Tourism in Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region

Bordeaux Unesco World Heritage Surrounding region Cruise tourism

Nouvelle-Aquitaine: France’s Most Attractive Region for Tourism!

A rich and diverse destination:

Exceptional natural & cultural heritage – From breathtaking coastlines and lush forests to vibrant cities and UNESCO-listed sites.
World-class tourism experiences – Wine tourism, gastronomy, cycling, river cruises, golf, surfing, outdoor adventures, and more!
Iconic destinations – Bordeaux, the World Capital of Wine (Cité du Vin), Saint-Émilion, Blaye Citadel, Futuroscope, and more.
A dynamic events calendar – Countless renowned festivals and cultural events all year round.

Did you know? 36% of visitors are under 35!

Key facts & figures

Bordeaux: Where timeless heritage meets cutting-edge architecture

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Since 2007, 1,810 hectares of Bordeaux have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompassing the heart of the city and its historic old town.

A Heritage of Innovation

Bordeaux continuously redefines its cultural identity, blending history with cutting-edge architectural innovation. The city is home to world-class cultural landmarks that embody both tradition and modernity:

La Cité du Vin – An immersive wine experience center
La MECA – A vibrant hub for contemporary arts
Sea & Marine Museum – Designed by renowned Bordeaux architect Olivier Brochet
Arkéa Arena – A striking performance venue by Rudy Ricciotti

Explore the past, embrace the future.

Bordeaux and its surrounding region are world-renowned for their exceptional vineyards and wines

Around Bordeaux

Arcachon Bay is a fascinating area with multiple landscapes: Oyster ports, sandy beaches, pine forests, a famous peninsula and the highest dune in Europe called “Pilat” which offers numerous activities:

Médoc Océan is another gateway to Lacanau, Carcans Maubuisson and Hourtin, great for surfing sessions, boat riding by sunset, wind surfing or catamaran trips on France largest natural freshwater lake...

Tourist attractions

220 km of cycling paths
76 km of beaches from ocean, lake or Bay
785 km² of forest, incl. part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Landes de Gascogne
135-km Leyre river
120-hectare of internationally-reputed bird sanctuary to watch, called Banc d’Arguin
Oyster tasting
Traditional boats trips on the Bay

6 wine regions of Bordeaux

With more than 120 000 hectares of vines in Bordeaux area, there are not 1 but 6 wine regions:

Médoc
Graves & Pessac-Léognan
Entre-Deux-Mers
Cérons, Barsac & Sauternes
Libournais with Saint-émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, Castillon-la-Bataille & Côtes-de-Francs
Blayais-Bourgeais

Bordeaux: A Premier Cruise Destination on the Rise

The Port of Bordeaux has been steadily growing for years, welcoming a record 56 stopovers in 2019—more than doubling in less than seven years. Today, the city stands as a must-visit stopover for international cruise lines.

Praised by cruise operators and passengers alike, Bordeaux offers a truly unique experience, spanning both shores of the Gironde Estuary. This exceptional destination invites visitors to explore world-renowned heritage, gastronomy, history, and culture.

Sailing through the Gironde Estuary offers breathtaking views of Médoc’s most prestigious vineyards and châteaux. The arrival into Bordeaux is nothing short of spectacular: navigating along the UNESCO-listed quays, with ships docking in the heart of the city, facing the iconic Place de la Bourse, the Quinconces, and the famous Miroir d’Eau.

To accommodate growing demand, Bordeaux Harbour is investing in significant upgrades.

Two Types of Cruises in Bordeaux:

International Cruises – Bordeaux is a key stopover on major cruise itineraries.
River Cruises – Bordeaux is included in short to medium-length voyages along the scenic Garonne River.

A stopover in Bordeaux is more than just a visit—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of France’s most celebrated region.