Bordeaux, France: A City Transformed

We spent the first two weeks of December in Bordeaux, France, before heading back to the U.S. for the holidays. After three months of travel, we were a bit tired but still eager to explore - and Bordeaux did not disappoint. Despite the cold, gray, and rainy weather, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable three months in Europe.

Bordeaux has a relaxed feel yet remains full of energy. Its vibrant arts scene, fantastic restaurants, and large student population give it a lively, dynamic atmosphere. At the same time, its friendly locals and slower pace make it feel more intimate and welcoming than you might expect. For those looking for a city that blends big-city sophistication with small-town charm, Bordeaux is an ideal choice.

To me, Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France, with its stunning 18th-century architecture, fantastic restaurants, and lively cultural scene. While often compared to Paris, Bordeaux has a more relaxed and welcoming feel. Its walkable streets and open squares make it easy to explore, while its bustling markets and vibrant cafés create a strong sense of community that makes the city feel like home.

What truly sets Bordeaux apart is how pedestrian-friendly it is. I love exploring a city on foot, and Bordeaux’s historic center is perfect for that, with its wide boulevards, car-free zones, and charming alleyways. Whether strolling along the Garonne River, browsing the markets, or relaxing with a glass of Bordeaux wine at a cozy café, there’s always something new to enjoy.

Yet, to truly appreciate Bordeaux today, it's helpful to understand its recent history and the incredible transformation that made it the beautiful and thriving city it is now. 

Not long ago, Bordeaux was a very different city. By the late 20th century, despite its rich history and beautiful architecture, it had lost much of its charm. Pollution had stained its limestone buildings, earning it the nickname “La Belle Endormie” (“The Sleeping Beauty”) - a city with great potential but neglected for years. Traffic clogged the streets, making it hard to walk, and the Garonne River, once central to the city’s identity, was lined with abandoned warehouses and industrial buildings that blocked access to the waterfront. Poor city planning and lack of upkeep meant that, even with its famous wine, Bordeaux wasn’t a top destination for visitors.

That all changed in 1995 when Mayor Alain Juppé started a major restoration project. Over the next 20 years, Bordeaux was completely transformed. The city’s historic buildings were cleaned and restored, bringing back their beautiful golden limestone facades. The riverfront was redesigned, replacing old industrial spaces with scenic walkways, parks, and public areas. Large parts of the city center became pedestrian-friendly, and a modern tram system made getting around much easier. Thanks to these efforts, Bordeaux was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, reclaiming its place as one of France’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities.

Although I never saw Bordeaux before its transformation, it’s clear that the revitalization was a remarkable success. Today, there’s no trace of its past decline - Bordeaux is now one of the most beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming cities we’ve visited in France.

Bordeaux’s incredible transformation didn’t happen by accident - it was the result of a major government-led restoration project funded by taxes. Improvements on this scale wouldn’t be possible without strong government support and a shared commitment from citizens to invest in their communities through taxes.

Yes, people in France pay higher taxes than in the U.S., but they also see the benefits in their daily lives. Their tax money funds better healthcare, excellent public transportation, free higher education, well-supported schools, and a reliable retirement pension. As we saw firsthand in Bordeaux, it also supports beautiful and well-planned community development. These services make life easier, cities more livable, and reduce financial stress for individuals.

In the U.S., people often prioritize personal wealth over investing in shared community resources. We focus on keeping taxes low, thinking we will have more money. However, the high costs of healthcare, college, and transportation often offset those savings. With weak public transit in most cities, Americans spend more on cars, gas, and maintenance - expenses that many Europeans avoid thanks to their efficient transportation systems.

After spending time in many European cities and towns, I’m convinced that the French and broader European approach leads to a better quality of life. Their cities are well-kept, their communities feel stronger, and public investments make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. It’s a different mindset - prioritizing the well-being of the community over just individual savings - but in many ways, it creates a more comfortable and fulfilling way of life.

Bordeaux was a powerful reminder to me that thriving communities require investment. In the U.S., government support is often dismissed as socialism, while extreme individualism - which has increasingly put personal success above the well-being of the community - has held us back. Despite our country’s wealth, we often neglect the people and places that need support the most. True success isn’t just about personal bank accounts - it’s about creating strong, thriving communities for everyone.

Seeing Bordeaux’s transformation was both inspiring and eye-opening. It’s proof of what can happen when a community commits to rebuilding and reinvesting in shared spaces. Many cities and towns in the U.S. need the same care and investment, but real change won’t happen without the political and financial will to put community needs ahead of individual self-interest. We have the resources. We have the ability. It’s time to use them to create stronger, more connected communities.

Much like when a person makes a dramatic change to their appearance, a transformation that seems purely external is often driven by something much deeper. Bordeaux’s massive revitalization didn’t just clean up the city - it reshaped its very identity. While its restored architecture and polished streets made it more visually stunning, the real change was in its spirit. Bordeaux didn’t just become a cleaner, prettier version of itself; it evolved into a vibrant, modern city with a renewed energy and purpose. And for us, it was an absolute pleasure to experience.