In Bordeaux, visitors can try the wine, see the history and culture, and"¦ experience the best nightlife in France.
In Bordeaux, history and culture are everywhere and there are so many things you can do. When you're a tourist, it's likely you'll see the museums, visit the centuries-old cathedrals, and even walk through the Esplanade des Quinconces or Jardin Public. That's fine for the day, but as evening rolls around, you need to find a way to unwind.
With all of its grandeur, many people forget that Bordeaux is a vacation spot - a place where people go to relax with friends and get away from it all. It's not surprising then that the city has a colorful and varied night-life for visitors to enjoy.
Wine and Dine
Bordeaux is one of the finest wine growing regions in the world. While there are chateaus and vineyards throughout the area, at night, you can sample Bordeaux's finest vintages from downtown wineries. Of course, most Bordeaux residents, or Bordelais, would suggest trying the wine with local cuisine. You can find a good bistro or restaurant in any neighborhood throughout Bordeaux. Two places to go where the food is great and the prices are affordable are the Place du Parliament and Place Camille Jullian. During the summer, the restaurants open outdoor cafés where you can eat and people-watch throughout the evening.
Visit Les Epicuriales
If you're traveling through Bordeaux in June and July, check out Les Epicuriales along the Allées de Tourny. Described by the French as "a village of gastronomique delights," this row of outdoor restaurants and bars open in the street and welcome passers-by to enjoy the evening. Street musicians and other performers provide entertainment late into the evening. There is also a wine tent, where visitors can try local wines, and a crafts market where regional artists present their wares.
Catch a Show
If you spent the day sight-seeing throughout Bordeaux, one of the best ways to start the night is to go to Bordeaux's Grand Theatre. On most nights you can catch an opera, concert, or ballet on stage. Even if you don't go in, the Grand Theatre is gorgeous to see at night. Designed nearly 250 years ago, the Grand Theatre has a columned front with intricate statues of Juno, Minerva, Venus, and the Muses lining the roof.
Bar Crawl To Victoire
The Place de la Victoire is a circle with a variety of bars, restaurants, and other establishments. As the center of student life in Bordeaux, there are many things to do. You can dance the night away, listen to live music and local bands, or chat with friends while you drink beer. Since most are within close proximity to each other, it's not hard to hit several in one night.
Go Irish (or English) with Pubs
You don't have to cross the channel to enjoy a pint of Guinness in a pub. Bordeaux has a substantial British expatriate community, so there are many English and Irish style pubs peppered throughout the downtown area. While everyone will speak French, it's not uncommon to play darts, watch a match, or listen to a British band jamming on stage in these pubs.
Dance on the Quai
Everyone agrees - the place to be after midnight in Bordeaux is the Quai de Paludate. A meat market by day, the strip on the river is a trendy party spot by night. Since there are so many to choose from in one area, many clubs and bars have outrageously elaborate themes. You can spend one night in a bar that looks like a living room, complete with worn sofa and TV, and the next, listen to techno as you sip fizzy drinks from a flame covered bar. While many establishments are open every night all week long until 5am, you can expect the trendiest clubs to be more difficult to enter after Thursday night. The best way to beat the lines is to dress in your most fashionable clothing.
Of course, this is only a sample of Bordeaux's nightlife. If you're looking for more, the Tourist Information Office downtown has guides, event calendars, and other information for you to take and make the most out of your vacation. There are no limits to nightlife in Bordeaux - just how much you can take of it.
