10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Bordeaux

Quartier Saint Pierre, considered by many the cradle of Bordeaux, offers historic avenues and architecture that goes back to the Middle Ages for a romantic walk back in time. It's also a cultural hub and a residential neighbourhood. Among the highlights of this area is the Place du Palais, which faces the Garonne and stands 35 metres high. It was built in the 15th century in honour of Charles VIII's victory at Fornoue. Here you can visit an ancient stone bridge and get panoramic views over the roofs of the city.

While here, don't forget to check out the Water Mirror, a stunning public art installation on the Garonne side. It's also in the heart of the city centre.

The Jardin Public is a vast urban park with tons of walking trails, endless green space, an arboretum, a large lake and even a museum and puppet theatre. This is a place where couples come to reconnect with each other and nature, where they pack a picnic lunch and just spend the entire day getting away from the hustle and bustle. If you want, you can head for the onsite natural history museum to check out thousands of exhibits of biology, archaeology and anthropology. If you want something quirkier, catch a kid-friendly, magical puppet show.

No matter what kind of escape you want, Jardin Public has it to offer. It's in the heart of the city centre.

Parc Rivière is an oasis in the Tivoli district offering tons of shady tree groves, historic ruins, flowers, walking paths, benches for resting and great wildlife viewing opportunities. If you're into wildlife, a romantic walk along the paths gives you the chance to see all manner of fauna, from squirrels to blue robins, martinets and even an owl. The park is right on the steps of ancient ruins inside the former stables of a 19th-century castle. You can still see some of the remaining towers and stone walls. Even an ancient fireplace still stands among the thick undergrowth.

The greenhouse here was even built using ancient techniques. The park is a 15-minute drive north of the city centre.

Bordeaux Cathedral is a historic church built between the 12th and 15th centuries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture. In terms of romance, it was at this site the future King Louis VII married Eleanor of Aquitaine. Inside, you can see stunning carvings and artwork as well as statuary, much of it dating to the middle ages and before, including the 13th-century royal entrance at the north portal and the south voussures.

The sheer beauty and magnificence of this cathedral, in addition to the story of Louis and Eleanor, make it a fantastically romantic site. It's right in the heart of the city centre.

Cité du Vin is the place to explore if you are a wine enthusiast. It's a museum dedicated entirely to engaging the senses and teaching you about the history of wine. This museum features tons of interactive exhibits and experiences exploring the art, craft and history of winemaking in this famed wine region of France and all over the world. At the end of the tour, you'll take in a panoramic view of Bordeaux from the top floor with a wine tasting.

The museum also offers temporary exhibits and even classes on wine tasting and winemaking. The Ciné Gourmand exhibit even pairs wine with a movie. The museum is located a 17-minute drive north of the city centre.

Palais Rohan is the Bordeaux City Hall and a historic building that offers interesting exhibits, a museum and beautiful architecture in a classical style. This building is right in the heart of the Bordeaux city centre. It's a great option if you're into history, romance or local culture.

This site once served as the palace of the Archbishop, with the current building replacing one that he did not feel was worthy of his status. Designed by Richard-François Bonfin, it was completed in 1784 after 13 years of construction. Less than a decade later, following the French Revolution, it became a public building before finally becoming the town hall in 1837. It also houses the city's art museum with hundreds of paintings, sculptures and other media dating back many centuries.

Quai des Marques is a scenic waterfront promenade offering boutique shopping, clothiers, cooking stores, cafés, eateries and astounding waterfront views of the Garonne River that winds through the city. The attractive thing about this stretch is that it offers just about everything. You can start your morning by taking in the sunrise over the horizon, then walk hand in hand down the promenade. You can shop for everything from cookware to haute couture fashions. You can grab a cup of coffee at a classic sidewalk café or have a meal at an upscale restaurant.

The promenade is just 13 minutes from the city centre. It's a place you can come and spend all day just enjoying each other's company.

A Garonne River cruise is among the most romantic ways to experience Bordeaux, offering the chance to see the city's historic skyline combined with a full meal and wine. You can take in beautiful sunsets, enjoy an aperitif as you board, and have a 3-course lunch or dinner, depending on when you book your cruise. Wine tastings are also available on many of these cruises. As you sail down the river, you'll see many sights like the Quai Richelieu, Place de la Bourse, and the hustle and bustle of people along the waterfront promenade.

A classically romantic cruise represents a unique way to see the city. Cruises depart from many points along the river, just minutes from the city centre.

The wine bar of Le Boutique Hôtel lets you kick back in true elegance with some of the region's finest wines while you gaze into one another's eyes. If you're looking for a place to fall in love all over again, this hotel at the historic city centre of Bordeaux is housed in an 18th-century house with a lush courtyard and a century-old chestnut tree in the middle.

It's a 5-star hotel, meaning the accommodation is first-rate and you'll enjoy all the amenities while you're here. After a few glasses of wine at the bar, you can head for the spa for a massage or slip into a hot tub where the night never has to end.

The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux has stood in the city centre since the late 18th century and offers stunning artwork and architecture as well as opera and ballet performances. This theatre once served as the National Assembly for the French Parliament. The building is famed for its neo-classical façade with its 12 Corinthian columns and statues of the muses and goddesses. Inside, the ceiling fresco by Jean-Baptiste-Claude Robin pays homage to the Arts and the city.

Today, the theatre is the home of the Ballet National de Bordeaux and the Opéra National de Bordeaux and showcases the finest productions. From the façade to the grand staircase to the auditorium, it's a lavish and luxurious theatre inside and out.