Bordeaux, France
Museums
If you're interested in museums, I would suggest visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux. You can also check out the Musée d'Aquitaine and CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain for more art-focused exhibitions. If you're looking to venture outside of Bordeaux, you could visit the Musée National de Préhistoire in Les Eyzies or the Musée de la Mer et de la Marine in nearby Bassins d'Arcachon.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Bordeaux according to local people are:
1. Entrecôte à la Bordelaise - a grilled rib eye steak served with shallots and a red wine sauce
2. Cannelés - small, caramelized pastries flavored with rum and vanilla
3. Garbure - a hearty vegetable soup made with cabbage, beans, and meat
4. Lamproie à la Bordelaise - a lamprey fish dish stewed in red wine and served with garlic toast
5. Pibales - baby eels fried or sautéed in garlic and olive oil
6. Jambon de Bayonne - a dry-cured ham from the Basque region of France, often served as an appetizer
7. Huîtres - fresh oysters from the nearby Atlantic coast, often enjoyed with a glass of white wine.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious traditional dishes you can find in Bordeaux.
Activities
Here are some fun activities that locals in Bordeaux enjoy:
1. Stroll along the Garonne River: Take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the river banks, visit the Place de la Bourse and admire its beautiful water mirror.
2. Explore the city by bike: Rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace. There is a great network of bike lanes in Bordeaux.
3. Visit the local markets: Les Capucins Market, Marché des Quais, and Marché des Chartrons are among the most popular markets in the city where you can find fresh local produce, prepared food, and interesting trinkets.
4. Wine tasting: Bordeaux is famous for its wine, so why not join a wine tasting tour or visit some local vineyards to experience the wine culture of the region.
5. Go on a boat tour: Take a tour on the Garonne River or explore the estuary and surrounding areas with a guided boat tour.
6. Experience the nightlife: Enjoy a drink in one of the many bars, cafes, or clubs in the city center. The lively Rue Sainte-Catherine is a great place to start.
