GAY BORDEAUX
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in BORDEAUX?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT BORDEAUX
Bordeaux is not a big gay capital, there isn't exactly an LGBT neighborhood or area. The City of Bordeaux's LGBTQI+ policy is part of a broader strategy to fight discrimination. However, gender, identity and sexual orientation criteria have received particular attention, with the introduction of a specific policy to promote diversity and combat LGBT 'phobia'. An LGBTQI+ committee was established in 2018.
WHAT TO SEE in BORDEAUX?
10 THINGS TO SEE in BORDEAUX
Place de la Bourse
The Bourse Square is one of the main squares in the city of Bordeaux. It is dominated by the sumptuous façade of the Palazzo della Borsa, an 18th century architectural masterpiece, surrounded by a splendid fountain. It is the beating heart of the city and offers breathtaking views of the Garonne River.
Cité du Vin
La Cité du Vin is an interactive museum dedicated to wine which therefore celebrates wine culture through immersive exhibitions and tastings. It offers a sensorial journey into the world of wine: from its history to its production.
Pont de Pierre
The Stone Bridge is one of the oldest and most beloved symbols of Bordeaux. It was built in the 15th century. It offers a wonderful view of the city and its surrounding architecture, simply by crossing the Garonne river.
Porta Cailhau
One of the most impressive medieval gates in Bordeaux, it evokes the charm of the past with its majestic tower and intricate decorations. Situated along the banks of the Garonne River, this iconic structure is a testament to the city's rich architectural history.
Saint Pierre Neighborhood
It is a fascinating medieval neighborhood characterized by narrow paved alleys and picturesque squares, enriched by cafes, restaurants and art shops. It is an ideal place to get lost in its bohemian atmosphere and history steeped in charm.
Grosse Cloche
The Grosse Cloche is an imposing bell tower, dating back to the 13th century. It is one of the oldest buildings in Bordeaux, a symbol of the city's power and autonomy in the Middle Ages. It offers a unique overview of the city from its highest point.
Cathédrale Saint André de Bordeaux & Pey Berland Tower
A 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, it enchants with its majestic façade and elaborate architectural details. Located in the heart of Bordeaux, this stunning cathedral is an icon of the city's rich history and artistic beauty. The Pey-Berland Tower, the detached bell tower of the Saint-André Cathedral, was built at the end of the 15th century in Gothic style. Climbing its 229 steps, you arrive at an exceptional panoramic view of Bordeaux and its monuments. This architectural masterpiece offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to admire the city from above and appreciate its historical and cultural beauty.
Bassins des Lumières
The Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux is a unique immersive experience, located in a former submarine base. This spectacular space projects digital artwork onto the walls and water, creating a fascinating and immersive atmosphere. It's a must for art and technology lovers.
Saint-Michel neighborhood & Basilique Saint-Michel
The Saint Michel neighborhood in Bordeaux offers a fascinating exploration of antiques and markets. Don't miss the second-hand market, one of the neighborhood's specialties. The Basilique Saint Michel, the second largest Catholic church in Bordeaux, is definitely worth a visit. Passage Saint Michel boasts one of the best terraces in the area, ideal for relaxing. Furthermore, the Marché des Capucins, nicknamed the “Belly of Bordeaux”, offers an unmissable culinary experience.
Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is one of the city's architectural jewels, located in the heart of Bordeaux. Opened in 1780, this magnificent neoclassical building is famous for its impressive Corinthian columns and sumptuous interior. The theater regularly hosts opera, ballet and concert performances, offering a high-class cultural experience. During our visit, we were fascinated by the beauty and history of the place, as well as the quality of the artistic performances. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is an unmissable stop for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the elegance and culture of the city.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Complete Bordeaux - Google Maps
Extra - La Cité du Vin (by Taxi, Uber or Public Transportation) - Google Maps
Extra - Saint Emilion (by Train or Car) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from BORDEAUX
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Saint-Émilion
Arcachon Coast and Pilat Dunes
Garonne River Cruise and Médoc Castles
Sarlat-la-Canéda and Dordogne River
Cognac and Brandy Tasting
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in BORDEAUX?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in BORDEAUX
Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Map'Hotel • RENAISSANCE BORDEAUX HOTEL
Our stay at the Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel was truly exceptional. Located right next to the famous Cité du Vin, the hotel combines modern elegance with refined comfort. Our rooms were spacious and well appointed, with stunning views of the Garonne. One of the highlights was the stunning rooftop pool, where we could relax while taking in the views of Bordeaux. The hotel's panoramic bar and restaurant was another pleasant surprise: we enjoyed delicious dishes and refined cocktails, all accompanied by an unparalleled view of the city. The impeccable service and attention to detail made us feel pampered throughout our entire stay.
WHERE TO EAT in BORDEAUX?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in BORDEAUX Quality / Price
€€€ - Le Chapon Fin
€€€ - Le 7 Restaurant (Panoramic Restaurant!!) ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Brasserie Bordelaise
€€ - Le Bouchon Bordelais
€€ - French House ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Chez Thérèse ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Le Loup
€€ - L'Entrecôte
GAY NIGHTLIFE in BORDEAUX
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in BORDEAUX
Coco Loko - Bar Ambiance Friendly à Bordeaux (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Buster (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Ultra Klubs (Gay Friendly Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
Traxx Cruising Club Bordeaux (Gay Cruising Bar)
Crunch Sauna (Gay Sauna)
TRAVEL TIPS about BORDEAUX by World Mappers
The Bordeaux CityPass is a tourist pass that offers privileged access to the city's main attractions. With the CityPass, visitors can enjoy free or discounted admission to museums, monuments and public transport. This pass also offers the opportunity to participate in guided tours and cultural activities, allowing tourists to explore Bordeaux conveniently and affordably. Thanks to CityPass, you can easily plan your itinerary and save time and money during your visit. It is an ideal option for those who want to enjoy a complete and stress-free experience in the charming city of Bordeaux.
The best time to visit this beautiful city is between April and May: summer is not too hot and the city can be visited easily without too much heat. The winter period is more of a risk for rain.
Don't forget to take a River Cruise: discovering the city from the Garonne River will give you the opportunity to see the city of Bordeaux from another perspective.
A really nice trip is to Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval village near Bordeaux. Its narrow cobbled streets, scenic vineyards and historic cellars gave us a unique experience. Saint-Émilion is a true gem for wine and history lovers. From the foundation of the village in the 8th century to the French Revolution of 1789, passing through the English domination, a trip to discover the rich past of Saint-Émilion through its main monuments. The traditional streets, the cloisters, the city gate, the fortifications and the underground monuments have a lot to tell. Also unmissable is the Cloister of the Cordeliers, a 14th century cloister, classified as a Historic Monument. Its three kilometer underground tunnels have made it possible, since 1892, to produce exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method. The guided tour begins with a historical explanation of this ancient cloister, renovated in 2019, which combines ancient and modern. It continues into the underground galleries 20 meters deep, where the Cordeliers sparkling wines are produced, illustrating the history of the quarries and the production method. The visit ends with a tasting of vintage wines accompanied by the famous macarons of Saint-Émilion, in the mezzanine of the 15th century church.
An activity not to be missed is undoubtedly a good wine tasting: needless to say, if you decide to have a tasting in Bordeaux you will be spoiled for choice!
A fun thing to do in Bordeaux is to go to the Miror d'eau, also known as the “Mirror of the Quay”, it is actually made up of a floor of granite slabs covered in two centimeters of water, creating a sort of giant mirror.
Don't miss the Citadel of Blaye, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this impressive citadel designed by Vauban is located approximately 50 km from Bordeaux. It offers an extraordinary testimony to the military architecture of the period and a panoramic view of the Gironde.
Stroll through the famous Parc Bordelais. This urban park is located in the center of the city, which offers relaxation from the chaos of the city, thanks to its ponds, French gardens and green spaces, it is undoubtedly the ideal place for a relaxing walk or for a picnic.
Cité du Vin's Via Sensoria workshop is a unique one-hour sensory experience, available in English, French and Spanish. During this session, you will explore the four seasons through artistic proposals and seasonal drink pairings. In a small group of up to 15 people, accompanied by a sommelier, you will taste four wines from around the world (or original non-alcoholic drinks), specially associated with the world of art and the four seasons. This experience combines art with tasting, offering an unforgettable sensory journey. It is ideal for those who want to combine a passion for art and the pleasure of tasting in an intimate and engaging environment.
Also not to be missed is the Darwin Eco-Système. This eclectic urban hub is a meeting place for artists, entrepreneurs and innovators. It offers a unique blend of coworking spaces, art galleries, designer shops and organic restaurants, with a strong focus on ecology and sustainability. It is a former barracks, now eco-renovated, located on the right bank of Bordeaux, in the Bastide district.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC), located in a former 18th century warehouse, is also worth a visit. It houses a large collection of contemporary artworks, ranging from installations to conceptual works. It is a point of reference for lovers of modern art.
Unmissable trips outside Bordeaux are the ones towards the Dune du Pilat This wonderful dune, 120 meters high and with an extension of over 3 km from north to south, the Dune of Pilat, is the largest dune in Europe and is located exactly in front of Cap Ferret. It is famous for being one of the Grand National Sites of France and can be visited all year round, even in winter. To reach the dune it is essential to have a car because it is located in an area with little public transport.
A few kilometers from Cap Feret is the picturesque 'Village Ostréicole de l’Herbe', a small group of houses created for the farming and sale of oysters. Here you can find large plates full of freshly caught oysters at bargain prices!
Could we not go hunting for Street Art in Bordeaux too? Absolutely not! The works of art can be admired in various neighborhoods, with a particular concentration in the Bacalan neighborhood, where large murals decorate the facades of industrial buildings. Another point of reference for street art lovers is Darwin Eco-Système, a creative hub on the right bank of the Garonne, which is home to constantly evolving murals and graffiti. Walking through the streets of Bordeaux, you can discover unexpected works of art that transform the urban landscape into an open-air gallery, reflecting the creativity and energy of the city.
Bordeaux Cannelés are delicious traditional desserts from the region, loved by locals and visitors alike. These small cylindrical desserts have a crunchy, caramelized crust on the outside, while the inside is soft and creamy. Prepared with simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk and eggs, cannelés are flavored with vanilla and rum. They are an authentic delicacy to be enjoyed at any time of the day, both as a sweet breakfast accompanied by a coffee, and as a delicious dessert after a meal. They can be found in many patisseries and cafés in Bordeaux, where they are handcrafted according to traditional recipes passed down for generations.
INSTAGRAMMABLE BORDEAUX
Instagrammable Places to See in Bordeaux
Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Bordeaux, here are our favorites:
Porte Cailhau
Miroir d’Eau
Cité du Vin
Rue des Palanques
Rue Saint-Catherine
"SECRET BORDEAUX"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Bordeaux
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Bordeaux" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Bordeaux (and Surroundings):
Vinet Garden of Bordeaux - a green oasis located in the lively Saint-Michel district. This charming urban garden is perfect for a relaxing break, with its shaded paths, flower beds and picnic areas. During our visit, we enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of the park, ideal for a walk or reading a book outdoors. The Vinet Garden is an enchanting place that offers a serene retreat in the heart of the city.
Bordeaux Statue of Liberty - It is the largest and most famous version of the Statue of Liberty in New York City, designed by the French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Barthodi and was donated to the United States by France in memory of their independence. In 1888 Bartholdi was commissioned to build a giant fountain on the Place Picard in Bordeaux, and finished it all with his already famous Lady Liberty.
Cap Ferret and its Lighthouse - located just over an hour's drive from Bordeaux, is a thin strip of land squeezed between the Atlantic Ocean and the Arcachon basin. It is a holiday resort and is known throughout the world for its lighthouse and oyster cultivation. Thanks to its thin streets that lead to the ocean you can glimpse colorful wooden houses and vintage cars. The lighthouse is more than 50 meters high and to get to the terrace at the top you have to climb 258 steps which will give you a wonderful view of the ocean, the Arcachon basin and the Pilat dune.
Le Vaisseau Spatial of Bordeaux - a striking art installation located in the Bacalan neighborhood. This “spaceship” is a modern and innovative structure that immediately captures attention with its futuristic design. During our visit, we were captivated by the bold lines and reflective materials that give the work an otherworldly appearance. Le Vaisseau Spatial is not only a visual marvel, but also a symbol of the creativity and innovation that characterizes Bordeaux. Walking around this extraordinary work, we felt we were exploring a unique corner of the city, where contemporary art meets curiosity and imagination.
Sculpture Sanna - Bordeaux's Sanna sculpture is one of the city's most distinctive works of art. Located near the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, this impressive sculpture depicts a human face with elongated and stylized features. During our visit, we were struck by the expressiveness and majesty of the figure, which seems to emerge from the ground in a gesture of introspection. Created by artist Jaume Plensa, Sanna represents the fusion between contemporary art and urban space. This sculpture is a landmark that invites reflection and enriches the artistic panorama of Bordeaux.
GAY TOURS in BORDEAUX
Do you want to discover the city and enjoy one of Best Gay Tours in Bordeaux? We recommend the following local operator(s):
MyGayTour.com - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT+ community Worldwide. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination.
5% Discount Code for MyGayTour Following The World Mappers "WORLD5"
Info & Booking: info@MyGayTour.com - Check all Prices here: www.MyGayTour.com
Bordeaux • Gay Tour & Wine's Secrets
Be ready to admire two souls of Bordeaux: a contemporary atmosphere and the middle age tradition. Explore Porte Cailhau, the older houses of Bordeaux, the typical streets. Observe the Grand Theatre located in the heart of downtown; the monument to the Girondins and its fountain which was slated to become scrap metal during WWII; the Allée de Tourny and its role in the architecture of this 18th-century city; the Place de la Bourse which was built by King Louis XV in the early 1700's as the Royal Plaza, and rue St. Catherine which has been the “main street or high street” since Roman times. After this special overview about the history of Bordeaux, enjoy a delicious tasting of Bordeaux Wine (1 Glass) - also alcohol free drink available, together with some information about the LGBT life in the city and the Cinémarges, the LGBT film festival, which has screenings throughout the year.
Included:
* Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours)
* 1 Glass of Bordeaux Wine (also alcohol free typical local drink available)
Bordeaux by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Bordeaux and an amazing walking tour through Bordeaux' gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night !
Included:
* Gay or Lesbian Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours)
* Drink in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
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