Bordeaux, situated in southwestern France, is what most people think of when they think of magnificent wines, lovely architecture, and everything that comes with being next to a river. Often called the “Pearl of Aquitaine”, it was designated a UNESCO Heritage site in 2007. The city beautifully fuses historic presence & current life – the perfect stop-off when you are in France.
No matter how long your trip to Bordeaux will be — a day or a week — the most of it will come down to the way you plan things out and deal with your bags when you have ‘in between’ time before check-in at your hotel or after check-out. If you want to do it hands-free and without worry, it’s a good idea to get a reputable luggage storage bordeaux set up before you begin your day of sightseeing.
So here is your all-in-one ultimate guide to seeing Bordeaux — one cobblestone at a time.
Table of Contents
Start Your Morning At Place De La Bourse & Miroir d’eau
To begin your excursion head to Place de la Bourse, the most famous square in Bordeaux. The amazing 18th century buildings are the benchmark of Bordeaux classicism. Straight ahead of you is the Miroir d’eau, the largest reflecting water pool in the world. The shallow water will create the mirrored reflection next to it and this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Bordeaux — particularly in the beautiful morning light!
If you came in really early and don’t have accommodation yet, there is a great opportunity to easily store your luggage close by and safely explore without the burden of your bag with you.
Explore The Historical Old Town (See The Saint-Pierre District)
Then lose yourself in the medieval streets of the Saint-Pierre District – which is the oldest part of the city of Bordeaux. The perfect combination of cafés, boutique shops, and twisty alleyways filled with hundreds of years of history, it will feel like you have travelled to a different time.
Stop and grab a pastry from a boulangerie and have a seat on a terrace with your espresso. Some cool things to see are:
Grosse Cloche: a beautiful belfry, built in the 15th century, and one of the oldest in France
Place du Parlement: a vibrant square that is great for lunch breaks and people watching.
This entire district is walk able, and with all the streets pedestrian only and with no bags to drag around – walking around here is a million times better.
Climb Pey Berland Tower For A Panoramic View
If you’re anyone who enjoys views of any city from a view above, the Pey Berland Tower located next to the Cathedral of Bordeaux, is a must see. You can climb the 229 steps and see the terracotta rooftops of Bordeaux, the Garonne River and beyond.
Travel tip: There is no elevator, so if you have a light load – or better yet, none at all – it makes your climb much more enjoyable.
Immerse Into Bordeaux’s Wine Culture At La Cité Du Vin
As it would not be a visit to Bordeaux without acknowledgement of its wine history, La Cité du Vin is accessible by tram. It is a modern wine museum dedicated to placing you within the wine story of the world through extraordinary design, interactive exhibits, wine tastings, and immersive sound recordings.
Even if you are not a wine enthusiast, it is definitely worth visiting just for the architecture. To give you some sense of how wine affects everything, the building emphasizes a spiral motion and this spirals upward in the same manner as wine swirling in a glass. Be sure to conclude your visit with a glass of wine at the rooftop bar.
Visit The Darwin Ecosystem: Bordeaux’s Creative Center
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten path option, you can cross the river to visit the Darwin Ecosystem, a former military barracks that is now an urban cultural ecosystem. This is the alternative side of Bordeaux come to life – graffiti plastered walls, eco-startups, skateboard parks, organic markets, and co-working spaces.
Dining In Style: Bordeaux By Night
As the day draws to a close, Bordeaux’s restaurants come to life. You can dine more casually or finer dining with Micheline-starred restaurants, or rustic French bistros:
Le Chien de Pavlov: Modern French with personality
Miles: Locally-sourced with an international flare
L’Entrecôte: Known for its secret sauce; no reservations
Enjoy a bottle of Bordeaux red or crisp white from locally located vineyards with dinner.
Luggage Storage: Your Best Friend For Smooth Travel
Having a dependable way to manage your bags will make your stay, vacation, or business trip a lot more pleasurable—from any short stopover to either an early checkout from your hotel or an afternoon of sightseeing and returning for your train ride later! Safe storage of your personal belongings means that you get to enjoy the city free of concerns.
Bordeaux provides luggage storage in many convenient locations across the city, including near the central bus and train stations or in safe neighborhoods. The luggage facilities are reliable, inexpensive, safe, and can be booked online ahead of time.This is ideal for either solo visitors or traveling with kids.
If you have More Time
From Bordeaux you are also of course near amazing day trips:
Saint-Émilion: a medieval village surrounded by vineyards
Arcachon Bay: for seaside and oyster lovers
Dune du Pilat: the tallest sand dune in Europe
All can be reached by train or bus—you guessed it!—and if you’re travelling light it will be all the easier. Just drop off your bags at a luggage point nearby and off you go!
What Other Luggage Services Could You Use?
While going through the process, you will find many other luggage services like UseBounce, Stasher or LuggageHero. They may also have citywide options as well. The services and costs differ based on what’s available. Make sure to compare user reviews and the location which will meet your travel needs.
To Conclude
Bordeaux is not just a place where you stop… it is a destination with rich culture, historic beauty, and authentic experiences. Whether you are sipping wine riverside or climbing the bell towers for spectacular views, Bordeaux delivers for the traveler. So travel light, explores deep, and do not let your luggage hold you (back).
