Musée d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux

Museum in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / FrDr

The Musée d'Aquitaine is one of the top attractions in Bordeaux for travellers who want to understand the region beyond its wine and grand architecture. Housing more than 70,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to the modern era, the museum offers a sweeping and immersive look at Aquitaine's long, diverse, and global story. Its collections range from Paleolithic treasures to medieval relics and exhibits on Bordeaux's maritime and colonial past, making it a highlight of any walking tour of Bordeaux for culture lovers.

Inside, the museum unfolds chronologically, guiding visitors from ancient cave carvings to Gallo-Roman civilisation, medieval Aquitaine, and the city's evolving identity. Powerful installations dedicated to Bordeaux's role in the transatlantic slave trade add depth and context, ensuring the Musée d'Aquitaine remains one of the must-see places in Bordeaux for those who want to explore both the inspiring and challenging chapters of regional history.

History and Significance of Musée d’Aquitaine
Things to See and Do in Musée d’Aquitaine
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Musée d’Aquitaine
Where to Stay close to Musée d’Aquitaine
Is Musée d’Aquitaine Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Musée d’Aquitaine
Nearby Attractions to Musée d’Aquitaine

History and Significance of Musée d’Aquitaine

Established in its current form in 1962, the Musée d'Aquitaine occupies the former Faculty of Arts and Sciences building, a 19th-century neoclassical structure designed by Pierre-Charles Durand. The site itself is layered with history: it stands atop the former Feuillants convent, the burial place of philosopher Michel de Montaigne in 1592.

The museum grew from earlier regional collections and evolved into a comprehensive institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Aquitaine. Its vast collection now spans prehistory, antiquity, the Middle Ages, the early modern period, and contemporary history. In 2009, the museum opened new permanent exhibits examining Bordeaux’s involvement in the slave trade, marking an important step toward acknowledging and understanding this part of the city’s heritage.

Things to See and Do in Musée d’Aquitaine

Begin your visit in the prehistoric section, where the famous Venus of Laussel-a 25,000-year-old carved bas-relief-offers a rare glimpse into Paleolithic art. Continue into the Gallo-Roman galleries, filled with mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects from ancient Burdigala.

The medieval and early modern sections trace Aquitaine’s shifting political and cultural identity, including its ties to Eleanor of Aquitaine and its role in European trade networks. Don’t miss the cenotaph of Michel de Montaigne, an elegant monument honouring one of France’s greatest thinkers.

The museum’s Africa and Oceania galleries highlight Bordeaux’s global maritime connections, while the powerful exhibits on the slave trade present archival documents, personal stories, and artwork that explore the human impact of this historic injustice.

How to Get There

The Musée d'Aquitaine is centrally located on Cours Pasteur and is served directly by Tram B, which stops at the museum's entrance. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Several car parks are within walking distance if you are travelling by car. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Bordeaux Airport offers tram and shuttle connections into the city centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bordeaux on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Musée d’Aquitaine

Best time to visit Musée d'Aquitaine: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €5-€8; free for some age groups and on select days.
Opening hours: Generally open daily except Mondays; hours vary by season.
Official website: musee-aquitaine.bordeaux.fr
How long to spend: 1.5-3 hours, depending on interest.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout.
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, library, and cafés nearby on Cours Pasteur.
Photography tip: Galleries are softly lit-ideal for capturing texture and detail without flash.
Guided-tours: Available through the museum and local tour providers.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés, bakeries, and restaurants around Place de la Victoire and Cours Pasteur.

Where to Stay close to Musée d’Aquitaine

For stylish comfort near the museum, consider Hôtel La Zoologie, set in a beautifully restored former university building. A more central boutique option is Hôtel de Normandie, placing you close to other major sights. For modern amenities and good value, Staycity Aparthotels Bordeaux City Centre offers apartment-style stays.

Is Musée d’Aquitaine Worth Visiting?

Definitely. The Musée d'Aquitaine provides one of the most comprehensive and engaging explorations of regional history in France. Its blend of archaeology, art, ethnography, and social history makes it invaluable for understanding Bordeaux's identity and its place within the wider world.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,588)

Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux presents the region's history and ethnography alongside artifacts from around the world, with strong prehistoric and Roman collections, detailed displays on Bordeaux's development and the slave trade, and well-labelled exhibits using maps, models, films and hands-on tables that make a 1–2 hour visit rewarding; practical notes from visitors mention English translations on labels, a modest shop, bag checks with locker tokens, no full cafe (only a vending machine and a few seats), nearby tram access and local cafés, and a discounted admission for under-26s with valid student ID.

Hal Goodtree

3 months ago

"Fantastic museum traces the history and archeology of Bordeaux and greater Aquitaine. Many moments of wonder from pre-historic times to the 20thcentury. Very well done exhibits with translations in English throughout. We spent about 2 hours. Many cafes in the area, tram stops right out front...."

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Jan Griffith

2 months ago

"Lots of 5-3000 BC artifacts of Aquitaine. Expect more of Bordeaux history with the rebuilding of the city in the mid 18th century. Lots of stuff onthe slave trade and France’s part in it. Found this interesting esp given the juxtaposition of what’s happening with the current USA administration and revisionist history...."

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Jimena

4 months ago

"Ideal museum if you want to spend a morning in Bordeaux and you like prehistoric and roman history. P.D.: if you are under 26, bring a valid studentID with you for a discount (from 8€ to 2€)...."

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FAQs for Visiting Musée d’Aquitaine

Yes-there are interactive elements and accessible exhibits.

Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 3 hours.

Usually, but this can vary depending on the show.

Yes, without flash.

Some holidays may affect hours-check the schedule in advance.

Nearby Attractions to Musée d’Aquitaine

Basilique Saint-Michel: A magnificent Gothic basilica with a towering bell spire.
Cathédrale Saint-André: Bordeaux's grand Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO site.
Grosse Cloche: One of the city's oldest medieval landmarks.
Place de la Victoire: A lively square with cafés and student life.
Rue Sainte-Catherine: One of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets.

The Musée d'Aquitaine appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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