When I booked my trip from Portugal to Bordeaux, I didn’t know much about the city—just that the flights were cheap, making it the perfect weekend escape. As I started researching Bordeaux Instagram spots, I quickly realized there wasn’t much guidance available. After exploring the city myself, I found so many stunning Bordeaux photo spots that I knew I had to share! Here are my top recommendations for the most Instagrammable places in Bordeaux to help you capture every beautiful angle of this charming French city!
Pont de Pierre
Pont the Pierre, or “Stoney Bridge”, is Bordeaux’s best known bridge, spanning the Garonne River. Due to its ideal location, it is one of the locals’ favorite places to watch the sunset. Pont de Pierre is a pedestrian/ bycicle /metro-only bridge, so you won’t have much of a problem taking pictures there.
Porte Cailhau
It is impossible to visit Bordeaux and not visit this emblematic monument, which was part of the city walls. Since it is in a very central area of the city, next to the river, there will always be people passing by. If you want the perfect shot without anyone in the background, I advise you to visit early.
Place de la Bourse & miroir d'eau
Without a doubt the most Instagrammable place in Bordeaux! The mirror of water reflects the buildings of the Place de la Bourse, creating a beautiful image, both by day and by night. I had the misfortune of visiting Bordeaux at a time when the buildings were under construction, so I couldn’t photograph it exactly as I wanted… but I still loved the result!
Water fills the ‘mirror’ in cycles of 10 minutes, and the perfect mirrored image will appear once the space is full and the water settles. However, the whole effect can be lost due to strong winds or children running around (which you will find, especially in the summer), so take that into account. Going early will always help you achieve the best results. It is also important to note that the Miroir d’eau has water only from 10:00 am and is only open between April and November.
Place des Quinconces
The largest square in France, where the monument to the Girondins is located.
Jardin Public
The Bordeaux Garden is the largest green space in the city. In addition to being a recreational space, this garden is also sought after for photographing weddings and other events. It has the Natural History museum, a library, a botanical garden, and a carousel.
National Opera
A beautiful 18th century monument that houses one of the most beautiful performance halls in the world.
Victory Square
In this square you can find the Porte d’Aquitaine, one of the many gates scattered around the city of Bordeaux.
Grosse Cloche
Another must-see monument in Bordeaux! Be aware that after a certain time in the morning there are already several groups of tourists on guided tours, so it is best to go early to get photos without anyone.
Darwin Eco-système
An abandoned site that has been eco-renovated and is now a space where you can find street-art, eco-friendy stores, workshops, skate parks, organic food, and a very laid-back vibe. The photo opportunities are endless here.
Bordeaux Cathedral
Bordeaux’s famous cathedral is huge and can be photographed from many different places. You can even climb to the top of the tower and photograph the city from above!
Here are my favorite places to photograph the cathedral:
Gambetta Train Stop
Wait for the subway to pass and then take pictures on this street, with a wonderful view of the cathedral.
Rue du Loup
Save this street on your map so you can recreate these photos, overlooking Bordeaux cathedral.
Rue du Commandant Arnould
I hope this article helped you to plan all the Instagrammable spots in Bordeaux that you want to photograph! Leave your opinion in the comments about my guide to the best photo spots in Bordeaux and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.
With Love,
Catarina Vieira
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