What to see in France

Camping to discover Bordeaux

La ville de Bordeaux illuminée, vue depuis la Garonne
La ville de Bordeaux illuminée, vue depuis la Garonne

Today the capital and prefecture of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is a city with a prodigious architectural heritage that includes 350 historic monuments in France. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. Its renowned châteaux and vineyards make it the world's wine capital. Come and discover Bordeaux with your family and camping, and give your children and parents a treat!

Which campsite to choose to visit Bordeaux

The campsite is the ideal accommodation for a stay in Bordeaux, it will cost you less than a hotel, you will be able to enjoy its facilities as well as the fresh air and you will make the children happy. The Village du Lac **** is the campsite we recommend for visiting Bordeaux. Located in Bruges and only 8 kilometres from the city centre, it offers you all the comfort of a 4-star campsite as well as top-of-the-range facilities.

11 kilometres from Bordeaux, the Beau Soleil ** campsite is located in Draguignan and will also allow you to spend a pleasant stay with your family or friends.

Bordeaux and its historical sites not to be missed

The Grand-Théâtre is certainly the most popular public monument in Bordeaux. It is the flagship of the city and is very popular with the people of Bordeaux. It must be said that it is particularly harmonious and one of the most beautiful theatres in the world dating from the 18th century.

Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux
Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux© IStock

Originally named Place Royale, Place de la Bourse was built around the equestrian statue of Louis XV to serve as a majestic setting for the monument. The latter was replaced by the Fountain of the 3 Graces in 1869. It remains the most photographed sculpture in the city by tourists.

Listed as a historic monument, the Porte Cailhau (like the Grosse Cloche) is a defensive gate that has remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1494. It was originally part of the city walls. An exceptional view of the roofs, the quays and the Pont de Pierre awaits you from the magnificent wooden framework. A fun climb for children!

La Porte Cailhau à Bordeaux
La Porte Cailhau à Bordeaux© IStock

The curiosity of Saint-André cathedral is undoubtedly its independent bell tower, known as the Pey Berland Tower. The latter offers a remarkable view, not to be missed; a real reward after having climbed the 229 steps to the top. The cathedral has an interesting history as the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII was celebrated here in 1137, and that of Anne of Austria and Louis XIII five centuries later.

The reason I'm talking about the Cité du Vin is that National Geographic ranked it 7th among the best museums in the world. We propose you a stroll through different countries, thanks to an incomparable installation which allows the discovery of wine to the greatest number of people, a visit to be made with the family. The Cité du Vin covers 13350 m2 spread over 10 levels and its exterior architecture alone is worth a visit.

Finally, the Musée d'Aquitaine is certainly not the last place to visit in Bordeaux, but rather the last of a difficult selection. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will discover the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine since prehistoric times. It is considered one of the great history museums in France.

Bordeaux and its parks and gardens not to be missed

If there were two to remember it would be the Jardin Public and the Parc Bordelais. In the first one, classified as a Remarkable Garden of France and created in 1746, you are immediately projected in a garden in the countryside whereas it is located in the heart of the city. You will find century-old trees surrounding a stream on 11 hectares of greenery, children's games, an old botanical garden and a pleasant restaurant.

Labelled as an ecological green space and Remarkable Garden, the Parc Bordelais is more recent, since it was inaugurated in 1888. Considered as the lung of Bordeaux, its surface is 28 hectares. You will find 3,000 trees, a third of which are a hundred years old, as well as 50 plant species. It is a paradise for nature lovers and for children!

Bordeaux and its surroundings not to be missed

If you have decided to visit Bordeaux, you might as well discover its surroundings, especially when they are of such quality. Let's start with the Bassin d'Arcachon. Less than an hour from the centre of Bordeaux, you will have the luxury of choosing to swim in the ocean, in the basin or in a lake. It offers several landscapes including the Pyla Dune, the highest dune in Europe and a natural phenomenon for 4000 years, the pine forest and its bike rides, the oyster ports and its oysters tasted with your feet in the fine sand.image

Arcachon Basin, view on the Pyla Dune
Arcachon Basin, view on the Pyla Dune© IStock

It will take you about the same amount of time to reach the village of Saint-Emilion from the centre of Bordeaux. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its historic vineyard landscape, it is a medieval village located in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards. The beauty of its heritage and the high quality of its wines make it an exceptional site.

Saint-Emilion village surrounded by vineyards
Saint-Emilion village surrounded by vineyards© IStock

Around Bordeaux, you will find several castles, such as La Brède, which was Montesquieu's castle and where he wrote most of his works. Gothic in style and surrounded by a moat, the castle and its estate were enlarged and maintained by the writer and thinker throughout his life. The entire estate has been classified as a historical monument since 2008. It is located 26 kilometres from Bordeaux. Or Roquetaillade, 55 kilometres from the city, which is well worth a visit as it is one of the ten most beautiful castles in France. Made up of two castles, it is classified as a Historic Monument and has belonged to the same family for 700 years. It is part of the exceptional sites of the Gironde. Two sites that will delight both children and their parents!

A visit to Bordeaux that also appeals to children

The Bordelais Park is the ideal place to walk with children. There are peacocks, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and turkeys in a dedicated enclosure. There are also several playgrounds, electric cars, a small train and even a puppet show!

Originally intended to reflect the buildings of the Place de Bourse, the water mirror has become very popular, especially in hot weather. It is a thin layer of water where children love to play and adults to cool off. Every 10 minutes, a mist of water is released.image

The Place de Bourse in Bordeaux surrounding the water mirror
The Place de Bourse in Bordeaux surrounding the water mirror© IStock

To get to the Cité du Vin, you can take a boat for the same price as a tram ticket. The crossing is a delight for children, as are the playful experiences offered at the Cité du Vin.

The Bordeaux Natural History Museum, completely renovated and enlarged, offers more than one million species with an exhibition for children under 6 years old to discover baby animals. Take advantage of it! Admission is free until September 2020.

Finally, I have chosen to tell you about this local culinary speciality, the cannelé. Because it pleases both children and their parents and is part of the gastronomic culture of Bordeaux. It is a kind of small, very soft flan, surrounded by a caramelised, slightly crunchy shell. Cannelés are available in almost every bakery in the city and will delight all gourmands.

Cannelés, the sweet speciality of Bordeaux
Cannelés, the sweet speciality of Bordeaux© IStock

 

 

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