route de tours a bordeaux

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• Appartements Victor et Hugo
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Accommodation Where to sleep in Bordeaux

• From €125 L'Invitation au Voyage Fabulous 8.7 122 m - 40 rue Paul Louis Lande, 33000 Bordeaux Book details 
• From €85 L'Escale d'Aquitaine Fabulous 8.7 127 m - 13, rue de Lalande, 33000 Bordeaux Book details 
• From €94 Burdigala Homes - Appart de Lalande Fabulous 8.8 159 m - 35 Rue De Lalande, 33000 Bordeaux Book details 

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• Around €16 Kindalai 72 m - 24 Rue Paul Louis Lande, 33000 Bordeaux Book details 
• €€€ Le Chicoula, bistrot d'Art MICHELIN 2024 90 m - 22 rue de Cursol, 33000 Bordeaux Book details 
• Around €20 Edmond Pure Burger - Victor Hugo 8.2 (62 reviews) 99 m - 158 Cr Victor Hugo, 33000 Bordeaux Book details 

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• Musée d'Aquitaine The Green Guide 80 m - 20 cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux activities details 
• Galerie Bordelaise The Green Guide 285 m - Rue Ste-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux activities details 
• Tour Pey-Berland The Green Guide 300 m - Place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux activities details 

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Bordeaux Tours

15 Best Bordeaux Tours

Though the port city of Bordeaux has slightly more than 250,000 residents, when combined with the surrounding suburbs, that number approaches nearly 800,000.

That makes it one of France’s largest metropolitan areas – and it’s one of the country’s most celebrated agricultural, historical, and wine-producing areas.

Its southern location means relatively mild year-round weather. In addition to its cultural, art, food, and wine attractions, it’s also renowned for natural beauty.

Comprised of rivers, marshlands, a thriving urban center, and hundreds of thousands of acres of grapes under cultivation, it’s truly a unique place.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Bordeaux.

1. 3 ½ Hour Old Town and Market Food Tour

Like most of France’s tourist destinations, Bordeaux is a wonder for the senses, and that’s especially true for those with seasoned taste buds.

The city’s historic Old Town area features a bustling market that’s the region’s culinary centerpiece.

This walking tour includes the services of a local guide, who’ll explain the city’s history and culture—especially how it relates to both food and wine.

Guests will meet locals, sample products like chocolate, cheese, and cured meat, and learn about what makes Bordeaux so unique.

Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, but tours meet and start at a central location that’s easily reachable.

2. Sightseeing by Sidecar

What could be more romantic and exhilarating than zipping around Bordeaux in the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle?

Not much, according to previous tour guests.

Along the way, guests will see many of the city’s most significant sights, like Place des Quinconces, St. Michael’s Basilica, the Grosse Cloche Bell Tower, and Grand Opera.

While en route, your guide will describe the things you’re seeing, as well as point out places you may want to explore on your own when the tour is over.

Itineraries vary depending on the season, weather, and traffic, and multiple sidecars may be booked simultaneously to accommodate groups.

View Prices & Reviews

3. River Cruise with Guide

River cruises are fun ways to get a unique perspective of amazing cities like Bordeaux.

Guided river cruises last 90 minutes, begin in the middle of the afternoon, and are open to visitors who use wheelchairs.

Along the way, guests will see many of the city’s most notable attractions – like the spectacular Place de la Bourse and the impressive Chaban-Delmas drawbridge – while learning about them from their guide.

Tours include aspects of art and architecture, history and culture, and, of course, food and wine.

Onboard food and drinks are available at extra cost, and both in and outdoor seating are available.

4. 3-Hour Bike Ride

For those who’ve just spent countless hours on a cramped jetliner or in a tiny cabin on a cruise ship, bike tours are excellent ways to stretch your legs and get insight into the new area you’re visiting.

Tours depart from the city center, just a stone’s throw from the magnificent Saint-Andre Cathedral.

Participants will get all the gear they need before heading out to explore the city’s attractions.

It’ll probably be abundantly clear very quickly why Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and why it’s consistently ranked as one of Europe’s best destinations.

Bike tours are generally appropriate for those of most ages and levels of physical ability.

5. Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting in Saint Emilion

France is one of the world’s premier wine-producing countries, and many of its wineries have been around for centuries.

On this guided winery tour in Saint Emilion Grand Cru, visitors will go to both historical and contemporary wineries.

Guests will enjoy thorough tours of each facility, learn about how grapes are transformed into delectable and intoxicating beverages, and sample a number of products of varying colors and flavor profiles.

Participants are often particularly impressed with the traditional architecture and craftsmanship found in the older winery’s facilities, and the impressive modern technology used in the more state-of-the-art ones as well.

6. Bordeaux Metropole City Pass

Want free entry to some of the city’s main museums?

Discounts on meals, cruises, wine tastings, and sightseeing cruises on scenic rivers?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass is for you.

Depending on which option you choose, passes are valid for 48 or 72 hours, which means the flexibility to see the things that interest you at your own pace.

Since this is a guideless tour, participants will receive a guidebook full of valuable information that’ll help them make the most of their time.

Other options include transportation by bus or train, as well as the services of a live guide for those who’d like an insider’s insight.

7. Bordeaux Lunch Cruise

Seeing Bordeaux from the deck of a slowly rolling tour boat is a unique experience that tends to make a big impact on first-time visitors to the area.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is chock-full of historical, architectural, and cultural attractions that are worth checking out.

While cruising along the River Garonne, guests will learn about the things they’re seeing from the boat’s guide and narrator, and probably discover things they’ll want to check out for themselves when the tour is over.

A three-course onboard meal including appetizer, main dish, and dessert is included in the tour’s cost.

8. La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket with Wine Tasting

Though Bordeaux itself is one of the world’s premier wine cities, it also features an attraction called La Cité du Vin that features nearly two dozen exhibits focusing on the region’s wine.

La Cité du Vin is an impressive venue both inside and out. It is a great attraction for visitors unfamiliar with the area because, in addition to its focus on wine, it encompasses bits of history, culture, and lore.

This skip-the-line and wine tasting ticket is a great value for do-it-yourselfers. Visitors generally spend about three hours on-site before heading out to explore other attractions.

Hand-held audio guides are available in eight languages.

9. Bordeaux City Discovery Game

For many energetic tourists, traditional guided tours can be a bit boring.

Thankfully, there are options that let guests interact with others and their surroundings, and this City Discovery Game is one of them.

Using their cellphones, participants will use their problem-solving skills to answer riddles which will lead them from one attraction to the next.

There are 12 stops in all, each of which reveals fascinating aspects of the city’s history that might not be discovered otherwise.

Discovery game tours are great options for families with children and fun-loving visitors traveling in small groups looking for a unique experience.

10. Private Welcome to Bordeaux Walking Tour with a Local

A decent hat, a bottle of water or two, and a pair of comfortable shoes are really all it takes to experience Bordeaux on this private walking tour with a local guide.

Unlike larger tours, where busses and minivans are the main modes of transportation, walking tours allow guests to see things from street-level, which translates into a more intimate and memorable experience.

Guests will meet their guide at their hotel, learn about the neighborhood in which they’re staying, then head out to take in many of Bordeaux’s most prominent attractions.

Short walking tours are great first activities for those interested in getting up to speed quickly.

11. Wine and Food Tasting at St. Emilion’s Chateau Terrace

From chateaus and bistros to vineyards and cafés, there’s really no shortage of culinary hotspots for foodies to enjoy while visiting Bordeaux.

Though harried travelers often spend significant portions of their vacation time hopping from one attraction to another, ample opportunities exist for those who’d like to relax, imbibe, and enjoy the good life for a few hours.

This wine and food tasting combo tour is held at St. Emilion’s Chateau Terrace’s wine bar, which overlooks idyllic vineyards below.

Guests will enjoy three distinct wines from different regions while listening to relaxing music and dining on a variety of tasty tapas dishes.

12. Bordeaux: Full-Day Countryside Tour

The Bordeaux countryside is characterized by amazing natural beauty, large tracts of scenic vineyards, award-winning wineries, and abundant historical attractions.

If it sounds like too much to experience in one day, it’s not.

This ten-hour tour gets underway early and includes round-trip transportation and the services of a local guide.

Tour stops include the otherworldly sand dunes of Pilat, Arcachon Bay, and the Medoc wine region.

Along the way, guests will have time to stop and enjoy the splendor while learning about the things they’re seeing.

Also included are instructor-led wine tastings, a picnic-style lunch with fresh oysters, and entrance fees to two chateaus.

13. Bordeaux by Night Private Citroën 2CV Tour

If you’ve never seen or ridden in a vintage Citroën 2CV, you’re in for an unforgettable experience on this Bordeaux by night tour.

Old Citroëns are generally small, cramped, and loud.

Thankfully, they’re also quintessentially French, making them perfectly unique and romantic ways to experience one of the country’s most iconic cities.

Tours are available lasting either 45 or 90 minutes. They whisk guests to significant sites like the Place des Quinconces, the Grand Theater, the Quays of the Garonne, and St. Michael’s Basilica.

At night, many of the city’s attractions are awash in spectacular light, making for a unique perspective that’s especially popular with photographers.

14. Winery and Wine Bar Tour

For true wine lovers, there may be no more alluring destination than Bordeaux, France.

Unlike other wine tours that tend to focus on tastings, this immersive winery and wine bar tour gives guests in-depth insights into the whole process of winemaking.

Tours last four hours, begin mid-morning and include transportation by bus, a local English speaking guide, and visits to a winery and wine bar.

Multiple samples are included, as are light snacks that pair well with wine, like fresh bread, olives, cheese, and an assortment of deli meats.

Though tours end just after 1:00, guests may stay at the wine bar longer on their own.

15. Craft Distilleries and Cognac Vineyards Private Tour

The grape-growing areas in and around Bordeaux produce some of the world’s most sought after wines, but cognac is another much-loved product.

This tour includes visits to two cognac estates that are owned and operated by local families.

Guests will tour the distilling facility, learn about how aging barrels are made, why the area is so perfect for producing cognac, and sample a variety of the estates’ best vintages.

Tours are only open between Monday and Friday and include lunch and drinks in a small village restaurant before making the scenic drive back to town.

15 Best Bordeaux Tours:

• 3 ½ Hour Old Town and Market Food Tour
• Sightseeing by Sidecar
• River Cruise with Guide
• 3-Hour Bike Ride
• Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting in Saint Emilion
• Bordeaux Metropole City Pass
• Bordeaux Lunch Cruise
• La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket with Wine Tasting
• Bordeaux City Discovery Game
• Private Welcome to Bordeaux Walking Tour with a Local
• Wine and Food Tasting at St. Emilion’s Chateau Terrace
• Bordeaux: Full-Day Countryside Tour
• Bordeaux by Night Private Citroën 2CV Tour
• Winery and Wine Bar Tour
• Craft Distilleries and Cognac Vineyards Private Tour

Bordeaux Wine Route

Where is Bordeaux Wine Route?

There are 60 wine appellations in the Bordeaux area. However, the  6 main Bordeaux Wine Routes  are:

1. Medoc – Left Bank, northwest of the city of Bordeaux

2. Saint-Emilion and Pomerol – Right Bank, east of the city of Bordeaux

3. Pessac-Leognan and Graves – Left Bank, south of the city of Bordeaux

4. Sauternes and Barsac – Left Bank, southwest of the city of Bordeaux

5. Entre-Deux-Mers   southwest of the city of Bordeaux

6. Cotes de Bourg and Cotes de Blaye – Right Bank, northeast of the city of Bordeaux

The first four are famous for producing top Bordeaux wines, while the first two are the most popular among Bordeaux visitors.  

Map of Bordeaux Wine Regions

RELATED: How to Visit Wineries in Bordeaux?

Which Bordeaux Wine Route to Choose?

I recommend that you spend at least one day in each of the Bordeaux wine regions.  While it is possible to cover two wine regions in one day, it would involve more driving and less tasting.

If you are not sure which Bordeaux wine route to take first, here is my quick summary table as well as brief information on each wine region to help you decide.

RELATED : Medoc vs. Saint-Emilion – Which Region to Choose for Your Wine Tour?

Medoc Wine Route

Saint-Emilion is one of the oldest wine areas around Bordeaux. There is evidence that wines were made here back in Roman times. The Saint-Emilion region is also well-known for supplying wine to European royal courts in Middle Ages. 

The charming village of Saint-Emilion dating back to the 9th century is a display of Medieval architecture.  Many buildings were erected as early as the 12th century while the tower of the local treasure, Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church, was completed in the 15th century.

Merlot is king in Saint-Emilion. It is usually blended with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, however, many wineries would also produce 100% Merlot wines. Only dry red wines are permitted to be labeled Saint-Emilion.

Saint-Emilion and its neighbor Pomerol are home to some of the top wineries in Bordeaux, such as Petrus, Chateau Pavie , Chateau Cheval Blanc , and Chateau Angelus.  

At the same time, most of the 900 wineries in this region are very small family-owned estates, where you can meet owners and learn all about winemakers’ life firsthand.

The Saint-Emilion wine region is connected to Bordeaux by a good highway.  From the center of Bordeaux, the drive to Saint-Emilion would take approximately 45 minutes. 

RELATED : Where is Saint-Emilion and How to Get There?

RELATED :  What Are the Top Wineries in Saint-Emilion (List)

RELATED:  Saint-Emilion Wine Tou rs

Saint-Emilion Wineries on the Map

Pessac-leognan wine route.

Closest to the city of Bordeaux, this wine-making region is a cradle of Bordeaux wine fame. Pessac-Leognan has a truly unique terroir allowing to produce both excellent reds and  white wines .  

Pessac-Leognan produces some very good – value-for-money wines and is favored by Bordeaux locals ( les Bordelais ).  

Chateau Pape Clement  and  Chateau Haut-Brion  are the oldest vineyards in Bordeaux, located within the limits of greater Bordeaux and easily accessible by car and public transport.

RELATED : Wineries Closest to Bordeaux – Pessac-Leognan 

RELATED : Pessac-Leognan Full-Day Wine Tour

Pessac-Leognan Wineries on the Map

Sauternes & barsac wine route.

Sauternes and Barsac are known for sweet white wines made of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.  Chateau D’Yquem is at the top of Sauternes wineries, producing the most delicate and aromatic sweet wines.

Recently, many wineries in the region started production of high-quality dry whites, which I highly recommend to taste.   

Sauternes is beautifully picturesque wine region with rivers, hills and castles, and way less tourists, which makes it a great destination for a relaxing day trip from Bordeaux.  At the same time, there is no lack of excellent hotels and restaurants in the Sauternes region.

My favourite part of Sauternes wine tours is If you are visiting in October, November or December, the wineries can still be harvesting.  

RELATED : Sauternes Full-Day Wine Tour  

Sauternes Wineries on the Map

Once you have decided on your Bordeaux destination, make appointments at wineries or select one of the wine tours below. 

Enjoy your Bordeaux wine tastings. Get more tips on visiting wineries in Bordeaux in my  blog .  

How to Visit Wineries in Bordeaux, France?

Bordeaux Wine Tours and Tastings

Bordeaux Restaurants

Polina Spirova

A sommelier and an experienced wine tour guide, I travel across Europe, collecting the best wineries to visit, best places to stay and eat.

I organize Bordeaux wine tours.

My Bordeaux Blog

Plan Your Bordeaux Trip Itinerary

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I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you.  You can read the affiliate disclosure in  privacy policy .  Thank you!

Recommended Hotels in Bordeaux

Villas Foch

Hotel de Seze

Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel

Recommended Hotels Near Saint-Emilion

Chateau Croix de Labrie

Le Logis de Valandraud

Chateau Prieure Marquet

Chateau de Ferrand

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Book your bordeaux wine tour, before you go.

Personalized travel insurance is always good to have.

Get up to 30% off your car rental in Europe with Rentalcars.com .

If you are looking for a driver or a private transfer in Bordeaux see some options here .

Where to Stay in Bordeaux?

Here are some suggestions of the best stays in Saint-Emilion, Medoc and Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Neighbourhoods

Where to Stay in Bordeaux Wine Country – the Right Bank?

Where to Stay in the Medoc?

Where to Stay in Bordeaux city center?

The Best Boutique Hotels and B&Bs in Bordeaux

The Best Luxury Hotels in Bordeaux wine country

Bordeaux city stays

Saint-emilion/right bank stays, medoc/left bank stays.

See more tips on visiting Bordeaux wine country in my Blog .  

If you are interested in a private wine tour of Saint-Emilion or Medoc wineries, see our tours at Atlas Bordeaux .

Enjoy your time in Bordeaux!

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September is one of the best months to visit Bordeaux. Here are some ideas on things to do in Bordeaux in September.

Bordeaux in March – Winery Visits and Other Things to Do

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Book Your Bordeaux Wine Tour

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THE 10 BEST Bordeaux Tours & Excursions

Bordeaux tours.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• 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
• Special Offers
• 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. Medoc or St-Emilion Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour from Bordeaux

3. Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux

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

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

6. Bordeaux Food and Wine Tour

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

8. Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day

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

10. Highlights of Bordeaux Walking Tour + Wine & Cheese Tasting

11. Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

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

13. "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience"

14. Saint-Emilion : visit of the Village & Château with wine tasting

15. Bordeaux Pastry class

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

17. Bordeaux City - Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Sophia

18. Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings from Bordeaux

19. Luxurious full day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla

20. Half-Day Wine Tour in Margaux

21. Tasting of red Bordeaux wines, charcuterie & cheese pairings

22. Bordeaux' Best Boulangeries & History Tour

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

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

25. Bordeaux Private Half Day Wine Tour - St Emilion, Medoc or Graves

26. Bordeaux Ultimate Food & Wine Tasting Tour

27. Professional - Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting with a walking tour

28. NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !

29. Bordeaux Wines Masterclass paired with cheeses & charcuterie

30. Prestige Commented Cruise glass of wine and Canelé in Bordeaux

What travelers are saying.

• David L 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles The highlight of our time in Bordeaux - thank you Maud Our afternoon wine tour was such a fun and memorable time thanks to our wonderful guide, Maud. Not only did she have a clear passion for wine, she exuded kindness and thoughtfulness that made our trip special. Her knowledge about the region, grapes, and tasting technique was extensive, and she shared it with us in a way that was very engaging. What stood out the most about Maud was her warm demeanor and positivity. She genuinely cared about ensuring we had a memorable experience. She went above and beyond to make the afternoon special for us (taking extra time to make sure the elderly were having a good time too), going the extra mile at every opportunity (showing us cool spots in St Emilion). Her generosity of spirit made this the highlight of our trip and we will remember it for years! Read more Review of: Saint Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux Written April 28, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux
• Medoc or St-Emilion Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux
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Bordeaux & Dordogne Tours & Trips

Bordeaux, a region well known for its vineyards and premium wines, is located in the southwestern part of France , in the Gironde area. The city of Bordeaux is a port city along the Garonne River and also a hotspot for art museums and 18th-century constructions. Public gardens, antique shops, galleries and idyllic French restaurants are spread across the city, which makes it a charming stop on your adventure through France.

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Ship was clean and modern. Crew were helpful and accommodating.

A cruise in Aquitaine : the great wines of Southern France (port-to-port cruise) (12 destinations)

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A Taste of Southern France - Bordeaux to Toulouse

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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Great trip on a very good and clean vessel . Staff were great and Benjanim was outstanding with great service and kept us entertained in the evenings Cabin was good size and kept clean with daily room service over all we enjoyed the trip and will do more with this company Richard and Lindy

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At your arrival, a rental car will be at your disposal for the length of your stay. Thus, you can move freely and comfortably. On the day of departure, you will drop off the vehicle at the same place.

Private Guided Tour of Street Art in the Chartrons 

Come and discover one of the most picturesque areas of Bordeaux in a different light, thanks to a variety of Street artists. Follow your guide from the Garonne riverside straight to the heart of the  Chartrons  to understand how this unmissable district of the city has become a popular hub for Bordelais and street artists alike.

Former wine-trading quarter coveted for its proximity with the quays of Bordeaux’s port, the  Chartrons  started to develop north of the city-centre from the 17th century. This renowned faubourg, initially distinct from Bordeaux, became increasingly prosperous, often attracting a foreign population with a very different identity than the city’s inhabitants. So, it’s not actually that surprising that various street artists, whose expression of art is somewhat non-standard, seized the walls of the  Chartrons,  a district full of charm, stories to tell and surfaces to paint.

From the quays of the Garonne to the antique dealers of Rue Notre Dame, whilst passing by the old wine storehouses, you will observe the work of renowned artists such as Clet, A-MO, Mr Poulet and Alber. This artistic exploration of the  Chartrons , sprinkled with history and anecdotes is the perfect way to (re)discover this charming area in a fun and original manner.

Garonne River Dinner Cruise

Discover Bordeaux’s beautiful UNESCO-recognized waterfront and architecture while enjoying dinner aboard the restaurant boat,  Sicambre .

The menu is inspired by traditional southwestern French cuisine. It is prepared onboard using local, seasonal ingredients. Explore the  terroir  of this region, reputed as perhaps the best corner of France for foodies.

Day 2: Arcachon

Enjoy the Atlantic coast near Arcachon

Oyster Picking in Bassin d’Arcachon with a Local Producer

Enjoy a warm and original reception from an actual grower and a sensory exploration of a wonderful universe, the oyster beds, farming methods and “au naturel” oyster tasting.

The oyster farmer will welcome you about 3 hours before low tide starts. After a peaceful boat ride you will reach the farm where he will show you how the oysters are bred. You will then have the opportunity to bring back to shore a few oysters for an exciting tasting experience along with the farmer.

An Unforgettable Paragliding Ride above The Dune du Pyla

During this flight, you will have the opportunity to fly over the Dune du Pyla, to take the controls of the paraglider and even to feel the effect of the amazing movements made by your instructor.

Once in the air, your face will light up with a wide smile and you will only want to come back down to Earth!

The flight will be adapted according to your feelings of the moment. It is quite possible to make only a quiet ride for the most contemplative, a flight entirely centered on the learning of the piloting for the most curious, or an eventful ride from the beginning to the end for the most daring!

Day 3: Bergerac- Les Eyzies

Make your way east to the Dordogne region

Private Visit and Wine Tasting at Couvent des Jacobins (Saint Emilion)

During this visit, you will get to enjoy and savor an intimate and comparative wine tasting featuring vintage and freshly prepared wines. In a tuk-tuk, a wine expert will accompany you on a private guided tour in the midst of the vineyards where you can interact and learn about different types of wine in detail.

You will also get a chance to taste rare and vintage drinks of ancient times in the monolithic cellars. The exclusive and cozy tasting and the subtle comparison between the vintage and freshly prepared wine will also be discussed.

Suggestion: Exploring Bergerac

Bergerac is Dordogne’s largest wine appellation. This area is home to more than a dozen Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées (AOCs), covering red, white, and rosé variations. The most famous is the white Monbazillac and the deep red Montravel. You can learn all about the region’s fine wines at the  Maison des Vins .

The charming city of Bergerac is worth exploring. The Notre Dame and Saint-Jacques Churches are among its highlights. The historic district is characterized by half-timbered houses. The Place Pélissière is a wonderful spot for lunch or a drink. The  Musée du Tabac  is a curious stop that explores tabacco’s cultural, sociological, and historical impact. It is housed in a 17th-century château.

Day 4: Sarlat - Montignac - Vezac

Suggestion: Explore Périgord Noir

It is impossible to run out of things to see here with its famous castles and villages set in spectacular locations. Sarlat-la-Canéda was the medieval capital of Dordogne and is one of France’s loveliest towns.

Three of the villages here are classified among France’s most beautiful. The setting along the river, ancient village streets, and castle make Beynac-et-Cazenac a real highlight. La Roque-Gageac is a delight with its ancient riverside stone houses. The hilltop village Domme offers fabulous views of Dordogne.

The Château de Montfort is a fairy-tale castle just a few kilometers from Sarlat. With its close attention to historical detail, the Château de Beynac makes for another worthwhile visit. Château de Castelnaud is both a medieval castle and an extensive museum of medieval warfare. It’s a favorite for kids! The nearby 15th-century Château des Milandes is a charming visit too. It is well-known because Josephine Baker made it her home in the 1940s.

One-Hour shared guided small group tour of the Lascaux Caves

In a well-known story, the Lascaux caves were discovered in 1940 by a group of teenagers who were searching for their dog. After the end of the second world war the caves were opened to the public, to great acclaim, but then were closed in 1963 because the paintings were being damaged by the breath of thousands of visitors.

The cave paintings at Lascaux are mostly pictures of large animals. There are also some carvings of animals to be seen, and a few images of people, most notably in a sequence that seems to represent a bison hunt. In total there are more than 1000 images in the cave system, and their vibrancy and color make them the prehistoric equivalent of the Sistine Chapel – except they were painted in almost complete darkness!

A copy of the caves was created nearby so that visitors to Lascaux could still appreciate the caves. Known as Lascaux II, the ‘reproduction’ caves are a copy of most of the prehistoric paintings contained in the original Lascaux caves, 200 meters away. As far as possible the same materials – natural pigments, etc – and techniques have been used for the copies as for the originals.

Day 5: Monbazillac

Make your way back to Bordeaux

Self-guided visit to the Chateau de Monbazillac

The castle itself is a listed historical monument and dates from the 16th century. It is in an early Renaissance style and is in an attractive wooded setting with far-reaching views across the region.

On visiting the Chateau de Monbazillac, you will have three floors to explore. Whilst the chateau was built as a defensive chateau with towers, a moat, arrow slits, and battlements, it incorporates the early Renaissance styles of architecture with large windows. The rooms, therefore are lovely light, and airy rooms.

About this Trip

• Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
• This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
• Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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Le Miroir d'eau - self drive tours Bordeaux France - Bordeaux tours Christophe Bouthé - OT Bordeaux

Self-drive tours in Bordeaux region

Bordeaux tours.

Stretched along the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux, also known as the Sleeping Beauty of France, will enchant you from the very moment you arrive.

Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards whose names are known around the world, such as Médoc, St Emilion, Margaux and Sauterne. As well as Bordeaux wine tasting tours, we can help you discover the beautiful coastline too – the Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Arcachon are never far away. There is truly something for everyone here.

My husband was born in France and moved to Australia in 1970 when he was just 5. He went back for the last time in 1980 and had not returned since. In January 2017 I started to …

My husband was born in France and moved to Australia in 1970 when he was just 5. He went back for the last time in 1980 and had not returned since. In January 2017 I started to formulate an idea to surprise him with a trip back home. Being Australian, we love road trips but without his French language skills I felt a bit scared to start booking hotels etc. Thankfully, a google search came up with Emilie. She helped me surprise my husband and my 16 year old daughter with a trip that will be hard to beat. Ever. What can I say? The kindness that she showed as she helped me shape a trip of a lifetime is beyond words. She helped me to go back to my ancestral roots (even finding a hotel just 50 metres from where my great-grandfather was born!), and a drive through the village where my husband spent his first 5 years. Add to this a list of amazing accommodations, unique parking spots, the most incredible guide books you'll ever seen, and more! As so many others here have mentioned, you get so much more than just a simple travel package with vouchers. The maps, the books, the history, the suggestions - things we will continue to read and delight in for years to come. You know it's been an exceptional holiday when during the loooong journey home (all 30 hours of it!) you can't come up with a single 'best' moment. It was all the best.

Our Self-Guided Tours in Bordeaux

Enjoy wine tastings, stay at wine estates and take the opportunity to meet with French oenologists and sommeliers.

St Céré on market day Cochise Ory

Bordeaux & Dordogne's Heritage

The Bordeaux area and Dordogne are 2 very rich regions in terms of heritage . . . and of course gastronomy & wine. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance (and even prehistoric times), you will find what you like here!

Villandry French style gardens France Just For You

The Loire Valley & Bordeaux UNESCO sites

Uncover every hideaway and detail of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux UNESCO heritage sites. Taste typical regional fo od at your hosts’ table and stay at Bed & Breakfasts with unique atmospheres .

La Liodière restaurant & chef ADT Touraine - Jean-Christophe Coutand

Scenic Roads & French Cuisine

Travel through three of the most fascinating regions in France. Let your friendly hosts introduce you to the French "sweet life" in their charming B&Bs.

Dentelles in Provence Alain Hocquel - CDT Vaucluse

The "Tour de France"

France Just For You has organized its own very special Tour de France. No need for a bike but be ready for a great deal of adventure! This itinerary will take you off the beaten path to all the must sees & dos in four of the most enthralling regions of France.

Basque Country typical architecture CDT Pays Basque

The Authentic South West of France

This self-drive itinerary will take you to the South West of France, from the Basque coastline to authentic Dordogne, ending in the bustling city of Bordeaux.

Traditional costumes from the Basque Country OT Hendaye

Focus on the South West of France

From the Unesco city of Bordeaux and the surrounding world-famous vineyards, to the mythical beach towns of Biarritz and St Jean de Lu z, feeling the fresh air of the Pyrenees foothills, and ending in the mysterious medieval town of Carcassonne . . . what a program!

Martel covered market Cochise - OT Vallée de la Dordogne

Traditions & Heritage of the SW of France

This loop from Bordeaux will take you on a journey to the South West of France: vineyards, mountains, cliff-hanging fortresses and rolling hills. You will enjoy all the diversity of this unique part of France.

france itinerary 4 weeks CRT Bouches du Rhone

Self-Driving around France - from Paris to Nice

Spend about a month traveling from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera and get a real feel for the authentic France!

Lovely Dordogne town CDT Dordogne - Cochise

The Many Facets of France

This itinerary is for independent travelers who may already know the southern coast of France and who are looking for discovering the “inside” of the country. Five regions that are totally different from each other, showing you the diversity of France.

Surfers in the Basque Country Emmy Martens - Biarritz Tourist Office

Southern France from Bordeaux to Avignon

When the South of France is mentionned, many travelers think of Provence. But there is so much more to discover between the South-West and the South-East of France. This 26 day itinerary is designed to give you a very complete tour of the southern part of France, enjoying the gastronomy, heritage, wine, villages, and scenic roads . . . the best that France has to offer.

Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley ADT Touraine - Jean-Christophe Coutand

France for Wine Lovers

This itinerary is designed for gourmet travelers who aim at discovering and learning more about French wines. Our tours also mix heritage, culture, nice walks, gardens, etc. In this tour, you will stay in wineries, by vineyards & in wine towns. An absolute must for wine lovers !

How to Get to Bordeaux

If you are flying into  Paris  then getting to Bordeaux is a piece of cake. Simply hop on the TGV train at Paris Montparnasse and ride down to Bordeaux St Jean. The quickest train takes 3 hours 15 minutes. Next year, thanks to the installation of an extra fast TGV, travel time will be cut down to just 2 hours!

If you would rather focus your energy on the Southwest of France, you can fly straight there. Fly into Bordeaux Merignac or Toulouse Blagnac airports and you’ll save a whole lot of time and energy to start your Bordeaux region tour.

For those who prefer the freedom of taking their own vehicle down to Bordeaux, driving takes around five hours from Paris. If you plan on travelling by car, we recommend stopping off in the  Loire Valley  on the way.

Alternatively, Bordeaux is easily accessible by car from the  Dordogne  (2 hours),  Carcassonne (3 hours) and Toulouse (2.5 hours). Why not start your Bordeaux region tour in one of these magical cities ?

The Gironde Region

Bordeaux is just one part of the magnificent Gironde region. When the Garonne leaves Bordeaux, it widens and flows to the ocean. This wider stretch of water is known as the Gironde Estuary and gives the region its name.

The river is an important part of the city and is beautiful to walk along in the sunshine. Some travelers also enjoy river cruises along the Garonne, though we specialize in driving tours which include walking tours and bike tours for those who enjoy cycling.

Médoc Wine Region

Sitting between the Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean is Médoc – the Gironde’s famous wine country. The wines here are famous across the globe, so Bordeaux wine tours are very popular!

Within Médoc are a number of small villages that are well worth taking the time to explore. Pauillac, Margaux and St Estèphe are particularly beautiful with their cobbled streets and wine chateaux. This a real taste of France.

For something a bit different, you could head to Verdon, on the bank of the Gironde Estuary, and get the ferry across to Royan. The ferry runs throughout the day and only takes around 20 minutes. This short trip offers you the chance to see part of the  Loire Valley .

Le Bassin d’Arcachon

Known in English as Arcachon Bay, le Bassin d’Arcachon is a stunning section of France’s coastline. With fine sandy beaches and sparkling (albeit incredibly cold) water, it is easy to spend the day soaking up the sun here.

Of course, no trip to Arcachon is complete without climbing the Pyla Dune (Dune du Pyla). This monstrous sand dune measures 110m in height, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. The view from the top is utterly breath-taking and worth the sweating and panting as you clamber to the top.

Once you’ve exhausted yourself exploring le Bassin d’Arcachon’s natural wonders, it’s time to eat. Arcachon is famous for oyster farming so make the most of this by tucking into some at one of the region’s restaurants. Of course, you will need to wash it down with a glass of Bordeaux wine (or two).

Bordeaux - A Unesco City

Now we come to the  pièce de résistance  of the Gironde region: Bordeaux. This incredible city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has undergone massive renovations in the past decade or so.

Bordeaux is a city that exudes beauty, from its majestic architecture to the river that divides it in two. Walking along the quay when the sun is out is the perfect way to see the city and absorb Bordeaux’s laid-back atmosphere.

The city’s snazzy and unique new bridge is also a must-see, especially if you’re a fan of interesting architecture. Or, if your interests lie more in the world of wine, La Cité du Vin cannot be missed. This intricate building encompasses all kinds of wine-based exhibitions, workshops and events. A must for any wine-lover.

 We have made a shortlist of the 8 cities we like the most in France and of course, Bordeaux is one of them !

Entre-Deux-Mers

Located between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, Entre-Deux-Mers is one of Bordeaux’s wine regions. This special region attracts people from across the globe who are interested in wine tasting tours in Entre-Deux-Mers, and in sampling the local produce so we warmly recommend making it a point to spend some time in this area.

Saint Emilion Vineyards

Saint Emilion is living proof that with great beauty comes great numbers of tourists. This staggeringly gorgeous little town is always jam-packed with visitors, but there are peaceful parts too, which we will direct you to in your personal guidebook.

We recommend taking a walk on the outskirts of the town so you can make the most of it without getting caught up in the crowds. You may like to spend a full day walking through some of our favorite vineyards and wine estates and have a picnic in one of them under the ever-present sun.

Bordeaux Wines

The main reason people go to Bordeaux is to sample its mouth-watering selection of French wines. However, while it is one thing to taste the wine, it is quite another to fully understand them.

Bordeaux wines have more detailed classifications than any other kind in the world. They have 57 appellations encompassed within 6 classifications:

• The 1855 Médoc Classification
• The 1855 Sauternes and Barsac Classification
• The 2012 St Emilion Classification
• The 1959 Graves Classification
• The 1932 Cru Bourgeois Classification
• The 2006 Médoc Crus Artisans Classification

You will learn all about these classifications and more on your guided tour with our special wine guide. Our guide comes from a wine-making family and will sculpt your itinerary to show you the best wines in Bordeaux. Thanks to our guide you will be able to access wine estates that are not usually open to tourists.

If you want something special, our guide can organise a lunch in a winery for you. Your meal will be presided over by a ” maitre de chai ” (cellar master). Alternatively, we can take you to a wine estate for a less in-depth wine experience. Here you will be welcomed with open arms and big smiles – this isn’t always the case with some of the bigger, more commercial wineries. To learn more about France Wine regions .

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

We have specially selected a few premium B&Bs for our guests who wish to stay in the city centre. From here it is easy to take public transport or walk to all of Bordeaux’s best districts. This is a great option if you want to enjoy the big city.

For those looking for something a bit quieter, we also have B&Bs available in the countryside. Guests can stay in Médoc or St Emilion – the perfect location to get acquainted with the local vineyards and self-drive tour the Bordeaux region.

Bordeaux is the pride and joy of southwest France. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the vineyards on the other and dozens of glorious chateaux in between, it simply cannot be missed. 

FAQ about Bordeaux

We recommend spending at least 3-5 nights touring Bordeaux region if you are visiting it as part of a self-drive tour of France, where you'll also be visiting other regions. This will give you time to enjoy the best of Bordeaux city, visit some of Bordeaux's wine regions, such as Médoc and Saint Emilion, and enjoy different wine-tastings at various wine estates. Longer Bordeaux region tours will also give you the time to visit the beautiful coastal area of Arcachon, and sample some of the best oysters in the world!

Bordeaux is most famous for its wine, its oysters, and for being the world's largest urban UNESCO world heritage site, which extends across an area of 1,810 hectares. 

Blog posts about Bordeaux

Pixabay CC0

The Best Time of Year to Visit France’s Wine Regions

CC0 Vicky Hincks

Wine Tasting 101: Tips for Enjoying and Appreciating French Wines

Tobi 87, Wikimedia Commons , CC-BY SA 3.0

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring France's Hidden Gems

A Beginner's Guide to Pairing French Wines with Food

France Just For You

Best Museums to Visit in France

France in June

Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux Pixabay

Things to do in Bordeaux

Stew in pot Pixabay

Ragout des Vendangeurs - 'Grape Picker's Stew'

Visit other french regions.

Alexandre Lamoureux - CRT Bretagne

Riquewihr lovely town M.Schampion - CDT Alsace

Lille Main Square Laurent Ghesquière - OTCL Lille

Lille & North

Lyon along the Saône river T.Deschamps - OT Lyon

Amiens Cathedral Somme Tourisme - F. Leonardi

Verzenay Champagne vineyards E.Vidal - ADT Marne

The Meuse river in Verdun Verdun Tourisme

French Basque Country Sceneries CDT Pays Basque

Basque Country

Tours of Carcassonne - fortress ADT Aude

Carcassonne

Half Timbered Farms in the Normandy Hinterland - Normandy Tours Calvados Tourisme

Dentelles - 7 days in Provence - Provence tours Alain Hocquel - CDT Vaucluse

tours of Dordogne region Dordogne Valley

Visit Chateau de l'Islette - Loire Valley driving tours Chateau de l'Islette

Loire Valley

Paris tours Paris Tourism Office - Amélie Dupont

Burgundy wines Alain Doiré

Eze perched village France Just For You

French Riviera

Our travelers’ reviews.

Just finished an amazing trip to Normandy and was delighted by all the accommodations, private tours and cooking class with Brigitte. All the details they put together allowed us to relax and enjoy. I highly recommend them.

Emilie is amazing. Going to Normandy has always been a dream of my husbands and luckily for us we found Emilie to plan our trip. Our hotel in Paris for the start of our trip was located perfectly. Within walking distance of so much for our first two days before we picked up the rental car she had arranged for us. Then onto Normandy and the Loire …

Emilie is amazing. Going to Normandy has always been a dream of my husbands and luckily for us we found Emilie to plan our trip. Our hotel in Paris for the start of our trip was located perfectly. Within walking distance of so much for our first two days before we picked up the rental car she had arranged for us. Then onto Normandy and the Loire Valley where the B&B's she arranged for us were awesome and the hosts shared a lot of history with us and made us feel very welcome. Our own specialized guide book not only proved to be invaluable while we were there, but a very special momento of our trip. And I can't say enough about the guide she arranged for us for our tour of the beaches, he has to be one of the most knowledgeable (and interesting) D-Day guides ever!! I highly recommend Emilie and France Just For You. She takes into consideration your wants and needs and personalizes your trip perfectly. We wouldn't have been able to have our "trip of a lifetime" without her!

Just a quick word of admiration and thanks for well planned and executed vacation for us. Every hotel, Chateau, B&B was clever, different and fun. Guides were outstanding and your recommendations without a flaw. I know we would enjoyed this vacation more because of your efforts Our time in France ends tomorrow and we have memories to carry us to …

Just a quick word of admiration and thanks for well planned and executed vacation for us. Every hotel, Chateau, B&B was clever, different and fun. Guides were outstanding and your recommendations without a flaw. I know we would enjoyed this vacation more because of your efforts Our time in France ends tomorrow and we have memories to carry us to our next visit A la prochaine

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The Top 13 tours in Bordeaux – by foot, bike or boat

There are many ways to discover Bordeaux’s fascinating history and cultural heritage, its gastronomy, and its wine industry. You can plan a great trip to Bordeaux using all my Bordeaux articles , especially if you’re planning day trips from Bordeaux . But I think that the capital of the SW of France is so rich with history and landmarks that taking at least one tour in Bordeaux is almost a must! 

Jumpstarting your Bordeaux adventure with a guided tour isn’t just about finding your way around – it’s like having a local friend with the inside scoop. Whether you want to walk, sail, or pedal in the historic city or focus on other parts of Bordeaux’s culture like cuisine or wine, Bordeaux has a tour to offer. 

In this article, you’ll find the best tours in Bordeaux, anything from walking tours to gourmet tours, cycling, and more. As you’re visiting the world wine capital, you should consider taking a wine tour, which you can also find on this list. However, if you’re mainly interested in wine, I recommend checking my article about the best wine tours from Bordeaux . 

If you need more ideas of fun stuff to do in Bordeaux after (or before) your tour, you should also check my article about the best 50 things to do in Bordeaux . Now let’s discover the best tours in Bordeaux.

A walking tour of historic Bordeaux 

Bordeaux boasts historic landmarks, impressive gates, and architectural richness that’s almost impossible to absorb in a short visit, without the right guidance. I highly recommend taking a walking tour of the historic part of Bordeaux to get the context of how the city was developed and why it encompasses such different styles in its little center. 

Bordeaux Private walking tour

This excellent private guided walking tour of old Bordeaux will take you to the most popular landmarks such as the Grand Theatre, Porte Cailhau, and the Saint André Cathedral. The tour lasts 2-3 hours which is enough to give you a dipper understanding of Bordeaux’s magic without it getting too havie. 

The great thing about this walking tour is that it has a bit of everything. The historical details about the main monuments of Bordeaux but also local anecdotes and interesting cultural references. So if you want a fascinating and intimate guided tour of Bordeaux, this one is for you. Book the tour here . 

Bordeaux group walking tour

If you don’t mind big groups, you can also take the Bordeaux guided walking tour proposed by the Bordeaux Tourist Office. This 2-hour walking tour offers a taste of Bordeaux’s fantastic mix of city urban landmarks and architectural marvels. It’s also a nice opportunity to meet other tourists from all over the world!

As the group can get big, you usually won’t cover as many landmarks and history as you would in a private tour. However, if don’t want to spend much on a tour, this is a great option to start your discovery of Bordeaux. Also, in case you purchase Bordeaux’s City Pass , you can take the tour for free. 

A night walking tour in Bordeaux

As much as Bordeaux is beautiful in daylight, there’s something even more magical about the city at night. The yellow smokie light reflected on the old limestone houses makes it look mysterious. It almost feels like the city is inviting you to discover its night secrets. 

To make your night date with Bordeaux more interesting I recommend taking the Night Walking Tour . 

The tour is led by a friendly local guide who loves to spread his love for Bordeaux. Discover the city’s key attractions at night and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of this splendid city. On this tour, you also get to taste a canelé, which is Bordeaux’s most famous pastry . 

You can book the Bordeaux by-night tour here . 

Discovering Bordeaux by bikes 

Bordeaux is a perfect place for cycling! The city is flat and has many designated cycling paths in the center and the suburbs, which makes locals cycle everywhere around Bordeaux. That’s why a cycling tour in Bordeaux is such a great option!

Historic Center & Chartrons District Bicycle Tour

The Monsieur Bacchus Bike Tour company offers a great biking tour of the historic center and the Chartrons district . Casually cycle through the street of Bordeaux while learning about its main monuments, high-class French culture, and modern life. If you love history but don’t love walking too much, a cycling tour is an easy way to explore Bordeaux. 

The three hours tour will bring you to parts of parts of Bordeaux, that you will not see on a regular walking tour. You get to visit the posh Chartrons district as well as the more hip right bank of the Garonne River. The tours are offered from March to November. You can book them here . 

Food Tours in Bordeaux 

Did you know that apart from its notorious wines Bordeaux is also known for its exceptional culinary scene? Boasting the highest number of restaurants per capita, it’s no wonder the capital of the southwest was crowned the best food city in France.

Some of Bordeaux’s specialties include oysters from Arcachon, duck products and canelés. However, being new to the city, choosing the best spots to taste these delicacies can be tricky. Taking a food tour is a great way to taste Bordeaux while exploring the city. 

There are many food tours in Bordeaux however many of them feel more like historic tours with a snack, so it’s important to choose right. There are a few that I particularly like. 

NO DIET CLUB – Unique food tour in Bordeaux

NO DIET CLUB is the best gastronomic group tour for real foodies! It’s a 3.5-hour tasting tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a group of 12 people max. You’ll be offered plenty of tasting, ranging from savory snacks like cheese, burgers, and mussels to Bordeaux’s sweet treats.  You can book the tour here . 

Bordeaux traditional food tour

Another great option is the Bordeaux Traditional food tour , offered by Do Eat Better Experience. This tour is a great mix of food and history, two important features in Bordeaux. You will be tasting plenty of local bites in Bordeaux’s best spots while learning the secrets of the city along the way.  The tour starts with wine tasting and ends with a delicious lunch in a classic French Bistro. An absolute treat! 

If you’re a foodie visiting Bordeaux in high season, be sure to book the tour in advance as it’s likely to sell out.

Bordeaux Gourmet Food Tour

If you’re looking for a more high-end private food tour in Bordeaux, you should check out Aquita i ne Travel Guide . The company is run by Anne who is a chef and also a brilliant guide that offers a deeper glimpse into the gastronomic culture of this region. 

If you don’t have time for a proper food tour in Bordeaux, you can also use my articles to build a self-guided food tour: What to eat at the Capucins market in Bordeaux  The best markets in Bordeaux  The best foodie streets in Bordeaux Bordeaux’s food specialties you have to try

Take a River Cruise in Bordeaux

For centuries, the Garonne River, among the longest rivers in France, has served as a lifeline to the heart of Bordeaux. In the past, it was the main route for trade, helping Bordeaux become a flourishing port and trading center. The Garonne had an immense economic impact on the city and is considered the key factor in the rise of Bordeaux as a global power in the wine business. 

Today, the riverside remains a vibrant and vital part of Bordeaux’s landscape that serves as a space for many social events (especially in summer). Along the riverfront, you can see some of Bordeaux’s most beautiful architecture. So Taking a River Cruise in Bordeaux is a cool way to experience the city!

 River Garonne Cruise with Glass of Wine

This relaxed 1 ,5 hours cruise on a yacht named Luna will help you discover Bordeaux from the river. And, it comes with a bonus—a complimentary glass of wine! Doesn’t it make everything better? 

What sets this cruise apart is the combination of sightseeing and wine sipping, the best way to enjoy Bordeaux. The cruise starts from the city center and passes by iconic landmarks like the Place de la Bourse and the Saint Pierre Stone Bridge. If you’re looking for a laid-back adventure with a light touch of luxury, don’t hesitate to book this Bordeaux-guided cruise . 

Bordeaux Lunch Cruise

If you’re planning to take the tour around lunchtime, which not take a Bordeaux lunch cruise . A guided cruise where you get to see some of Bordeaux’s fabulous monuments while enjoying a classic French lunch. The 2-hour cruise starts at noon at  Quai des Chartrons. Book your table here . 

Wine tour to the vineyards of Bordeaux

When traveling to the most famous wine region in the world, a trip to the vineyards is kind of a must. There are thousands of vineyards to visit in the Bordeaux wine region , some of which you can find in my article about wineries in the Medoc , Saint Emilion , and Sauternes regions. So you definitely plan a self-guided tour in one of Bordeaux’s wine appelations. 

However, there’s something about a good wine tour (especially a more intimate one) that can elevate the whole experience. Also, the fact that they drive you, choose the wineries, and do all the scheduling is a big advantage. 

Here are my recommendations for the two best wine tours from Bordeaux. You can read all my other recommendations in my article about Bordeaux’s best wine tours . 

 A full day to Saint Emilion 

Go on the Saint-Emilion Full-Day Wine Tour from Bordeaux for a comprehensive and enriching wine adventure. This tour takes you through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional wines. The 8-hour tour includes a visit  (and wine tasting of course) at 3 Châteaux and also Free time to discover Saint-Emilion .

Throughout the day, you’ll get to witness the artistry behind the production ‘from wine to bottle’, sharing the secrets of the winemaking craft and making the technical details accessible and enjoyable for participants of all levels of wine expertise.

Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and immersive experience, this tour provides historical and cultural explanations, tasting, and exploring of the rich culture of Saint-Emilion. You can book the full-day tour from Bordeaux here .  

A half day to Medoc 

The half-day wine trip to Medoc will allow you to visit two wineries from different appellations in Medoc and observe the differences between the more prestigious chateaux and smaller family-owned properties. All the chateaux on the tours are either Grand Cru classé or Cru Bourgeois, so good wine is guaranteed.  The tour is usually offered in the tourist season in the morning and the afternoon. You can book the tour here .

A street art tour of Bordeaux 

Bordeaux prides itself on a very dynamic street art culture and talented artists that decorate many murals in the city. In the city center, which is a UNESCO site, painting on most of the buildings is strictly forbidden. Nevertheless, the city does a wonderful job of incorporating street art where it’s possible. That’s why you will find the huge animals of AMO , the colorful faces of Alber , and the expressive characters of Nasty on hotel buildings and shutters in the city. 

However, if you want to discover the real richness of Bordeaux’s street art you need to leave the city center and explore other neighborhoods. There you will discover vibrant murals and eye-catching graffiti, showcasing the creativity of local and international artists. 

A Street Art Guided Tour in Bordeaux is the perfect way to dive into this lively street art scene. During this 1,5 hour tour, you’ll see the urban landscape of Bordeaux through its most colorful creative side. The advantage here is that the guide helps you uncover hidden gems of art you might miss on your own.

If you’re curious about street art and want a relaxed and enjoyable way to explore Bordeaux, this tour is for you. No art degree is required—just an open mind and a love for urban expression. Book your tour here .

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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33 Best Stops Between Tours and Bordeaux

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How long is the drive from Tours to Bordeaux?

The direct drive from Tours to Bordeaux is 216 mi (348 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 53 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Tours to Bordeaux, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Rochefort , Poitiers , and Royan , as well as top places to visit like Château de Loches and Château de Langeais, or the ever-popular Château de Loches.

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Get inspired for your trip to Bordeaux with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from tours to bordeaux.

Yes! You can drive from Tours to Bordeaux.

How far is Bordeaux from Tours by car?

The drive from Tours to Bordeaux is 216 miles (348 km).

How long does it take to drive from Tours to Bordeaux?

Driving from Tours to Bordeaux should take you 2 hrs 53 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Tours to Bordeaux?

Gas from Tours to Bordeaux would cost around $19 to $44 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Tours to Bordeaux?

You could check out Château de Loches and Château de Langeais, or the always popular Château de Loches!

What are the best cities to visit between Tours and Bordeaux?

People love visiting Rochefort, Poitiers, and Royan, among others.

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It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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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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Bus and touristic train tours

Whichever mode of transport you choose, both are equipped with multilingual headsets. It’s ideal for touring the city with your international friends, as everyone can listen to the commentary in their native tongue to fully understand and appreciate Bordeaux. The bus and train both pass by the key tourist sites, letting you take in all of their picturesque force.

From 349€ the side-car for a half day

380€ for 2-4 pers

209€ for the side-car (1 or 2 persons)

195€ for 2-4 pers

From 99€ for the side car (1 or 2 persons)

Are you looking for a guided tour of Bordeaux or surroundings?

When are you available.

• Phototour app
• Buy your tickets

• Groups and privatization

What to do in Bordeaux ?

Our commitments

• Who we are ?

Explore Bordeaux differently...

Discover our tours.

Bordeaux Visiotour

From 12.50 € per person

• Duration 1h10
• Departure from the Tourist Office

• Free Wi-Fi on board

They share their experience

Micheline P.

Pau - France

Jérémie Marin

Toulouse - France

Alice Arrivère

Bordeaux - France

An ENVIRONMENTAL APPROach

Committed to a CSR approach since January 2022, Bordeaux City Tours pays particular attention to sustainable development.

This approach takes into account social, economic and environmental concerns when carrying out our tours.

Bordeaux Visiotour accessible to all…

Labelled Tourism & Handicap, Bordeaux City Tours facilitates the organization of your experience on board our bus for a serene trip. The Bordeaux Visiotour has a reserved seat for people with reduced mobility.

Groups & privatisation Book your event

You are an association, a company, a school, a public institution?

You wish to privatize the imperial bus or the cabriolet bus for a visit or simply benefit from the group rate?

We are at your disposal to study together your request and send you an estimate.

Top picks at the time

Bordeaux is rich in history and heritage with its 350 UNESCO listed buildings. Each one more unusual than the next, don’t miss out on discovering them.

We have put together a list of the most important places in the Port de la Lune to visit…

Cap Sciences, as an emblematic venue for intellectual entertainment, uses its creativity to offer exhibitions, encounters, surprising activities and popular events. These experiences allow visitors to explore evolving knowledge, the latest innovations and topical issues.

The MÉCA is the the house of creative economy and culture of the “Nouvelle-Aquitaine” region.

This asymmetrical arched building is both a regional hub for creative players and a space for artistic discovery and interaction for the general public . Located at the other end of the crescent formed by the Garonne as it passes through Bordeaux, it represents the ideal complement to the Cité du Vin.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux regularly invites contemporary artists to take a personal look at its collections. Valérie Belin presents Les visions silencieuses, a major monographic exhibition.

The Bordeaux channel

A selection of videos to discover the cultural heritage of Bordeaux through exceptional images.

From the Chartrons, to the golden triangle, from the historical center to the Saint-Michel spire, passing by the Darwin ecosystem. Bordeaux is a rich and dynamic city where you will appreciate the different atmospheres of the various districts.

Bénédicte informs you

• +33 (0)5 56 02 11 50
• Monday to Friday 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm

Téléchargez l'application OUIGO ! 

• Mes Réservations
• Mes informations
• Mes bons d'achat
• Mes cartes bancaires
• Mes favoris
• Me déconnecter

Séléctionnez  le pays  dans lequel vous souhaitez voyager et  la langue  de consultation et de réservation !

Train TGV SNCF Tours-Bordeaux

Départ en gare de St Pierre des Corps

du 29/04 au 05/05

du 06/05 au 12/05

du 13/05 au 19/05

du 20/05 au 26/05

du 27/05 au 02/06

du 03/06 au 09/06

du 10/06 au 16/06

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 29/04 au 05/05

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 06/05 au 12/05

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 13/05 au 19/05

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 20/05 au 26/05

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 27/05 au 02/06

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 03/06 au 09/06

Meilleur prix pour la semaine du 10/06 au 16/06

Tours - Bordeaux : je voyage vite et pas cher avec les TGV roses et bleus

Besoin de me rendre à Bordeaux pour un rendez-vous professionnel, une réunion de famille, un anniversaire ? Ou simplement envie de profiter d’un week-end en amoureux sur les bords de la Garonne ? Je réserve sans plus attendre avec OUIGO : les billets de TGV sont à partir de 10€* par adulte et 8€** par enfant, toute l’année !

Mon escapade sous le soleil de Bordeaux à prix mini

Tours - bordeaux : je pars à la découverte des plus belles villes de france avec ouigo.

Ville au patrimoine riche, Bordeaux abrite de nombreux monuments historiques tels que la Cathédrale Saint-André ou encore le Port de la Lune. Mais c’est aussi une destination idéale pour une excursion shopping ou un week-end détente ! S’il fait chaud, je m’arrête quelques minutes pour déguster un verre de Lillet en terrasse ou je me rends au Miroir d’Eau pour me rafraichir. Situé Place de la Bourse, c’est le lieu le plus photographié de Bordeaux ! Mais je peux aussi continuer ma route jusqu’au bassin d’Arcachon ou la Dune du Pilat. Envie d’une escapade en amoureux ou entre amis ? Je pars à la découverte des vignobles Bordelais : dégustations, balades, musées, initiations à l’œnologie… Tout est permis avec les petits prix OUIGO !

Mon aller-retour Tours - Bordeaux en TGV pas cher, c’est OUIGO !

Choisir OUIGO pour mon trajet Tours - Bordeaux, c’est bénéficier de billets de trains pas chers, toute l’année : à partir de 10€* par adulte et au tarif unique de 8€** par enfant. Je profite de tout le confort d’un TGV, tout en maitrisant mon budget. Le petit plus OUIGO ? Je peux personnaliser mon billet de train en y ajoutant des options : prise électrique, espace calme et silencieux, bagage volumineux… A moi de choisir !

Mon billet de train avec OUIGO : un clic et c’est parti !

Je réserve mon aller-retour tours - bordeaux en ligne.

Pour réserver mon billet de TGV, rien de plus simple ! Je me connecte sur le site ou l’application OUIGO, je sélectionne mes gares de départ et d’arrivée, les dates d’aller et retour de mon voyage ainsi que le nombre de passager. Je suis flexible ? Je jette un œil au calendrier des prix pour être sûr de trouver des billets de trains pas chers pour Bordeaux… ou ailleurs ! Il ne me reste plus qu’à choisir mes options et le tour est joué.

Plus d’informations sur mon billet de train OUIGO

Je prends mes précautions pour ne pas être en retard : mes billets de train OUIGO seront échangés pour 10€ par voyageur et par trajet, si je rate le départ de mon TGV. Afin de procéder au contrôle de mes billets et de mes bagages, je me présente donc en gare de Tours 30 minutes avant le départ de mon train OUIGO. L’accès est possible jusqu’à 5 minutes avant l’heure de départ. Hop, je n’ai plus qu’à m’installer bien confortablement à bord de mon TGV et à profiter du voyage !

*Tarif soumis à condition.

**Enfants de 4 à 11 ans.

Trains au départ de Tours ou à destination de Bordeaux

• Train Paris Bordeaux
• Tours Paris
• Toulouse Bordeaux
• Amiens Bordeaux
• Lille Bordeaux

Autres trajets recherchés en ce moment

• Lyon Montpellier
• Marseille Lille
• Paris Montpellier
• Train Lyon Marne-la-Vallée
• Train Guingamp Paris
• Marseille Valence
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