In our series Scandinavian Explorers, we’re presenting articles on famous Scandinavian explorers from the Viking Age to our present time as well as destinations worth exploring for people from the north. Scandinavians love to travel, and we aim to inspire them to explore well-known as well as less visited places for fun and lasting experiences. This is Part 1 of Scandinavians exploring Bordeaux. Part 2 follows on Monday.
Since the Viking Age, Scandinavians are known for travelling the world. Scandinavians love to travel, especially in Southern Europe for the sun and warmer weather. In later years, attention to history, food and eco travel has been more evident. More and more Scandinavians explore new areas that’s not so touristy.
First out, we’ve chosen Bordeaux. Not only for its comfortable climate but also for its history, particular attractions – and not least the famous wines of Bordeaux. Bordeaux was named the “most attractive destination in the world for 2017” by Lonely Planet.
Attractions in Bordeaux
The Largest Digital Center in the world
In 2020, Culturespaces created this digital art center in Bordeaux’s former submarine base. The Bassins des Lumières presents monumental immersive digital exhibitions, dedicated to major artists in the history and to contemporary art.
The Famous Water Mirror
If you cross the street from Place de la Bourse towards the riverfront, you’ll arrive at one of Bordeaux’s main attractions, Le Miroir d’Eau. The huge water mirror is the most popular monument in Bordeaux attracting many families with kids to splash their feet on hot summer days.
La Cité du Vin – Bordeaux Wine Museum
Inaugurated in 2016, the Bordeaux’s wine museum, has become one of the city’s main touristic attractions. Even the shape of the spectacular building is inspired by the movement of wine when it’s swirling in a glass. It can be seen from afar and uplifts the grungy port of Bassin a Flot, where the museum is located.
Being in Bordeaux for the first time, it’s an attraction worth visiting. I call it an amusement park for wine lovers. The museum offers among other things an interactive journey into the wine world that includes videos, touch screens, sensory tables, interesting stories, and music.
The permanent exhibition takes place on the second floor of the museum.
Shopping in Bordeaux
In the midst of downtown, Sainte-Catherine Street was pedestrianized in 1977 and is now the longest pedestrian, shopping street in Europe, stretching over more than a kilometer. Here you’ll find all the major brands, as well as luxury and designer boutiques and gastronomy. Do not miss the typical 19th century mall north of the street.
Rue Porte Dijeaux is another commercial institution in Bordeaux, la place Fernand Lafargue has a more bohemian atmosphere.
Summing up, there is something to satisfy everybody here.
In Part 2 of this article, we visit the charming medieval village Saint-Emilion and the Dessault wine estates.
In Part 2, we’re commenting on Food & Wine and Accommodation.
Scandinavians Exploring Bordeaux, written by Tor Kjolberg.
All images (if not otherwise noted) © Tor Kjolberg/Daily Scandinavian.