crest for magnificent panoramic views over the Gulf of Acheron, absolutely breathtaking,like something from a David Attenborough programme.The colours were startling,a real wow experience and worth the effort to climb up.
7. Pont de Pierre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,367 reviews
Reviewed By Staidthere - Jakarta, Indonesia
Bordeaux has two iconic images: the Place de la Bourse city square and the old stone bridge. For history and beauty, we prefer the 200 year-old Ponte de Pierre because, like the Statue of Liberty in New York, it must have been the first image of Bordeaux to weary travelers who crossed the Garonne River and passed into the safety of the city through the Bourgogne Arch. Until 1965, it was the only bridge across the river. The 17 small regular arches are characteristic of old stone bridges (steel construction allows longer spans), and today the repeating arches exhibit a graceful image of their former glory, especially just before nightfall when the details of the bridge including the Napoleon seals, are still visible among lights on the arches reflecting off the river. The lovely evenly-spaced 19th century overhead lamps made us pause just a bit longer to contemplate the bridge and its history, despite the rush of evening commuters. We suspect the old bridge should be reinforced or replaced, but it has been preserved more for aesthetic reasons, like the Charles Bridge in Prague, because nowadays only pedestrians and lighter public transport pass over it.
8. Winter Town (Ville d’Hiver)
9. Tour Pey-Berland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 809 reviews
Situated to the south-east of the chevet of the Cathedral of Saint-André at Bordeaux, the tower of Pey-Berland serves as its bell tower, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. Its isolation was due to the wish to provide the Cathedral with magnificent bells which would not threaten the structure with their vibrations. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO.
Reviewed By imagosumlux
You get to climb 61 meters, in a two meter column, up 231 steps to see the view of the Gargoyles. Sure there are times when you’re thinking the foundations date from the the 16th century but the the final product was by the same architect that created the Statue of Liberty (and that hasn’t fallen yet). Seriously, its a strenuous 15 minute ascent if you’re in any doubt don’t try. I can imagine it would be challenging to many people. However, the payoff in views is worth the risk. Even just seeing a cathedral from above is architecturally illuminating, never mind the 360 degree views of Bordeaux city. For 5 euro, its a steal. More excitement and fun than a roller coaster.
10. Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,784 reviews
A HIDDEN HERITAGE, UNIQUE IN EUROPE In this 45 minutes long tour, your guide makes you discover Saint-Emilion’s underground heritage. From the monk Emilion’s story, between truth and legend, to the carving of the surprising monolithic church, walk through several centuries of history. Your guide, only holder of the keys, opens the monuments’ doors and shares their secrets ! Observe the details of the Trinity Chapel’s paintings and discover the mysterious catacombs and the Hermitage… A historical summary within four essential monuments.
Reviewed By Susandbdb - Guildford, United Kingdom
I recommend you take the time to take the one-hour tour around this ancient and historical church with it’s 53m high bell tower constructed in the early 12th century), whilst in St. Émilion. Led by our knowledgeable Lydie, we explored the catacombs beneath and then through to the huge Church. It was listed as a world heritage site in 1999 by UNESCO.
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