Photo Spots in Bordeaux
Bordeaux, a magical city located in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, is renowned for its exceptional wines, rich history, and beautiful architecture. Home to some of the world’s most famous vineyards, Bordeaux is a paradise for wine lovers, but it also offers a wealth of other cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy. From its stunning 18th-century Gothic buildings and charming cobblestone streets to its vibrant food scene and lively nightlife, Bordeaux has much to discover. And with so many things to do, there are plenty of places to take photos in Bordeaux! 📸
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in Bordeaux to show us around all the very best spots for pictures.
TLDR
- Miroir d’eau. Reflect on the beauty of Bordeaux at a showstopping pool in the city centre.
- Cathédrale Saint-André. Marvel at the majesty of Bordeaux’s Gothic masterpiece, and the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world!
- Place de la Bourse. Discover the spirit of Bordeaux at its bustling public square in the Old City.
- Porte Cailhau. Step back in time and enjoy beautiful views at Bordeaux’s most iconic landmark.
- Jardin Public. Enjoy a serene escape in the enchanting public gardens of Bordeaux.
1. Miroir d’eau
The Miroir d’eau—or the Water Mirror—is one of the most popular attractions in the heart of Bordeaux, drawing visitors from all over the world. 🌍 Its location in front of the iconic Place de la Bourse, a historic square in the heart of the city, creates a truly magical scene. 💫 As a result, it is one of the most Instagrammable places in France and possibly Europe!
The Miroir d’eau is a relatively new feature in Bordeaux, as it was first installed in 2006 as part of a major renovation project at the Place de la Bourse. It was designed by landscape architect Michel Corajoud, who sought to create a modern and interactive public space that would complement the classical architecture of the surrounding buildings. The result is a stunning work of art that blends water, light, and reflection to create a mesmerizing visual effect. 🪞
Covering an area of 3,450 square metres, the Miroir d’eau is one of the largest reflecting pools in the world. The pool is only a few centimetres deep, which allows visitors to walk across the water. The water is kept constantly in motion by hundreds of jets, which create a gentle mist that rises into the air and reflects the surrounding architecture. The effect is even more beautiful at night when the Miroir d’eau is illuminated by a spectacular light show. ✨ With so much beauty in one spot, this is one of the best places to take photos in Bordeaux!
Photo: Sebastien in Bordeaux for Flytographer. Daniel and partner celebrate their engagement in Bordeaux with a proposal photoshoot at Miroir d’eau.
2. Cathédrale Saint-André
Cathédrale Saint-André, also known as the Bordeaux Cathedral, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the city centre. The cathedral is named after Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, and it is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. ⛪ It is also the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world!
Cathédrale Saint-André is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring a towering spire and ornate stonework. Wander inside to find intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and soaring vaulted ceilings—a magnificent sight! The interior of the cathedral is also filled with stunning works of art and a showstopping organ, which is considered one of the finest in France. 🎹
One of the most unique parts of Cathédrale Saint-André is the Pey Berland bell tower, which stands separate from the main cathedral building. The tower was added in the 15th century and features a spiral staircase leading to the top, where visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. 🏙️
🎟️ Travel tip: Consider getting the Bordeaux CityPass, which will give you access to tour Pey Berland tower, along with other popular attractions such as Fort Médoc, the Cité du Vin, the Musée d’Aquitaine, and more.
Photo: Sebastien in Bordeaux for Flytographer. Lily celebrates their graduation in Bordeaux with a graduation photoshoot.
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3. Place de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse is a magnificent public square located in the heart of Bordeaux. The square is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the stunning Palais de la Bourse, which houses the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux. The square is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful public spaces in Europe.
The construction of Place de la Bourse began in the 18th century under the direction of architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel. The square was designed to showcase the grandeur of the city and to serve as a hub for commerce and trade. Today, it remains a bustling centre of activity, with lively restaurants, cozy cafés, and interesting shops surrounding it. This is a fabulous place to slow down and watch the world go by as you enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine and a meal topped with delicious Bordelaise sauce. 🍷
Aside from the beloved Miroir d’eau, another fabulous feature of Place de la Bourse is the Fountain of the Three Graces, which stands in the centre of the square. The fountain was built in the 19th century and features three statues of mythological figures representing grace, charm, and beauty. This is one of the most popular places to take photos in Bordeaux!
🗺️ Travel tip: From here, you are just steps away from the world-renowned Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, which is home to the National Opera of Bordeaux. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular live performance or partake in a guided tour of the theatre’s backstage area—an incredible cultural experience!
Photo: Sebastien in Bordeaux for Flytographer. Natasha and family capture memories in Bordeaux with a family photoshoot.
4. Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau is a beautiful and historic 15th-century archway located along Quai Richelieu. Built as part of the city’s fortifications, the archway was designed to serve as a ceremonial entrance to the city for visiting dignitaries and important officials. And it still stands today as a testament to the city’s rich history and heritage. 🏰
Throughout the centuries, Porte Cailhau has undergone several renovations and restorations. In the 18th century, the archway was modified to accommodate carriages and was given a more neoclassical appearance. In the 19th century, it was declared a historic monument and was restored to its original Gothic style.
One of the most striking features of Porte Cailhau is the tower that rises above the archway. The tower stands 35 metres tall and features several levels, each with its own balcony. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city skyline and the winding Garonne River. 🌊
Photo: Sebastien in Bordeaux for Flytographer. Donald captures memories in Bordeaux with a solo adventure photoshoot.
5. Jardin Public
Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux lies Jardin Public, a serene escape from the city. This magnificent public park was created by the esteemed landscape architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel in the 18th century as a peaceful haven for the citizens of Bordeaux.
Covering an area of 11 hectares, Jardin Public is a picturesque paradise filled with an array of trees, flowers, and other plants. 🌳 Each section of the park has its own unique character, creating a captivating experience for visitors. Whether you’re walking along the tree-lined paths or relaxing on the soft green grass, the park offers a fresh perspective around every corner.
Aside from its natural beauty, Jardin Public also boasts an impressive collection of monuments and sculptures. The most famous of these is the Girondins Monument, a towering structure commemorating the Girondins, a group of politicians from Bordeaux who played a pivotal role in the French Revolution. At the foot of the tower, you’ll find a lovely fountain decorated with an impressive collection of bronze statues—a fascinating glimpse into history.
From here, you can wander north to the Chartrons district, a neighbourhood buzzing with lively bistros and pubs—the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine! Finish the day at Bordeaux’s famous Cité du Vin, a cutting-edge wine museum with interactive displays and tastings where you’ll learn the history of Bordeaux wine. 🍷 They even offer guided tours to Bordeaux’s incredible wine country, including small group wine tastings in Saint-Emilion—a dreamy day trip destination and one of the best places to take photos in Bordeaux!
Capturing Memories in Bordeaux
There’s no doubt about it—the city of Bordeaux exudes French charm and elegance. From grand architectural marvels to captivating gardens and pools, the city is a true feast for the senses. No matter what you choose to do in Bordeaux, you’ll be sure to make lasting memories. Book a Flytographer shoot to capture timeless photographs that you can treasure for years to come. 💖
“Sebastien was amazing with our large group in Bordeaux. He was professional and paid attention to the details in all the pictures. We have many beautiful pictures with all of our extended family. I would recommend Sebastien to anyone looking for a photographer in the France area.”
Natasha
“It was great to work with Sebastien, he knew what I’m looking for. Sebastien knew the right spots to capture the good shots in Bordeaux, he was also very helpful in providing great tips about places to try during my visit to Bordeaux”
Donald
