Things to do in Gironde

Bordeaux’s Rue Sainte-Catherine (Saint Catherine Street) stretches as far as you can see from one end to the other. It is one of Europe’s longest commercial pedestrian streets, measuring 0.8 miles (1.2 kilometers) long. Walk freely along this street filled with people. It is closed to vehicles, apart from an occasional delivery van. Be sure to explore the many side streets that offer unique and interesting stores and places to eat.

Place de la Bourse is an elegant city square, bordered by grand, palatial buildings and facing the Garonne River. Marvel at the perfect symmetry of the square and surrounding buildings, designed to reflect the king's power and bring Bordeaux into modernity.

The spectacular Cathédrale St. André dominates the skyline of Bordeaux and is one of the region's most important religious landmarks. The vast interior and freestanding bell tower add to its grandeur. Visit to appreciate the architecture or join the city's Catholic community at Mass.

The vast Place des Quinconces stretches for about 30 acres (120,000 square meters) across the center of Bordeaux, making it an ideal venue for concerts and festivals. Explore the tree-lined square and admire its ensemble of monuments, which are dotted around the edges of the plaza. Take in views of the adjacent Garonne River.

Like Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Place de la Victoire features an arch monument and has roads leading off in every direction toward other city neighborhoods. Unlike its bigger counterpart, however, Bordeaux's cool plaza is not swamped with tourists. The laid-back atmosphere here makes it an ideal place to linger a while. Rest from sightseeing at one of the square’s cafés and bars and watch people coming and going.