Bordeaux: Eleanor of Aquitaine & Medieval Bordeaux Tour

Step into medieval Bordeaux and discover the people, places and events that shaped one of the most important cities of medieval Europe. The tour unveils forgotten stories and hidden places, such as the mummy crypt of Saint-Michel and the former cemetery at Place Meynard. Discover the traces of medieval daily life, through preserved timber-framed houses and narrow streets. The tour highlights the role of guilds and river trade, which fueled Bordeaux’s prosperity in the Middle Ages. It shows how the city was a crossroads where faith, power, and commerce intertwined, from churches to fortified gates. By following in the footsteps of the Dukes of Aquitaine and Eleanor, it brings to life historic figures who shaped Europe’s destiny. The contrast between Gothic monuments and the lively atmosphere of the old quarters offers a vivid and tangible vision of the past. It’s a tour that restores Bordeaux’s medieval soul, often overlooked in favor of its classical and wine heritage.

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   Bordeaux

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   Begin at the Basilica of Saint-Michel, a Gothic masterpiece with its soaring spire, chapels funded by medieval guilds, and the mysterious crypt of mummies. Explore Place Meynard, once a bustling cemetery at the heart of local life, then wander through narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses, including the city’s oldest home on Rue Neuve. Pass through the majestic Porte Cailhau, both gate and triumphal arch, once leading to the Palace of the Dukes of Aquitaine. Visit Saint-Pierre Church, where religion and river trade met, and admire the Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux’s medieval belfry symbolizing civic power. Along Rue du Mirail, feel the authentic atmosphere of medieval urban life. The tour concludes at the Cathedral of Saint-André and Pey-Berland Tower, where the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine unfolds—a queen whose marriage reshaped the destiny of France and England. This immersive journey reveals Bordeaux as a city of faith, commerce, power, and legends.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.