Quais de Bordeaux

Overview

The Quais de Bordeaux are the city's magnificent UNESCO-listed riverfront — a 4.5-kilometer promenade along the Garonne lined with 18th-century facades, cycling paths, and the famous Miroir d'Eau. The waterfront transformation is one of Europe's great urban renewal success stories.

Highlights

• The Façades: The unbroken line of honey-colored 18th-century buildings along the left bank creates one of the most photogenic urban waterfronts in France.
• Cycling: A flat, dedicated cycling path runs the entire length — perfect for a Vélo de Bordeaux bike-share ride.
• Sunset: The west-facing right bank offers the best sunset views over the UNESCO cityscape.

History

Until the 1990s, the Garonne waterfront was a neglected industrial zone of warehouses and car parks. A massive urban renewal project beginning in 1996, led by architect Nicolas Michelin, transformed the quays into a pedestrian and cycling promenade, culminating in the inauguration of the Miroir d'Eau in 2006.

Visitor Tips

• Vélo de Bordeaux: Rent a city bike and ride from the Pont de Pierre to La Cité du Vin — the full waterfront experience.
• Right Bank: Cross the Pont de Pierre to the Darwin Écosystème for sunset views back toward the city.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.