Mickael Marsali shares a presentation on the top sights to see in Bordeaux, France.

1. 4 Sights To See
In Bordeaux,
France
by Mickael Marsali

2. With its history and its beauty,
Bordeaux, France is one of the best
places to travel this year. In a 2013
survey, Bordeaux was ranked
France’s second-favorite city, after
Paris of course.

3. Bordeaux has recently experienced
a restaurant boom, adding to the
charm of this lovely city. Here are a
few things to do in Bordeaux,
France:

4. Place de la
Bourse

5. The Place de la Bourse (Bourse
Plaza), or the Place Royale, is one of
the most beautiful squares in
Bordeaux, and is an incredible
example of late 18th-century
Bordeaux architecture.

6. In addition to the beauty of its
architecture, another aspect that
attracts tourists to the Place de la
Bourse is the Miroir des Quais (The
Quay Mirror) right across the
street.

7. This incredible water mirror is
bound to leave you in awe. The best
time to visit the Place de la Bourse is
during the time when the sky is
dark.

8. The stunning contrast between the
night sky and the illuminated
buildings has made the Place de la
Bourse one fo the most
photographed places in Bordeaux.

9. Grand Theatre

10. The Grand Theatre is at the center
of the Place de la Comédie, the
ancient site of the Roman Forum
and a hub of metropolitan life. Built
in 1780, this theatre has become an
icon of Bordeaux Classical
architecture, attracting tourists
from far and wide.

11. Its lavish exterior has 12 colossal
Corinthian columns as well as
statues representing the muses.

12. There are also statues of the
goddesses Venus, Juno and Minerva.
The interior is just as breathtaking,
with stunning foyers and grand
staircases.

13. Some of the best performances to
see at the Grand Theatre are those
put on by the National Ballet of
Bordeaux or by the National
Orchestra.

14. Basilique
Saint-Michel

15. Located on the Route of Santiago
pilgrimage trail, the Basilique Saint-
Michel is a perfect example of the
“Rayonnant Gothic” style of
architecture. It is a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site,
alongside the Cathedral of Saint
Andrew and the Basilica of Saint
Seurin.

16. The Basilique Saint Michel took 200
years to build between the 14th and
the 16th centuries. When you visit this
magnificent structure, you can go to
the top of the freestanding belfry and
take in amazing panoramic views of
the city. The quarter of Saint Michael
that surrounds the Basilique is also a
lovely place to take a stroll.

17. Musee
d’Aquitaine

18. If the architecture hasn’t provided
you with enough slices of history, you
can visit the Musee d’Aquitaine to see
a number of artifacts, such as the
Laussel Venus, a 3rd-century statue of
Hercules and Gallic gold coins from
about the 2nd century BC.

19. After visiting the Musee d’Aquitaine,
you will have seen a number of objects
from Bordeaux and the region of
Aquitaine, some of which date back to
prehistoric times. You can also see the
16th-century Montaigne’s tomb and
the 13th-century figure of a knight of
Curton.

20. Bordeaux is a charming city with
history at every turn. While Paris is a
must-visit, a trip to France is not
complete without checking out the
ancient beauty of Bordeaux.