Port de la Lune
Bordeaux's historic waterfront, a UNESCO gem with grand neoclassical facades and the iconic Place de la Bourse reflecting pool.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light on facades
Port de la Lune
Best Time
Golden hour light on facades

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bordeaux's historic waterfront, a UNESCO gem with grand neoclassical facades and the iconic Place de la Bourse reflecting pool.
"A glorious place to explore and experience its stupendous historical significance."
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
The entire Port de la Lune is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to discover hidden gems!
⛲️ Fountain Fun
Don't miss the amazing fountains, especially when they reflect the sky. Great for kids and photos!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Garonne Riverfront
Quayside
Stunning classical and neoclassical facades line the river, reflecting the sky. A truly picturesque and historic waterfront.

Reflecting Fountains
Place de la Bourse
An amazing fountain that mirrors the beautiful sky, offering a magical and joyful experience.

Historic Monuments
Throughout the 1800-hectare site
Discover nearly 350 historic monuments, from statues to buildings, hidden in plain sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the UNESCO Charm
Navigating Bordeaux's Waterfront
Best Times
Insider Tips
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I'm visiting Bordeaux for a few days before I officially move in May. Any recommendations for places to visit while I'm here?
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
The entire Port de la Lune is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to discover hidden gems!
⛲️ Fountain Fun
Don't miss the amazing fountains, especially when they reflect the sky. Great for kids and photos!
🏛️ UNESCO Gem
Appreciate its UNESCO status; there are hundreds of historic monuments to find.
🍽️ Dining Delights
Plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy along the waterfront. Perfect for a leisurely meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
The entire Port de la Lune is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to discover hidden gems!
⛲️ Fountain Fun
Don't miss the amazing fountains, especially when they reflect the sky. Great for kids and photos!
🏛️ UNESCO Gem
Appreciate its UNESCO status; there are hundreds of historic monuments to find.
🍽️ Dining Delights
Plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy along the waterfront. Perfect for a leisurely meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Port de la Lune's stunning UNESCO-listed architecture and vibrant waterfront atmosphere. The Place de la Bourse with its iconic reflecting pool is a major highlight, offering a magical experience for all ages. While generally loved, some find the area can get quite crowded during peak times.
"Vary active place , a lot of restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops and setting area to enjoy . There is playground for children and a really amazing fountains that reflects the beautiful sky . Also , a lot of acts in front of the fountain that is extremely fun and joyful 😄"
R A N E E M
"Great City, lots to do, very popular"
Rob Sullivan
"This is a very rare UNESCO world heritage site given to a city and refers to an area of about 1800 hectares of the city of Bordeaux! It includes the Garrone River (which contains Pont de Pierre), the entire stunningly classical and neo-classical façades of the The quay side. It's also including the almost three hundred and fifty historic monuments (statues, buildings, churches, etc). I wasn't aware of its impressive listing until I visited here! Spend a week here and you're still discovering "treasured monuments" hidden in plain sight! Glorious place to explore and experience it's stupendous historical significance."
Antoine M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Port de la Lune is the historic waterfront of Bordeaux and is easily accessible by walking through the city center. Tram lines also serve the area, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.
Absolutely! The entire Port de la Lune area is designed for walking. It's the best way to soak in the atmosphere and discover its many historic monuments.
While you can drive near the area, parking can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk to fully enjoy the waterfront.
The best way is to dedicate a good portion of your day to walking along the Garonne riverfront. Consider starting at one end and working your way along the quays to see the diverse architecture and monuments.
Yes, many guided walking tours focus on Bordeaux's historic center and the Port de la Lune, offering in-depth insights into its rich history and architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Port de la Lune itself is a public area and does not require tickets for general access. You can freely wander along the quays and enjoy the views.
As an open public space, Port de la Lune is accessible 24/7. However, individual attractions or restaurants within the area will have their own operating hours.
The Port de la Lune is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but there is no entrance fee to explore the public areas. Enjoy the historic cityscape at your leisure.
Yes, the area often hosts events, especially around the Place de la Bourse fountain, which can include performances and light shows. Check local listings for current events.
While the exteriors of the historic buildings are part of the Port de la Lune's charm, access to interiors usually depends on whether they are museums, shops, or private residences.
📸 📸 Photography
The Place de la Bourse with its reflecting pool is iconic. Also, capture the grand neoclassical facades along the Garonne, especially during golden hour or at night when illuminated.
Late afternoon for the warm, golden light on the buildings and early evening for the city lights reflecting on the water. Sunrise can also offer a quieter, beautiful perspective.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historic sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive facades and riverfront. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography and capturing reflections.
While reviews mention stained glass art, it's likely within specific buildings or churches. General photography of the waterfront is permitted, but check for specific interior rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes and ice cream shops to more formal restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Yes, many restaurants and cafes along the quayside offer beautiful views of the Garonne River and the illuminated city, especially in the evening.
Bordeaux is known for its wine, so pairing your meal with a local Bordeaux wine is a must. You might also find regional dishes featuring duck or seafood.
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options like creperies, bakeries for sandwiches, and casual cafes for a quick bite.
Many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Look for menus that highlight fresh produce or ask staff about vegetarian/vegan choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a change of clothes for the water mirror, as kids often can't resist splashing around. The boat tours on the Garonne River also offer a different perspective and can be a relaxing way to see the city for families. The overall atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it an enjoyable outing for everyone.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money on food, opt for picnics with items bought from local bakeries or markets, or choose casual eateries like creperies and sandwich shops over formal restaurants. Many cafes offer affordable coffee and pastries. Look for free events that might be happening along the waterfront, as these can provide entertainment without any cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The UNESCO World Heritage Site
Exploring this area means stepping back in time. You'll encounter nearly 350 historic monuments, from grand public buildings and churches to intricate statues and decorative elements. The sheer density of well-preserved architecture makes it a living museum. Many visitors are surprised by the extent of this heritage, finding new treasures with every stroll.
To truly appreciate the UNESCO status, take your time to observe the details. Notice the uniformity of the limestone buildings, the elegant proportions, and the way the architecture reflects the city's prosperous past. It's a cohesive urban landscape that has remained remarkably intact, offering a unique glimpse into 18th-century urban planning and aesthetics.
Experiencing the Place de la Bourse
One of the most captivating features is the Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror), a shallow pool that creates stunning reflections of the sky and the surrounding buildings. This interactive water feature is a huge hit with visitors of all ages, offering a playful and visually spectacular experience, especially on sunny days.
In the evenings, the Place de la Bourse and its fountain are beautifully illuminated, transforming the square into a magical setting. It's a popular spot for evening strolls, enjoying an ice cream, or simply sitting and taking in the ambiance. The combination of historic architecture and dynamic water features makes it a must-see.
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