Maison Bordelaise is located in an upmarket neighbourhood of Bordeaux, close to the Jardin Public and around a ten minute stroll to the city centre.
Take a walk around the nearby public gardens, classified as a Jardin Remarquable de France and dating back to the 17th century. Feel like a true local as you wander around the beautiful plants and trees, surrounded by 18th century townhouses, feed the ducks by the pond, have a drink and bite to eat in the restaurant or allow children to let off steam in the play area. There is also the Muséum de Bordeaux – Science et Nature with fascinating exhibitions and special areas for children.
As well as viewing the main sights of Bordeaux such as the Place de la Bourse, its Miroir d’eau and the stunning cathedral, there are plenty of fantastic shops and wonderful markets. Look out for pretty boutiques in local neighbourhoods or head to the famous long shopping street Rue Sainte Catherine. Bordeaux is also known for its antique stores and flea-markets, especially around Saint Michel, and there are all sorts of vintage shops to discover.
Of course, the food of Bordeaux is also a joy to experience. Pick up all sorts of seasonal fresh produce at Farmers markets, the largest being Marché des Capucins, whilst the city also has a vibrant gastronomic scene with restaurants to suit every taste from simple eateries to traditional and high-end establishments.
Not to mention the wine – learn all about Bordeaux’s wine history at the remarkable Cité du Vin, spend time chatting over local appellations in one of the city’s many wine bars or head out to visit wine châteaux and some of the finest vineyards in France.
Return to the city and enjoy its riverside setting with picturesque walks, grand bridges and river cruises with trips even as far as the impressive Gironde estuary. On the other side of the river, near Parc aux Angéliques, find canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Garonne.
The Region
From world-famous vineyards to Arcachon Bay and the Atlantic coast, experience the beauty and vibrancy of Bordeaux and its superb surroundings in this captivating region of south-western France. What’s more, Bordeaux has its own international airport and high-speed trains from Paris.
The grand city of Bordeaux has seen quite a come-back over recent years as old buildings have been restored to their former glory. This has attracted visitors from across the world who can appreciate central Bordeaux itself as well as its world-famous wine châteaux and vineyards.
It’s hard to know where to start – perhaps at one of Bordeaux’s vibrant markets such as Marché des Capucins followed by a morning coffee or lunch of oysters and wine at one of the many cafes in the market. Then take a stroll along the Garonne River near Place de la Bourse with its impressive Miroir d’eau for hours of water fun for kids, teens and adults alike.
As you walk around admiring the city’s stunning architecture and historic sites, uncover characterful neighbourhoods, picturesque cafe terraces and delightful patisseries (try the local sweet speciality, canelé, linked to Bordeaux’s wine heritage). Iconic landmarks across the city include Le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux opera house, the 18th century belltower Grosse Cloche, Basilique Saint-Michel and the incredible Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux.
Bordeaux is also known as the wine capital of France and where better to learn all about the city’s rich wine heritage than by visiting la Cité du Vin, a contemporary museum with interactive exhibitions and wine-tasting workshops. Beyond la Cité du Vin, come across little wine-bars across the city where you can try a variety of wine from across the Bordeaux wine region’s many appellations.
Outside the city centre, experience the country’s oldest wine-growing area by arranging vineyard tours or visiting family-run wine châteaux across one of the 65 appellations across this vast region. From the vineyards of Pomerol and Fronsac to the prestigious wineries of Saint-Émilion and the Médoc peninsula, there is so much to excite the most seasoned of wine connoisseurs across this historic wine region of France.
If you prefer outdoor adventures, there are wonderful walks in and around Bordeaux and fantastic cycling routes including the path by the 'Canal des 2 Mers' between Bordeaux, Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne. You are also so well located for venturing to the Atlantic coast for surfing, sand dunes and oysters, all in magnificent surroundings.
