Spread out on the former gardens of the Chartreuse convent, Chartreuse Cemetery is notable for its wide variety of monuments, from humble offerings to impressive pyramids and huge crypts. One of the highlights is the impressive tomb of Jean Catherineau, sculpted from a single block of stone by Jean Alaux in 1875—perched on top is an unsettling grim reaper looming over a wrecked ship. The Spanish painter Goya was originally buried here; his body has since been moved to Madrid, but there is still a memorial to the artist.
Chartreuse Cemetery is located west of Bordeaux’s city center. It’s best accessed on foot from the city center or via tram; the Gavinies stop on Line A is closest.
The cemetery is open daily year round and makes a pleasant place to spend an hour while sightseeing in the city. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Check the forecast for rain in the summer.
With a collection of over 70,000 artifacts, including ancient sculptures, jewelry, and even a reconstructed early 20th-century grocery shop, the Museum of Aquitaine traces the history of Bordeaux and the surrounding region from prehistory to the present day. Highlights include the tomb of the great writer and philosopher (and one-time mayor of Bordeaux) Michel de Montaigne and the Roman Altar of Tutela, which dates from the 1st century.
