Things to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Types of activities

Where to stay

Nouvelle-Aquitaine travel guide

Place de la Bourse featuring heritage architecture and a fountain

Jardin Public showing a bridge and a park

Natural History Museum featuring a house and a garden

Old Harbor featuring a beach and a bridge

Top places to visit

1. Place de la Bourse

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.

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Place de la Bourse showing an administrative building, night scenes and heritage architecture

2. Grand Theater Opera National of Bordeaux

Admire the exquisite French building, the Grand Theater of Bordeaux, home of the Bordeaux National Opera. This 18th-century architectural masterpiece fits well in a city of historic stone buildings and greets visitors with its row of statues of mythological figures sitting atop a row of Corinthian stone pillars. It is also the venue for many other acclaimed performances throughout the year.

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Bordeaux featuring theatre scenes and heritage architecture

3. Place des Quinconces

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.

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Place des Quinconces featuring a park and a statue or sculpture

4. Rue Sainte-Catherine

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.

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Bordeaux which includes a city and street scenes

5. Cote des Basques

Côte des Basques is one of Biarritz’s most famous beaches. Come here to enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and relaxed walks, learn to surf and attend summer festivals. Since the 1950s, Côte des Basques has been widely considered to be the heartland of Europe’s surfing culture.

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Cote des Basques featuring a coastal town and rugged coastline

What to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Popular places to visit

Futuroscope

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Bring your family to Futuroscope and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou. Discover the area's countryside and seek out the golf courses.

Cité du Vin

4.5/5(44 reviews)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Cité du Vin during your travels in Bordeaux. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

Place de la Bourse

4.5/5(108 reviews)

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

Grand Theater Opera National of Bordeaux

4.5/5(59 reviews)

As with many stately buildings that dominate their space, this one has a superb presence. Tour this magnificent building and enjoy one of its performances.

Place des Quinconces

4/5(79 reviews)

The biggest square in France, this plaza hosts festivals, concerts and markets and features monuments dedicated to famous writers.

Rue Sainte-Catherine

4/5(77 reviews)

If you love to shop, this French street has great appeal. People watch as you have a drink or meal. The street seems to have a life of its own.

Cote des Basques

4.5/5(27 reviews)

Considered the birthplace of European surfing, this picturesque bay of golden sand is backed by rugged cliffs and lined with beachfront cafés.

Vieux Port

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in La Rochelle with a trip to Vieux Port. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Gare de Limoges

Whether you’re catching a train or not, be sure to visit this “secular cathedral,” an early 20th-century icon that sits on a hill north of Old Town Limoges.

Areas of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Bordeaux City Centre

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

Travellers choose Bordeaux City Centre for its great bars. Hop aboard the metro at Gambetta Tram Station or Grand Theatre Tram Station and check out top sights like Place Gambetta.

Old Harbor which includes a bay or harbour

Biarritz City Centre

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Biarritz City Centre is popular for its seaside views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Casino Barriere or Gare du Midi.

La Rochelle City Centre

4.5/5(59 area reviews)

La Rochelle City Centre is popular for its waterfront views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Vieux Port or La Rochelle Hotel de Ville.

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces

If you're spending time in Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces, check out sights like Grand Theater Opera National of Bordeaux or Place de la Comédie and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Grand Theatre Tram Station or Gambetta Tram Station.

Quartier du Lac

4/5(23 area reviews)

Noted for its lake views and bars, there's plenty to explore in Quartier du Lac. Top attractions like Barriere Casino Theatre and Aushopping Bordeaux Lac are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Claveau Tram Station or Brandenburg Tram Station to see more of the city.

Chartrons

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chartrons. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum, and catch the metro at Cours du Medoc Tram Station or Les Hangars Tram Station to see more of the area.

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