Top Rated Attractions in Bordeaux

The Théâtre des Quatre Saisons is a theater for many different events: theater, dance, music or circus. Theatrical programming alternates contemporary theater, puppet presentations, magic and reinterpretations of classical texts. Musical programming stretches from classical to Swing of the 1930s and 1940s. Sometimes, as if to bring the two together, music theater takes over the stage. The theater is also open to the Connaissance du monde initiative: filmed lectures on Morocco, Mexico, Peru, the USA, or also India.

Known as Bordeaux's answer to Paris' famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, many well-known people are buried here, including Goya, Lacour, Flora Tristan and Gauguin's grandmother. Like its larger counterpart, it is also home to an amazing variety of monuments and thus offers a window onto the world of 19th-century sculpture. Its suitably peaceful atmosphere is also reminiscent of the Parisian cemetery. Cimetière de la Chartreuse is the oldest and largest burial site in Bordeaux.

This austere 18th-century building plays host to Bordeaux's town hall. The building took 13 years to construct (1771–1784). On two sides of the courtyard, low buildings link the main building to a colonnade. The rear façade is extended by two low baluster pavilions featuring bay windows adorned with garlands. Despite numerous renovations, the palace's original great staircase is still intact inside, as are a string of rooms on the ground floor, which boast of beautiful paneling, and a dining room decorated with trompe-l'œil figures. Two styles of decor, one Pompeian, the other older still, evoke the sheer refinement of Bordeaux interiors in this period.

What used to be the St-Siméon church, is today a cinema hall Cinéma Utopia, showcasing films. The special architecture of this building just adds a unique touch to the movie viewing experience. Enjoy auteur films, apart from the latest art and commercial successes. So what are you waiting for, book your tickets in this exclusive setting.

With its imposing facade of impressive corinthian columns, each topped with stone sculptures of Greek goddesses and muses, Le Grand Théâtre is as spectacular as it gets. Built by Victor Louis between 1773 and 1780, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful 18th-century buildings in Europe. Well-known companies, such as the National Orchestra of Bordeaux Aquitaine, perform here, but the program delights opera and ballet lovers as well. This magnificent theater was restored in 1990 and 1991 to its former glory, with dominating shades of blues with gilt. Those wishing to learn more about the theater can book a tour that covers the history of this architectural gem. The Grand Café welcomes spectators and visitors wishing to have a coffee or lunch.

Opened in 1811, Bordeaux's Natural History Museum is one of the oldest of its kind in France. Set in a stunning private mansion adjoining the Le Jardin Public , the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle hosts a zoological collection of specimens from all over the world. It features present-day species, including those at risk of extinction, belonging to the mammal, bird, reptile and fish families, as well as crustaceans, mollusks and insects. Considerable space is dedicated to local wildlife and to paleontology, with an impressive collection of fossils. The library is open to researchers and the shop offers copies of the museum's publications among other works.