2h Walking tour of the "Ugly" Bordeaux
ID: GYG631011-1057134
Category:
Country: France
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
Discover Bordeaux’s ugly ducklings: concrete monsters, bizarre landmarks, and controversial architecture—served with history, humor, and a touch of local sarcasm.
Bordeaux is world-famous for its elegant 18th-century façades and UNESCO-listed beauty—but what about the other side of the city? On this 2-hour “Ugly & Controversial Bordeaux” tour, you’ll explore the places locals love to hate.
From the brutalist blocks of Mériadeck, once imagined as a “Manhattan in Bordeaux” and now nicknamed a giant parking lot, to the Administrative Fortress, where finding your way feels like a Kafka novel, prepare for a crash course in concrete.
Step into Utopia, a former church turned arthouse cinema, or the sinister WWII Submarine Base, too solid to destroy and now home to electro concerts and art shows. At the futuristic Cité du Vin, you’ll decide if it’s a masterpiece or a giant golden pickle.
Cross the noisy Aquitaine Bridge, admire the “Frankenstein” architecture of Saint-Jean Station, and finish at the lively yet chaotic Capucins Market, known as “Capu-moche.” Half history, half stand-up comedy, this tour blends cultural insight with self-deprecating humor—because Bordeaux isn’t just about picture-perfect postcards!
Highlights
- Marvel at Mériadeck, Bordeaux’s “Soviet UFO” district
- See the bunker-like Administrative City fortress
- Visit Utopia, a Gothic church turned indie cinema
- See the Nazi Submarine Base turned art space
- Judge the Cité du Vin: masterpiece or golden pickle?
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring your own transportation ticket to take the bus
Please wait in front of the hotel main entrance.
NOT INCLUDED
- Tips
- Transportation tickets
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
