5 Fun Facts About Bordeaux You Should Know Before Your Visit
Whether you’re coming for the wine, the culture, or just a beautiful French getaway, Bordeaux is full of surprises. It’s a city that combines elegance, history, and a relaxed southwestern vibe, all with a glass of wine in hand (of course!). Before you pack your bags…Here are 5 fascinating facts that will help you see Bordeaux through the eyes of a local—and maybe make you fall in love with it just a little sooner.
1. Bordeaux Produces a Staggering Number of Wine Bottles Each Year
Let’s talk numbers. Bordeaux isn’t just a wine region—it’s the wine region. Each year, Bordeaux produces around 700 million bottles of wine. Yes, you read that right—700 million!
This includes everything from everyday table wines to some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive labels. The region is home to over 6,000 wineries, covering more than 110,000 hectares of vines. That’s about 14% of all vineyard land in France—all in this one region.
From Saint-Émilion and Médoc to Sauternes and Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux is a mosaic of terroirs and appellations. And it’s precisely this diversity that gives Bordeaux wine its global reputation.
Why it matters ? Bordeaux’s winemaking history dates back over 2,000 years. Today, the city is often called the Wine Capital of the World. If you’re a wine lover, this would be heaven for you. I’d love to take you on a tour to taste it all!
2. Bordeaux Has the Most Protected Historic Buildings in France—After Paris
One of the first things people say when they arrive in Bordeaux is:
“Wow… it’s like a mini Paris!”
And they’re not wrong! Bordeaux has more than 350 historic monuments, making it the city with the highest concentration of protected buildings in France after Paris.
Wander through neighborhoods like the Golden Triangle, admire the majestic Place de la Bourse, or climb to the top of the Pey-Berland Tower next to the stunning Gothic cathedral. Even just strolling along the Garonne River is like walking through an open-air museum.
Fun tip: At night, many of these buildings are beautifully lit, Bordeaux is even more magical after dark.
3. It’s Home to the Largest Reflecting Pool in Europe
If you’ve seen pictures of Bordeaux on Instagram, you’ve probably spotted it : the Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror). It sits directly across from Place de la Bourse and reflects its 18th-century architecture like a giant mirror.
Covering over 3,450 square meters, the Miroir d’Eau is the largest reflecting pool in Europe! It’s shallow, playful, and cycles between misting, flooding, and draining.Creating a dreamy, interactive space that’s especially fun in the summer.
Kids run through it, couples take romantic selfies, and photographers love catching those early morning reflections.
Local tip: If you’re here in the summer, kick off your shoes and take a walk across, it’s surprisingly refreshing!
4. You’ll Find One of the Longest Shopping Streets in Europe
Rue Sainte-Catherine is 1.2 kilometers of pure retail heaven. It stretches from Place de la Comédie all the way down to Place de la Victoire. It’s lined with everything from major international brands to cute local boutiques.
The street is pedestrian-only, which makes it a dream for wandering (and not worrying about cars while juggling shopping bags!). It’s the perfect mix of old architecture and modern style.
Pro tip: Come early in the day or during the week to avoid the weekend rush, locals love it just as much as visitors do!
5. Bordeaux’s Signature Sweet Treat Is the Canelé
Ah, the canelé. This little caramelized pastry is crisp on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and flavored with vanilla and a touch of rum. It’s bite-sized perfection, and it’s a true symbol of Bordeaux’s culinary heritage.
The story goes that canelés were first made by nuns in Bordeaux centuries ago using leftover egg yolks from the wine industry (winemakers used egg whites to clarify wine). Clever and delicious!
You’ll find canelés at every bakery in town, but locals have strong opinions about where to get the best ones. Some favorites include Baillardran (very classic) and La Toque Cuivrée.
Sweet suggestion: Try them fresh with a hot espresso or, why not, a glass of sweet Sauternes!
Ready to Fall in Love with Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is more than just a wine destination, it’s a city full of history, charm, and delicious surprises. From sipping wine in a centuries-old château to people-watching by the Miroir d’Eau, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re curious to explore Bordeaux through the eyes of a local (and taste all the good stuff!), I’d love to show you around on one of my custom food and wine tours. Just reach out here and let’s plan your perfect Bordeaux adventure.
À très bientôt.
