bordeaux day trip

The 15 BEST Day Trips from Bordeaux (Within 2 hours!)

Looking for an exciting day trip around Bordeaux? You’ve come to the right place!

While 2 or 3 days are enough to explore Bordeaux, you’ll likely want to delve deeper into the region if you have more time – and you’re absolutely right!

Located in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region in the southwestern part of France, Bordeaux boasts a prime location. With the sea just an hour away, charming medieval villages, and bountiful vineyards, the whole region offers a wide range of destinations for a day trip.

I’ve gathered in this post the 15 best day trips from Bordeaux , with helpful info and tips.

Let’s go! 🧳  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Best Day Trip from Bordeaux for YOU

Nature & beach day trips from bordeaux, wine day trips from bordeaux, city day trips from bordeaux, best day tours from bordeaux, read more about bordeaux.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick sum up for you to find the right day trip suited to your plans:

🏖 Best beach day trip from Bordeaux: Arcachon & Dune du Pilat

🍷 Best wine day trip from Bordeaux: St Emilion

🏙 Best city day trip from Bordeaux: Blaye

🚗 Quickest day trip from Bordeaux by car : St Emilion

🚆 Quickest day trip from Bordeaux by train : Libourne

🎡 Best day tour : Saint-Emilion & Medoc Full-Day Wine Experience

  Keep reading to learn more about each of these places and discover other day trip destinations. I’ve classified them by type and travel time from Bordeaux (from nearest to farthest). 👇  

If you’re a sea and beach lover and you’re visiting Bordeaux during the warmer months, my advice is to embark on an Atlantic coast adventure right away!

You’ve got a variety of options at your fingertips, and here they are:

Disclamer : Keep in mind that some beach activities in the area are only open during the warm season, so be sure to check their availability before deciding on your destination.

1. Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat

Full of unique landscapes and sights, Arcachon Bay is definitely one of the must-sees around Bordeaux. The bay is renowned for the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, which offers breathtaking views of the entire bay on clear days.  

Dune du Pilat

For a day trip, my recommendation is to explore the dune in the morning and take a relaxing break there. You can even take a dip at the beach located at the foot of the dune… Just be prepared for the climb back up, which can be a real challenge!

The town of Arcachon is only a 15-minute drive (about 25 min by bus) from the Dune du Pilat, so go there for lunch and an afternoon at one of the Arcachon beaches . You can also visit the town’s charming villas and enjoy its nightlife.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 65 kilometers, 1 hour drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 1 hour

💸 Best excursion: Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat Tour + Oyster Tasting

🔍 Read more : Get all the details about this day trip here .

2. Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park

Extend your adventure to the Leyre Delta at Le Teich, where a bird sanctuary awaits, one of France ‘s largest and a must for bird watching.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 50 kilometers, 1 hour drive

Lacanau Beach is indeed one of the best surfing spots in the region. It hosts the Lacanau Pro every August, the oldest surfing competition in France, which is part of the World Qualifying Series, which gives access to the world surfing championship.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 58 kilometers, 1.15 hour drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 2.2 hours

4. Biscarrosse

If you have the time, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the world’s largest inflatable water park, the AquaPark in Biscarosse. For just 20€, you can have a blast for 2 hours, jumping on trampolines, giant slides, climbing walls, etc. set directly on the ocean.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 74 kilometers, 1.2 hour drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 2.5 hours

5. Cap Ferret

In Cap Ferret, sampling oysters in one of the many lovely oyster huts and taking a bucolic stroll to the 53-meter lighthouse overlooking the Arcachon Basin are musts. Seriously, this is one of the most beautiful day trips around Bordeaux you can do.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 74 kilometers, 1.5 hour drive

The Bordeaux terroir is famous for its vineyards and globally celebrated Grands Crus. But you don’t have to love wine to discover it because, behind the wine, there’s a lot of history.

Here are the best destinations for a wine day trip from Bordeaux:  

6. Saint Emilion

But what’s less well known is that Saint-Emilion is also one of France’s most beautiful medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting lost in its cobbled streets feels like a journey back in time, with wonderful historical sites waiting to be discovered.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 42 kilometers, 50 min drive

💸 Best excursion: Saint Emilion Food & Wine Tour

But there’s more to the city than Cognac. You can also visit historic sites such as the Maison de la Lieutenance, or enjoy a scenic gabarre boat ride on the Charente River for example.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 120 kilometers, 1.45 hour drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 1.5 hour

💸 Best excursion: Cognac Private Wine Tour

8. Châteaux du Médoc

The Route des Châteaux du Medoc is arguably one of the most beautiful Bordeaux Wine Routes . If you have a car, then this wine road trip is the most complete wine excursion you can do in the region within a day. (If you don’t, check out this 1-day tour ).  

Along the way, you’ll be treated to picturesque vistas. The journey unfolds alongside the Garonne River, winding through forests, vineyards, small villages, and exceptional monuments. The wine estates that dot the route are traditionally called “châteaux” and are beautiful old blonde stone mansions open to visitors.

The Medoc vineyards proudly host 8 unique appellations for you to explore and taste: Margaux, Médoc, Haut Médoc, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien, Moulis, and Listrac. Each appellation has its own story to tell and flavors to discover. A remarkable wine-tasting experience and journey through history!

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 80 kilometers from Bordeaux to the Gironde Estuary

💸 Best excursion: Saint-Emilion & Medoc Full-Day Wine Experience

Near Bordeaux, there are lots of cute, picturesque little villages, some dating back to medieval times. Beautiful monuments and castles are hidden away, and there’s plenty of opportunity to sample local delicacies – and some fine wine, of course!

Here are listed the best villages to discover on a day trip from Bordeaux.  

9. Libourne

Just a few kilometers north of Bordeaux in the Bordeaux vineyards, Libourne is a 13th-century bastide town. It’s one of the easiest and fastest day trips from Bordeaux by train or car.  

Steve Le Clech / CC BY

The town boasts an exceptional architectural heritage, which you can discover by strolling through the historic center. Make sure not to overlook the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Libourne, graced with its splendid stained-glass windows.

One of the best things to do in Libourne is to take a cruise on the Dordogne, which is particularly romantic if you’re with your partner. There are lots of different cruise options: guided tours, gastronomic tastings, or barbecues… the choice is yours!

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 33 kilometers, 50 min drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 35 min

10. Mazères

The little town of Mazères, a quick 45-minute drive from Bordeaux, is a great destination for history lovers.  

Château de Roquetaillade

Mazères is home to the Château de Roquetaillade , an imposing fortified castle entirely renovated in the 19th century. While some vestiges of the old castle remain, it’s the new part that really catches our eye. Inside and out, it’s absolutely magnificent.

Wandering through the charming village, you’ll also discover a number of wine cellars offering the perfect conclusion to your day: a chance to savor the local finest wines!

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 54 kilometers, 45 min drive

10. Saint Macaire

Its historic center, the Mercadiou, is a true marvel to explore. Here, you’ll find an array of arcaded houses, some of which have stood since the 13th century. As you stroll along the town’s ramparts, you’ll come across historical vestiges, and at the very top, you’ll discover the lovely church of Saint-Sauveur.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 52 kilometers, 55 min drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 40 min

The little town of Blaye is home to one of France’s best-preserved citadels. It’s a sight to behold, and exploring it is an adventure in itself!  

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux / CC BY-SA

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel of Blaye takes you back in time with its ramparts, gates, and underground passageways dating back to the Vauban era. From the top of the citadel, you’ll discover a breathtaking view of the Gironde estuary.

As you climb the citadel’s heights, you’ll be rewarded with a truly breathtaking view of the Gironde Estuary. For an up-close encounter with this natural wonder, head to the Blaye pier, where you can embark on a ferry ride. And if you have extra time, you can visit Fort Médoc, a 17th-century military complex on the opposite bank of the Garonne.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 52 kilometers, 1 hour drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 1.2 hour

12. Bergerac

Bergerac is a slightly different visit to your usual wine and castle tours.  

Château de Monbazillac / alain01789 / CC BY-NC-ND

The town features 2 unique museums: the Wine Museum and the Tobacco Museum. Nestled within a 12th-century cloister, the Wine Museum unravels the rich history of local wines, while the Tobacco Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s tobacco cultivation.

Wandering through Bergerac’s charming old town is a delight, with its picturesque, flower-draped lanes and half-timbered houses. And, if you have a car, don’t miss visiting the Château de Monbazillac , a 16th-century chateau surrounded by lush vineyards.

🚗 Distance from Bordeaux by car : 100 kilometers, 1.5 hour drive

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 1.10 hour

13. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is one of the easiest train trips from Bordeaux, with direct access by train.

Founded in 1253, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is one of the best-preserved bastides in France. With its narrow streets, the town center is very pleasant to visit, and its church boasts one of the tallest spires in Aquitaine. It’s also one of the few bastide towns crossed by a river (the Dordogne).

This hidden gem remains somewhat off the beaten tourist path, making it a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Bordeaux. So if you’re seeking a relaxing getaway, there’s no better destination.

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 1.15 hour

While, ideally, you’d need to spend at least a week in Paris to get the most out of it, the city is so incredible that it’s better to spend just one day there than none at all. A city to see at least once in your lifetime!

🚆 Distance from Bordeaux by train : 2 hours

💡 Tip : Book your train tickets as early as you can to avoid skyrocketing prices!

🔍 Read more : Get your perfect 1-day itinerary to Paris

Opting for a guided tour is an excellent decision if you’re short on time or don’t want to get bogged down in planning the trip. It’s as easy as picking a tour, booking your spot (in advance please!), and showing up at the meeting point on D-day. The best part is that these tours are led by experienced professionals, so you should have a blast.

There are plenty of guided tours throughout the region departing from Bordeaux. I’ve made it easy for you by selecting the best ones, i.e. those that will give you an unforgettable experience for a full day, with quality service and at a good price. Find them here:

• Saint Emilion Food & Wine Tour : Explore the medieval town of St Emilion and learn everything about Bordeaux wines thanks to 3 winery visits and wine tastings.
• Saint-Emilion & Medoc Full-Day Wine Experience : With a wine expert, discover 2 Bordeaux wine regions in a single day and taste no less than 8 local wines. A historical visit to St Emilion is included, of course.
• Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat Tour + Oyster Tasting : This half-day trip will take you to Dune du Pilat and drive you to the scenic Arcachon Bay to try the local specialty, oysters (with a glass of white wine!).
• Full-Day Private Basque Country Tour : This is your best chance to discover the wonderful Basque Country and Biarritz in a day from Bordeaux. The best part? The day trip is tailored to your own tastes and preferences!
• Cognac Private Wine Tour : This tour is all about Cognac with a producer, an estate, and a distillery visit! There’s no better way to discover the local savoir-faire.

I’ve crafted several other guides about Bordeaux to help you best prepare for your trip:

➡️ Here are a few pieces to learn more about exploring Bordeaux:

• Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?
• Best Time to Visit Bordeaux
• Safety in Bordeaux
• How Many Days to Visit in Bordeaux
• Fun Facts about Bordeaux

➡️ Here are complete Bordeaux itineraries tailored to the length of your stay:

• 1 Day in Bordeaux
• 2 Days in Bordeaux
• 3 Days in Bordeaux

➡️ And here are other posts to better discover Bordeaux and beyond:

• Things to Do in Bordeaux in Winter
• Day Trip to Arcachon from Bordeaux
• Best Beaches in Arcachon
• Discover the Dune du Pilat
• Camping near the Dune du Pilat

I hope you enjoy your trip to Bordeaux and around; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂

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Hey, I'm Kevin

I'm a professional photographer, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. I worked with countless travel brands, and my travel advice has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Forbes & the New York Magazine. But the best travel advice is definitely found here on my website! I'm all about adventure travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors - even if I often find myself exploring cities with my wife Nesrine. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or reach out by email at: [email protected]

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bordeaux Itinerary

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

More than just a single city in France but an entire region in the southwestern pocket of the country, planning a 2 to 3 days in Bordeaux itinerary is a great way to explore the place known for producing some of the best wine in the world. With a few days in this gorgeous city, you have enough time to see the main highlights as well as venture out to explore the surrounding Bordeaux wine region.

Whether you simply want to go wine tasting in Bordeaux or are interested in exploring what this historic city has to offer, you’re sure to fall in love with this incredible area in the southwest of France.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Bordeaux?

How many days to spend in Bordeaux depends on how you plan to experience this region of France. If you want to use the city as your home base for exploring the surrounding areas such as the Dordogne region, plan to spend at least 3 days here.

This grants you enough time to wander the neighborhoods in the city itself and maybe even take a wine tasting cruise on the river. You can explore the city at your leisure or use one of the three days as an opportunity for a day trip beyond the city.

If you only have 2 days in Bordeaux, you’ll have to prioritize how you spend your time. You can either spend both days in the city center itself or split your time between the city and the nearby local wine region.

Depending on your level of interest, it could be a great experience to spend a night or two in a small town near the vineyards. This is an excellent option if you have more that 3 days to dedicate to your time in Bordeaux.

Getting To & Around Bordeaux 

By far the quickest and easiest way to reach Bordeaux is by plane. It’s about a short flight to Bordeaux airport from most major cities in France and there are also connections from other cities in Europe. From the airport, you can hop on a shuttle, take a bus or organise a private transfer.

Another option is the TGV high-speed train. There are direct trains from Paris that take around two hours in total. Most moderately-sized cities (such as Toulouse or Montpellier ) will have a train station, so you can easily reach Bordeaux no matter where you’re arriving from. You can view train schedules here.

Once you’ve arrived in Bordeaux, there are a variety of methods to get around the city. Urban buses, tramways, and readily available cabs make it easy to travel longer distances in the city.

Many of the major landmarks are clustered together in the center of town, which is also most likely where you’ll be staying. Walking between these sites is easy.

You can opt to purchase a Bordeaux City Pass that grants unlimited travel on all local buses and trams for a certain number of days. The pass also includes entry into a number of museums along with a complimentary city tour, perfect for giving you more context when exploring Bordeaux.

If you want a slightly more unique way to get around, consider hopping on the Garonne River shuttle. 

2 to 3-Day Bordeaux Itinerary

Filled with historic landmarks and delicious cuisine, here are some of the city’s highlights and recommended day trips to consider adding to your trip agenda. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is an absolute joy to explore.

Day 1 – Central Bordeaux Highlights

Whether you’re seeing Bordeaux in 2 days or 3, you cannot go wrong with spending your first day exploring the center and old town of Bordeaux.

There is a lot to see in this beautiful area so take your time to get lost in the lovely, winding streets. You can opt to take a walking tour or book a bike tour to learn more about the area with a guide.

Place de la Bourse

Here is one of the most iconic sites in all of Bordeaux. The Place de la Bourse is a sprawling palace that curves around a large square. A long and narrow reflecting pool sits in the center of the square.

Water comes and goes from the pool—small fountains slowly fill the pool with water to set the scene for the famous photo of the palace being reflected in the water.

When the water drains and the fountains kick back on, you’ll see local kids splashing through them to cool off on a warm summer day. It’s a beautiful place at dusk when the palace lights up.

The Place de la Bourse is centrally located not far from the other famous square — the Place des Quinconces –, making it a great landmark to see on your first day in Bordeaux. 

Eglise Saint-Pierre

The historic heart of Bordeaux is located behind the Place de la Bourse. Here is where you’ll find the stunning medieval Church of Saint-Pierre.

The church was built on a former port from the Middle Ages. The surrounding area was cleared to make way for this church and the palace. Since then, this area has become one of the most bustling and vibrant sections of Bordeaux.

Between the landmarks are cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the church architecture while sipping on a glass of regional wine from a local wine bar. Inside the church is an ornate and intricately designed space that attracts both visitors and locals.

If you want to spend even more time wandering in the old town, also make sure to make a 10-minute detour to the Bordeaux Cathedral or the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux. This is a gorgeous Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th Century, entry is free and visiting is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux.

Porte Cailhau

If you only catch a glimpse of Porte Cailhau, you’ll think it was a medieval castle misplaced in the center of a large city. In fact, this castle-like exterior was built in 1495 as the main gate to the city. It’s tucked between buildings along the Palace Square near the riverfront.

Visitors can walk through or climb inside the monument for excellent views of the city. A fun fact for your visit: no one really knows what the word “cailhau” means. Historians have theories, but none have ever proven conclusive. 

Walk Pont de Pierre

Should you climb to the top of Porte Cailhau and look out over the city, one of the first landmarks you’ll notice is a sprawling bridge that connects either side of the river Garonne: the Pont de Pierre. Pont de Pierre or “stone bridge” was completed in 1822 and was the first stone bridge ever built in Bordeaux.

The bridge has 17 spans that support the bridge and make it a comfortable walk across the river. Once you’ve reached the other side, look back on the beautiful and historic center of Bordeaux.

Bear in mind that traffic laws concerning the bridge are underway in an effort to reduce traffic on the bridge. If you’re driving in Bordeaux, don’t plan on crossing the bridge by car.

Place du Parlement

Close out your first day in Bordeaux with a visit to the Place du Parlement. This historic square was named after the nearby parliament building that existed from the 15th century to 1790. Here is one of the most beautiful squares in France that is lined with restaurants and cafes.

At night, the square comes to life with warm lighting and burbling fountains. There is plenty of outdoor seating. Consider ending your first day in Bordeaux with dinner in the Place du Parlement.

It’s located near the main attractions you’ve visited today, so you can kick back and relax after a long day of exploring the city.

Day 2 – Bordeaux Museums & Markets

Day 2 of this itinerary takes you out of the old town and into the Bacalan district. Here, you can visit a number of museums and learn more about the gastronomic scene in the Bordeaux region.

CAPC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Bordeaux

The Bordeaux Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1973 and has since become the heart of the city’s modern art scene. CAPC showcases the work of modern artists from France and around the world while teaching its visitors about the technical side of modern art.

The building was a former food warehouse that was transformed into a culture space. It’s an easy stop to make as you head away from Bordeaux’s city center and closer to the Bacalan district.

You can treat your second day as the day of museums—experience the art, culture, and history that makes this city unique. 

Bassins des Lumières

This is the largest digital art center in the world and is well worth a visit during your trip to Bordeaux. It’s an immersive digital exhibition that captures the work of artists from impressionism to modernity through digitizing their art on the walls of the museum.

Massive projectors depict moving art on the walls and pools of water in some exhibits. If you want a fresh perspective on classic art from many different creative eras, pay a visit to the Bassins des Lumières.

Les Halles de Bacalan

Foodies flock to Les Halles de Bacalan. This massive food and drink market opened in 2017 and is located right across the street from La Cite du Vin.

Here, you’ll find over 20 different artisans and merchants that were carefully selected based on the quality of their products. Food and drink in Les Halles de Bacalan tend to be on the pricier side, so keep that in mind when visiting.

Most weekends bring cooking workshops, live music, and activities for families. It’s a great place to stop for a glass of wine and tapas before heading to Bordeaux’s famous wine museum. 

La Cite du Vin

This bizarrely shaped building will catch your eye. Its shape is meant to replicate the movement of wine as you swirl it in your glass. This is fitting as La Cite du Vin is the wine museum of Bordeaux, meant to celebrate wine culture from the region and around the globe.

It opened in 2016 but has seen many enhancements and renovations since. The museum is a fascinating look at the history of wine and the science of winemaking. It’s filled with multimedia elements and interactive exhibits that make it enjoyable for everyone.

Though Bordeaux is certainly not the only wine region in France – fantastic wines are grown everywhere from the Loire Valley to the Champagne region to Provence – this museum is a great way to educate yourself about the specific wines from this region.

Round out your visit with a wine-tasting experience from the eighth floor of the museum. Grant yourself a few hours to enjoy the museum and tasting—it’s well worth your time. You can pre-book tickets here.

Day 3 – Saint-Emilion or Arcachon Bay

If you’re seeing Bordeaux in 3 days, then plan to use your final day as an opportunity of a day trip to the surrounding region. Whether you’re going wine tasting or visiting a lovely little village, you’re spoilt for choice here.

Saint-Emilion

If you wish to explore the surrounding wine region, head to Saint-Emilion. This is one of the most popular day trips from Bordeaux. It’s a charming medieval town that is surrounded by some of Bordeaux’s most famous vineyards and go wine tasting at a chateau.

The easiest way to reach Saint-Emilion is by train. There is a direct line from Bordeaux that takes around 35 minutes. This is a good option if you want to explore the town and visit a nearby winery.

If you’re hoping to venture further out into the region on your own, a rental car is helpful. Alternatively, there are a number of guided tour options such as this half-day tour or this full-day tour that will take you to the town and wineries that you might not have the opportunity to visit on your own. 

Arcachon Bay and Dune of Pilat

Maybe you’re looking for a day trip to somewhere other than a vineyard. If that’s the case, head to Arcachon Bay. This is an area of the coastline that is rising in popularity for locals and tourists alike.

These dreamy beaches and delicious seafood make it a nice way to escape from the hustle and bustle of Bordeaux. Because it’s lesser known by tourists, it’s more off-the-beaten-path. Don’t expect languages beyond French to be spoken.

One of the most famous sites is the Dune of Pilat. This massive sand dune is a huge hike to reach the top, but once you do the panoramic views make your efforts well worth it.

There is a local train station at Arcachon, so it’s easy to reach the town from Bordeaux. Alternatively, you can book a half-day tour.

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

Hôtel Madame – This 3-star hotel is an excellent choice for mid-range travelers looking for a great place to stay in Bordeaux. They have a range of rooms to choose from, a great location and breakfast available in the mornings.

Le Boutique Hotel & Spa – This opulent, 5-star hotel is perfect for those who want to splash the cash when visiting Bordeaux. They have a number of plush rooms to choose from, great amenities including a spa/wellness center and an excellent location for exploring the city and region.

Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta – If you’d like your own self-catering accommodation in Bordeaux but also want the convenience of all the amenities a hotel offers, then this aparthotel is an excellent choice. They have a number of flats to choose from along with a great location in central Bordeaux.

Central Hostel – This hostel is a great choice in central Bordeaux if you’re travelling on a budget or are looking for a social atmosphere. They offer both private rooms and dorms, have self-catering facilities, and a great location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bordeaux hotels!

Bordeaux is a city filled with art and culture that offers a little something for every kind of traveler. Take these suggestions as you create your Bordeaux itinerary and soak up everything the city has to offer. 

Are you planning to visit Bordeaux? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Strasbourg Itinerary

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The Perfect Versailles Day Trip from Paris

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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12 Excellent Day Trips from Bordeaux, France You Don’t Want to Miss

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means that we might receive a small commission at no cost to you if you book through on of our links. For full information, please see our disclaimer .

Looking for a day trip from Bordeaux? You’re in luck—the area enveloping the city is quite impressive and offers a plethora of fantastic options for day trips.

The world-renowned French city of Bordeaux is surrounded by some of the best day trips in France— top-notch wineries, captivating villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and other natural astonishments are just waiting for you to explore them!

Whether you are looking for a full hands-on wine experience in the highly-rated Saint-Émilion , a taste of a wide variety of French cuisine, or a quiet day meandering around a small town, you’ll quickly see there’s a day trip for any taste!

In this article, we’ll review the best options for day trips from Bordeaux, France .

Short on time? Here are the top three day trips from Bordeaux.

✔ Must-Book Day Trip from Bordeaux : Wine tour of Saint-Émilion

✔ Best Bordeaux Day Trip for Nature Lovers: Arcachon Bay & Dune of Pilat

✔ Best Food Tour Near Bordeaux: Gourmet Food Tour & Market Visit in Sarlat-La-Canéda

TABLE OF CONTENTS

12 Best Day Trips from Bordeaux, France

Check out 12 of the best day trips around Bordeaux to help plan your trip!

1. Become a wine connoisseur in Saint-Émilion

In our opinion, a trip to France is never complete without a taste of the wide variety of fine French wines .

Fortunately, the city and surrounding region of Bordeaux is famous for its Grand Cru. While you’re there, your first stop should be a visit to Saint-Émilion .

This prestigious wine village on the banks of the Dordogne River produces some of the finest wine you’ll ever taste . Take a day trip to Saint-Émilion , and explore the cute little village.

In the afternoon winery tour with tasting , you’ll learn all about the history and production of the wine.

Even better, you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful natural sights in France while checking “become a wine connoisseur in France” off your bucket list!

If you only do one day trip in Bordeaux, exploring Saint-Émilion’s vineyards is a must!

This afternoon tour includes:

✔ Visit 2 beautiful châteaux

✔ Learn about wine-making process

✔ 4-5 wine tastings

✔ Traditional French appetizer

✔ Explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion

Check availability, and book Saint-Émilion day trip now!

2. Visit Arcachon Bay and climb the Dune of Pilat

The nearby Arcachon Bay, known for its mild climate and stunning natural beauty, is an ideal destination for a day trip near Bordeaux. While you’re there, climb the Dune of Pilat ( Grande Dune du Pilat ). The highest sand dune in Europe, it’s situated between a pine forest on one side and the peninsula and sand bank on the other. 

Located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, climbing the Dune of Pilat takes anywhere from 20-35 minutes depending on how in shape you are. It involves a ton of stairs to reach the top, but the views are hands-down worth the effort to get there .

The Dune ridge itself is about 1.6 mi (2.5 km) long, so there’s plenty of time and space to explore, take photos, and awe in amazement.

Tour both the Arcachon Bay and Climb Dune of Pilat on this morning tour from Bordeaux (oysters and white wine included). 

You won’ t want to miss a trip to the stunning Arcachon Bay and a climb on the Dune of Pilat while in Bordeaux!

This fantastic tour includes:

✔ Drive to the scenic Arcachon Bay via minibus

✔ Climb the tallest sand dune in Europe

✔ Stunning panoramic views of the lagoon and forest

✔ Fresh oyster tasting

✔ Glass of local white wine

Check availability, and book Arcachon & Dune du Pilat tour now!

3. Savor wine at Chateau Margaux

As mentioned before, a trip to France is never complete without sampling some wine.

Another place to visit near Bordeaux if you love wine is the Chateau Margaux . Dating back to the 16th century, Chateau Margaux has been classified as a top-tier wine since 1855. 

Chateau Margaux wine produces some of the best wine in all of France and is certainly a top Bordeaux wine. Some bottles cost nearly $700, if that says anything about its quality. The estate itself has a long history, so there is an educational opportunity as well with a lot to learn.

Tour the Chateau Margaux , and taste some of the best wine flavors your lips will ever meet.

4. Eat fresh oysters in Gujan-Mestras

Just 40 minutes southwest of Bordeaux (by car or train ) you’ll find the commune of Gujan-Mestras. This traditional oyster village houses more than seven oyster ports, each with its own ambiance. 

On your visit to this quaint seaside village, stop to taste oysters as you stroll through colorful cabins along each port. Don’t forget to stop at the Maison de l’Huitre Museum and learn all about the history of the villages and their oysters, too. 

Other things to do during your day trip to Gujan-Mestras include walking or biking the 4.3 mi (7 km) coastal path or splashing around at the Bay of Leisure waterpark.

✔ Want to get off the beaten path and explore a little? Rent a car !

To reach some of these lesser known towns and natural areas, consider renting a car for a day or two. We usually go with Discover Cars , which allows you to compare and rent a car, globally .

Book a car in Bordeaux, now!

5. Step into medieval times in Sarlat-La-Canéda

Another excellent place to visit near Bordeaux is the village of Sarlat-La-Canéda. Home to one of the highest densities of historical monuments in France , Sarlat-La-Canéda is well on its way to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Yes, this astonishing representation of medieval times in France in the 14th century is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

This bustling market city was abandoned for nearly 150 years but is now protected by the Malraux Act, which seeks to preserve historic French cities.

After arriving by train (2 hrs, 20 min) or car (2 hrs, 15 minutes), take advantage by wandering around medieval cobblestoned streets , stopping in St. Mary’s church , and snapping photos of the marvelous mansions scattered around the village.

A trip to Sarlat-La-Canéda isn’t complete without exploring the covered market, reminiscent of the days of old. Since the city is known for gastronomy , it’s easy to find a wide variety of delicious treats at the weekly Sarlat Market (Wednesday and Saturday).

To dive even deeper into Sarlat-La-Canéda’s gastronomy, we recommend taking a guided tour. This gourmet food tour and market visit is the perfect way to get to know the tastes of Sarlat!

✔ Want to experience the local cuisine in Sarlat-La-Canéda?

Knowing what to ask for at the markets and shops can be overwhelming! Instead, hop on a Gourmet Food Tour & Market Visit in Sarlat-La-Canéda !

You’ll love this small group walking tour all about about wine and food of the Dordogne. Read reviews, and book tour now!

6. Chomp on veggies in Marmande

Located less than an hour outside of Bordeaux, you can easily explore the small town of Marmande on foot. Truly, this is a perfect destination for a day trip from Bordeaux by train for tomato lovers—and veggie-lovers of all kinds!

Why veggie-lovers, you ask? Well, the town of Marmande shares its name with a juicy and meaty tomato ! Dating back to the 19th century, these medium-sized tomatoes with wrinkly skin get their name from their destination of origin: Marmande, France.

Take a seat at any one of the many French cafes and restaurants to sample a dish with these famous tomatoes.

But, tomatoes aren’t the only thing Marmande has to offer: adventure through the small winding streets, shop at local boutiques, relax in the park, and check out various historical monuments.

✔ Book your train tickets to Marmande here .

7. Admire street art in Angoulême

Venturing to the city of Angoulême for a unique day trip from Bordeaux. The city is wonderful for a day of wandering and admiring its interesting mix of architecture, literature, and street art.

Situated along the Charente river, it’s actually the international comic strip capital. (Who knew?!) Although comics are traditionally thought of as “kid stuff,” they are an accepted and respected form of art in France. In fact, the city draws in over 200,000 visitors a year for its annual international comics festival (January).

Further, Angoulême is considered the street art capital of France. Follow the designated trail to see murals, graffiti, and other forms of spectacular street art covering the walls of the city. Don’t forget your camera!

8. Stroll the quays of Libourne

Spend a day where life is good and streets are narrow in Libourne, France. An old 13th-century bastide (a fortified medieval town), Libourne is a port city on the banks of the Isle and the Dordogne rivers. Head there by car (30 min) or train (22-33 min) to enjoy the scenery before your fairytale stroll along the quays.

Filled with blond stone streets and buildings, we think you’ll fall in love this charming town.

But don’t just stay at waters’ edge: stop at the centuries-old market square in the city center . Surrounded by amazing historical sites such as the Town Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts, the market square is famous for trading, buying, and selling. Try to go there on a Tuesday or Thursday, when the square is filled with local vendors and sellers.

Search for the top day tours from Bordeaux:

9. See the best of Basque in Biarritz

Certainly Biarritz is one of the best coastal towns in France! Reached by train or car from Bordeaux, the French Basque Country’s legendary beaches draw in hundreds of surfers and beach goers every year. Biarritz is the best day trip from Bordeaux to the west coast of France, hands-down.

Surrounded by picturesque mountains, there is hardly a better place to relax and immerse yourself in the seaside culture of France. While in Biarritz, hitting the beaches is the top priority, but there are a handful of other colorful attractions to traverse.

For instance, take the cog train up the Rhune, venture into the Iraty Forest, or watch a game of Basque pelota (traditional hand ball).

Plus, you can always wander through the city streets and admire the scenery or join a guided walking tour of the city in order to make the most of your time.

10. Hike at the Médoc Natural Regional Park

If you are a nature lover, you will love this Bordeaux day trip: hiking at Médoc Natural Regional Park.

Located between the city of Bordeaux and the western coast of France, the park boasts some of the most gorgeous coastal hikes in the country . Plus, its diverse landscape contains something for everyone: beaches, forests, vineyards, and agricultural areas. 

Discover the park on foot by choosing one of the dozens of different hiking paths . Fortunately, there is a path for everyone no matter how fit you are and or the level of difficulty you desire. Additionally, keep an eye out for the seven lighthouses located throughout the park, most famously the lighthouse of Cordaun.

Other sites to scout are the Contaut Lagoon, Etang de Cousseau Nature Reserve, and the Gironde Estuary.

11. Visit artisan distilleries in Cognac

A pleasant way to spend an afternoon on a day trip from Bordeaux by car (1 hr, 24 min) is a a visit to Cognac. It’s in this city in Charente where the legendary brandy of the same name is produced.

Visiting an artisan distillery is the best way to learn all about the culture and history of the delightful French liquor.

Exploring this region of France, which is loaded with distilleries, will give you insight into a brandy that is as rich in history as it is in flavor . It is one of the country’s most iconic products, and can only be produced in this region to be considered a true cognac.

Vineyards, distilleries, and maisons de negoces (licensed merchants) all offer tours and tasting for educational purposes. For fun, book a masterclass to learn (and taste!) all about the distinctive flavors, characteristics, vintages, and blends of great cognacs.

Keep in mind, if you visit from November-March , it is possible to see the distilleries in action during the season while on tour.

12. Rejuvenate in Dax

After completing all of these day tours from Bordeaux, a day of rejuvenation and relaxation is surely what you will need.

The curious town of Dax (accessed by train , bus , or car ) is widely known for its substantial amounts of thermal spas and health rejuvenating centers. Not only does Dax have many spas, but there are also various historical sights to take in while you’re there.

To expand, Dax is a stunning mix of architecture, cathedrals, and Roman ruins. Lucky for us, thermal spas were very traditional in Roman times and have lingered on to this day .

Firstly, inhale calming steam at Fontaine Chaude , where the waters are a constant 147 F (64 C). Next, bounce around to any of Dax’s numerous spas for your preferred treatments.

Without a doubt, Dax is the perfect location to end a trip to the region of Bordeaux.

Last Words on Day Trips in Bordeaux

Not only is Bordeaux a fabulous city itself, but the surrounding region is also just as amazing. There are countless options for day trips from the Bordeaux from a full day of exploring to an afternoon of relaxation.

It’s not hard to see why so many tourists are skipping the city of love, and opting for the city of art and culture: Bordeaux.

Not ready to book? Bookmark this page to refer to later!

Heading to France? You may also like…

Check out some of our top articles:

• Essential Guide to France
• Top 12 Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France
• Best Day Trips from Strasbourg for Slow Travelers

Blogger & Ex-Spanish Teacher

Tristina Oppliger has traveled to 35+ countries on five continents. Having previously lived in Spain, she loves studying foreign languages and cultures. In fact, she has a Master's in Foreign Language Education and is a former Spanish Teacher! Tristina is passionate about living free—remote work, exploring the world, and finding adventure wherever she goes.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Bordeaux

Day trips from bordeaux.

• Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion
• Bordeaux to Margaux
• Bordeaux to Pauillac
• Bordeaux to Blaye
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux

2. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

3. Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day

4. Saint-Emilion Afternoon Tour - 2 Wineries, tastings & delicacies

5. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

6. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

7. Medoc Region Wine Day Trip with Vineyard Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux

8. Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch from Bordeaux

9. Half day in Pomerol and Saint Emilion in a classic car

10. Bordeaux' Best Boulangeries & History Tour

11. Saint-Emilion Small Group Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

12. Saint-Emilion: Food and Wine escape

13. Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour - 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

14. Dune du Pilat and Oysters Tasting in only 1 hour away from Bordeaux ! What else?

15. Private tour in the Médoc in a classic car

16. Luxurious full day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla

17. Bordeaux Médoc Region Private Wine Lovers Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings

18. A Half-Day in Margaux

19. Private Tour on the Route des Grands Vins du Médoc with Visits and Tastings

20. Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip

21. Bordeaux : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour )

22. Private tour in the Sauternes wine region - discover Bordeaux sweet Crus Classés

23. Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch and St Emilion region

24. Saint-Emilion E-bike Wine Tour, 2 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

25. A day in Saint-Émilion and its Châteaux in a private tour (Van Luxe)

26. Full-day wine tour in Saint-Emilion (Premium Sedan)

27. Visit andTasting Grand Cru Margaux since 1855, Medoc Wine route

28. Private Medoc Full-Day tour, from Bordeaux

29. Cap-Ferret, Herbe Village with Tasting Oysters waterfront !

30. A day in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar

What travellers are saying.

• Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day
• Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux
• St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch
• Bordeaux Wine Trails
• Bordeaux with Elodie
• Retro Tour Bordeaux
• Monsieur Bacchus Bicycle tours
• A la Francaise! Bordeaux
• ONEDAY BORDEAUX TOURS
• Léonor d'Aquitaine - Visites guidées dans le bordelais
• Burdeos Free Tour
• Bordeaux Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience
• Bordeaux Free Walking Tours
• Taste & Travel
• Bordeaux Discoveries

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Bordeaux

Day trips from bordeaux.

• Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion
• Bordeaux to Margaux
• Bordeaux to Pauillac
• Bordeaux to Blaye
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux

2. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

3. Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day

4. Saint-Emilion Afternoon Tour - 2 Wineries, tastings & delicacies

5. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

6. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

7. Medoc Region Wine Day Trip with Vineyard Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux

8. Full day Dune of Pilat, Arcachon, Oysters tasting include !

9. Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch from Bordeaux

10. Bordeaux' Best Boulangeries & History Tour

11. Saint-Emilion Small Group Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

12. Saint-Emilion: Food and Wine escape

13. Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour - 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

14. Dune du Pilat and Oysters Tasting in only 1 hour away from Bordeaux ! What else?

15. Luxurious full day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla

16. Bordeaux Médoc Region Private Wine Lovers Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings

17. Half day in Pomerol and Saint Emilion in a classic car

18. A Half-Day in Margaux

19. Private Tour on the Route des Grands Vins du Médoc with Visits and Tastings

20. Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip

21. Bordeaux : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour )

22. Private tour in the Sauternes wine region - discover Bordeaux sweet Crus Classés

23. Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch and St Emilion region

24. Saint-Emilion E-bike Wine Tour, 2 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

25. A day in Saint-Émilion and its Châteaux in a private tour (Van Luxe)

26. Full-day wine tour in Saint-Emilion (Premium Sedan)

27. Visit andTasting Grand Cru Margaux since 1855, Medoc Wine route

28. Private Medoc Full-Day tour, from Bordeaux

29. Cap-Ferret, Herbe Village with Tasting Oysters waterfront !

30. A day in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar

What travelers are saying.

• Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day
• Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux
• St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch
• Bordeaux Wine Trails
• Bordeaux with Elodie
• Retro Tour Bordeaux
• Monsieur Bacchus Bicycle tours
• A la Francaise! Bordeaux
• ONEDAY BORDEAUX TOURS
• Léonor d'Aquitaine - Visites guidées dans le bordelais
• Burdeos Free Tour
• Bordeaux Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience
• Bordeaux Free Walking Tours
• Taste & Travel
• Bordeaux Discoveries

5 Beautiful Day Trips from Bordeaux

Updated August 2023

Spending part of our summer in Bordeaux was one of the most magical things we have ever done as a family. What made our experience even more enriching was the ability to take wonderful day trips from Bordeaux. From the amazing food to the architecture to the museums , Bordeaux is so rich in culture, and yet there is a lot to discover outside of the city.

This vibrant city is also surrounded by so many amazing towns and villages. That said, if you are in Bordeaux for longer than a few days, there are some worthwhile day trips to keep in mind. The public transport system is great in Bordeaux. It’s super easy to enter and leave the city via busses and trains. That said, for at least a couple of day trips, it’s not a bad idea to consider renting a car.

Also, while some travelers prefer to do things on their own and in their own time, Get Your Guide is a great resource for booking guided tours. In addition to hooking you up with some of the best tour guides, it also allows you to experience some unforgettable excursions that are otherwise difficult to enjoy without an expert. It’s one option for getting more personalized tours.

Without further ado, here are five beautiful day trips from Bordeaux that you don’t want to miss!

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Day Trips from Bordeaux:

• Wine tasting in Saint-Emilion
• Wine tasting in the Médoc
• Oyster tasting and Dune du Pilat sand dunes in Arcachon Bay

1. Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion is a medieval city located in the heart of Libournais’s hilly wine country. There are around 800 wineries in Saint-Emilion, making this the ultimate Bordeaux day trip for wine lovers. Getting from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion only takes a little over an hour via train, making public a great option.

Booking this Get Your Guide tour is a great way to visit all of the best wineries and enjoy and more in-depth experience. I would also highly recommend renting bikes and riding through the medieval architecture and past the stunning vineyards.

One of my favorite spots for wine tasting is in the Cloitre des Cordeliers which has beautiful gardens, a wine bar and restaurant, and an amazing cellar under the church. When it comes to food, definitely stop by Nadia Fermigier at 9 Rue Guadet, 33330 Saint-Émilion for melt-in-your-mouth macarons. Le Table de Pavie and Logis de la Cadène are both Michelin-starred restaurants, but you’ll definitely need to make a reservation in advance.

Check tour rates and availability here .

2. Soulac-Sur-Mer

Looking to enjoy a picturesque day at the beach? Soulac-Sur-Mer is a quaint coastal town located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Though it is only about an hour and a half north of Bordeaux, it is best visited by car rather than train.

Most of the beaches are wide and sandy, and kids are able to run around and splash in the shallow waters at the shoreline. Simple strolling along the coast is a great way to spend a day at Soulac-Sur-Mer, and there are some great restaurants along the water. Also, ordering oysters and other fresh seafood is an absolute must when visiting Soulac-Sur-Mer.

Le Grill Océan at 2 Esp. des Girondins, 33780 Soulac-Sur-Mer, France offers partial sea views that pair wonderfully with their fresh seafood-forward menu. Baïne café Soulac is a more casual eatery that also boasts breathtaking ocean views from the laid-back outdoor patio. Even just grabbing a drink at either of these restaurants before heading back to Bordeaux is a great way to end this mellow and beachy day trip.

Heading to Bordeaux? Check out my ultimate Bordeaux travel guide !

3. spa day at les source de caudalie  .

If you’re seeking something low-key and nearby, Les Source de Caudalie  is only 30 minutes from Bordeaux. This luxury hotel is beyond dreamy, providing the perfect backdrop for a serene spa day. That said, you’ll definitely want to make reservations in advance.

Spa Vinotherapie offers unique “rituals” that send you into a trance of tranquility. From massages to facials, these treatment rituals use natural ingredients from grapes and grapevines to create a one-of-a-kind and fitting spa experience. After your service, you can spend some downtime in the heated swimming pools or natural hot baths that contain healing minerals from the spring directly under the ground.

Take this Bordeaux day trip to the next level by booking lunch at one of the 4 on-site restaurants. La Grand’Vigne is fancier, boasting two Michelin stars, while La Table du Lavoir provides a more casual, bistro-like setting. To get to Les Source de Caudalie, simply take the train down and then take a taxi directly to the hotel from the station.

4. Wine tasting in the Médoc

Médoc is considered to be a wine-growing region. That said, when taking a day trip from Bordeaux, Médoc is most popular for wine tasting and touring the vineyards . Some of the main varietals produced in this region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Carménère.

While some prefer to tour at their own leisure, I wouldn’t recommend that in Médoc. This idyllic town is best experienced during a guided tour . However, if you map everything out beforehand and book in advance, a self-led tour is possible.

Though there are many different wineries to choose from, Chateau du Taillan is a family-owned estate that is now run by five sisters. It has been around since 1896, but now, its primary focus is bottling the best wines and highlighting the importance of having women in the wine industry.

Chateau d’Arsac is another favorite of mine that houses some incredible contemporary artwork in addition to quality vino. Visiting Chateau d’Arsac sort of doubles as a museum or art experience. Everything at this winery is very intentional and intrinsically linked, which has led to Chateau d’Arsac being one of the most visited places in Médoc.

5. Arcachon Bay

Arcachon Bay provides a nice blend of culinary and outdoorsy fun. It is best reached by taking the train from the city center of Bordeaux, which only takes around 50 minutes. Once you arrive, the beach is only about 10 minutes away by foot. There are also great day tours available from the city that offer a private guide and driver that include an oyster tasting and a visit to the Dune du Pilat sand dunes. This seaside town is best known for its ultra-fresh oysters and seafood, along with its breathtaking beaches that are located in the southern portion of the bay.

Since it’s so close, Arcachon Bay is a great place to plan activities at your leisure and take things at your own pace. There are several restaurants right on the water, allowing you to bounce back and forth between the beach and bites. The water at Arcachon Bay is striking, and you’ll want to enjoy the views and crisp ocean breeze as much as possible while visiting.

That said, if you’re looking to spend as much time on the water as possible, consider booking a boat excursion to Cap Ferret. This upscale, residential headland has great beaches for swimming and surfing, along with fun bars and delicious seafood restaurants.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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23 Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France (+ Itinerary & Day Trips)

Visitors are drawn to Bordeaux, France for the wine since it is the second-largest wine-producing region in the world, but there are also plenty of things to do in Bordeaux that don’t involve wine. Only two hours from Paris by train, Bordeaux has the highest number of preserved historical architectural sites outside of the capital and its historic city center is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Combined with a diverse and youthful population, great food, fewer international tourists, lower prices, and a vibrant city life, there are many reasons to visit the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in Southwest France .

Bordeaux is often considered a “little Paris” because of its similar 18th-century architecture, but also because of its cosmopolitan appeal. While it has an interesting history as part of the English territory for centuries, today Bordeaux feels 100 percent French. I fell in love with Bordeaux after spending five days in the city and then another week exploring the region on my Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWaterways.

If you are planning a trip to Bordeaux, in this article I will walk you through how to get to Bordeaux , how long to stay , the best things to do in Bordeaux , where to stay in the city, some recommended restaurants , and day trip ideas .

Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

I’ve highlighted the most important points of interest on the map below to help you plan your visit. In addition, I have grouped these attractions below into a sample itinerary for three days in Bordeaux:

Map courtesy of Google My Maps

Day 1 in Bordeaux

On your first day in Bordeaux, it is great to get a feel of the city through a self-guided walking tour of the following sights and attractions. This list is designed to take you on a somewhat large loop through most of the city center, passing by the main Bordeaux highlights. Alternatively, you could take a bike tour or guided tour by side car if you don’t want to do a lot of walking.

Walk through Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche (which means Big Bell), is one of the most recognizable symbols of Bordeaux. This city gate dates back to medieval times when it welcomed a steady stream of St. James’ Way pilgrims passing through Bordeaux en route to Santiago de Compostela. Today the bell tower houses The Grosse Cloche, which was cast in 1775. The massive bell was once used to signal curfews, warn of fires, and announce important events to the citizens of Bordeaux. Today, the Grosse Cloche continues to chime on special occasions.

On the south side of the gate, you will find a clock and a dial that was originally built between 1756 and 1759 to the designs of the mathematician and astronomer Paul Larroque. On the north side of the gate, you will find a sister clock face that displays the different phases of the moon during the lunar month and two reproductions of the city’s coat of arms. Just inside the gate, be sure to stop for a traditional cannelle, a pastry created in Bordeaux, at Cassonade.

Pass by Porte d’Aquitaine

In 1154, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who later became King Henry II of England, bringing the Duchy of Aquitaine, including Bordeaux, under English control. Eleanor of Aquitaine played a significant role during this time as she was a powerful and influential figure in both English and French courts.

Tensions between the English crown and the French monarchy eventually led to the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), during which Bordeaux switched allegiances multiple times, which culminated with the French reclaiming Bordeaux from English rule in 1453. Throughout the city, you will see many references to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, as the region is now called.

The Porte d’Aquitaine, also known as the “Gate of Aquitaine,” is one of the many beautiful city gates and archways that once served as a primary entry point to the city. Constructed in the 18th century, its Neoclassical design and elegant façade are a testament to the architectural trends of the time with intricate detailing and sculptures.

Browse the Marché des Capucins

The Marché des Capuc ins is the main market for the city of Bordeaux, open all year from Tuesday through Sunday. You will find stands offering fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, coffee, seafood, and other delicacies. If you are staying in an Airbnb, this is a great spot to stock up if you are cooking your own meals. However, there are also prepared foods as well as restaurant stalls so that you can enjoy a meal on-site.

Visit Basilique Saint Michel

Basilique Saint Michel is a Gothic-style church built between the end of the 14th and 16th centuries and part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spire of the Basilica dominates the skyline and you don’t even realize how large the Basilica is until you see the skyline from a distance. In addition to visiting the church, visitors can typically climb the narrow steps of the bell tower (although it was under refurbishment when I visited.)

Take photos by the Bordeaux Sign

From Saint-Michel, if you walk along the Garonne River, you will soon come to the Bordeaux sign, which makes a good photo memory from your visit. This area is also used by skateboarders and given the smell of weed in the area, I would be careful who you ask to take your photo (maybe stick to a selfie?) That’s probably too judgemental but I’m always a little cautious when it comes to handing my phone to a stranger.

Walk across the Pont de Pierre Bridge

The Pont de Pierre, or “Stone Bridge”, is the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, connecting the left bank of the Garonne River to the right bank Quartier de la Bastide. It is the bridge that you see on many postcards and photos from Bordeaux. It is especially pretty when it is lit up at night.

Take photos of the Porte Cailhau

Porte Cailhau is one of my favorite spots in the city as the area around the gate is so lively and bustling with positive energy. The monument dates back to 1494 and it was built to commemorate Charles VIII’s victory at Fornovo, Italy and his likeness decorates a niche on the riverside and a notice asks visitors to pay attention to the lintel and reminds them that Charles VIII died from walking quickly into just such a lintel.

Visitors can climb the thirty-five meter tall monument and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Window shop along Rue Saint Catherine

Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the most famous streets in Bordeaux and one of the longest pedestrian shopping avenues in Europe, spanning over 1.2 kilometers in length. It can be a bit touristy, offering a diverse array of shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. If you are looking for more upscale designer shops and boutiques, hold off on your shopping until you hit the Golden Triangle area later.

Visit the Cathedral Saint Andre

Cathédrale Saint-André was built over several centuries, starting in the 12th century, and has a blend of architectural styles that encompasses Romanesque and Flamboyant Gothic elements. The cathedral has witnessed numerous historical events, including the first wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Louis VII of France. Visitors can walk through the Cathedral to take in its impressive features, such as intricate stained glass windows that bathe the nave in a kaleidoscope of colors, and the “Gates of Paradise,” an ornate entrance adorned with intricate biblical scenes.

The cathedral’s bell tower stands adjacent to the main structure so as not to impact the structural integrity of the Cathedral (much of this area was swampland before the Dutch arrived). For a panoramic view of Bordeaux’s cityscape, you can climb the tower’s spiraling staircase of 231 stairs.

Nearby you will also find the Hotel de Ville city hall of Bordeaux and across the street is a small park where you can also often find a book market.

Walk Past Porte Dijeaux

From the Cathedral, walk up Rue des Remparts, past galleries and boutiques to Porte Dijeaux. The streets that run parallel are also lined with cute shops. Porte Dijeaux is another elegant archway that once marked the entrance to the medieval town and dates back to the 1700s with a Neoclassical design and intricate carvings. The area surrounding the gate has a vibrant blend of contemporary shops, charming cafes, and boutiques and is filled with locals in the evenings.

Shop in the “Golden Triangle”

The “Golden Triangle” in Bordeaux refers to an area that is known for its luxury shopping, upscale boutiques, and elegant surroundings. This district forms a triangle shape, hence the name, and is bounded by three main streets: Cours de l’Intendance, Cours Georges Clémenceau, and Allées de Tourny.

See the Grand Theater

Walk down the wide Cours de l’Intendance to the National Opera of Bordeaux at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. This architectural masterpiece stands as the cultural heart of the city. Designed by architect Victor Louis and completed in 1780, this neoclassical building has a stunning façade, adorned with Corinthian columns and ornate sculptures.

Inside, the theater showcases an array of operas, ballets, plays, and musical performances, but even if you don’t get tickets to a performance, you can still take a guided tour. The Place de Comedie in front of the theater is a beautiful square and nearby, you can take a ride on the Carousel Palace 1900 or hop on board the Petit Tourist Train.

Visit Place des Quinconces

As you walk from the Opera House to the Place des Quinconces, you will pass by the Bordeaux Tourist office, which is a good spot to stop in to ask questions, pick up a map, or purchase a Bordeaux City Pass . Hop on and hop off busses also leave from here.

Soon you will arrive at Place des Quinconces, a sprawling square in Bordeaux, that is home to outdoor concerts, festivals, and cultural happenings. At its heart lies the Monument aux Girondins, a towering fountain adorned with sculptural representations of characters from the French Revolution. Closer to the river, you will find a towering Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of Bordeaux.

Walk Along the Garonne River

Once you arrive at the Garonne River, turn right to loop back towards the Pont de Pierre. Be careful when crossing bike lanes because bikers have the right of way and always be sure to look for oncoming trams when crossing the tracks.

See the Miroir d’Eau in Place de la Bourse

Soon you will arrive at the Miroir d’Eau, the most famous tourist attraction in Bordeaux and portrayed in many pictures of Bordeaux. The Miroir d’Eau, or “Water Mirror,” is a large reflecting pool. Just be aware that the pool gently fills and then recedes and kids love to walk through the cool mist and play in the water, so it is hard to capture a photo of it truly reflecting the Place de la Bourse across the street unless you get there very early in the morning. Otherwise, there are always ripples in the water from people, even if the fountain is not running at the moment. It is still a fun spot for locals and tourists to gather and relax.

By this time of the day, you will have done a lot of walking and probably be eager to get off your feet and relax for a while. But don’t worry, there are many more things to do in Bordeaux over the next couple of days.

Day 2 in Bordeaux

On your second day in Bordeaux, I would suggest diving deeper into the city’s food scene and exploring more of the area north of the city center.

Take a Food Tour

My favorite way to explore a new city is through a food tour. After thoroughly enjoying our food tour with Devour Tours in Paris, I knew that I had to sign up for the Devour Tours Ultimate Food Tour in Bordeaux as well. Over the course of three hours, we tasted cannelles, chocolatines, croissants, Croque Monsieur, local cheeses, hand-crafted chocolates, and cream-filled choux pastries, and finished up with a fantastic wine tasting. My tour guide did an excellent job of mixing in local history and main sights into our food tour as we walked through the city.

Because I am such a foodie, I also took a tour of the best boulangeries and patisseries in Bordeaux , which was surprisingly filling and offered a great perspective on many different neighborhoods throughout the city.

See the Palais Gallien

If you want to see evidence of Ancient Roman influence on the area, take a walk around Palais Gallien. Built during the Roman era in the late 2nd century AD, this was once a majestic amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and other forms of entertainment. As one of the city’s oldest surviving structures, today much of the amphitheater has been dismantled for its stones and materials, leaving only remnants. While the original structure is long gone, you can still stroll through its ruins and appreciate the historical significance of the place.

Walk through the Jardin Public

For a lovely spot of green in the middle of Bordeaux, take a stroll through the Public Garden. There are 11 hectares of grass, trees, flowers, and plants to explore, along with a children’s playground if you are visiting with kids. The park is surrounded by beautiful townhomes and is also home to the famous “Guignol Guérin” puppet show.

Explore the Chartrons Neighborhood

The Chartrons neighborhood is where what they call the “bo bo” (bohemian bourgeois) live, which to Americans is something like the “yuppies” or young urban professionals. Known as the historic wine merchant district, Chartrons exudes a unique old-world charm, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved 18th-century architecture. One of the most famous sights here is the Église Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons, an elegant Neo-Gothic church.

Another highlight not to be missed is the Marché des Chartrons, a bustling market that offers a delightful array of fresh produce, gourmet food, antiques, and crafts. At night, sidewalk cafes surround the market and it is a hub of activity. The main thoroughfare, Rue Notre-Dame, is lined with quaint boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries. For dining, the area around Rue de la Course boasts a diverse selection of restaurants, bistros, and cafes.

Take a Sunset River Cruise

If you aren’t jumping on a weeklong Bordeaux river cruise like I did, you should at least take a short cruise on the Garonne River and sunset is an ideal time when you can see the city illuminated as the sun goes down. You will also pass by the architectural wonder of the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas bridge, which rises in the middle to allow large ocean liners access to Bordeaux. You can opt for an evening cruise with an aperitif or go for a full dinner cruise .

Day 3 in Bordeaux

If you are taking a river cruise from Bordeaux, these attractions will likely be part of your official excursion options. On our AmaWaterways river cruise , we had the option of a bike tour or a walking tour of Bordeaux in the morning, both of which ended with a tour and tasting of the Les Halles de Bacalan market. And in the afternoon, we could choose from either the Cité du Vin or the Bassins des Lumiéres.

Since I really wanted to see both, I visited the Bassins des Lumiéres on my own and the Cité du Vin as part of the cruise excursion. To be honest, I liked the Bassins des Lumiéres better but that was very subjective as not everyone I talked to felt the same.

Visit Bassins des Lumiéres

If you enjoy interactive art exhibits (think about Team Lab Planet in Tokyo or the Van Gogh interactive exhibits), you will love the Bassins des Lumiéres ! This remarkable cultural venue breathes new life into a former World War II submarine base. Once a strategic naval facility, it has been transformed into an immersive art and light exhibition space and it serves as a canvas for mesmerizing multimedia shows that fuse art, music, and technology. The interactive art and light exhibits at the Basins des Lumières are nothing short of spectacular.

When I visited, they were putting on a show involving the art of Salvador Dali and Gaudi. There are gigantic digital projections that cover vast surfaces with ever-changing works of art. This was all set to music, which was especially impressive given the acoustics of the venue. Dali was set to the music of Pink Floyd and it was a perfect match for his somewhat bizarre and abstract art. It’s a captivating fusion of history and modernity, where the power of digital art meets the echoes of the past.

The only downside is that it is a bit of a pain to get to using public transportation. There is a bus that stops about 10 minutes away from the venue, or you can take a tram and walk for about 15-20 minutes. I would recommend getting tickets online in advance . The Bordeaux tourism office also sells a combination ticket that includes a shuttle service from the Place des Quinconces. Also, if you get disoriented in the dark, or have issues with flashing lights, this could be a problem for you. It takes a bit to get used to the darkness and follow the pathways around the large water basins that used to be submarine bays. If you walk through to the back though, there are bleachers where you can sit and watch the show for its entire 75-minute loop.

Eat Lunch at Les Halles de Bacalan

Located in the Bacalan district along the banks of the Garonne River, the Les Halles de Bacalan is a local market and food hall that embodies the city’s gastronomic spirit. Inside, you will find an array of stalls offering fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, organic vegetables, and a wide range of delectable treats. It’s a place where food lovers can savor the very essence of Bordeaux’s culinary scene, with options to enjoy a meal on-site or purchase ingredients to take home. I definitely recommend trying the local oysters! It is also the perfect spot to have lunch before heading across the street to the Cité du Vin.

Visit Cité du Vin

Shaped like a giant, modern wine decanter, the Cité du Vin opened in 2016 with a singular purpose—to celebrate the world of wine in all its facets. This avant-garde structure serves as a wine museum and cultural center, focusing on wines of the world, and not just those of Bordeaux. Inside, there are interactive exhibitions that take you on a global journey through the history, culture, and science of winemaking. The museum showcases a somewhat overwhelming blend of multimedia presentations, sensory experiences, and informative displays that invite you to explore wine’s many dimensions.

Beyond the museum, you can also dine at the onsite restaurants, offering a diverse selection of cuisine, or visit the rooftop tasting bar that provides panoramic views of the city and the Garonne River while enjoying a selection of wines. I would suggest that you purchase a timed entry ticket in advance and try to go on a day when there is not a large cruise ship in town (or go early to avoid crowds!) Because the exhibits don’t follow any particular storyline or timeline, I found it all a bit overwhelming with the crowds, and the interactivity, while cool, could be a little distracting.

If you would rather learn more about the wines of the Bordeaux region, you can also visit the Musée du Vin et du Négoce , which is dedicated to the city’s illustrious wine history and its historic role in the wine trade. Housed in an elegant 18th-century townhouse, this museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore Bordeaux’s vinous past. Inside, an extensive collection of wine-related artifacts, including vintage wine labels, cooperage tools, and antique bottles, offers insights into the wine trade’s evolution over the centuries.

Day Trips from Bordeaux

There are many other museums and such to see in Bordeaux, but this is about what you can fit into a three-day visit. If you have longer to stay in Bordeaux, I’d highly recommend taking a few day trips to go wine tasting and explore the region. Here are a few of the most popular day trips from Bordeaux. Of course, another great way to see more of the region without having to worry about transportation logistics or arranging guides is on a Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWaterways.

Saint-Émilion: Located just 40 kilometers east of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. Once in Saint-Émilion, explore its charming cobblestone streets, visit renowned wineries for tastings, and don’t miss the stunning underground catacombs and the awe-inspiring Monolithic Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Book a full-day Bordeaux to Saint Emilion tour with wine tasting and lunch!

Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat: Arcachon, about 55 kilometers southwest of Bordeaux, is a beautiful coastal town known for its sandy beaches and fresh oysters. Here you can visit the nearby Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and explore the picturesque towns surrounding the Arcachon Bay. Another option is to take a boat trip to Cap Ferret, a charming fishing village, or visit the oyster farms on Île aux Oiseaux. Book a half-day tour to Arcachon with an oyster tasting!

Medoc: Explore the wine-growing region of Medoc and get to know the “left bank” red wines, which are more Cabernet Sauvignon-forward. Follow Medoc’s famous Chateau Road, home to over 1,500 vineyards, and taste some of the best red wines in the area. Book a full-day wine tour of Medoc!

Périgord (Dordogne Valley): Approximately 150 kilometers east of Bordeaux, the Dordogne Valley boasts picturesque villages, prehistoric cave art, and lush landscapes. Explore the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, visit the Lascaux Caves for ancient cave paintings, and savor the local cuisine in one of the region’s charming restaurants.

Getting to Bordeaux

Getting to Bordeaux is fairly easy, thanks to France’s train system. However, now that France is moving to eliminate flights shorter than two hours, trains are even more crowded and you should book your ticket in advance. Trains from Paris leave from the Gare Montparnasse train station and it is about two hours to Bordeaux Saint Jean on the TGV INOUI service.

I’d recommend downloading the SNCF app to purchase tickets and easily save your ticket to your mobile wallet. The app also sends alerts if your train is delayed, what platform it is departing from, and when it is ready to board. Plus, since the announcements on the train are in French, it is helpful to track the progress of your route so that you know when your stop is approaching. Just keep in mind that if you book a seat on the top floor of the train, you need to carry your luggage up a narrow staircase.

Luckily, both Gare Montparnasse and Bordeaux Saint Jean have lifts to the platform, but in Bordeaux, you may still need to carry your bag up or down some stairs depending on where you come in. Once you arrive at the Bordeaux Saint Jean train station, you can take a bus, tram, or taxi into the city center. Google Maps is quite helpful in determining the best options.

You can also fly into Bordeaux from outside of the country. Most flights will connect through Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport. I’d recommend leaving at least 1.5 hours as a layover to have time to clear immigration and passport control (longer during busy travel times.) Flights arrive at the Bordeaux-Merignac airport (BOD), which is about 25 minutes outside of the city center.

One thing to keep in mind is that traffic around Bordeaux has gotten quite bad in recent years as many people have moved to Bordeaux from Paris for cheaper housing. You can take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the city center. I usually use Welcome Pickups to arrange a transfer in advance so I don’t need to worry about waiting for a taxi.

How Long to Stay in Bordeaux

While not everyone can stay a week or longer in the Bordeaux region, I recommend a minimum of two full days to explore the city. If you are taking a river cruise, plan to arrive two days before embarkation as a pre-trip extension. If you can spend five days to a week in Bordeaux, you will have time to take day trips around the region and experience more of the region’s fabulous wine.

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

When choosing where to stay in Bordeaux, I recommend staying within the city center in either the Old Town or Saint-Pierre neighborhood or the Chartrons neighborhood. Saint-Pierre and Saint Paul district is the city’s heart and where you will find some of the most beautiful landmarks, shopping areas, and restaurants. It can get a little touristy, especially along the pedestrian Rue Saint Catherine, but you will also see plenty of locals gathering in squares and outdoor cafes.

The Chartrons district is what locals refer to as “bo bo” or bohemian bourgeois, with an affluent, young demographic. This leafy neighborhood offers tons of restaurants frequented by locals, antique shops, boutiques, and bars. Plus it provides easy access to the port or the historic city center. The Saint Michel quarter is another option if you are looking for something less touristy but still close to the city center. It is a popular neighborhood for recent immigrants from North Africa so you will find some interesting markets, bakeries, and a more diverse community.

I stayed in a fabulous two-bedroom Airbnb , just off Rue Saint Catherine in the city center, and thought it was perfect. However, if you are looking for a hotel, I would recommend the Intercontinental Bordeaux , for a luxury stay in the heart of the city right across from the Opera House. Also, right around the corner is the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona , which was recommended by one of my tour guides. I wouldn’t recommend staying near the train station, as it isn’t in a great neighborhood for exploring.

Find other accommodations in Bordeaux:

Getting Around Bordeaux

As I mentioned before, I was warned by many locals that traffic in and around Bordeaux can be a bit horrendous so it is best if you can avoid Uber or taxis if you can. I found the Bordeaux tram system incredibly easy to use. One ride is only 1.80€ (including any transfers), or you could buy a day pass for only 5€ if you plan on moving around a lot. You purchase the tickets at a kiosk at the tram stops and there is an easy-to-follow English screen option. Once you board the tram, you need to validate your ticket by tapping it against one of the sensors near the doors. The stops are well-marked and it is easy to use, even if you don’t speak French.

Where to Eat in Bordeaux

Since I visited Bordeaux in the middle of my month in France (in between my barge cruise through Burgundy and river cruise with AmaWaterways ), I made a point of seeking out more than just French food and since Bordeaux is such a cosmopolitan city, it wasn’t hard to find a variety of cuisines. Here are a few restaurants that I would recommend in Bordeaux, as well as suggestions I collected from locals:

• Avant Comptoir du Palais — we had previously eaten at Avant Comptoir in Paris so we knew we were in for delicious food. Avant Comptoir is known for light bites and great wine. With a location in the square in front of Porte Cailhau, it is also a great spot for people-watching and hanging out with locals
• Echo – also near Porte Cailhau, this was recommended by my Best Boulangerie tour guide for more modern French cuisine.
• El Nacional – in Chartrons this Argentinian steak house is where to go if you are in the mood for an excellent, wood-grilled cut of meat. Plus it has a great location just off the central square in the Chartrons neighborhood. We had such a good meal here on our last night in Bordeaux.
• Frida – located near Gros Cloche in the city center, Frida has a charming courtyard and a great selection of cocktails and tapas. Alternatively, you can order the prix fixe menu.
• Chez Dupont – one of our tour guides on our river cruise lives in the Chartrons neighborhood and he suggested Chez Dupont for a more traditional French meal.
• Le Bocal de Tatie Josée – makes an excellent croque monsieur with truffle and is perfect for lunch!
• Fromagerie Chez Delphine – is an amazing cheese shop that also offers a full menu for a good lunch spot or cheese tasting.
• Boulangerie Louis Lamour – this bakery has the best chocolatine (what they call pain au chocolat in the south) I had during my entire month in France.
• Cassonade and Le Boulanger de L’Hotel de Ville – make the best homemade cannelles that I had while in Bordeaux. Avoid those places with red awnings that are much more commercial and not as freshly made.
• A few other places that I made note of that didn’t get to try include: Le Berthus , Gustave Creative Street Food , Umami Ramen Bordeaux, and The Breakfast Club (this was right next to my Airbnb).
• Some others I tried included Les Moules du Cabanon for Belgian-style mussels with great people watching near the river, Delizia da Bartola for Italian, and Bao Burger for a fun twist on a hamburger.

Traveling to France?

• Paris trip planning checklist
• 50 Paris travel tips
• 5 Day Paris itinerary

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: September 2, 2023

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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Bordeaux Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 21st January 2024

Categories France , Itineraries

Last Updated on 21st January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Beautiful Bordeaux is a sunny city in the south of France that is characterised by its fantastic weather, proximity to world-famous eponymous wines, and a surprising abundance of Haussmannian architecture. Even if you only have a short time to enjoy the French city, then the proximity of all of its major attractions means that you can still pack plenty into a trip. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend the perfect one day in Bordeaux itinerary .

Is one day enough time in Bordeaux?

What is the best time of the year to visit bordeaux, breakfast at contrast café, water mirror, porte de cailhau , visit the cathedral, explore the old town, shop on the longest street in france , get lunch , spend the afternoon at cité du vin , have a canelé , have a drink in a bar, go out for dinner, where to stay in bordeaux, what to wear when exploring europe.

Ideally you would set aside two or more days to visit the city, particularly considering that the Musée du Vin will take up a large portion of your time if you want to enjoy the whole experience (and considering the price of tickets, you certainly will want to) .

If you want to take day trips to the nearby region , including the famed wine town on Saint Emilion, you’ll want three or four days in Bordeaux.

With this being said, the majority of Bordeaux’s main attractions can be covered over the course of 24 hours or so, meaning that you can certainly get a feel for Bordeaux in a single day. If you have more time in the city, be sure to check out our suggested weekend guide to Bordeaux .

The best time to visit Bordeaux is during the European shoulder seasons, that is to say spring or fall. Summer is high season to visit Europe, including France, and so this is when tourist crowds are at their largest (read: extra queuing time at every attraction) and prices are most elevated.

Late spring and early fall offer visitors the chance to enjoy the best weather, albeit with more reasonable prices and fewer crowds. Planning a trip to see the area surrounding Bordeaux in the fall is also a fantastic idea as you’ll get to see the vineyards as they transform from bright green to golden hues.

Suggested itinerary for one day in Bordeaux 

Begin your short stay in Bordeaux by heading to one of the quaintest coffee shops in town: Contrast Café . Brunch is served all week, with the exception of Thursday (when the coffee shop is closed).

Once inside, you can order a set brunch menu for just over €20. There are vegan and classic options available, making this one of the best brunch spots in Bordeaux . Alternatively, if you’re not feeling as hungry, simply opt for items a la carte.

Although Contrast doesn’t take bookings, be sure to arrive earlier in the day (and even up to ten minutes before opening) to ensure that you get seated and won’t have to queue for the limited space. Another reason to visit earlier in the day is that once the food runs out for the day, it runs out and Contrast remains open only for drinks.

After enjoying your breakfast, head to the water mirror, which is just a short walk away from the café. This modern fountain is such a popular spot in Bordeaux that it has since become as emblematic of the city as the good weather and even the wine itself.

The Miroir d’Eau is the largest reflective pool in the world. Perfectly reflecting the Place, the water feature spans 3450 metres squared and was put in place in 2006. It is one of the best photo spots in the city so be sure to snap a photo here!

One of the most impressive spots in all of Bordeaux is Porte Cailhau, a grand gateway that once upon a time would have been the main entryway to the city of Bordeaux (when it was surrounded by fortified walls).

Today, the 14th-century gateway is free to admire and is best seen in the morning when the sunlight shines through the gateway and illuminates everything in its path. The Porte de Cailhau is just a short walk away from the Miroir d’Eau and is the entryway into old town Bordeaux.

After seeing the Porte Cailhau, it’s time to stroll the ten minutes or so of cobbled lanes to reach the star of the show when it comes to attractions in old town Bordeaux. The Cathedral is free to visit and is easily one of the top cathedrals in France .

Dedicated to St Andrew, the ecclesiastical building finds its roots as early as the 9th-century when there was already a church dedicated to Saint André in the area. The church you see today was built between the 11th and 15th-centuries and is on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

The best way to explore the old neighbourhood of Bordeaux is to simply wander around the cobbled lanes and allow the district to reveal itself to you. One of the greatest highlights of the old town is the clock tower, though the old town also boasts a variety of hidden gems .

Throughout the city, there are a myriad of tiny boutiques and small shops, each one more quaint than the last. I especially enjoyed perusing the shops close to the Grosse Cloche.

For those who are looking to see more of the high street chains which can be found all over France, Rue Sainte Catherine is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe and stretches for a far way across the city!

After a morning of exploration, you’ve no doubt worked up an appetite and so it’s time to head out to lunch. As much of the rest of the day will be focused on foodie experiences, I would suggest something light, particularly as you’ll be going out for dinner in the evening.

Thanks to its status as one of the largest cities in France, Bordeaux has no shortage of restaurants and takeaway shops serving every kind of cuisine you can imagine. BAG_Bakery Art Gallery is a great gluten-free option and also offers a number of vegetarian options.

Wine in Bordeaux is a veritable institution and so it only makes sense that at least some of your stay in Bordeaux will be dedicated to learning more about the city’s most famous export. The most popular place to head to in the city for those who wish to go to a tasting and learn more about the famous tipple is the Cité du Vin.

Opened in 2016 by the President of France, the Cité du Vin (City of Wine) lies alongside the banks of the River Garonne and is a metropolis of glistening buildings, all dedicated to the history and culture of wine in Bordeaux.

Featuring exhibitions, shows, and wine tastings, no visit to Bordeaux would be complete without checking out this museum. It takes three to four hours to truly soak up all that this cultural institution has to offer.  To visit the Cité du Vin, purchase your tickets in advance here.

One of the most famous sweets to have emerged from the canelé, a sweet pastry that can now be found in French bakeries all over l’Hexagone. This Bordelais speciality comprises of a small pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla. Custard-like in texture, one of the best places to try this south-west delicacy is at la Pâtisserie San Nicolas.

Of course, one of the simplest and most pleasurable ways of enjoying a city is to do just as the locals do. In Bordeaux, this is sitting out on a café terrace and ordering a glass of wine together with friends.

Some of the most popular spots in the city to sit in a café and watch the world go by include around rue de la Devise and around rue des Ayres. Alternatively, book to go on a river cruise of the River Garonne where you can enjoy a glass of wine aboard the boat. Check prices and availability here.

End your day by discovering one of Bordeaux’s greatest assets: its culinary scene. The best restaurants in town fill up fast and so you’ll want to reserve a table for your nighttime meal a few days in advance either online or over the phone.

Another option if you’re a foodie and want to dive deeper into the foodie scene of the city is to book a night tour with food, wine tasting, and a canelé. For more details, check out all the tour details here.

Thinking of planning a weekend in Bordeaux (or even three days in Bordeaux) for yourself? Be sure to book plenty in advance. This is especially true of accommodation as, during the peak season (i.e. in the summer months) , accommodation tends to sell out pretty quickly. Here are some of the best places to stay in Bordeaux (based on web reviews and location) :

Yndo Hotel, 108 Rue Abbé de l’Épée, 33000 Bordeaux : Located on the outskirts of the historic city centre, this well-reviewed hotel is a luxurious five-star retreat complete with turrets and all the amenities you would expect from a luxury place to stay. Check prices and availability here.

Villa Reale,  9 Place du Parlement, 33000 Bordeaux : Constructed in the 18th-century, this villa offers several self-catering apartments in the centre of the city. Set amidst a backdrop of five-star style luxury, think of this as your home away from home.  Check prices and availability here.

In the summer, you can’t go wrong by pairing a cute midi dress with classic white tennis shoes for a laid-back smart casual look that’s just as chic for walking around a city’s cobbled lanes as it is for wandering coastal paths. I love this dress and have it in several colour ways. In terms of tennis shoes, this is my go-to shoe.

When it comes to winter in Europe, most places (with the exception of a few islands) can get pretty cold and so warm layers is a must. I find that cute ankle boots like these ones are the perfect mix of practical meets cute.

Shoulder seasons (spring and summer) in Europe tend to come with a mix of rainy and sunny days and so, again, layers are a must. Trench coats and sneakers are the best uniform to explore the continent in.

Finally, a cross-body bag like these ones is a must. I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility. As well as being convenient and compact, it’s one of the safest ways to transport your valuables, all the while looking chic. I also recommend bringing along a travel adapter  like this one  so you can charge all of your electronics during your stay!

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Bordeaux? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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This French Wine Country Region Has Idyllic Vineyards, Stunning Speakeasies, and Luxury Hotels

Here's where to stay, eat, and explore in Bordeaux, France's wine capital.

Over the past decade, Bordeaux has been steadily drawing more Parisians, who are infusing the formerly soot-stained shipping center on the Garonne River with a new jolt of art, culture, and culinary excellence. The new life being breathed into the city is intoxicating — and we promise, it’s not just the wine talking (although you’ll drink plenty of it, whether at luxury hotels set into historic vineyards, a new crop of natural wine bars downtown, or at the famous Cité du Vin museum). 

Rabi Merizak/Getty Images

Made more easily accessible in 2017 by the extension of Paris’s high-speed train network, the TGV, it lies just a two-hour ride from the City of Light — technically quick enough for a day trip , although we’d suggest allowing a weekend at the very least, as there’s plenty to sustain your interest (and appetite) in France’s wine capital.

From vineyard tours to seductive speakeasies and psychedelic art exhibitions set in former submarines, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Bordeaux.  

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

Bordeaux is at its best from May through October, when the weather warms and the days are long and sunny. In August and December, many businesses close for their annual vacations, so there will be markedly less to see in the city itself — which, on the bright side, means fewer tourists. If you do find yourself here on a winter visit , be sure to pack waterproof layers, as the weather tends to be rainy and gray. 

Oenophiles and budding wine lovers alike are in for the trip of a lifetime if they come around harvest season, which generally runs from late August or early September through October. You can get a peek at the winemaking process and stroll through the vineyards before tasting the fruits of the labor you’ve just witnessed. 

How to Get Around Bordeaux

Getty Images

In terms of getting to Bordeaux, the simplest way is to hop on the TGV from Paris’s Montparnasse station and take it directly to Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, which takes around two hours. While you can technically fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, it’s more cost- and time-efficient to take the train (not to mention, more sustainable). You can also drive here, but be warned that it can be slightly tricky to find parking downtown — you’ll want to check with your hotel to see if they have on-site spot. 

Once you’ve arrived, it’s easy to rely on the public transit system (the TBM, or Transports Bordeaux Métropole), which includes bicycles and motorized scooters, an extensive bus network, river shuttles, and a tram system, all of which are navigable with the Bordeaux CityPass . The contactless card, which also includes access to 15 museums (including the pricier Cité du Vin) and a guided city tour of your choice, is a great option if you’re staying for a few days or more; it allows unlimited travel on the trams, buses, and river shuttles over 24, 48, or 72 hours (for 34 euros, 44 euros, or 50 euros, respectively). You can order it online or pick one up from the tourist office upon arrival. 

While public transit is convenient, the tourist center of Bordeaux is pedestrian-friendly and you’ll spend plenty of time on foot appreciating the beauty of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region's capital.

In terms of private transportation, taxis, Uber, and other ride-share options (like Bolt, which you can download for Apple and Android) are all readily accessible.

Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux

Les sources de caudalie.

If you’re familiar with the cult-favorite French skin care brand Caudalie, you may have heard of their idyllic vineyard retreat , a hotel just 30 minutes away by car from downtown Bordeaux. This is a self-care destination not to be missed: Nestled in the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, the 40 rooms and 21 suites are bright and airy, appointed with natural materials, antique fixtures, and jacuzzi-sized bathtubs. After a day spent wine tasting, indulge at the on-site two-Michelin star restaurant, La Grand’Vigne, or pamper yourself at the Vinotherapie Spa, home to a hammam and natural hot spring. 

Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa

Courtesy of Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa

Once ensconced in this luxury hotel , it’s easy to imagine you’ve been whisked into the French countryside — and yet, it’s located right in the heart of downtown Bordeaux. This is one of those rare city hotels that strikes the perfect balance of old-school charm and modern convenience, with an oasis-like backyard pool, an inventive rooftop cocktail bar, and jewel-sized rooms that boast period furniture plus private terraces with jacuzzis. 

Le Boutique Hôtel & Spa

Set in an 18th-century mansion, this sophisticated 25-room boutique hotel offers an ideal location in the city center, just a stone’s throw from the Triangle d’Or. With vintage parquet floors and design-focused pieces from Philippe Starck, no two rooms are the same — but most offer spectacular city views. There’s a cozy outdoor terrace centered around a large tree trunk, which is a perfect place to sip your morning coffee or kick back over an early-evening apéro . During your stay, be sure to take advantage of the Nuxe spa. 

With just 12 rooms, the intimate Yndo Hôtel in the city center takes a streamlined, modern approach to its decor. Set in a timeless 19th-century mansion, the interplay of old and new world is enough to make your jaw drop. Sleek furniture pops against antique fixtures like molded fireplaces and parquet floors. Frankly, the property is worth a visit just to check out owner Agnès Guiot’s eclectic selection of chairs, which includes whale-shaped seats, sequined floral couches, and more.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bordeaux

Black list café.

For an artisanal caffeine fix or a memorable slice of creamy Basque cheesecake, pop into Black List Café . Tasty brunches are on the menu at this trendy indoor-outdoor spot, where you can tuck into goat cheese risotto or savory French toast with sweet potatoes while looking out over the Hôtel de Ville (town hall). 

Madame Pang

Dim sum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re planning a trip to French wine country, but Madame Pang is a worthwhile stop on nights when you’re looking for something different. This elevated Cantonese spot serves inventive dishes like octopus croquettes with yuzu mayo and curry pork dumplings alongside vibrant cocktails. The best part? The kitchen is open until 1 a.m. 

Le Chien de Pavlov

A standout among the wave of neo-bistros sweeping the French city, Le Chien de Pavlov offers superb dishes in a cozy atmosphere (think: fish carpaccio with wasabi and green apple, or lamb cooked two ways and set atop a green pea and mint purée with delicate roasted artichoke and a bright burst of confit lemon). A five-course dinner tasting menu will only set you back 49 euros, an absolute steal once you’ve admired the artful plating. Run by a young French couple, the space itself is warm and welcoming, serving high-quality cuisine without any of the traditional fine-dining stuffiness. 

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, Symbiose is more than what meets the eye as you step into the riverside cafe (which has its own garden from which it plucks much of its produce). Beyond the handful of tables lining the wall of the blonde-wood room, there’s an antique clock that reveals a not-so-secret speakeasy. There, you’ll find a candlelit, cave-like bar where locals and in-the-know travelers sip local wine or edgy cocktails and flirt with the handsome French bartenders. 

With a focus on natural and low-intervention wines, this ultra-cozy wine bar and bistro calls to you from the street, where tables are set up in warmer weather and you can glimpse an intriguing collection of bottles perched invitingly in the window. Inside, a bar and a few tables are typically bustling with a young, local crowd enjoying well-priced by-the-glass wines and slabs of paté topped with caramelized onions. 

Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Vineyard tours and wine tastings .

If you’re visiting Bordeaux, chances are you’re looking to drink some wine. Known as the wine capital of France, there are 57 appellations (known as AOCs) and some 6,000-plus vineyards producing primarily red wines made from merlot and cabernet sauvignon, although the region also produces whites. That can make choosing a wine-tasting destination a little daunting, but luckily the Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions website simplifies it. Choose between half- or full-day tours of vineyards and chateaux in Saint-Émilion or Margaux, a bit east or north of the city center. 

Place de la Bourse

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Place de la Bourse is a jaw-dropping 18th-century square built during the reign of King Louis XV. Located near the charming Chartrons neighborhood, it’s a must-visit in order to glimpse the impressive Miroir d’Eau, a 37,000-square-foot reflecting pool (which happens to be the largest in the world).

Cathédrale Saint-André

You haven’t really been to a French city if you haven’t gaped in awe at its most famous cathedral, and in this case, it’s Cathédrale Saint-André , known locally as Bordeaux Cathedral. Worth a visit for its magnificent architecture alone, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic church features two impressive spires and is also home to the Marcadé Collection, which comprises a treasure trove of famous medieval paintings.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Following an extensive renovation, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux reopened in 2019, boasting a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and more from famed European artists (including the likes of Picasso and Renoir) and local painters, with works spanning the 15th to the 20th century. In addition to their permanent collections, there’s typically a few temporary exhibitions of local art on display. 

Marché des Capucins 

A food tour through the fragrant delight of the Marché des Capucins is a must during your trip to Bordeaux. Wandering through the hectic mix of locals buying their weekly groceries and vendors selling fresh fruit, local cheese, and cream-filled pastries is a feast for the senses. Make a point of seeking out Chez Jean-Mi , an oyster bar with a mouthwatering selection of freshly shucked oysters from nearby Arcachon, one of France’s primary oyster farming centers. 

Sunset River Cruise

Take in the UNESCO banks of the city from the water as you float down the Garonne River at sunset. While river cruises often have a touristy tang to them, this one from Les Bateaux Bordelais makes up for it by whisking you beneath the illuminated bridges of the city — including the Pierre, Jacques Chaban-Delmas, and Aquitaine bridges — while exploring their history and treating you to a gourmet dinner of locally inspired fare, prepared freshly on board. 

La Cité du Vin

One of the addresses that’s redefined the city’s physical and cultural landscape in recent years is the interactive La Cité du Vin , a sort of mecca for oenophiles. But you don’t have to be a wine aficionado to appreciate the strikingly modern architecture of the decanter-shaped building, or the palate-expanding wine tastings held on the property. Exhibitions include flyovers of vineyards from all around the world, plus an introduction to terroirs, grape varietals, the winemaking process, and more. 

Bassins des Lumières 

Discover the works of Dalí and Gaudí like you’ve never seen before at this former submarine base, reconstructed into a cultural center that puts on trippy, immersive projections throughout the year. The Bassins des Lumières building underwent an extreme overhaul, having been bombed during the war and submerged in water. Now, it’s one of the city’s most exciting art destinations. Lose yourself in Dalí’s melting clocks and imagine you’re entering into some of Gaudí’s most famous architectural works, lit up in technicolor on the walls around, above and below you. 

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10 Best Bordeaux Wine Tours & Wine Tastings for 2024

If you’re thinking of visiting the stunning and historic wine region of Bordeaux this year, one of the best ways to have an authentic experience is to book a private guided tour of Bordeaux with a local. You’ll get exclusive access to some of the best wineries and unique tasting experiences you might otherwise have missed.

France’s celebrated Bordeaux region is more than just a destination – it’s a smorgasbord of sensory delights. This iconic wine paradise has been a magnet for #Winetravelers. We’re frequently asked how best to traverse and immerse oneself in the area, and truly, there’s no more authentic way than to utilize a local-operated guided Bordeaux wine tour or tasting experience. These services provide you with local expertise, freeing you from worries about planning, logistics or driving. This means a richer exploration of the region without stress and with extra time.

RELATED: 30 Best Bordeaux Wineries You Must Visit within the Region

We’ve assembled a list of the top wine tours in Bordeaux, based on feedback and ratings from our readers. We only include tours that have received nothing but 5 star reviews. The list includes both group experiences and private wine tastings and excursions throughout the region. Whether you’re lodging within the idyllic Bordeaux countryside or planning a day trip from Paris, Lyon or Biarritz, we have your needs covered.

We’ve joined forces with Tripadvisor to offer our readers advanced secure booking and free cancellation on any Bordeaux wine tours booked through Winetraveler.com .

RECOMMENDED: Stay at These Luxury Bordeaux Châteaux While You Visit

Best Wine Tours & Wine Tasting Experiences in Bordeaux

Bordeaux wine tours from bordeaux city.

The city of Bordeaux makes for an ideal base for Bordeaux wine tours, thanks to its central location within the region. It offers effortless access to famed wine areas such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. An efficient transport system, including train and bus routes, guarantees smooth travel to various vineyards and wineries.

Bordeaux City boasts numerous tour operators that provide curated wine experiences catering to a wide range of preferences, from small boutique wineries to larger, globally-known estates. This, coupled with the city’s own vibrant cultural and gastronomic scenes, makes Bordeaux City the perfect launchpad for exploring Bordeaux’s wine country.

A la Francaise! Bordeaux: Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour in Medoc or St-Emilion from Bordeaux City

Winetraveler Rating (over 604 reviews):

Engage your senses in an afternoon wine tasting journey in the beautiful French countryside of Bordeaux. This half-day tour offered by A la Francaise gives you the choice to explore either the historic St-Emilion or the exquisite Medoc, each offering their unique wine styles and picturesque châteaux.

Images courtesy A La Francaise !

This intimate experience involves not just tasting, but learning and appreciating. You will be taken to two carefully selected, charming châteaux where you’ll taste their fine wines and learn about their production. To enhance your tasting experience, Winetravelers are treated to a platter of local French specialties, including bread, cheese, and cured meat that pair perfectly with the wines.

To cap off your immersion in the world of wine, a mini-class from an expert will equip you with valuable wine tasting tips. This is an experience for both the novice and the seasoned #Winetraveler.

Highlights:

• Visit and explore two charming châteaux in your choice of either the St-Emilion or Medoc region.
• Delight in the tasting of four distinct wines, learning to appreciate their nuances.
• Savour a specially prepared French appetizer platter that complements the wine tasting.
• Benefit from an insightful mini-class offering expert wine-tasting tips.
• Enjoy a more personalized experience with this small-group tour, limited to just eight participants.

A la Francaise also offers dozens of other highly-rated tours throughout the Bordeaux region. You can browse additional tour options with them here .

Starting at $110

Electric Bike Vineyard Tour and Wine Tastings in Saint-Émilion

Winetraveler Rating (over 403 reviews):

Delve into the world of Bordeaux’s renowned wine appellations by embarking on a journey through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Émilion on an electric bike tour. Cover more ground with less effort on these power-assisted bikes, while soaking up the idyllic landscape that makes this region truly special.

RELATED: How to Pair Bordeaux Red Wines with all Kinds of Food

During your exploration, you will visit two distinctive chateaux wineries where the secrets of Bordeaux’s famous wines will be unraveled. Each visit is complemented by guided wine tastings that allow you to appreciate the nuances of the wines produced here.

Following your immersive wine encounters, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch among the vineyards, a perfect way to sample local delights while surrounded by nature’s beauty. Your journey concludes with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, known for its captivating charm and historic importance.

This intimate tour experience ensures personalized attention with a small group size limited to just eight people. Round-trip transportation from Bordeaux is also included, providing a stress-free day of delightful wine exploration.

• Embark on an electric bike tour through the stunning vineyards of Saint-Émilion
• Enjoy guided wine tastings at two distinguished chateaux wineries in the region
• Indulge in a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by vineyards
• Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion on a walking tour

Starting at $176

Private Médoc Luxury Wine Trip from Bordeaux in a Citroën DS Convertible

Winetraveler Rating (over 18 reviews):

Experience the prestige of Bordeaux’s Médoc vineyards like never before with this luxury wine trip, custom-tailored to your unique tastes. Travel in style in a vintage 1973 Citroën DS Limousine Convertible, provided by Bordeaux Classic Cars, with a private chauffeur at your disposal, creating an unparalleled ambiance of charm.

Images via Bordeaux Classic Cars .

The Médoc vineyards stretch north of Bordeaux along the Gironde river, and are renowned for producing some of the region’s most distinguished wines. As you traverse the famed ‘Route des Chateaux’, admire the breathtaking views and the grandeur of the landscapes that have birthed these exquisite wines.

This fully customized tour allows you to craft your own itinerary, selecting from “Premier Cru” vineyards or boutique wineries based on your personal preferences. Enjoy guided wine tastings and savor the subtleties of the region’s varietals, and consider a stop at a gourmet restaurant for a culinary journey that complements your wine adventure (at your own expense).

• A luxurious journey in a vintage 1973 Citroën DS Limousine Convertible
• Personalized itinerary through Médoc’s premier wine regions
• Guided wine tastings at premier cru chateaux or boutique wineries
• Spectacular views along the ‘Route des Chateaux’

This private tour is available in half-day or full-day itineraries with pickup from Bordeaux, and prices start from $289.18. Luxuriate in the vintage elegance of the convertible limousine, with space for four, ensuring a comfortable and memorable excursion.

Starting at $289

Private Tour in the Sauternes Wine Region – Discover Bordeaux’s Sweet Crus Classés

Winetraveler Rating (over 22 reviews):

Step off the beaten path and dive into the sweet wines of Bordeaux with this special half-day tour in the Sauternes wine region , proudly brought to you by Bordo’Chateaux. The Sauternes region is the home of the world-renowned Château d’Yquem, a Cru Classe of 1855, where the grapes are nurtured in the mystical fog of the Ciron river and harvested late in the season while they acquire a much sought-after “noble rot.”

Images via Bordo’Chateaux .

Did you know that Sauternes holds the honor of being the second wine region in the prestigious Crus Classes of 1855? Let Bordo’Chateaux guide you through the vineyards where these acclaimed sweet wines are born. Visit small, charming family-owned estates and taste their carefully crafted, confidential wines. Discover that sweet wines are so much more than just dessert wines as you unravel the secrets of their production and unique characteristics.

• An intimate, half-day tour through the sweet wine region of Sauternes
• Visit to family-owned estates and tasting of exclusive, confidential wines
• Insight into the unique process of making sweet wines
• A peaceful escape to the countryside of Sauternes

Spend a tranquil afternoon in the delightful countryside of Sauternes. The selection of wineries visited on the tour is subject to change based on seasonal availability.

Prices for this intimate, private tour start from $211.33.

Starting at $211

Bordeaux City – Private Guided Walking Tour with Your Local Guide, Sophia

Winetraveler Rating (over 89 reviews):

Step into the heart of Bordeaux City with Sophia, your local guide, for a private, tailored walking tour that breathes life into the city’s history while offering a local’s perspective. This tour invites you to weave through the city’s most noteworthy sites as well as its hidden gems, all at your own pace.

Images via TheBordelais .

Customize the logistics of your tour to fit your preferences – adjust the start time, meeting point, and even the route to match your vacation plans. Stroll through different neighborhoods, exploring iconic monuments and absorbing the unique ambiance of each locale.

You’ll enjoy fascinating anecdotes and fun facts about the city and its rich culture. This personalized tour provides the perfect opportunity for you to ask any burning questions about Bordeaux in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

Book your personalized, private guided tour today to discover Bordeaux City like never before, from only $94.54.

Starting at $95

Bordeaux Wine Country Private Day Tour with Winery Visits Operated by Atlas Bordeaux

Winetraveler Rating (over 13 reviews):

Atlas Bordeaux takes the reins in this exclusive private day tour, delivering an unparalleled Bordeaux Wine Country experience. Let a certified wine professional curate an itinerary tailored to your interests, featuring visits to multiple Bordeaux wineries or even a Cognac destination. Dive into the splendors of Bordeaux’s wine heritage without the burden of planning and logistics, allowing you to fully savor this day of private, worry-free wine tastings.

Images via Atlas Bordeaux .

Sit back and relax as your transport is taken care of, liberating you to indulge in all the wine tastings you desire. Complement your tastings with an appetizing lunch at a locally owned spot, a traditional brasserie, or even a Michelin-starred restaurant, depending on your preference.

Exploring regions such as Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan, this tour is an immersive experience into the heart of Bordeaux’s wine culture, brought to life by the knowledgeable guides at Atlas Bordeaux.

Highlights of the Tour:

• An expertly curated, hassle-free wine country exploration that is customizable to your preferences
• Enjoy lunch at a choice of family-owned establishments, traditional brasseries, or Michelin-starred restaurants
• Transportation is arranged, allowing you to fully indulge in wine tasting without worry
• Visit renowned wine regions such as Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan.

Starting at $800

Luxury Full Day Bordeaux Wine Tour in a Tesla

Winetraveler Rating (over 25 reviews):

Experience the decadence of a private wine tour taken to new heights of luxury with Elexi Travel & Event. This special journey through Bordeaux’s renowned wine region is delivered in a Tesla, merging comfort and sustainability. Led by an experienced local wine guide who doubles as your driver, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Bordeaux wines and visit three prestigious chateaux. There’s also an option to customize your tour with a visit to a winery of your choice, subject to availability.

Images via Elexi Travel & Event .

This private tour is exclusively designed for your group of family and friends, providing an intimate and personalized experience. Starting your day with a convenient hotel pickup in the Bordeaux region, you’ll set out on an exploratory journey that covers the wine areas of Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Sauternes.

Comfort is paramount in this adventure, as you’re driven in the spacious interiors of a state-of-the-art Tesla, enhancing your wine discovery experience.

• Exclusive private tour, ideal for groups of family and friends
• Convenient hotel pickup in the Bordeaux region
• Detailed insights into the wines of Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Sauternes
• Luxurious, environmentally-friendly travel in a Tesla vehicle, chauffeured by a knowledgeable guide

Starting at $767

Bordeaux Travel Logistics

Getting to bordeaux, major airports in bordeaux.

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD): This is the principal airport serving Bordeaux and the surrounding areas in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Although it’s not the largest, its convenient location just 30 minutes from the city centre makes it the preferred choice for many travelers. Keep a lookout for current flight deals on Kayak for the best rates.

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS): This is one of the largest airports in France with numerous international flight connections. Though it’s about a two-hour drive to Bordeaux, the extensive connections and shuttle services to Bordeaux make it a practical option.

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE): Another option for entering the region, especially for those exploring the greater Bordeaux region. It’s around a three-hour drive to Bordeaux, but the airport offers a number of domestic and international flights.

Arriving from Other Parts of France

France’s high-speed train network, the TGV, makes travelling to Bordeaux from other parts of the country both swift and convenient. The Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station is a major hub that connects the city to other French cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. This connectivity, combined with the efficiency of the TGV, means you can be sipping Bordeaux’s famous wines just a few hours after leaving Paris.

Getting Around Bordeaux

Public transportation.

Trains: The train system in Bordeaux is well developed, providing reliable connections not only between major cities but also to smaller towns in the region. The trains generally run on time and provide an efficient and economical way to travel.

Buses: For some of the more remote areas or smaller villages, buses are the only available form of public transport. Though not always as punctual as the trains, buses offer routes to areas trains can’t reach.

Renting a car is a wonderful option if you’re keen to discover the picturesque countryside and visit vineyards at your leisure. Remember that non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit along with their standard driver’s license to drive in France. Also, take note that many city centers in Bordeaux have restricted traffic zones, which are monitored by cameras. Unauthorized entry into these zones can result in fines.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis are easily accessible in cities and larger towns. Uber is also available in Bordeaux, providing an additional convenient option for navigating the city.

Other Things to Know

Best time to visit.

Bordeaux is a fantastic destination at any time of the year, but the most favorable times are generally between May and October when the weather is warm and the vineyards are in full bloom.

French is the official language. However, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

The Euro (€) is the official currency of France.

Bordeaux is generally safe for tourists, but as with any travel destination, always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.

Electricity

France operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type E.

Cities, Towns and Villages within Bordeaux

The region of Bordeaux, in the southwestern part of France, is famed worldwide for its premium wines and wine-making culture. However, aside from its prestigious vineyards and wine chateaux, Bordeaux is home to a diverse array of cities, towns, and villages, each one bursting with its own unique character, history, and attractions. This section delves into some of the must-visit places within the Bordeaux region, painting a vivid picture of the diverse experiences that await you in this enchanting wine capital of the world.

Bordeaux City

As the region’s capital, Bordeaux City is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and of course, wine. Its city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with Gothic cathedrals, grand mansions, and public squares lined with trendy boutiques and bistros. The city is also home to La Cité du Vin, a world-class wine museum that offers an immersive journey into the world of wine. With its central location and excellent transport links, Bordeaux City is a perfect starting point for day trips throughout the region.

Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village known for its eponymous world-class wines. The town’s monolithic church, carved from a limestone cliff, is a sight to behold, while its underground catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the town’s past. The village is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its historic vineyard landscape that has remained intact over the centuries.

The Médoc region, stretching north of Bordeaux City, is an esteemed wine-making area dotted with prestigious wine chateaux. It’s a wonderful place to explore, with lush vineyards, pine forests, and a long sandy coastline perfect for relaxing walks. The region is also famous for the annual Marathon du Médoc, a unique event combining wine tasting and long-distance running.

Pomerol, although one of the smallest wine regions in Bordeaux, is a powerful name in the world of wine, producing some of the world’s most sought-after vintages. This quiet, rural area is an idyllic place to escape from the hustle and bustle, and to appreciate the simpler things in life, like a good glass of wine amidst the beauty of nature.

Graves and Sauternes

South of Bordeaux City, the regions of Graves and Sauternes are known for their diverse wines, from crisp whites to sweet dessert wines. These areas boast a rich history, with Graves being the oldest wine region in Bordeaux, and Sauternes home to the prestigious Château d’Yquem.

Arcachon Bay

Although not a wine-producing area, Arcachon Bay is worth a visit for its beautiful coastline, oyster farms, and the Great Dune of Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. In fact, you can even book a tour by the coast in Arcachon , that includes pairing oysters with Bordeaux wines. The seaside town of Arcachon, with its charming villas and lively markets, is a delightful destination for food lovers.

These towns and cities, each with their own charm and specialties, contribute to making Bordeaux not only a top wine destination but also a rich cultural experience. From vineyards and chateaux to historic cities and sandy beaches, the region truly has something to offer every type of #Winetraveler.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bordeaux Wine Tours

Can you do wine tours in bordeaux.

Absolutely! Bordeaux is renowned worldwide for its exceptional wines and is home to some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards and chateaux. A wine tour in Bordeaux provides a unique opportunity to discover the rich winemaking traditions of the region, engage with knowledgeable vintners, and of course, taste a variety of exquisite wines. You can book a wine tour in one of the many wine regions in Bordeaux such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, or even Sauternes. You’ll visit historical chateaux, explore scenic vineyards, and learn about the grape varieties and winemaking processes that have made Bordeaux wines famous. Take the first step towards an unforgettable Bordeaux wine experience and book a Private and Customizable Bordeaux Wine Tour today . For those seeking an immersive and educational experience, consider participating in wine tasting classes and workshops available throughout the region. You’ll get to broaden your understanding of wine, learn how to appreciate its flavors and aromas, and discover the art of food and wine pairing. Sign up for a Bordeaux Wine Tasting Masterclass in the heart of Bordeaux . Also, many Bordeaux wine tours include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bordeaux, known for its vibrant wine culture and landmarks like La Cité du Vin, a state-of-the-art wine museum. Experience Bordeaux’s vibrant wine culture firsthand. Reserve your spot on a Bordeaux City and Wine Tour now . Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice enthusiast, a wine tour in Bordeaux is an experience not to be missed. It’s more than just wine tasting; it’s a journey through centuries of winemaking history and tradition, a feast for the senses, and a celebration of life’s finer pleasures.

What are the best wine tasting experiences in Bordeaux?

Undoubtedly, Bordeaux offers some of the world’s finest wine tours and tastings, owing to its renowned status as one of the premier wine regions globally. The experiences that tend to be most appreciated by visitors greatly vary, depending on personal tastes, interests and of course, budget. For those who relish Merlot-based wines, a full-day tour of St. Emilion is highly recommended . This UNESCO-listed medieval town is celebrated for its rich winemaking tradition. #Winetravelers will not only explore renowned wineries and delve into the depths of underground cellars, but also embark on a guided tour of the historic town itself, steeping in its beauty and heritage. If Cabernet Sauvignon tantalizes your palate, a private tour of the iconic Médoc region would be ideal. Known for its impressive roster of prestigious chateaux such as Margaux and Mouton Rothschild, the Médoc region promises an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. A typical tour here offers the opportunity to sample some of the region’s exceptional Grand Cru Classé wines. This particular tour allows you to be driven around in luxury fashion to some of Medoc’s most stunning estates. If the combination of urban exploration and wine tasting appeals to you, a Bordeaux City Wine Tour is an excellent choice, led by a local. It offers a unique blend of sightseeing within the city of Bordeaux, coupled with indulging in wine tasting at urban wine bars and establishments, a true treat for the senses. Each of these experiences offers its own unique view and taste of Bordeaux, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Pick the one that most aligns with your interests and preferences, and prepare for a memorable #Winetraveler experience.

Are there any good Bordeaux wine tours to avoid crowds?

Bordeaux, as one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions, can often draw large crowds. However, there are several delightful wine tasting experiences that allow you to avoid the throngs of visitors and enjoy a more intimate experience. Private wine tastings organized by local tour operators can be an excellent option to consider. We highly recommend this private and customizable wine tour offered by Bordeaux Classic Cars . Simply articulate your preferences to the guide and through his personal connections you can dodge crowds in a beautiful convertible and go wine tasting throughout Bordeaux. Many renowned estates in Bordeaux offer these personalized experiences that not only offer an exclusive and in-depth look into their wine-making process but also allow you to taste their finest wines in a serene, private setting. For truly secluded and unique wine experiences, consider booking visits to smaller, family-run estates, often found in lesser-known sub-regions of Bordeaux such as Fronsac, Cadillac, Sauternes, Saint-Croix-du-Mont and Canon-Fronsac. These smaller vineyards may not have the fame of the Grand Cru estates, but they offer high-quality wines and an opportunity to learn about winemaking from passionate, dedicated vignerons in a quiet and personal setting. Exploring Bordeaux’s satellite appellations such as Côtes de Bordeaux or Entre-Deux-Mers can also be a good strategy to avoid the crowds. These areas are lesser-known to the general tourist population but are highly respected by wine enthusiasts, and a visit to these regions can provide excellent, crowd-free tastings.

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One day in Bordeaux – what to do and see

If you love wine, food, and beautiful architecture you simply cannot miss a day trip to Bordeaux when visiting the region. One day in this vibrant city may not be enough to discover all the attractions and gastronomic experiences it has to offer but with the right plan, you can have a perfect day exploring the highlights of Bordeaux. 

So if you’ve been wondering how to spend your one day in Bordeaux, this article will help you taste the best this city has to offer. It includes stunning architecture, a visit to the main market , cycling on the riverfront , tasting wine , and more. By the end of this day, you’ll be exhausted and totally in love with Bordeaux!

If you’re coming for a weekend, you should check out my Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Bordeaux . Also, don’t miss my articles about the best neighborhoods to stay in Bordeaux and the best hotels in the city center if you’re looking for accommodation in Bordeaux.

Now let’s start discovering the beautiful capital of the Southwest of France.

Marché des Capucins – Visit the main market of Bordeaux

If you’re a foodie or just like discovering new markets, I highly recommend starting your one day in Bordeaux in Marché des Capucins . This is the biggest daily market in Bordeaux and has everything from stands of fruits, vegetables, sweets, and spices to a bunch of lively cafés and restaurants. 

If you don’t have a lot of time, the best way to discover this huge market is by taking a food tour. You can take a private tou r with Anne, who is a chef and an amazing food tour guide. Or join the group food tour of the No Diet Club .

If you like oysters there’s one restaurant in the market you simply cannot miss! Chez Jean-Mi has become an institution in Bordeaux, attracting many locals for a plate of oysters with white dry wine. Before you go, be sure to check out my article about the best places to eat at the Marché des Capucins .

It’s a covered market so you can enjoy it on the city’s numerous rainy days . Most cafes and restaurants also have tables outside where you can have a coffee or an early lunch. The market gets very busy on the weekend so be sure to be there early. The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, however, be aware that not all the restaurants and stands are open on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Stroll the narrow streets of old Bordeaux

I have yet met one person who was not stunned by the beauty of “Vieux Bordeaux”, the historic part of the city. You can spend hours getting lost in the narrow paved streets with beautiful 17th and 18th-century houses. 

The Southwest capital has 362 preserved buildings labeled as historic monuments, second only to Paris. The historic part of the city (and several streets around it) is recognized by UNESCO as an “outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of 18th-century architecture. 

Give yourself at least a few hours to wander the picturesque streets of Bordeaux. The city is rich with history and different architectural styles so if you have time, take a historic tour in the center of Bordeaux. Here’s a tour that’s offered by the Tourists office in several languages. If you don’t like big groups you can always take a private tour .

Main sites in the city center

There’s a photographer in Bordeaux who does amazing photography tours with photoshoots of these and other Bordeaux highlights, so that could be a really special experience. Here’s a shortlist of the sites you should not miss on your visit:

Grosse Cloche – the 15th-century gate to the old city. This stunning bell tower is part of a whole structure that was previously a part of the city hall of Bordeaux and at some point served as a prison for misbehaved juveniles (!). 

It’s one of Bordeaux’s most emblematic monuments and appears on the coat of arms of Bordeaux. The Gross Cloche is located on one end of rue Saint James, one of the liveliest streets of Bordeaux , with stylish boutiques and wine bars. 

Porte Cailhau – another magnificent 15th-century gate to the historic center of Bordeaux. This glamourous monument was built to commemorate the glory of King Charles VIII and opens up to one of Bordeaux’s nicest squares, Place du Palais. 

Two other important monuments are located on the border between the historic part and the fancy Triangle d’Or neighborhood.

The Grand Theatre -The beautiful 18th-century building on Place de la Comedie will be hard to miss. This is one of the most impressive buildings in the city and is home to the National Opera and the National Ballet of Bordeaux. If you have the chance, try to book tickets to one of the concerts the Opera or the national ballet. 

Continue from there to Place des Quinconces , the largest city square in France and one of the biggest in Europe. There you’ll also find the beautiful monument dedicated to the Girondins (members of a political faction) who were killed during the French Revolution. 

Have a drink on the lively squares of Bordeaux

There’s a very special atmosphere in Bordeaux. It’s a very touristy and lively city that somehow succeeds in maintaining its tranquility. What contributes to that are the lively squares in the city center, linked by pleasant pedestrian streets. Almost every square in Bordeaux is adorned with terrasse restaurants and wine bars. As you can imagine, the city of wine has plenty of amazing wine bars and wine tasting places for you to taste some Bordeaux wine.

Some of the liveliest squares in the city center include the Place du Palais with a magnificent view of Porte Cailhau, Place Pierre with the Saint Pierre church right in the middle, and Place Camille Julian with the Utopia bistrot (an old church converted into an independent cinema and restaurant). 

The biggest square in the old center is Place du Parlement , which was built in the 18th century in an Italian style. Its facades are very richly decorated and resemble the facades of the buildings on the riverfront of Bordeaux and the magnificent Place de la Bourse.

Lift your eyes to see the mascarons

If you’re following my advice and on your way to Place du Parlement don’t miss the beautiful little sculptures that decorate the buildings.  

The sculpted faces between the ground and first floor are called mascarons , a variation on the word masks in Italian. There are more than 3000 mascarons decorating the buildings and the monuments of Bordeaux, taking inspiration from Greek mythology, wild animals, religion, and the economic development of Bordeaux. 

Some examples are Neptune who represents the importance of the river and African faces, a memory of the slave trade Bordeaux was part of.  Most of the mascarons can be found on the buildings on the riverfront of, Place de la Bourse and Place du Parlement.

You can read in more detail about all the main monuments in Bordeaux in my ultimate guide to a weekend in Bordeaux .

Dine in one of Bordeaux’s delicious restaurants

After the long walk, a proper lunch is in order! In recent years Bordeaux has gained popularity as a gastronomic city and even holds the record for the number of restaurants per person in France. If you have only one day in the city, trying one of Bordeaux’s restaurants should be on your list. 

There are a lot of excellent restaurants in the city center and choosing one won’t be easy, but let me suggest just a few: Bo Tanique, Lauza, Symbiose,  Cent 33, Frida, Au Bistro and the list goes on and on. 

It’s important to notice that restaurants in Bordeaux tend to be closed on Sundays or Mondays (or both) so check out their websites when planning your trip. Also, it’s always recommended to book a table ahead of time, even if you do it on the same day.

Have a picnic in Jardin Public, Bordeaux’s main park

If you prefer leaving the dining experience for the evening you can replace a fancy lunch with a picnic in the beautiful park of Bordeaux, Jardin Public. 

Make yourself a basket of regional products and join the other Bordelais on the vast green planes. Don’t forget to add a bottle of Bordeaux wine you can get in most supermarkets or in dedicated wine shops. 

Jardin Public is a beautiful park and by far one of the most kid-friendly places in the city . However, it’s not the only good spot for a picnic or a little break. Bordeaux has many gardens and parks that you can enjoy on a sunny day. To discover them check out my post about the best places for a picnic in Bordeaux .

Shop on the Longest street in France

Sainte Catherine is the longest pedestrian street in France, full of clothing boutiques, and one of the only places in the center where you can find all the main fashion retail stores. If you prefer smaller boutiques, you won’t find them on the main streets but rather on the small narrow streets of Saint Paul and Saint Pier districts, as well as on rue Notre Dame in Chartrons .

If you’re into second-hand clothing be sure to check my guide to second-hand and vintage shops in the center of Bordeaux . 

Visit the main church in Bordeaux -Saint-André 

The big Cathedral on the main square of Pey Berland is a Roman Catholic church and the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux. This cathedral has an important part in the history of Bordeaux. Here, the 13-year-old Eleanor d’Aquitaine, married the future king of France Louis VII, therefore making her the queen of France (for a very short period of time).

Like many other churches and basilicas in Bordeaux, Saint-André is classified as a national monument of France. In the evening the Cathedral often hosts concerts of classical music, choirs and an organ festival during the summer. You can check out more info about the concerts here . 

visit the fancy district of Bordeaux 

It’s time for a little dessert and there’s no better place for it than the Triangle d’Or neighborhood, the fancy district of Bordeaux. You’ll notice that the architecture and landscape of this district are different from the narrow streets of the historic center of Bordeaux. The wide boulevards and decorated 18th-century houses reflect the economic boom that the city was undergoing at the time.

Today it’s considered a gourmet district with plenty of wine and cheese boutiques. It’s also home to Olala Bordeaux , one of the best places to take wine-tasting classes. During the tourist season they offer daily wine tasting master classes .

Like every French city, Bordeaux has its chocolatiers , many of which are located in and around Triangle d’Or. On rue Michel Montaigne you will discover the most famous local patissier and chocolatier, David Capy. On Allée de Tourny you will visit the oldest chocolatier in Bordeaux, Cadiot Badie. It’s a very prestigious place that feels more like a jewelry shop than a chocolate boutique. Other amazing chocolate shops are la Maison Darricau and Hasnaa Chocolat Grand Cru.

If you also want to take the opportunity to stop for a coffee. Bordeaux has some amazing coffee shops. You can read about my favorite ones in my article about the five coffee places in Bordeaux you don’t want to miss . 

Chill at the Miroir d’eau

Now it’s time to visit Bordeaux’s most famous attraction and one you have probably seen in any guide or video about Bordeaux – Le Miroir d’eau. 

This modern monument, built in 2006, is the world’s largest reflecting pool. The surface is made from blue granite covered in water, reflecting the 18th-century Place de la Bourse. It’s a perfect place to chill on a hot sunny day in Bordeaux. 

If you’re coming with kids you can easily spend more than an hour here as it’s going to be quite hard to get them out of it. Kids seem to really love it! (don’t forget to bring change clothes for the kids, they tend to get soaked!)

Take a bike ride on the banks of the Garonne – or a cruise if you’re tired 🙂

The promenade on the left bank of the Garonne River is one of Bordeaux’s highlights. Since the massive overhaul project in the early 2000s, the quais (docks) of Bordeaux has become one of Bordeaux’s most popular spots, hosting many events and festivals during the summer. 

The 4.5 km promenade is also perfect for a walk or a bicycle tour . The most interesting part of it is between the two bridges of Bordeaux – Pont Saint Pierre in the center and Pont Chaban Delmas in the north of the city, which includes the Miroir d’eau as well as playgrounds for kids and restaurants with a view of the river.

A few companies are offering a biking tour that covers all the parts of town and more, Monsieur Bacchus is one of the best ones .  But you can also do a self-guided tour using my bridge-to-bridge route article.

Want to cruise instead of cycling?

if you only have one day in Bordeaux and that’s taking a cruise. There are plenty of nice afternoon cruises on the Garonne, but I believe that to experience the good life of Bordeaux you should take the Cruise with a glass of wine .

Discover the hipster side of Bordeaux

After spending several hours on the classic left side of the river, it’s time to discover the more hipster right bank of the Garonne. Crossing the river to the other side you’ll get to the Bastide neighborhood. If you’re going on the biking tour from the previous item, you’re going to get there on your way.  

Here, the main attraction is Darwin, an old military base turned into an urban space with plenty of cool stuff to do. Among these, you’ll find a restaurant, a bakery, a winery, a huge skate park, and many hipster shops. 

Darwin is one of the most extraordinary places for street art and includes some amazing works by a lot of talented regional artists on every one of its buildings. 

If you visit the Bastide district on the weekend (during the summer) don’t miss one of Bordeaux’s hidden gems, La Guinguette chez Alriq . The Guinguette is a tavern on the banks of the river that hosts plenty of open-air concerts. The performing bands and artists come from all over the world and create an atmosphere of a laid-back world music party. 

How to get there? 

If you follow my advice about doing the bridge-to-bridge circuit, you’re going to pass through everything I mentioned on your way. Otherwise, you can do a nice walk, crossing Pont de Pierre or taking tram A to the other side. Another fun way to get there is by taking the river shuttle . 

Have a drink in one of Bordeaux’s wine bars 

Wine bars are springing up like mushrooms in the center of Bordeaux. It’s not a big surprise considering it’s the capital of the biggest wine area in France. A great way to finish your one day in Bordeaux is by tasting wine in one of Bordeaux’s wine bars . 

There are plenty of wine bars to choose from in the city center , here are some of my favorite ones: le Bar a Vin for the beautiful decor and professional waiters, Wine More Time for its huge selection, and Les doux secrets d’Hélène for the design and the tasty tapas. 

Some bars offer wine-tasting experiences that allow you to better understand the wines of the region. To discover the best places for wine tasting check out my article about wine tasting in Bordeaux . 

If you’re interested in wine don’t miss a trip to Saint Emilion where you can visit some of the best wineries in the region . You can take a guided wine tour or plan the trip by yourself using my post about the best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion . 

Not less interesting and beautiful is the Medoc wine area where you can see some of the most impressive chateaux in the region. Follow my post about the Medoc wine route when planning your trip there.

I hope you enjoyed this beautiful city and if you have a few more days in the area don’t forget to check out my article about the best day trips from Bordeaux .

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You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France  via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

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* Note  – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂 

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Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Bordeaux

By Jennifer Dombrowski 37 Comments

We might be a little biased since we do call Bordeaux home, but we think it’s one of the best places to visit in France. There’s no where else in France like it. You can combine a vibrant city, beautiful vineyards making some of the world’s most famous wine, a charming medieval UNESCO listed village with the world’s largest church of its kind, and some of the most stunning beaches in all of Europe all for the perfect Bordeaux trip. We’ve lived here for over three years and still haven’t seen and done it all. But with limited travel time, a long weekend in Bordeaux can be just the right amount of time to fall in love with the World Capital of Wine. Follow our itinerary for 3 days in Bordeaux (or stretch it to 4 days in Bordeaux to include a day visiting Europe’s largest sand dune) to ensure you experience all the best Bordeaux has to offer.

And if you need more suggestions beyond this Bordeaux itinerary, join our Bordeaux travel Facebook group to ask us questions, get even more Bordeaux travel tips and our latest recommendations.

Day 1: Exploring Bordeaux City Centre on a Walking Tour

Until more recent years, the city of Bordeaux was a stopping over point you blazed through on your way to the world class vineyards. Dubbed the nickname Sleeping Beauty because of the grime years being a bustling port left behind, even the Bordelaise didn’t spend much time in Bordeaux city center. There just wasn’t much to do or reason to hang around the center. But a massive revitalization project over the last decade or so gave Bordeaux a much needed facelift. All those years of grime were quite literally washed away. New attractions like the gardens along the quay, the Miroir d’Eau and museums began to lure in visitors and locals alike.

These days Bordeaux regularly ranks as one of the best cities to live in, both in France and Europe. And there’s loads of attractions and events that can entertain visitors for far longer than just a day. With the vineyards calls and the gorgeous beaches near Bordeaux, you definitely have to divvy up your time among it all, and at least one of your three days in Bordeaux should be devoted to discovering this culturally rich city.

A Bordeaux walking tour is the perfect way to see the city. Unlike Paris, which is a sprawling city with the sights quite spread out, Bordeaux is very compact and walkable.

Place de la Comédie

Twelve muses decorate the top of each column on Bordeaux’ Grand Théâtre

No matter where you’re staying in Bordeaux, Place de la Comedie is situated as though you dropped a pin right in the middle of the city. It’s a great place to start a walking tour with the commanding neoclassical Grand Théâtre holding court, which was inaugurated in 1780 and is one of the oldest wooden frame opera houses in Europe. Take time time admire the  portico with 12 Corinthian style columns that perfectly frames the Monument aux Girondins on Place des Quinconces . Look up and you’ll see nine muses and three goddesses of ancient mythology seemingly standing watch over the opera house and Place de la Comedie.

If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday (outside of the summer months), you can also tour the Grand Théâtre with a look at the interior and a behind the scenes look at the operations. Reservations are mandatory and check the website for tour availability times.

L’Indendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux is Bordeaux’s most beautiful wine shop

Before leaving Place de la Comedia, pop in to have a look at Bordeaux’s most beautiful wine shop. L’Intendant features only wine from the Bordeaux wine region and you can find wines from 1200 different châteaux. The spiral staircase is lined with the bottles and organized by appellation. Head to the very top floor to find some of the world’s most famous and most expensive wines. One can dream, right?

Notice the broken chains in the Statue of Liberty’s hands

Head to Place des Quinconces and the Monument aux Girondins. The monument is emblematic of the French revolution and is one of the classified historical monuments of Bordeaux. At 43 meter high column topped with a 20-meter high Statue of Liberty breaking from from her chains, and the base is surrounded by groupings of bronze sculptures.

Monument aux Girondins honors the victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution

If you’re looking at the horses and a chariot located in the direction of the Grand Théâtre, this sculpture represents the triumph of the Republic of France. Look for the seahorses, which represent happiness. Continuing around toward Allées de Tourny, you’ll find the city of Bordeaux sitting on the bow of a ship and an allegory of our two important rivers: the Garonne and the Dordogne. Circling toward the Chartrons district, the sculpture represents the triumph of Concorde. And finally facing the river is the Tribune with the Gallic rooster, with the rooster being a symbol of France.

The ferris wheel is often on Place des Quinconces for festivals and the carnival

The Monument aux Girondins sits on Place des Quinconces, which is the largest square in Europe. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might either find a large open space or one of the many festivals, carnivals or events that take place in Bordeaux throughout the year.

Plane trees form a cool canopy over Place des Quinconces

Walk beneath the plane trees toward the river. The way the plane trees are planted in the staggered rows gives the name to the square. At the river entrance to the square, there are two monumental columns topped with more statues dedicated to Bordeaux’s maritime and commercial port history.

Also note that Place des Quinconces is the major transportation hub of Bordeaux, with all of the tram lines converging here and a number of bus lines terminating here. Because of that, there’s always a steady stream of visitors and lends to making Place des Quinconces one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Cross the street and walk through the gardens of the Quai toward the Miroir d’Eau and Place de la Bourse.

Blue hour is one of the most beautiful times of day to photograph the Miroir d’Eau and Place de la Bourse

The 3,450 square meter Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflecting pool and was designed as a work of art when it opened in 2006. It’s a Bordeaux must see. Kids, adults, tourists and locals alike love splashing in the water, especially on a hot summer day. The water features cycles through a program consistently from 10am – 10pm daily with 3 minutes of filled water, 5 minutes of emptying, 15 minutes of mirror effect and 3 minutes of fog.

The spectacular Place de la Bourse, which is reflected on the Miroir d’Eau during the mirror effect, is the very symbol of the city of Bordeaux. The 18th century classical buildings also played a major role in Bordeaux’s future, opening up the previously fortified medieval city walls. It took 20 years to construct and consists of  three separate buildings: the Hôtel des Fermes, the Hôtel de la Bourse and the central pavilion.

You might recognize the Fountain of the Three Graces from Mamma Mia 2 when Donna “arrives in Paris”

The Fountain of the Three Graces was added to the square in 1869, and formerly statues of Napoleon and even before that an equestrian statue had stood in center of the square.

Port Cailhau is one of the remaining gates to the city

Port Cailhau was once the main gate to the city of Bordeaux. It remains almost unchanged from when it built and integrated in to Bordeaux’s fortifications in 1494. Look for a statue of Charles VIII on the river side of Port Cailhau, whom the triumphial arch and gate was built for to commemorate his victory at Fornovo, Italy.

It’s more than just a monument that is castle-like though. You can actually go upside of the gate, where there’s a small museum that shows how Bordeaux was built from the limestone quarries. It’s an interesting little museum that is included for free entry with the Bordeaux City Pass, but we also like the view on to the quay and river from the perch 35 meters above the city.

Count the arches of the Pont du Pierre – they number the same number of letters in Napoleon Bonaparte

Pont du Pierre, or the Stone Bridge, was the first bridge built over the Garonne River in Bordeaux and was Bordeaux’s only bridge until 1965. The construction took place under the orders of Napoleon I. Count the 17 arches of the bridge – it’s no coincidence that there are also 17 letters in the name Napoleon Bonaparte. Since 2017 the bridge became pedestrian-only with the exception of the tram lines that still cross it in order to preserve the bridge.

The Gothic Basilica of Saint-Michel is one of the largest places of worship in Bordeaux

Continue walking along the Quai to head to Saint-Michel, Bordeaux’s ancient quarter. The Basilica of Saint-Michel was built between the 14th and 16th centuries in the Gothic style and is dedicated to the archangel.

It’s open to the public from April to October and worth popping inside of the basilica for a look. At 75 meters long and 38 meters wide, it’s one of the largest places of worship in Bordeaux. There’s 17 side chapels and each is a work of art dedicated to various brotherhoods. The stained glass window with the genealogy of Jesus is the oldest of the stain glass windows in the basilica.

The view over Bordeaux is stunning and worth the climb up La Flèche

The bell tower was built separately from the church in the 15th century and, at 114 meters high, it’s the second tallest bell tower in France. It’s also the tallest bell tower in southern France. Us locals refer to it simply as La Flèche . You can climb up the bell tower for one of the best bird’s eye views over the city and it’s free to do so with your Bordeaux City Pass.

The Grosse Cloche is one of the oldest belfries in France

Make your way to the Grosse Cloche, one of the oldest belfries in France. The name literally means “big bell” and the 7800 kilogram bell that still hangs there today was cast in 1775. The bell is so large that when it’s rung, the windows in the neighborhood rattle. These days the bell is only rung a handful of times throughout the year: on the first Sunday of each month, January 1, May 8, July 14 for Bastille Day, August 28th which marks the 1944 liberation of Bordeaux and November 11th.

The belfry itself is built from the remains of the 13th century Porte Saint-Éloi, which was one of the main gates to the commercial center of medieval Bordeaux. It’s also known as the Porte Saint-James since pilgrims on the Saint James’ Way have always passed through this gate.

At one point in time, this gate also served as a prison. You can tour the belfry to have a look at dungeons, which is included in the Bordeaux City Pass.

Place de Victoire commemorates the end of WWI

Place de la Victoire wasn’t named as such until 1918, when the name was changed to commemorate the end of WWI. Long before that this big square was a fairgrounds located just outside the fortifications, and a gate stood where the triumphal arch we see today stands. That arch is the Porte d’Aquitaine and it was completed in 1756 after the fortifications and medieval castle were destroyed.

The obelisk and the giant turtle sculptures were added to Place de la Victoire were added in 2005. The 16 meter tall obelisk is made of red marble from the Languedoc and bronze. And though wine has always been an important part of Bordeaux’s history, this was the first monument in the city dedicated to viticulture and wine. The motifs on the obelisk tell stories of the history of wine from ancient times to the present day.

The turtle symbolizes Bordeaux’s slow and steady growth in the wine industry

The turtles symbolize the long, steady rise of the wine industry of Bordeaux. Their shells, if you get a look between the kids that love to climb all over the turtles, are adorned with the names of the Bordeaux appellations.

Place de la Victoire is another of the busiest places in Bordeaux and is frequented by many of the local university students. It’s also the start of Rue Saint-Catherine, the most important and longest pedestrian street in Europe. These days Rue Saint-Catherine is occupied by many chain stores, but it’s still worth walking up at least a portion of it before making your way to Cathedral Saint-Andre.

Rue Vital Carles offers one of our favorite views of the Cathedral

A church has stood on the spot of Cathedral Saint-Andre since 1096, though only a wall from the original Romanesque edifice remains inside the nave. It was in the original church that a 15-year old Elenor of Aquitaine married Louis VII in 1137, just a few months before she became Queen of France.

The cathedral as we see it today was mostly built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The current cathedral was witness to the marriage of Anne of Austria and Louis XIII in 1615.

The cathedral remains the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux and is a working cathedral, so the inside is only open to the public briefly on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

You can visit the freestanding Tour Pey-Berland next to the cathedral. It was built in 1440 after the 12th century tower of Cathedral Saint-Andre couldn’t support the weight of the bell. The tenor bell is massive at 11 tons, making it the fourth largest bell in France. Climb up the tower’s 229 steps for another spectacular view over Bordeaux.

A gate has existed where Port Dijeaux stands since Roman times

End your do-it-yourself walking tour of Bordeaux at the Port Dijeaux and Place Gambetta. Port Dijeaux was the first line of fortification and the western entrance to the city since the Roman times. The gate has been replaced over the centuries and the current gate we see today was built between 1748 and 1753. Look for Bordeaux’s coat of arms and the face of Neptune, who a friend recently pointed out bears a striking resemblance to the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz .

Just outside of Port Dijeaux is small park of Place Gambetta. While today you’ll likely see locals lounging on the grass during their lunch break, it wasn’t always such a serene place in the center of Bordeaux. It was the permanent location of Bordeaux’s guillotine between October 1793 and July 1794 where sordid, torturous acts took place almost daily. Nearly 300 people were sent to the guillotine here.

Filet of beef with mashed potatoes and root vegetables at Le 7 Restaurant

After a day of exploring Bordeaux on foot, indulging at one of Bordeaux’s many restaurants is practically guilt free. We have a lot of favorites throughout the city. Just be sure to book a reservation in advance, which you can easily do online with one of our favorite apps: LaFourchette. It takes the language barrier out of making any restaurant reservations and you can easily book without needing to make expensive phone calls to France before your trip.

For Bordelaise dishes to taste authentic cuisine from the southwest of France head to Bordeaux icons like La Tupina or La Brasserie Bordelaise . For one of the most beautiful views over Bordeaux, we love booking a table about an hour before sunset at Le 7 Restaurant on the seventh floor of La Cité du Vin. Or if you want something a bit more exotic, Madame Pang (note that this restaurant doesn’t take reservations) is one of our favorite picks for the fun atmosphere and the delicious dim sum.

A Local’s Take on the Best Restaurants in Bordeaux

Château Cantenac is a charming family-run winery in Saint-Émilion

Day 2: Wine Tasting Day Tours from Bordeaux to Margaux, Saint-Émilion or Sauternes

When it comes to the Bordeaux wine region, it’s much larger than many people anticipate. The region encompasses 62 different appellations and more than 7300 châteaux. It’s a huge area that spans both the Left and Right banks of the Garonne River. Just to put things in to perspective, the Médoc alone is an area stretching 60 kilometers (37 miles) in length. People often underestimate the amount of time that it takes to get from one appellation to another, and even from one château to another.

That’s why if you only have one day to visit Bordeaux’s châteaux for wine tasting, it’s best to focus on a single appellation. You should plan for one hour for a classic visit and tasting at a château, which will encompass touring the estate from the vineyard to the cellar and tasting 2-3 of the château’s wines.

To help you plan your day out wine tasting in Bordeaux, we’ve put together these 1-day itineraries for Margaux on the Left Bank, Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank and Sauternes, Bordeaux’s sweet wine appellation. Just click the tabs to see the various itinerary options for these three possible day trips from Bordeaux.

For a day trip to Margaux, we recommend visiting two châteaux with lunch at a local restaurant in between.

Château Kirwan, a third growth 1855 Grand Cru Classé in Margaux

Start the day at Château Kirwan , a third growth 1855 Grand Cru Classé, for their Vintage Tour.

We tried my birth year vintage, a 1980 Château Kirwan 1855 Grand Cru Classé

The Vintage Tour is a special tour that includes the classic visit of the vineyard, winery and barrel room. This tour allows you to select from a list of the château’s old vintages in the cellar beginning from 1967. Your special vintage is decanted while you tour the estate and is waiting for you as you reach the locked cellar where the special vintages are stored. Best paired with food, the old vintages are complimented with cheese and ham for the tasting.

Chateau Kirwan: Taste Fine Vintages as Old as 1967

After the visit and tasting at Château Kirwan, drive or bicycle the 3 kilometers to La Table de Nathalie at Château Marquis d’Alesme for lunch. This restaurant run by a husband and wife team is situated right on the route of the Médoc castles. The welcome is always warm and the menu is a delight of seasonal dishes at very good prices. The wine list is also extensive and you can leisurely enjoy the meal and some wine outdoors in their garden (weather permitting).

The wines of Château d’Issan were served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henri Plantagenet on May 18, 1152.

In the afternoon, head to one of the most romantic châteaux in Bordeaux: Château d’Issan . Surrounded by a moat and with the château hidden away behind the defensive outer walls, the estate is simply breathtaking.

The Cruse family, who own Château d’Issan, still live in the house so it’s not possible to see the inside of the château itself. But the tour takes you from the moat on a tour of the grounds as you hear the tales of the estate that stretch back to it’s claim to fame as the Bordeaux wine served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to the future king of England, Henri Plantagenet on May 18, 1152. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll be lucky to admire the art exhibition by a solo artist that the château hosts each summer in the historic cellar. The visit ends with a tasting of two wines: a vintage of the 1855 Grand Cru Classé and a vintage of the château’s second wine. On the Right Bank sits the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Unlike the blink-and-you-almost-miss-them villages of Margaux and the even tinier villages that make up Sauternes, Saint-Émilion is a village worth visiting even if some of the most beautiful Saint-Émilion vineyards didn’t practically grow up the stone fortifications.

Don’t mistake that to mean that Margaux and Sauternes aren’t stunning, because they are. But in Margaux and Sauternes it’s the wine castles that take center stage. Saint-Émilion is just different as the medieval village is worth a full day of exploring all on its own. Really, you can easily spend 3 days in Saint-Émilion with all there is to do there.

You can easily get from Bordeaux to St. Émilion via train in just 30 minutes, then either rent a tuk-tuk or a bicycle to get around to one of the many nearby châteaux. If you prefer to rent a car, Saint-Émilion is an easy 45-minute drive from Bordeaux and there is various metered parking outside the fortified village. The village itself is best explored on foot or on a tuk-tuk tour, since the old cobbled lanes are steep and uneven.

To combine wine tasting at a châteaux with the highlights of the village of Saint-Émilion, we suggest you follow our Saint-Émilion day trip itinerary that will take you out in to the vines, then inside the fortified village before a tasting of Crémant de Bordeaux that is produced deep below Saint-Émilion in the labyrinth of tunnels that snake beneath the medieval village.

Begin the day with a morning visit and tasting at one of Saint-Émilion’s nearly 1000 châteaux.

Château Fombrauge is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé winery in Saint-Émilion

Or for a unique experience, visit Château Fombrauge where you can blend your very own wine in their B Winemaker workshop. After a classic visit in the vineyard, winery and cellar where vintages dating back to 1870 are stored, you learn the art of blending Cabernet and Merlot wines to find the perfect blend for your palette. You bottle, cork and label your very own unique blend to take home with you before finishing the experience with a tasting of Château Fombrauge’s wines.

Château La Dominique is an architectural gem in Bordeaux

We also love the stand-out architecture at Château La Dominique , where you’ll find the theme of red runs throughout the entire château. The modern winery was added on to the historic château and is quite different from anything you’ll see almost in all of the Bordeaux wine region. Château La Dominique is also a fantastic choice for one of the few châteaux that have onsite restaurants and it’s hard to beat their rooftop view over the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol vines radiating out in all directions. The food at the aptly named La Terrasse Rouge is excellent and the 3-course menu available at both lunch and dinner is good value, which is why we recommend the restaurant among the best restaurants in Saint-Émilion .

L’Envers du Décor has been a fixture of Saint-Émilion for more than 30 years

Duck breast with seasonal vegetables at L’Envers du Décor

If you didn’t visit Château La Dominique and stay for lunch at La Terrasse Rouge, head to L’Envers du Decor . It’s located just steps away from the Saint-Émilion Tourism Office and the Monolithic Church, and has been a fixture of the medieval village for more than 30 years. Owned by the same family that owns Château Pavie, the restaurant offers a menu of local cuisine that changes seasonally as the chef only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients. Splurge on a dessert course, especially if they have the soufflé and don’t worry about the calories because you definitely walk every single one off in Saint-Émilion.

The ornate entrance draws visitors’ eyes, but it’s what inside that is truly spectacular

There’s more to the Monolithic Church than meets the eye. The bell tower and church we see on the balcony of Saint-Émilion hide a secret beneath them. Begin the afternoon by heading underground to discover the massive 12th century church several stories beneath the surface. It’s the largest church of its kind in Europe and shouldn’t be missed.

Don’t worry if going underground sounds a bit daunting. Even my mom, who is often claustrophobic, loved the underground visit. The church is a massive single vault that will quite literally make your jaw drop.

The Porte de la Cadène is one of the most picturesque spots in the village

The tour finishes in the Lower Tower, but head back up to the the Upper Town via the Porte de La Cadène. This is the most lovely of the gates to the fortified town because of the way the vines dangle down it like a curtain and the way the arched gate perfectly frames the bell tower of the Monolithic Church. Though the steep angle of the cobbled lane and the view are what immediately catch your eye, don’t miss the Maison Cadène. This house dates from the 16th century and it’s the only timbered building in the entire village.

The cloister is monolithic, meaning cut from a single stone

Wind your way through the Upper Town to Les Cordeliers , the partially ruined cloister where Crémant de Bordeaux has been produced since 1892.

The cloister itself dates from the 14th century when Franciscan monks were permitted by the Pope to construct it within the walls of Saint-Émilion. They occupied the cloister for four centuries, before abandoning it during the French Revolution in 1789 when the Cordeliers order was banned. It sat with the ivy taking over nearly every inch of the crumbling walls until the 19th century, when it was purchased and the owner had the foresight to utilize the 3 kilometers of underground tunnels to age sparkling wines in the Champagne method.

The wines age and ferment in riddling racks in the dark tunnels

Like the maze of tunnels beneath the Avenue of Champagne in Épernay, the tunnels beneath the Cordeliers Cloister are perfect for fermenting and aging sparkling wine with their constant darkness and steady 12°C temperature. You can tour the tunnels on either a walking underground tour or a tuk-tuk underground tour , both of which take you 17 meters beneath the surface for a look at the production of the Crémant de Bordeaux.

Les Cordeliers: The Bordeaux Sparkling Wine Made in the Champagne Method

Taste the sparkling wines of Les Cordeliers while exploring the cloister and gardens

Both tours end with a tasting of the Cordeliers Crémant de Bordeaux. Or if you’re not interested in going underground to the tunnels, you can always stop by for a glass of Crémant to be enjoyed in the gardens of the Cordeliers Cloister.

Most visitors don’t find their way to the Porte Brunet in a quiet residential part of of Saint-Émilion

Before leaving Saint-Émilion, stroll from the cloister along the Upper Town toward the Porte Brunet. It’s another of the gates to the fortified village. Not as many tourists make their way to this part of Saint-Émilion and they’re definitely missing out as this is our friend and local Saint-Émilion resident, Aurélie’s favorite viewpoint. Often a few of Saint-Émilion’s resident sheep are grazing just outside the walls.

The Jurade climbs the Tour du Roy every September to declare the official start of the grape harvest in Saint-Émilion

From the Porte Brunet, it’s just a 3-minute walk to La Tour du Roy (or the King’s Keep). It’s worth climbing the 118 steps to the top where every year the Jurade pronounce the start of the harvest in September.

Finish off the visit in Saint-Émilion by either going down again to the Lower Town, which takes you past the Petite Fontaine where the villagers came to do their laundry washing. Or continue along the roads of the Upper Town, which leads you past another beautiful viewpoint over the village as you circle back to the Eglise Collégiale (Catholic Church).

Sauternes is made up of five small villages all situated quite close to one another. It’s easy to visit two or even three Sauternes châteaux on a day trip from Bordeaux.

Château de Rayne Vigneau sits atop the third highest point in the Sauternes appellation

We recommend starting the day with a visit to Château de Rayne-Vigneau . This 1855 Premier Cru Classé Sauternes château is leading the transformation when it comes to wine tourism in Bordeaux with some of the most unique and adventurous ways to taste wine throughout the entire Bordeaux wine region. For the truly adventurous, try their treetop tasting in which the traditional visit concludes with a return to carefree childhood days climbing trees. With a little assistance and safety equipment, climb up their historic tree for a perch with a view of the family castle-like house while you try the sweet pineapples and honest of a Château de Rayne-Vigneau vintage.

A Sweet Escape at Château de Rayne Vigneau

Or if climbing a tree isn’t quite what you had in mind for a fun day out wine tasting, there’s opportunity to go on a horseback ride through the Sauternes vineyards or test your detective skills in solving an Escape Room game as you race against the clock. Of course, if you’re really just in to learn about the appellation and taste some wine, the classic visit is available too.

Boeuf de Bazas is a Gascon specialty served at La Chapelle

Adventurous wine tasting works up an appetite and La Chapelle situated on the grounds of the beautiful Château Guiraud is an excellent restaurant to sit back and relax over a delicious meal. There actually are only a handful of châteaux with on-site restaurants across the entire Bordeaux wine region, and La Chapelle is the very first restaurant on a 1855 Premier Cru Classé estate. The restaurant is housed in the former chapel of the estate, which lends the restaurant its name. The menu is renowned for showcasing products from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, particularly the meats like Bazas beef or the roasted chickens that come from Maison Peyriguet. Try the wine pairings with the menu to taste the wines of Château Guiraud.

Vines as far as the eye can see surround Château Coutet

Sauternes is something truly special that due to the microclimate created by the convergence of the the Ciron and the Garonne rivers can’t be recreated anywhere else in the world. The sweet wine is the most expensive of any Bordeaux appellation, because of the amount of manual work that needs to be done in order to produce a bottle of Sauternes. It’s the only Bordeaux appellation, not taking in to account exceptional circumstances, that has more than one harvest. That’s because the grapes are left on the vine to become practically raisins as the noble rot, or botrytis, sucks the moisture out and highly concentrates the sugars. Not all the bunches of grapes are ready to be harvested at the same time and botrytis-affected grapes might be harvested in many harvests from early fall through winter. It’s also only possible to harvest entirely by hand.

How a fungus can be a good thing for a grape and produce the exceptional Sauternes wines is difficult to understand without seeing botrytis in action. That’s why Château Coutet Barsac is the perfect place to educate yourself on this unique wine.

Sémillon is one of the primary grapes in Sauternes

Château Coutet Barsac offers a workshop in which you taste each of the grape varietals in jelly form individually. It’s actually pretty rare to taste anything other than the final Bordeaux blends and so often the average wine drinker doesn’t understand what each kind of grape brings to the finished blend. The jellies let you taste what each grape tastes like as an individual. One of the jellies is also the botrytis affected grape and the before and after of what this fungus does to the grape is an almost unbelievable transformation.

Discovering Sauternes’ Varietals at Château Coutet Barsac

La Cite du Vin was designed to look like a wine decanter

Day 3: La Cité du Vin

If you’re spending a weekend in Bordeaux, Sunday morning is the perfect time to visit La Cité du Vin . Much of the city is closed on Sundays, but La Cité du Vin is open along with a handful of other museums. And if you’ve purchased a Bordeaux City Pass, you get free entry to Bordeaux’s interactive wine museum so long as you enter La Cité du Vin before 12pm.

Sniffing red wine aromas

The museum is divided up by the permanent exhibition, which you should allow around two hours to visit, and by the temporary exhibitions which change every couple of months. The permanent exhibition is about far more than just Bordeaux wine, with a beautiful video of some of the world’s most stunning wine regions. There’s also the history of wine dating back to the Romans. But it’s the interactive exhibits that engage four of your five senses through visuals, sound, touch and smells that are our favorite part. Taste, the fifth sense, is finally engaged at the end of your visit to La Cité du Vin when you’re invited to taste wine from around the world including Bordeaux, Georgia (the country), China and more on the top floor with panoramic views of the city.

The Spaceship is one of the newest attractions in Bordeaux in the Bassin à Flot quartier

Just a short walk from La Cité du Vin, the Spaceship one of Bordeaux’s newest attractions. It’s an artwork by British artist Suzanne Treister, who was very struck by the sunken WWII ships in the Garonne River. Some protrude from the river at low tide. She had really wanted to haul one of those ships out from their eternal grave and transform it into something else, but the ships are a part of Bordeaux’s history. Instead she came up with this sculpture, representing the past transforming in to the future. It’s been a bit of a controversial addition to Bordeaux, so see it while you can.

You’ll find some of the prettiest goat cheeses at the Marché du Quais

After La Cité du Vin and the Bassin à Flot, stroll along the quay toward the Chartrons district. On Sundays the Marché du Quais, an outdoor market with food producers from the region, sets up along the river. You’ll find some of the most beautiful cheeses. Several producers sell fresh oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, which you can get a plate of with a glass of white wine and eat at one of the little tables. Or there’s food trucks selling everything from seafood paella to empanadas (we always get some empanadas). Locals buy their produce, meats and fish from the vendors while mixing with tourists that love the ambiance of the lively market scene.

A blanket, a baguette and some cheese is all you need to feel like a local

It’s a great place to try several different little plates for lunch, which you can either eat right at the market or take-away to enjoy nearby picnic-style in the gardens of the quays or in the Jardin Public.

Know Before You Go

The Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux

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About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Greig Santos-Buch says

September 15, 2018 at 7:04 PM

Wow, very in depth Bordeaux itinerary! What better way to navigate this amazing region than to hear from a local. I\’ll definitely be using this when we visit next year! Thanks for the tips on visiting Porte Brunet, I love these kinds of hidden gems.

Jennifer Dombrowski says

September 23, 2018 at 8:16 PM

Thank you, Greig! We’re very proud to call Bordeaux home and love exploring it. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions when you start planning your trip.

Prachi says

December 3, 2019 at 4:10 PM

Hi! Where can we rent a car from?

Allison Wallace says

September 15, 2018 at 8:02 PM

This brings back such great memories from our trip this past May, I only wish we had seen this before we visited–fantastic itinerary!

September 23, 2018 at 8:18 PM

It took us a while to put the itinerary together. The city is easy since we live right in the center, but the wine appellations are so vast and there are so many châteaux that it has really taken several years to know each of the major appellations so well.

September 16, 2018 at 5:26 AM

It looks so beautiful! Bordeaux is high on my wine travel bucket list and it’s good to know that even if we have only a few days we can still see and experience so much of its beauty! Thanks for the travel tips.

September 23, 2018 at 8:21 PM

There’s so much to discovering Bordeaux that we still haven’t seen and done it all! I think we’ve been to around 50 châteaux now, which to many people is a lot. But there are over 7100 châteaux. Of course, not all are open to the public.

That’s why people often have such a hard time planning a trip here. Picking just a few châteaux to visit can feel really overwhelming.

Robin Bell Renken says

September 16, 2018 at 10:01 PM

This is BRILLIANT! I love the notes for the walking tour (I had no idea there was so much to see!). Your itineraries for Margaux, Saint-Émilion or Sauternes are so perfect for those who are new to the area (like me!). I am bookmarking this for our trip to France!

September 23, 2018 at 8:25 PM

And the walking tour is really only touching on the main sights! If you have more than 3 days, there is a lot more to see in the city itself. Some of our favorite more off-the-beaten-path things to do are visit the Moon Harbour Whiskey Distillery and the submarine base, which houses art exhibitions.

Not to mention you could easily spend 3 days alone in Sauternes and another 3 days in Saint-Émilion.

Eric Gamble says

September 22, 2018 at 7:03 PM

This is a great Bordeaux Itinerary! I had no idea that it was kind of a lost city due to the past “grime” as you put it. Guess I always thought it would be a hot destination for wine lovers as you showcase in Days 2 and beyond! Love the Grand Theater and the muses that atop the 12 pillars. Also I have to say I actually verbally “Whoa-ed” when I saw your pic of the spiral staircase of L’Indendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux. That looks cool. So Darcee LOVES ferris wheels but I cant determine if it is a permanent fixture or just there for festivals randomly in the Place des Quinconces! Overall, I am not the biggest Wine person but I would definitely love exploring the old streets, the churches, the hundreds of statues and ornate decorations.

September 23, 2018 at 8:31 PM

Until about 5 years ago or so, most châteaux weren’t even open to the public. There wasn’t much going on in the city, either. So unless you worked in the wine industry and were invited to En Premieur, the auction where much of the wine is sold just a few months after the harvest and long before it’s even ready, there wasn’t much reason to come to Bordeaux as a wine destination.

The ferris wheel is here periodically. It is always here during festivals and then will usually stay a few weeks beyond the festival. It’s not a permanent fixture.

Kimberly Erin Davies says

September 22, 2018 at 10:08 PM

wow what a great Guide to Bordeaux, with so much detail. This destination looks absolutely beautiful, so photogenic. I would love to shoot some photos in the Place des Place des Quinconces as well as the grand theatre. Id go here if I was visiting France.

September 23, 2018 at 8:32 PM

Bordeaux is definitely very photogenic!

Hannah says

September 23, 2018 at 11:51 AM

What a fantastic guide to Bordeaux. We live 3 hours north east from Bordeaux and try to get down as often as possible. We love walking in the evening, down past Miroir d’Eau and then along the river and back through town – so many great restaurants. I haven’t been to La Cité du Vin yet – so that’s on our list for our next visit!

September 27, 2018 at 1:32 PM

Yes, there are loads of great restaurants and always new ones opening up!

Carol Colborn says

September 23, 2018 at 10:08 PM

What a comprehensive guide to Bordeaux. I know it is near Paris where we will be for a week in October. Still debating whether we can carve two days and go to either Bordeaux or Normandy.

September 27, 2018 at 1:34 PM

Bordeaux is not near Paris. We are in the south west corner of France. But since July 2017 we have a fast direct train that only takes 2 hours to travel between Paris and Bordeaux. It’s possible to make Bordeaux a day trip, but you just need to leave Paris very early and it makes for a long day.

Carissa says

September 24, 2018 at 6:51 AM

I\’ll definitely use your itinerary when I visit Bordeaux! Thanks for the suggestion about purchasing a Bordeaux City Pass! I would love to experience visiting their museums so I can better understand their history, and I wouldn\’t want to miss taking pictures of these magnificent sites you mentioned! I especially wanted to see the bell tower for myself! Wish I could witness it in action though. I will try to visit Bordeaux then on the dates you mentioned. Climbing the tower’s 229 steps would not be a problem for me just so I can witness the amazing view of Bordeaux! Thank you Jennifer for sharing this!

Punita Malhotra says

September 25, 2018 at 1:18 PM

France never fails to surprise. Bordeaux looks like a wonderful city and your post has tempted me to make a fifth visit to the country. I haven’t had enough of France yet!

sherianne says

September 26, 2018 at 3:01 PM

I’m planning a France itinerary for next year and Bordeaux wine region is high on the list. I hadn’t realized how beautiful the city is. I really want to see the Miroir d’Eau reflecting pool, fountain and city gate. Thanks for the info on the La Flèche viewpoint

September 27, 2018 at 2:39 AM

I’ve never been. It looks so beautiful. And that is some pretty cheese lol. I’ve only been to Paris but now I need to get here.

September 28, 2018 at 7:57 AM

I am ashamed to say that like every other tourist, I have only been to Paris! Bordeaux looks amazing and if I had known when I travelled to France that I could get a vibrant city, a UNESCO listed charming village and wineries, all in one place, I would not have missed it! I love your picture of Miroir d’Eau at dusk. It is gorgeous!

Suruchi Mittal says

September 29, 2018 at 8:11 AM

Honestly, we have never looked at the Bordeaux the way you have shown us in this post. It is full of culture, history, UNESCO heritage sites, Indeed, so many gems. My favourite is that wine shop, I would have not stopped clicking it. One can really follow your itinerary and do a trip to Bordeaux

December 28, 2018 at 12:33 PM

Hello there

Thank you for sharing online your very informative Bordeaux travel guide. I wonder if you could help me with the following?

If one were to visit during February, how’s the weather? Would it be too cold to be strolling around town and going to the beach/sand dunes (not to swim but even just for scenic walk)?

Are many good places such as restaurants, vineyards or hotels closed during this month?

If February isn’t ideal, would you recommend April or May?

Appreciate your help.

December 28, 2018 at 12:34 PM

The weather in February is a mix of rainy and sunny days and usually is around 12-15 Celsius (55-60 Fahrenheit). The weather in Bordeaux and on the Atlantic Coast is very mild in winter and it doesn’t get very cold. You can definitely comfortably visit the Dune.

Nothing is closed during February. Bordeaux isn’t a seasonal destination and everything is open year round, with the exception of August when Europeans go on their holiday.

The weather will be nicer and warmer in April and May. You may run in to many vineyards that won’t accept your appointment request for a visit in April as everyone is very busy preparing for an event that is called En Primeur. This is where wine professionals come to taste the latest vintage and many buyers purchase the vintages. It is not open to the public.

April 24, 2019 at 8:46 PM

Hi Jennifer, thanks so much for sharing this, it’s so detailed oriented and such a big help! My boyfriend and I are staying in Bordeaux for a couple days and would love to do a day trip in Saint-Emilion. I have a question: Is wine tasting in Saint-Emilion totally doable without a car? I want more freedom than going on a tour, but am also anxious to drive in a foreign country, especially while wine tasting. I’m not sure how far the wineries are apart from one another and how to get from chateau to chateau (and from the city center). You mentioned taxis and tuk-tuks. Are they common and easily accessible? I read somewhere that taxis are hard to come by.. Any help you could provide would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you!!!

April 28, 2019 at 10:49 PM

You can take the train from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion if you prefer not to drive. The train station in Saint-Émilion is just a stop at the foot of what is called the Saint-Émilion plateau and you would either neither to call a tuk-tuk to take you up to the village or walk. It is about a 1.5 kilometer walk up to the top of the village, which takes about 20 minutes.

I would suggest you can visit Château Canon-la-Gaffelière upon arriving in Saint-Émilion. It is across the road from the train station and takes less than 1 minute to walk to. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/chateau-canon-la-gaffeliere-saint-emilion/ They can call for a tuk-tuk to take you up to the village if you didn’t want to walk after your visit.

I would recommend you visit two châteaux for the day maximum as it’s quite a lot and it will take 1-1.5 hours per visit. This gives you time to explore the village as well.

For the second château easily accessed without a car, I suggest Château Villemaurine. It’s at the top of the village. You can do the interesting underground quarries tour there. https://www.villemaurine.com/

You can then either walk back down to the station, which is a nice walk downhill or hire a tuk-tuk at the Office of Tourism in the village to take you back down.

Hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Jessica says

December 29, 2020 at 2:49 PM

Great guide! If you were ro recommend a tour/visit between Chateaux Villemaurine and Les Cordeliers, which one would you recommend outside of the actual wine produced, thinking of just the tour itself. Or if including the wine, the overall experience of the tour/wine tasting.

January 4, 2021 at 8:22 PM

I really like Les Cordeliers because it is something entirely different from the other Bordeaux wine estates with the sparkling wine production. For the tunnel experience itself, either would be comparable. But Les Cordeliers is really something unique and special to Saint-Émilion. Hope that helps!

Geoffrey Barnes says

July 1, 2019 at 9:20 PM

Your suggestions for a visit to Bordeaux and surrounding area are very informative. I have spent quite a bit of time traveling in France but have never been to the Bordeaux region, I am looking forward to it. I am planning a trip in April 2020.

July 3, 2019 at 1:41 PM

Hi Geoffrey,

You will love your trip to Bordeaux! Let us know if there are any questions we can answer as you plan your trip.

Adrienne Bunting says

July 16, 2019 at 2:20 AM

Thank you so much for your Bordeaux itinerary. My husband and I will be traveling to the region in October. We will be spending a half day exploring two wineries and then one full day exploring the city of Bordeaux so your walking tour itinerary was extremely helpful. If we have a full day in Bordeaux before we return to Paris, will we be able to do the walking tour you highlighted? Thank you for your help.

July 16, 2019 at 2:14 PM

Hi Adrienne,

You’ll love Bordeaux! Yes, if you have a full day in Bordeaux then you will be able to cover the walking tour we highlighted. The great thing about Bordeaux is that it is a compact city and everything is pretty close together.

September 19, 2019 at 5:02 PM

Hi I seen you mentioned something about places being closed for holidays in August? Would the 1st – 5th of August not be a good idea then? We would like to see everything in your itinerary.

Christie says

September 22, 2019 at 3:19 PM

Hi Jennifer, Thank you for sharing great tips on visiting Bordeaux!

We will be visiting France in May 2020 and planning to visit Bordeaux for 2-3 days. We are unsure whether we will hire a car in Bordeaux but it is assuring to know that Saint-Emillion can be reached by train.

We are hoping to be able to visit a couple of wineries in Saint-Emillion by ourselves rather than joining a tour. However, we are unsure if this is a good idea or not. If we were to visit the wineries ourselves, do we need to make a reservation in advance? If so, it is best to email the wineries directly? It would be great if you could please let me know. Thank you

Frank Dvorak says

January 29, 2021 at 12:19 AM

Hi Jennifer

I just happen to stumble upon this site reading about Bordeaux… WHAT A WONDERFUL FIND… I’m taking notes as I am planning on spending 3 months in 2022 in Bpordeaux. Question, could you recommend a local English speaking agency that deals in home / apartment rentals ( furnished for 3 months ). I have looked at AirBnB and VBRO, but they seems to be a little impersonal . Any information you can provide will be very helpful;.. Thanks

February 18, 2021 at 7:53 PM

The minimum lease is 3 years in France and you will need to meet a lot of requirements, including having a visa and either income from a French employer or a French guarantor, in order to rent an apartment. It’s also incredibly difficult to find available apartments, even for residents. If you are only visiting short term like for 3 months as you mention, it’s best to stick with a short term rental like Airbnb or VRBO.

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11 Day Trips from Bordeaux, France by Train

Bordeaux is a beautiful city with many things to do , but the surrounding region is equally worth exploring. From historic ports to renowned vineyards, there’s so much diversity within a couple hours of Bordeaux.

After living in Bordeaux for 4 months and visiting a few times after that, here are some of my favorite day trips from the city. All are accessible by direct train, so you won’t need a car.

Table of Contents

Where to Buy Train Tickets

You can buy tickets directly on SNCF , which is France’s national rail company. You can also download the SNCF Connect app.

If you’re between ages 12-27, I recommend buying the Carte Avantage Jeune , which is a youth discount card. The card costs 49 euros, and in return, you get at least a 30% discount on train tickets for a year. If you’ll take at least a few train trips, it pays for itself and more (it paid for itself in just one trip for me from Paris to Dax).

Day Trips by Bordeaux, France by Train

This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I earn commission on any bookings completed through these links, at no extra cost to you. If you find this post helpful, it’s a great way to support my blog 🙂

1. Arcachon

Distance by train: 1 hour Known for: tallest sand dune in Europe, beaches, forests, seafood

Arcachon is an unexpected fusion: thick forests, miles of sand, and vast ocean. Perfect for a summer outing, Arcachon boasts plenty of beaches, shops, and restaurants. It’s also home to the tallest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat .

To reach the Dune du Pilat (also spelled Pyla), take bus 1 from the train station. Be sure to bring lots of water and be ready for a sand-walking workout. Adrenaline junkies can also go paragliding, and those who want a more “chill” outing can lie out on the beach at the foot of the dune.

Don’t want the hassle of planning? Check out this small group tour that leaves from Bordeaux and takes you to the Dune, where you can also sample oysters and drink wine.

2. Saint-Émilion

Distance by train: 20-45 mins (depending on if you take the high-speed train or local train) Known for: vineyards and wine châteaux, medieval architecture

Saint-Émilion is a must-do as a Bordeaux visitor—it’s just a hop away, and it’s also one of the more cost-efficient day trips since many local trains run through there daily.

Here, you’ll find sprawling vineyards, a quaint medieval town, and some of the best-reputed red wine in France. I really enjoyed walking through the cobblestone streets (some of which are quite steep, so be careful!).

There were countless photo spots and viewpoints on the perimeter of the town, so I recommend strolling around. You can also stop for a drink or bite to eat at the Cloître des Cordeliers, which are medieval cloisters with a restaurant inside.

Don’t want the hassle of planning?  Check out this small group tour from Bordeaux that takes you to Saint-Émilion, where you’ll visit 2 châteaux and sample wine with appetizers.

3. Libourne

Distance by train: 25-50 mins (depending on if you take the high-speed train or local train) Known for: wine châteaux, markets, swimming lake, farm with animals

Libourne is the stop right after Saint-Émilion, and it’s a lovely little river town. There’s an open-air market every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday that fills the town square.

If you’re looking to cool off, you can take a dip in the Lac de Dagueys, which has a small beach and an inflatable obstacle course. You can also walk around the perimeter, which is quite pleasant.

Near the lake, there’s also the Ferme de la Barbanne , a farm with endangered or threatened animals from the region.

These two spots are a ways out from the town center, but could be reached on a long walk of 45 minutes to an hour.

You may also consider biking from Libourne to Saint-Émilion—that’s what I did with a friend, and it was a beautiful ride through vineyards. The route is around 5 miles (8km) and it’s hilly on the way there, but if you take your time and walk your bike up the hills, it’s not too difficult.

Distance by train: 1 hour 30 mins Known for: thermal baths, aviation museum, Saturday market

Dax has a beautiful town center with many pedestrian-only streets that are lined with restaurants and shops. The town is best-known for its thermal baths that date back to the Roman empire. Legend has it that a Roman soldier left his dog with arthritis in Dax, and when he returned, his dog was in great health.

There is also an aviation museum ( Musée de l’ALAT et de l’hélicoptère ) that has dozens of different aircraft, and teaches you the history of helicopters in the French army.

True to the French tradition, there is also a Saturday market that basically takes over the entire town. It’s a truly impressive market for a small town.

5. La Réole

Distance by train: 35 mins Known for: Saturday market, medieval walls

La Réole is a charming medieval town along the Garonne river. Despite being a tiny town, La Réole was nominated as having one of the best markets in France in 2023 , representing the Aquitaine region. The market has all kinds of stands, including produce, street food (including ethnic food!), meat, cheese, flowers, and clothing.

After you stroll through the market along the river, you can make your way to the walled town. Wander through the cobblestone streets and visit the townhall, which has a nice view of the river.

La Réole is very small, so you probably won’t need more than a couple hours here. I would only recommend visiting on a Saturday during the market, as there isn’t much to do otherwise.

6. St-Jean-de-Luz

Distance by train: 2 hours Known for: beaches, mountains, artisan shops, food (desserts and seafood)

The Pays Basque , a region near the Spanish border, is famous for beautiful weather and warm people. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the most popular destinations in the Pays Basque . You really just can’t beat the quaint town, cliffside views, and calm beaches. While you’re there, be sure to try a g âteau basque , a mini-cake traditional to the region. 

If you want to extend your trip and spend more time in the region, Bayonne and Biarritz (listed next) are only 10-30 minutes away from Saint-Jean-de-Luz by train. I personally visited all 3 in one trip of a few days, and would recommend that itinerary, though if you can only visit one, go to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Distance by train: under 2 hours Known for: Basque Museum (cultural museum of the region), chocolate shops, medieval architecture, Fêtes de Bayonne  (a 5-day summer festival and the largest festival in France)

Bayonne is a riverside town with beautiful half-timbered houses and medieval architecture. One of the top attractions is the Bayonne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stop on the St. Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage, a 1600-kilometer route from France to Spain. You might be thinking: “Man, another cathedral?”. Even if you’re tired of European cathedrals, this one is worth a stop, especially for its beautiful cloisters and intricate interior.

You might also enjoy the Basque Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Pays Basque . Collections include paintings, photos, artifacts, and more.

Fun fact: If you take a bus in Bayonne, you’ll notice that locals personally thank the driver before getting off at their stop. So, remember to thank your driver if you take the bus 🙂

8. Biarritz

Distance by train: under 2 hours Known for:  beaches, Musée de la Mer (Aquarium of Biarritz), artisanal shops, City Ocean (virtual reality ocean exhibits)

Biarritz is a popular summer destination, mainly because of its beaches. Beyond beaches, you’ll also find unique museums, such as City Ocean. You’ll be able to learn about the ocean and its mysteries through simulations, virtual reality exhibits, and other 3D experiences. Popular exhibits include surfing simulations and an interactive submarine base. Similarly, the Aquarium of Biarritz draws many visitors.

9. Toulouse

Distance by train: 2 hours Known for: colorful buildings, violette candy

The “ville rose” (pink city) had some of the most Instagram-worthy buildings. I was awestruck when I stumbled upon  La Chapelle des Carmélites , a very unassuming color-coordinated chapel that’s covered in stunning paintings, from walls to ceiling. I also loved La Bibliothèque d’Etude et du Patrimoine , a public library with gorgeous art deco architecture. Le Musée des Augustins , an art museum free to students, is also worth a see.

Be sure to also try some bonbons de violette, a candy that tastes a bit like lavender (“violette” is a type of purple flower). I especially liked violette dark chocolate.

10. La Rochelle

Distance by train: 2.5 hours Known for: history, port/tower views, seafood

La Rochelle remains one of my favorite trips in France. The town is bustling enough to keep you busy, but also very walkable. The views from the historic towers are also stunning—the ships in port are so colorful, and the seawater is such a pure blue. The three towers you can visit are: tour Saint-Nicholas, tour de la Chaîne, and tour de la Lanterne.

Other popular attractions include the La Rochelle Aquarium and the Maritime Museum. The Musée maritime de La Rochelle  is actually made up of 8 ships that are in port, which are the museums themselves.

The food scene is impressive as well—for lunch, I munched on a quick vegan meal, and for dinner, I scarfed up a traditional galette (savory crêpe) and lychee-rose sorbet (there’s lots and lots of ice cream shops). If you like seafood, you also won’t be disappointed.

Distance by train: 2.5 hours Known for: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Montmartre…basically just being an iconic and dreamy destination.

This is perhaps too obvious of a destination, but Bordeaux is only 2.5 hours away from Paris by the TGV (high-speed train). If you’re wanting to stop by the capital of France, this is definitely an option as a day or weekend trip from Bordeaux.

Map of Day Trips from Bordeaux by Train

Here’s a map of all these day trips so you can better situate where these destinations are.

Let us know if you visit these places and how you liked them in the comments!

You might also like:

Vegan/Vegetarian Guide to Bordeaux 3 Days in Bordeaux: Most Instagrammable Places

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Great post, Lily! I live in Bordeaux and have been meaning to check out La Rochelle for a while now 🙂

It’s really such a lovely town! Thanks for stopping by, Daley 🙂

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8 Best Day Trips from Bordeaux, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Bordeaux is one of the most popular destinations in France. While the city is an incredible place and there are many things to do and see in Bordeaux , you will be glad to know that there are also many other magical places to visit near Bordeaux: charming villages, captivating seaside towns, and top-notch wineries… there’s a Bordeaux day trip perfect for everyone!

In this article, you will find a list of the best day trips from Bordeaux, France, to plan something that will make your holiday extra special.

Best Bordeaux Day Trips

Bordeaux day trips in a nutshell.

Best day trips from Bordeaux by train: Saint-Emilion, Arcachon (the town)

Book your train tickets with Omio.com or Trainline.com

Best day trips from Bordeaux by car: Route des Châteaux of Médoc, Basque Country, and Dordogne (Sarlat and medieval castles)

Rent a car in Bordeaux with DiscoverCars.com . Click here for our best tips for renting a car in France

1. Saint-Emilion

A Saint-Emilion wine tour from Bordeaux is super popular. Saint-Emilion is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France . It is located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 49km from Bordeaux. Immersed in Bordeaux’s wine region, Saint-Emilion is home to more than 800 wineries and wine châteaux, making it an unmissable wine capital.

Saint-Emilion is one of the top places to visit near Bordeaux for history lovers and foodies. Besides its incredible wine production and Michelin-starred restaurants, Saint-Emilion is a medieval town listed as a UNESCO site due to its many monuments. The Medieval Monolithic Church (book tickets in advance!) and the King’s Tower (Tour de Roy), from which you can admire a landscape of vineyards, are must-sees!

If you are particularly interested in exploring wineries, we recommend this fantastic Saint-Emilion half-day wine tour , which combines culture and wine tasting in a classified château.

Of course, you can visit Saint-Emilion without a tour (there are frequent trains from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion , and the journey only takes 40 minutes), but if you want to visit one of the world-famous Châteaux of Saint-Emilion , a car will be necessary. Château Cadet Bon is one of the closest châteaux to the medieval town and has been a Grand Cru Classé certified organic since 2017. There, you will be able to visit the cellars of vinification and taste various wines (guided tours in French and English). If you don’t have a car, you can rent one in Bordeaux .

2. Châteaux du Médoc

30 km from Bordeaux is the commune of Margaux , the starting point of the stunning Médoc Wine Route , dotted with elegant châteaux and endless vineyards. Also known as Route des Châteaux , the châteaux are big private mansions built from the 18th century onwards with an undeniable historical value.

What’s special about these châteaux is the on-site vineyards that host the full process of Bordeaux wine production, making them the perfect location for a wine-tasting experience!

This half-day trip is a fantastic way to explore the Châteaux du Médoc if you don’t have a car. If you have a car, check out our quick guide to the Châteaux du Médoc for all the tips to organize your day!

The Route des Châteaux is a perfect day trip from Bordeaux for everyone loving road trips, wine, and history-rich castles!

3. Arcachon and Dune du Pilat

Among the best day trips from Bordeaux, Arcachon is one of our favorites. Located 65 km from Bordeaux, Arcachon is a trendy resort town in the Côte d’Argent s surrounded by the vast pine forests of the Landes.

Besides being famous for its sandy beaches, Arcachon has elegant 19th-century buildings and delicious seafood restaurants everywhere. This seaside town is also known for its oysters, so much so that there are many oyster farms in Arcachon Bay to visit.

South of Arcachon is the Dune du Pilat , Europe’s highest sand dune and one of the best places to visit in Western France . At the height of 102 meters, there is a tall staircase to reach the top of the dune and enjoy the impressive views of the Landes Forest and the Atlantic Ocean!

Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat are great places to travel to if you love relaxing at the beach, but they are also perfect for adventure seekers and surf lovers. This fun day tour from Bordeaux , with an English-speaking guide, combines the best of the area. The tour will take you to Arcachon Bay to enjoy an exquisite oyster tasting and visit the famous Dune du Pilat.

Located 120km from Bordeaux, Cognac is a lovely town in the Charente department. Here, you can try another of the famous French drinks , the cognac , produced in this special wine region.

The town itself is incredibly pretty, with the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the medieval walls with the curtain towers (Tours Saint Jacques), the Charente riverside, and the beautiful Château de Cognac.

Unmissable is a visit with some tastings to one of the prestigious Cognac Houses , with the best ones being Rémy Martin , Hennessy , Martell , and Courvoisier . All of them offer guided visits and tastings, with the possibility of buying your favorite bottles in the on-site shop. Advance booking is necessary, and you can do it through the links provided.

If you are looking to spend a relaxing day strolling around a gorgeous town, tasting delicious French dishes, and sipping one of the region’s best products, then Cognac is one of the best Bordeaux day trips! We recommend taking a guided wine tour to Cognac to learn more about this prestigious French drink and do as many tastings as you want without thinking about how to get back to Bordeaux! This private Cognac tour from Bordeaux always gets good reviews.

5. Sarlat-la-Canéda in Dordogne

A commune in the department of Dordogne, 190 km from Bordeaux, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a picturesque city located right in the heart of the French area where the Périgord Noir truffle can be found.

Sarlat-la-Canéda’s medieval Old Town is an impressive ensemble of narrow streets and wonderful mansions with Gothic and Renaissance influences. Actuallly, Sarlat boasts the highest concentration of listed historical monuments per square meter in France!

There are many direct trains from Bordeaux to Sarlat-la-Canéda, and the train journey takes 2,5 hours (one way). If you visit Sarlat on Saturday, don’t miss its lively market, where you can find many regional delicacies, including truffles (seasonal), foie gras, Rocamadour cheese, and nougat.

A Bordeaux day trip to Sarlat-la-Canéda is ideal if you love trying local food specialties, picking items in small shops and markets, and visiting historical spots.

6. Biscarrosse

A famous seaside resort town in the Landes, around 80 km from Biarritz, Biscarrosse offers leisure activities by the shores of the sea and the lake.

Cycle paths and hiking trails cross the surrounding forests and dunes to sandy beaches. Therefore, the area is ideal for sporty people and nature lovers, with many opportunities for cycling, canoeing, and hiking, both along the coast and on the Etang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet (Lake Cazaux).

Frequented by many for surfing, the beautiful long beaches of Biscarosse are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and taking long walks as well.

Whether you are looking for an active day, a relaxing one, or a fun one with your family, Biscarrosse is one of the best day trips from Bordeaux, France.

7. Biarritz

Located along the Bay of Biscay, close to the Spanish border and 200 km from Bordeaux, Biarritz is one of the most popular beach resorts in France. Long beach walks, sunbathing, and surfing in the ocean, are among the top things to do in Biarritz .

This seaside city has many spots to admire incredible views, such as the Lighthouse and the Plateau de l’Atalaye. Around the town, you will find many stunning Art Déco buildings, particularly the Hotel du Palais, the summer residence of Napoleon III and his wife, and the Casino of Biarritz.

Also unmissable is Port des Pêcheurs (Fishermen’s port), which conserves its ancient charm and is the place to be for a delicious seafood dinner.

If you love going to the beach or admiring history-rich buildings, then Biarritz is one of the best Bordeaux day trips! The train from Bordeaux to Biarritz takes two hours, so if you leave early in the morning, you can get the most out of Biarritz in a day.

8. Cap Ferret

Located on the northern shore of Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret is a charming seaside town 50 km from Bordeaux.

Surrounded by tall pine trees, oyster farms, and sandy beaches, Cap Ferret is a fantastic spot to relax, sunbathe, or play water sports like kayaking and surfing. Nicknamed the ‘Saint Tropez of the Atlantic’, Cap Ferret is one of the favorite playgrounds for French stars and has upscale independent shops and boutiques for a fun afternoon of shopping.

Besides being such a touristy spot, the area is also inextricably intertwined with the history of France, as there are many bunkhouses along the coastline. You can visit one of the most important bunkhouses in Cap Ferret, directly next to the lighthouse. So, Cap Ferret is also a great place to visit from Bordeaux also if you are a history lover.

For an unforgettable experience, take this guided tour to Cap Ferret , which explores a combination of sites passing from the ocean to the lighthouse, to history with La Chapelle, and to finish with a local and typical tasting.

Bordeaux Day Tours

If you want to see the absolute best sites around Bordeaux, then you should explore on a day tour with an expert guide. A Bordeaux day tour will give you the guidance of a knowledgeable guide as well as a reliable and comfortable car to make your travels that extra bit convenient and special. Here’s the list of the best day tours from Bordeaux, fun-filled Bordeaux day tours with something for everyone:

• Saint-Emilion full-day e-bike tour with lunch and wines
• Saint-Emilion and Médoc full-day wine experience
• Trip to Arcachon & Dune du Pilat + oyster tasting
• Private visit to Cognac with tastings
• Basque Country private tour

And there you have it, the best day trips from Bordeaux, France. Which Bordeaux day trips tempt you most?

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• The Best Day Trips To...

The Best Day Trips to Take From Bordeaux

After checking out Bordeaux’s best spots and enjoying many of the city’s attractions , it’s time to think about getting out of the city for a little while and explore what the region has to offer. The following locations are some of the best day trips to take from Bordeaux.

Arcachon bay.

Bordeaux locals surely love a weekend gateway to the Arcachon Bay on the weekends, and the area is one of the most popular spots among French celebrities in the summer (don’t be surprised to run into Academy Award winners like Marion Cotillard or Jean Dujardin). Once the summer tourist rush has passed, the Arcachon Bay is a peaceful heaven to visit all year around. While there, make sure to taste some to-die-for oysters and mussels, the culinary specialties of the region. Climbing to the top of the Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe, is a must-do as well.

Arcachon Tourism Office, Esplanade Georges Pompidou, Arcachon, France , +33 05 57 52 97 97

Saint-Émilion

Saint Émilion Tourism Office, Place des Créneaux, Saint-Émilion, France , +33 05 57 55 28 28

Périgord Noir

The Périgord is laden with history, so don’t want to miss out on a fantastic day trip to this area very close to Bordeaux. Start with Lascaux and its famous caves that are considered the cradle of prehistoric art. After that, take a moment to stop by La Roque-Gageac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, or Saint-Amand-de-Coly, often cited in France’s most beautiful villages list. Spend some time in Sarlat and wander around the small streets and the Renaissance District before trying some delicious food at Sarlat’s gastronomy market .

Lascaux International Center of Art Parietal, Avenue de Lascaux, Montignac, France , +33 05 53 50 99 10

Marché de Sarlat, Place de la Liberté, Sarlat-la-Canéda, France

La Rochelle and l’Île de Ré

Day trippers might want to stay for two days here in order to really appreciate the incredible scenery of l’Île de Ré and La Rochelle. Start off at l’Île de Ré and check out its breathtaking landscape. One smart way to see a lot in a shorter time is to rent bikes and ride through the cute streets and charming little squares.

Île de Ré Tourism Office, Rue des Embruns, Le Bois Plage en Ré , +33 05 46 09 00 55

La Rochelle, France

1. The Estuaire de la Gironde (Gironde Estuary)

Embark on a unique journey around the Estuaire de la Gironde (Gironde Estuary) that will reveal some of the most beautiful sites and monuments of the region. The estuary is a blend of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers and is Europe’s largest one. It hosts an archipelago of nine islands and cruises departing from Blaye are regularly organized to visit them. While there, opt for a stopover at the Phare de Cordouan , France’s oldest and still active lighthouse. The panoramic view over the Gironde and the coastal cities are breathtaking.

Phare de Cordouan, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, France , +33 05 57 42 28 76

Phare de Cordouan | © Ajaloux/Wikimedia Commons

After days of walking around and experiencing the tourist attractions in Bordeaux, take a day to get pampered. Jump on one of the frequent trains to Dax and spend a day in one of France’s top thermal destinations. Thanks to the hot water treatments, very well-known for their healing properties, come out feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

Thermalism Tourism Office , 11 Cours Maréchal Foch, Dax, France , +33 05 58 56 86 86

Lacanau and the Médoc

Lacanau is a perfect place for anyone who loves outdoor activities. Lacanau is a great alternative for surfers who might not have the time to go all the way to Biarritz but still want to ride the ocean while in Bordeaux. Those who’d rather stay on land should plan an excursion to visit the chateaus of some of the most emblematic Bordeaux wines such as Château Margaux, Saint Estèphe, and Pauillac to name a few.

Médoc Atlantic Lacanau Tourism Office Place de l’Europe, Lacanau Ocean, France , +33 05 56 03 21 01

2. Biarritz

Rent a car for a day and head to gorgeous Biarritz for a day. Leave early to surf in the wee hours of the day. After that, hang out by the sea and let the fragrant mix of fresh air and seawater work their magic. Grab a late breakfast in one of the numerous nice cafés in town and start walking around. Passing by many etxola , the typical Basque houses, be mesmerized by the city’s unwavering beauty. In the late afternoon, get lost in Les Halles , the most vibrant area in Biarritz, taste the best local products, and interact with the friendly locals. Go back to the beach and watch an incredible sunset before hitting the road back to Bordeaux.

Biarritz, France

Food and beverages certainly contribute to the Bordeaux region’s reputation. Since Cognac , a small town in Charente, is known worldwide for its and prestigious eau-de-vie, spend some time in the beautiful merchant houses and see all the cute villages around the area.

Cognac Tourist Office, 16 Rue du 14 Juillet, Cognac, France , +33 05 45 82 10 71

A glass of cognac never hurt anyone | © imarksm/Pixabay

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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The 19 best things to do in Bordeaux

Y ou’re not long in Bordeaux before discovering that all the centre – and half the entire city – is a Unesco World Heritage site. The accolade is in recognition of the unity of its classical and neo-classical architecture and urban development. It’s what you go to Bordeaux to experience – then use as a setting for civilised eating and drinking. The star attraction is the Cité du Vin, an innovative and engrossing overview of the entire subject of wine, not merely of Bordeaux, but of the entire planet. Of course, the place has some other very decent galleries and museums but, once you have done the Cité du Vin, the real appeal is the city itself. Take it at an elegant pace.

For further Bordeaux inspiration, see our guides to the city's best  hotels ,  restaurants  and  nightlife .

Find things to do by area

City centre, sample the best of french gastronomy in one morning.

Sylvie Berteaux and her (English-speaking) colleagues lead Miam Event, which offers terrific gastro-tours of Bordeaux's medieval innards. Present conditions have played merry hell with Miam’s programming, but the essential tours remain, taking in the five food and drink halts –  including Bordeaux’s main marker and a charcuterie store, where nibbles of smoked magret stuffed with foie gras come accompanied by glasses of Sauternes. It’s an outstanding way to spend a morning, and an excellent way to explore the city.

Insider’s Tip:  Beyond the general tour, Miam also organises specific guided visits to Bordeaux's main market, apéritif sessions or tours that include a cooking course and lunch.

Contact:  miamevent.fr

Explore Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle

The Triangle d’Or, Bordeaux’s monumental heart, really is a triangle, bounded by three fine boulevards (Cours Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance, Allées de Tourny). Take a stroll amid the harmony of honey-coloured stone, architectural sobriety and flanking trees, past top-end shops, bars and restaurants. The focal point (though it’s actually on the edge) is the Place de la Comédie, overseen by the Grand Theatre with its magnificent neo-classical façade. The Corinthian columns announce a blue and gold auditorium as sumptuous as the inside of a courtesan’s jewel box. The best way to experience the place is, obviously, at a concert,  but there are also 50-minute guided visits for €10 (£8.50). Check the website, opera-bordeaux.com, for details online.

Insider’s Tip:  Make sure to visit the nearby Esplanade des Quinconces. As the biggest (almost 30 acres), emptiest square in France, it’s difficult to overlook. Note the statues of philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu and take a look at the most delirious, symbol-filled fountain you’re ever likely to see – Le Monument aux Girondins.

Price:  Free

Stroll along the scenic riverfront

Nowhere is Bordeaux’s renewal more evident than along the banks of the broad, idle Garonne River. Less than two decades ago, the detritus of dead port activity – derelict warehouses, no-go zones, lost souls – littered the quays, driving a wedge between river and town. Subsequent transformation has been profound. What was once abandoned is now tailored open space, gardens and greensward. Old warehouses on the Quai de Bacalan have become shops, jaunty bars and cafés and the dirt has been blasted from the merchants’ premises. There’s no finer city riverscape in Europe.

Insider’s Tip: The best lookout is from the Pont de Pierre stone bridge. The long line-up of magnificently regular buildings – all arches, slate roofs and thin chimney stacks – shows how Bordeaux managed trading wealth with style and substance.

Price: Free

Take in the city’s most magnificent façade

The finest bit of the riverfront is the Place de la Bourse, open to the river but enfolded on three sides by the Palais de la Bourse – the most sumptuous expression of Bordeaux’s confidence. This was the business exchange in the days when traders had wigs and standards. It has the harmonious grandeur of Versailles, but shorn of the effeteness, and makes for a great photo pit stop.

Insider’s Tip: The miroir d’eau – a great expanse of shallow water out front – reflects the palace, as if opening up a different dimension. The effect at night, when floodlit, is mesmerising.

Contact: bordeauxpalaisbourse.com

Browse local artworks from the Renaissance and beyond

Next up, spend an afternoon inside the Musée des Beaux Arts. Its northern wing is full of decent works from the Renaissance – as you'd expect, there's much yearning and beseeching and many Virgins. The southern wing houses a collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2024, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, the museum receives on loan masterpieces by Manet and Monet.

Insider’s Tip: Look out for animal paintings by Bordeaux-born Rosa Bonheur, notably the hugely powerful horses of her Treading Wheat in the Camargue. Bonheur met Queen Victoria, was a friend of Buffalo Bill and, during her life, sold paintings for a fortune. Post mortem, she fell from favour. Now she is esteemed once more, and about time, too.

Contact: musba-bordeaux.fr

Sample the city's wine bars

Not long ago, wine, like straight lines, was old hat for French groovers. Now it's branché, and wine bars abound in Bordeaux. For proof, pick up the Urban Wine Trail leaflet, or download the app from guide-bordeaux-gironde.com, and stroll round the city's selection of wine bars, populated by sharp young folk snapped into sharper clothes. The city is now fruity, cultivated and mature, with floral and mineral notes and a lingering sensation of elegance. For immediate uncorking.

Insider's tip: Don't miss The Wine Bar at Le Boutique Hotel (whose sommelier will fox you fine). Daily blind tasting sessions are held by a sommelier from 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, for €50 (£43).

Contact:  hotelbordeauxcentre.com

Entertain yourself with quirky modern art

Artistic endeavour finds its loudest expression at CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, a warehouse-turned-museum containing a bracing mix of works from the great – via the intriguing – to the absurd. Key works from 40 artists – covering 1960s to the present day – constitute the permanent collection on the former warehouse’s second floor. If names like Raphaël Zarka, Toni Grand or Daniel Dezeuze mean anything to you, then this is your place.

Insider’s Tip:  The museum’s rooftop Café du Musée serves drinks and snack meals, including a lunchtime play-du-jour from 11am to 5pm. You may lunch there, midday-2pm, without paying to visit the museum. You’ll eat and drink surrounded by works by British land artist, Richard Long.

Contact: capc-bordeaux.fr

Enrich your bottle knowledge at a museum dedicated to wines

France has long struggled to come up with a worthwhile wine museum: the country had lots, but they were tedious. So, the £63 million Cité du Vin was given a warm welcome when it flung open its doors. The grand, shiny swirl of a building rises by the Garonne river, taking wine into new realms of entertainment, rendering it fun even for those who can't tell a cabernet sauvignon from a dandelion and burdock. The six-storey building is a hi-tech romp of panache, insight and enormous inventiveness – grabbing you by all senses for an interactive waltz through wine and its attendant subjects: art, culture, agriculture, civilisation and sensuality. There are wine tastings, plus a panoramic restaurant up top. The whole was overhauled to even higher standards in 2023. Your afternoon’s booked solid – it’s well worth the €22 (£19) entry fee. Meanwhile, a new “sensory circuit” – Via Sensoria – matches wine to seasons, and to different forms of art, under expert guidance. It takes an hour and needs booking, and paying for, separately. Doing both the permanent exhibition and the Via Sensoria the same day will cost €37.40 (£32).

Insider’s Tip: Particularly memorable parts of the exhibition include a banqueting chamber alive with holograms and a floor show tackling wine, food and festivity through the ages. Look out for a terrific moving boat show, too.

Contact: laciteduvin.com

Visit the world’s biggest digital art show

No doubt about it, the old wet docks, or bassins-à-flot, is one of the key happening districts of Bordeaux. Like ex-docks everywhere, the huge site is going urban chic – apartment blocks, hotels with spas and “signature cocktails”, warehouse restaurants and bars – but without effacing memories of tough work and far horizons. Across the wet docks from the Cité du Vin glower the thousands of tons of reinforced concrete which housed the German U-boat pens in the Second World War. In recent times, and brilliantly, their vast interior has been transformed into a pharaonic canvas for the Bassins-des-Lumières, the world’s biggest digital art show. The 2024 exhibition projects some 500 works by Dutch masters – Vermeer, Van Gogh - onto the former sub base walls, the massively reproduced works moving then segueing into one another, reflecting in the water and enveloping you in the artists’ worlds. Accompanying music billows round the cavernous space. The whole is intoxicating.

Contact:   bassins-lumieres.com

Price:  £

Do some shopping in the city’s artistic quarter

When the English, Irish and Dutch arrived to dominate the Bordeaux wine trade, local worthies wouldn’t have them in the city centre. So they set up beyond the town boundary – in the Chartrons. Long ago enfolded into the city, the district retains its mixed identity of fine-wine houses and narrow workers’ streets. They are now complemented with a mildly bohemian mix of antique shops – notably on Rue Notre Dame – as well as bars.

Insider’s Tip:  After your shopping spree, refuel at the Cambridge Arms pub at 27 Rue Rode for beer, burgers, pie and chips – and a ceiling entirely covered in Commonwealth flags.

Dive into maritime history

Maybe France’s best maritime museum – certainly the best private maritime museum – Musée Mer Marine covers navigation matters, from dugouts to the QEII, via immigration, the slave trade – once a big earner for Bordeaux – the history and fragility of the sea itself and much else besides.

Insider’s tip: Right on the docks, the Halles du Bacalan serves as market and food court in the modern idiom. Stalls run from empanadas through pizza to south-west France specialities, and without breaking the bank at lunchtime.

Contact:  mmmbordeaux.com

Price:  £

Explore Bordeaux’s liveliest neighbourhood

After the broad acres of the Triangle d’Or and, indeed, the Garonne riverfront, the St Pierre district is where Bordeaux gets in touch with its medieval side. The message from fine old churches dissipates progressively amid a throbbing warren of narrow streets and comely little squares. The ancient urban tangle has more bars and restaurants than you could get round in a year of excess. It grows progressively funkier as you near the Place de la Victoire. Running long and arrow-straight through the middle, the Rue Sainte-Cathérine provides leg-sapping shopping for those not up to the ambitious price-tags in the Triangle d’Or. This, in short, is Bordeaux’s liveliest sector. 

Insider’s Tip:  The ill-lit but utterly unmenacing Place de la Victoire is evening-tide HQ for the city's youth (and those who consider themselves as such). Try eating on the bustling terrace at La Plana for brasserie and southwestern specialities – open 9am to 2am every day of the year – before a drink or two at any of many nearby bars. Le Grizzly is one of the more popular, therefore bouncier, choices.

Immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s fascinating history

As you would expect from the name, the Musée d’Aquitaine covers the history of the region from prehistoric times onwards – and does so in spritely fashion. Sections on the Romans and, much later, Atlantic commerce and the slave trade, are particularly interesting.

Insider’s Tip: Entry to the museum is free on the first Sunday of the month – except for the months of July and August.

Contact: musee-aquitaine-bordeaux.fr

Admire Bordeaux’s landmark churches

Here, just to the south of the centre in the Ste Croix and St Michel districts, round two splendid churches, is where artisans and port-associated tradesmen once clustered. The quieter, tightly-packed streets still bear the dignity of honest hard work – even though elements from the middle-class professional ranks infiltrated the zone long ago. Start in front of the lovely 12th-century façade of the Sainte-Croix Abbey. Then simply stroll back towards the centre, and envision the sailors, deckhands and drunks, the barrel-makers, blacksmiths and butchers who once enlivened these quartiers. Stop at the flamboyant Gothic Basilica of St. Michael, whose free-standing spire is the tallest and most elegant building in Bordeaux.

Insider’s Tip:  Fans of flea markets might like to show up here on Sunday mornings for the market which fills the square around the St Michel basilica.

Contact:  00 335 5694 3050

Ecosystème Darwin

As mentioned, Bordeaux has absolutely embraced contemporary green and sustainable concerns. Across the Garonne on the right bank, former military barracks have brought forth the hip, very green Ecosystème Darwin. It’s an eco-village within the town with an urban farm, skate park, bric-à-brac outlet, brewery, winery, concerts, artisan outlets and any number of other alternative activities built around the biggest organic restaurant in France. More people show up here than to almost any other site in Bordeaux, which shows just how cool everyone is. That said, it’s welcoming for all. I’m old, and felt quite at home there.

Contact: darwin.camp

Price: free

If you’re in Bordeaux on a short break and fancy a wine trip out of town, consider taking an organised trip. This saves the hassle of hiring a car or otherwise making your own arrangements. It also gets you a vineyard ride in a coach or minibus, in the company of someone who generally knows what he or she is talking about. There’s no better way to get a taster of the world’s most famous vineyards.

A good place to start looking is the visitor site, and a good tour for newcomers is Châteaux & Terrors – five hours of visiting different vine appellations, depending on which day of the week you choose to go. It’s from €50 (£43) pp. The Tourism Office’s own  tours start from the office, at 12 Cours du Juillet. But the visiter-bordeau.com siter also lists tours provided by other outfits.

Like A la Française – Bordovino. Let them take you for an afternoon in and around Saint-Émilion, where there are top-notch domaines to visit. This fine old wine town, just 40-minutes outside of Bordeaux, is built like an amphitheatre and has some pretty decent wines to sample. The €95 (£81) price tag for the tour may sound like a lot, but counts as reasonable value for an excellent Bordelais afternoon. Other tour options at alafrancaise.fr/en/bordeaux/us.

Small outfit Wine Cab (00 33 6 63 09 17 17; wine-cab.com) can take up to three adults in (former) London taxis with driver-guides for château visits and tastings. You can also get stuck into wine blending (assemble your own Margaux), the matching of wine to posh food like caviar and other activities too. The outings are expensive – from €140 (£120)pp – but, if you have the cash, you're unlikely to account it wasted.

This beautiful old wine town, a 40-minute drive west from Bordeaux, is built like an amphitheatre and has some pretty decent wines to sample. If you visit only one wine area, this is the one to consider.

Alternatively, potter out up the Gironde estuary to where the really famous Bordeaux wine châteaux (Latour, Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild) rise amid the featureless flatlands like ancien régime seigneurs. One of the most rewarding to visit is the Château Pichon-Longueville-Comtesse-de-Lalande at Pauillac – a manicured spot if ever there was one.

Contact: pichon-lalande.com

Thirdly, and notably if you’re not bewitched by wine, take the hour-long trip out to the coast. Arcachon is an endearing seaside spot with that permanent sense of impermanence that tells you you’re on holiday, however briefly. Excellent oysters from the lagoon, too – eaten round here with little flat crépinette sausages.

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

La Cité du Vin

The complex world of wine is explored in depth at ground-breaking La Cité du Vin, a stunning piece of contemporary architecture resembling a wine decanter…

Miroir d’Eau

A fountain of sorts, the Miroir d'Eau is the world's largest reflecting pool. Covering an area of 3450 sq metres of black granite on the quayside opposite…

Cathédrale St-André

The Cathédrale St-André, a Unesco World Heritage Site prior to the city's classification, lords it over the city. The cathedral's oldest section dates…

La Base Sous-Marine

By far the city's eeriest and most menacing sight, this mammoth hulk of a submarine base (1941–43) was one of five built on the Atlantic Coast by the…

Basilique St-Michel

This imposing Flamboyant Gothic church lies at the heart of St-Michel. Begun in the 14th century, it took more than 200 years to complete and is best…

Place de la Bourse

This is Bordeaux's most iconic square. A mirage of elegance and symmetry, it was laid out by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel between 1730 and 1775 and…

Porte Cailhau

The main entrance into medieval Bordeaux, this grandiose 15th-century city gate was built to celebrate King Charles VII's victory at the Battle of Fornovo…

Musée d’Aquitaine

Gallo-Roman statues and relics dating back 25,000 years are among the highlights at this bright and spacious, well-curated history and civilisations…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 7 best experiences in bordeaux.

Musée de l’Histoire Maritime de Bordeaux

Meet the shipowners, traders, explorers, navigators, poets and philosophers who contributed to the city's rich maritime history at this small, intimate…

Église St-Pierre

Saint-Pierre's enchanting labyrinth of narrow lanes inevitably leads to the predominantly 15th-century church around which the medieval neighbourhood…

Grosse Cloche

Guarded by a twinset of witch-hat capped towers, this Gothic belfry was built on the vestiges of 13th-century protective ramparts and later served as both…

Marché des Capucins

A classic Bordeaux experience is a Saturday morning spent slurping oysters and white wine from a seafood stand in the city's legendary covered food market…

Musée du Vin et du Négoce

This small Wine and Trade Museum, hidden in one of the city's oldest buildings – an Irish merchant's house dating to 1720 in the ancient trading district…

La Guinguette Chez Alriq

For summertime music on the Rive Droite, there is no finer spot than this seasonal guinguette (open-air dance hall), with a couple of bars, casual food…

Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas

Europe's highest lift bridge crosses the River Garonne with grace and aplomb near the entrance to the Bassins à Flot. At night, its four distinctive…

Tour Pey Berland

This gargoyled, 50m-high Flamboyant Gothic belfry was built for the adjoining cathedral between 1440 and 1466. Its spire was added in the 19th century,…

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