Things to see and do Bristol

Saint Augustine's Abbey was built in 1140 and, by 1542, the building had expanded to form the new cathedral. A fine example of Gothic architecture, it boasts a sumptuous and imposing chapter house, the meeting place of the monks. The nave was destroyed in the ^16th century, then rebuilt in the ^19th century according to its original medieval plan. It forms a large, uniform hall with the choir and aisles, which are the same height. A must-see in Bristol. The gardens surrounding the church are equally beautiful.

This museum is dedicated to aerospace, an industry in which Bristol specializes. The local star is, of course, the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, designed and built here. It was the last Concorde to fly, and could cross the Atlantic in just three hours. You can see the interiors, but other aircraft are also on display. And don't forget the Red Arrows simulator! The attraction is housed on a former World War I base, renovated and refitted to accommodate it.

As soon as you enter, the legendary Bristol Boxhite aeroplane flies overhead. Housed in a magnificent Edwardian building, the museum is home to archaeological collections, ceramics and porcelain from all over the world, exhibits from ancient and modern civilizations and an impressive natural history section. And don't miss the contemporary art gallery, featuring works by some of the world's most renowned artists. A museum well worth a visit.

Clifton Village is certainly Bristol's most walkable district. On every corner, magnificent Georgian villas bear witness to a prolific architectural era. The stroll takes you past clothing boutiques and antique shops. Don't miss Clifton Down Road and the Clifton Arcade, a tiny passageway concealing a candy store, jewelry store and other wonders. And take a look at the famous suspension bridge!

How is a tornado formed? What is DNA? The answers to all these questions and many more are explained at We The Curious, a fun-filled Cité des sciences. Don't miss the planetarium show to learn how to spot the constellations. The facility also takes advantage of the presence in town of the headquarters of Aardman Animation Studios, creators of Wallace and Gromit, by designing a hands-on space dedicated to animation. From adjusting lighting to learning drawing and movement techniques, it's sure to inspire new vocations!

Built in 1117, Berkeley Castle's history begins with the meeting of the western barons who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede. It continues with the murder of Edward II in 1327 and Cromwell's siege in 1645 (he actually breached the wall, which is legally forbidden to repair). There are many fine interiors to visit, as well as a sublime English-style garden adorned with roses, rare plant species, shrubs and trees. A wonderful visit, typical of the region, and of English castles and their history.

This contemporary art centre presents, through a cinema, a bookshop and five galleries, various programmes by British and foreign artists. Highly multimedia, the Arnolfini art centre does not exclude any mode of expression: painting, drawing, sculpture and video are thus put to work here. The café is very pleasant and has a terrace on the quays. There is also a specialised bookshop on site, so that you can continue learning and discovering at home and at your own pace. Information and bookings can be made online.

It's Bristol's star attraction. The SS Great Britain was born from the imagination of Isambard Brunel in 1843. Consecrated the largest ship in the world at the time, this colossus sailed to New York and Melbourne. It was also used to transport troops to the Crimea and India. An exhibition explains how it worked, which was revolutionary from a technical point of view. Thanks to a dry dock, one can go around the hull before going through the deck and its many parts.

The history of plant evolution through a unique collection of over 4,500 species. Succulent plants, giant Amazonian water lilies, a collection of sacred lotuses - a fantastic garden, a haven of peace far from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also splendid greenhouses, a tropical house, a large pond and a Chinese pharmacology garden. Numerous events (exhibitions, scientific picnics, etc.) are organized here throughout the year.

An iconic landmark, this architecturally attractive building was opened in 1925. It belongs to the University of Bristol and houses the university's law and earth sciences departments. It is here that the university's prestigious graduation ceremonies are held. Visits are rare but well worth the detour. You can see the great hall, the Council Chamber and the libraries, all of which are very interesting. From the top of the 78-metre tower, the view is superb - not to be missed!

Appreciated for its beautiful architecture and red brickwork, the Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park is one of the city's best-known landmarks. It was built in 1897 to commemorate the voyage of John Cabot, the Italian navigator in the service of England, between Bristol and North America four hundred years earlier. The park, with its water-lily pond, is a pleasant place to stroll. You can then climb to the top of the tower, free of charge, for beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. But beware: the stairs are very steep!

M Shed is Bristol's museum of popular culture. Housed in a very long shed on the water's edge, its colorful, interactive exhibition traces the city's social history, and the people and events that have shaped it over the centuries. Nearly 3,000 original objects, 150 films and thousands of photos tell the story of the war years, the industrial sector, means of transport through the ages and cultural events. An interesting exhibition both for its exhibits and for the venue itself.