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The Perfect 3 Days in Bordeaux Itinerary [+ FREE Map]

Wondering what to do in Bordeaux in 3 days? Look no further, I got you covered!

Bordeaux is one of France’s most beautiful cities located southwest of the country, only an hour from the Atlantic coast. Famous for being the world’s wine capital, Bordeaux also has a plethora of attractions and monuments, making it an exceptional city well worth visiting.

Nesrine and I spent a weekend in Bordeaux last summer, and we absolutely loved it. Here’s our 3 days in Bordeaux itinerary, along with our best tips and free map.

Let’s dive into it!  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Is 3 Days Enough in Bordeaux?

3 days in bordeaux itinerary overview & map, day 1: bordeaux old town, day 2: northern bordeaux, day 3: beyond bordeaux, where to stay for a weekend in bordeaux, how to get around bordeaux.

I believe having 3 days in Bordeaux is the ideal length of time to discover the city for the first time. It allows you to enjoy a full 2 days right in the heart of the city, exploring all the fantastic monuments and attractions. Bordeaux is a reasonably sized city, and with the efficient public transport, this time frame is more than sufficient. Then, on the third day, you can venture out of the city to discover the wonders of the surrounding region.

That’s how I’ve handcrafted my 3-day itinerary in Bordeaux you can find right below!

Tip : If you’re still not sure about how many days you should spend in Bordeaux, check this dedicated post to get help.

Here’s my recommended itinerary for 3 days in Bordeaux, which is doable at a steady yet reasonable pace. However, feel free to remove or add steps as you wish.

• 10 am – Porte Cailhau
• 10.20 am – La Grosse Cloche
• 10.45 am – Sainte Catherine & Lunch
• 1.45 pm – Bordeaux Cathedral & Pey Berland Tower
• 3 pm – Stroll the old town
• 5.30 pm – Shoot the Miroir d’Eau
• Evening – Wine tasting & Diner
• 9 am – Breakfast in Les Chartrons
• 11 am – Explore La Cité du Vin
• 1.30 pm – Stroll & lunch along the Garonne River
• 4 pm – Have a break at Jardin Public
• 5.30 pm – Pont de Pierre
• Evening – Have fun at Darwin Eco-System
• Day trip to Dune du Pilat & Arcachon OR Saint Emilion

To get your three days in Bordeaux map, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps . Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

Want a shorter itinerary or simply take a look at alternatives? Check out my other customized itineraries to spend 1 day in Bordeaux or 2 days in Bordeaux .

Let’s kick off our adventure by diving into Bordeaux’s charming old town and discovering its most famous attractions. To make the most of your day, I’d suggest being at the first step of this route by 10 am – that way, you’ll have plenty of time to savor each moment.

So, take your breakfast at your hotel or at Contrast Café , a nice place for breakfast and brunch only an 8-minute walk from Porte Cailhau, the first stop of the day 1 itinerary.  

1. Porte Cailhau

Today, it’s possible to explore Porte Cailhau, treating yourself to a splendid view of the Garonne River and its banks. Bonus: entrance to the first floor is free, so don’t miss the chance to take a peek!

🕗 Opening hours : Every day from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm

💰 Price : regular ticket: 5€ / reduced ticket: 3,5€ / Free with the Bordeaux City Pass

2. La Grosse Cloche

Located on Rue St James, this 40-meter gateway has earned its place as an iconic Bordeaux landmark, and a must during your visit.  

3. Sainte Catherine & Lunch

And if you happen to work up an appetite during your shopping spree, this street has you covered. There are lots of cafés and restaurants, so it’s a perfect spot for your lunch break. The choices are aplenty, whether you’re in the mood for a quick grab-and-go meal or prefer to sit down and savor your lunch.  

4. Bordeaux Cathedral & Pey Berland Tower

A few streets away, discover what is certainly Bordeaux’s most important monument, the Cathédrale Saint-André, and its bell tower, the Pey Berland Tower. Both of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you’ll quickly understand why.  

Rebuilt in the 11th century over a span of 400 years, Bordeaux Cathedral’s Gothic style impresses with its gigantic size, both inside and out, and its 2 spines reaching 81 meters in height.  

Right next door, the Tour Bey Berland houses the bell that could not be placed inside the cathedral due to structural reasons. Rising to a height of 66 meters, it offers a unique view of the cathedral and a breathtaking panorama of the city. Yes, you’ll need to climb 233 steps to reach the top, but I promise you, it’s absolutely worth it!

🕗 Opening hours : June-Sept: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm / Oct-May: Every day from 10 am-12.30 pm and 2 pm-5.30 pm

💰 Price : regular ticket: 6€ / 18-25-year-olds: Free for EU citizens / under 18: Free / Free with the Bordeaux City Pass

5. Stroll the old town

After coming down from the Pey Berland Tower, take a leisurely stroll through the quaint, cobblestone streets of the old town. Take it easy, leisurely meander, and let the atmosphere seep into your soul.  

While walking this charming maze, you’ll stumble upon large lively squares like Place Camille Jullian and Place Saint-Projet, as well as historic facades and churches like Saint-Pierre Church. You’ll also come across countless charming shops, cozy cafes, and inviting terraces. Be sure to pop into any bakery or coffee shop you fancy to try a Canelé, Bordeaux’s most iconic treat.

To round off your visit, I suggest getting out a little bit of the old town to check out other treasures. Make your way through Place de la Comédie, where you can admire the Opéra National, and then stroll over to the huge Place des Quinconces to marvel at the Monument aux Girondins.  

6. Shoot the Miroir d’Eau

People of all ages enjoy dipping their feet in the water in the summer, and the reflection makes the building’s symmetry stand out. The best moment of the day to shoot it is at sunset when the light is softer and the sun colors the sky with orange tones.  

7. Wine tasting & Diner

No visit to Bordeaux would be complete without sampling the region’s exquisite wines!

Don’t know when you should visit Bordeaux? Here’s a full guide to help you choose the right time to travel to Bordeaux.

On day 2 of this Bordeaux itinerary, we’re leaving the historic center to explore a different side of this beautiful city. To make the most of this day, I recommend being at the first stop of this route by 9 am for a delightful breakfast.  

1. Breakfast in Les Chartrons

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast in the trendy Chartrons district, located to the north of the city.  

Saint-Louis des Chartrons church

After breakfast at Au Couvent or Le Confidentiel, take a leisurely walk through this charming neighborhood to uncover its well-kept secrets. This village-like district, often likened to the Marais in Paris, is brimming with hidden gems, from monuments and museums to cozy cafés and concept stores.

While you’re exploring, you’ll certainly come across the Contemporary Art Museum, Les Halles des Chartrons, and the picturesque Saint-Louis Church.  

2. Explore La Cité du Vin

And if that’s not enticing enough, you can indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience at the top of the building while taking in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Whether you’re a dedicated wine aficionado or just curious, a visit to La Cité du Vin is an absolute must!

🕗 Opening hours : Apr-Aug: Every day 10 am-7 pm / Sept-Dec: Monday to Friday 10 am-6 pm and until 7 pm on weekends.

💰 Price : Exhibition + Tasting regular ticket – regular: 37,4€ / students : 29,9€ / 6-17 kids: 12,2€ / Bordeaux City Pass Holders : 5€ or free before noon

💸 Best deal : La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket & Wine Tasting

3. Stroll & Lunch along the Garonne River

As you walk along the promenade, don’t forget to occasionally glance back to admire the outstanding Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas – a true masterpiece of French engineering that graces the Bordeaux skyline.  

4. Have a break at Jardin Public

As you stroll along, you’ll discover a charming botanical garden, the beautiful Capitol Palace, graceful statues, and a picturesque little island that you can tour by boat, like a scene straight out of a Monet painting.  

5. Pont de Pierre

The bridge features 17 arches, as many as the number of letters in the Emperor’s name, “Napoléon Bonaparte”. Also, a white medallion has been placed between each pillar in his honor. A beautiful piece of history to discover when in Bordeaux.  

6. Have fun at Darwin Ecosystem

The atmosphere is friendly and full of energy. You can come with friends or even bring your family, including the kids, for a drink or a bite. It’s a fantastic spot for a great evening out!  

For the third and final day of this itinerary, let’s go on an exciting day trip around Bordeaux !

The Bordeaux region is incredibly packed with medieval towns, vineyards, beaches, and other attractions all worthy of a visit. However, the undisputed must-see destinations are the Saint Emilion vineyards and the incredible natural wonder that is the Dune du Pilat.

You can’t do both in one day – you have to choose. To help you make up your mind, I’d like to suggest Saint-Emilion if you’re in Bordeaux during the winter or autumn, or Dune du Pilat and Arcachon for the warmer months.  

Option 1 – Dune du Pilat & Arcachon

After spending the morning at the dune, my suggestion is to head back to Arcachon for lunch and a beach afternoon. Arcachon is a wonderful seaside resort where you’ll have plenty of choice for lunch during the peak season and where you can enjoy its wonderful beaches (and more beach activities!).

Here’s a complete travel guide to discover the Dune & Arcachon from Bordeaux

Option 2 – Saint-Emilion

Apart from being a prime destination for wine lovers, Saint-Emilion is also a magnificent, picturesque medieval village, entirely listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!  

Saint-Emilion medieval town

Start your day by exploring the village and uncovering its hidden gems as you meander along its steep narrow streets. And when it’s time for lunch, treat your taste buds to the region’s culinary delights, like foie gras or confit de canard. And finally, discover the Châteaux Grand Cru that have made Saint-Emilion famous, such as Coutet, Pressac, and Saint-George. This is your chance to enjoy a real wine-tasting experience.

To get to Saint-Emilion, take bus 304 from the Quinconces Orléans stop on Place Quinconces, which will take you there in 1 hour. You can also take the Bordeaux-Sarlat train from Gare Saint-Jean. Another option is to join a guided tour , which is a very popular choice among visitors.

Here’s the best guided tour you can book for your visit to Saint-Emilion: Saint Emilion Food & Wine Tour

With only 3 days to explore, your smartest move is to pick accommodation right in the heart of the city. For the best experience, aim for one of Bordeaux’s top neighborhoods like Saint Pierre, Pey Berland, or the Triangle d’Or .

Here are my hotel recommendations in these areas:

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Konti Bordeaux by HappyCulture : The decoration in this hotel will amaze you. Located in the Triangle d’Or area, everything here is beautiful and comfy with all the amenities you need for a fair price.

💰 Best Budget – Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre : right in the old town, this hostel offers different kinds of rooms from dorms to family rooms. Modern and spotlessly clean with a cool design, this is your pick if you’re traveling on a budget.

✨ Best Luxury – Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux : This stunning 4-star hotel in Bordeaux old town boasts a unique rooftop with a view of the cathedral. Besides, rooms are comfy and elegant, and some units even come with balconies.

Check out the best districts to stay in Bordeaux in this guide .

City view from the Pey Berland Tower

Bordeaux is both a cycling and walkable city, with an efficient public transport network. So, forget about your car, and embrace soft mobility!

🚎 Public transportation : In Bordeaux, there’s a well-developed network of buses, streetcars, and river shuttles called TBM covering the whole city, operating from 5 or 6 am until around 1 am. To use them, you have several options available for purchase on the TBM app or on the vending machines available at any tram stations:

• Single ticket : 1,8€ one way, available for 1 hour
• 24-hour ticket : 5€ providing unlimited access for a whole day
• 48-hour ticket : 9€ providing unlimited access for 2 days

Depending on the number of attractions you plan to visit, another option may be more budget-friendly: the Bordeaux City Pass . In addition to providing unlimited access to the city’s public transportation system, this pass grants you free access to +15 popular attractions and monuments!

The Bordeaux City Pass price varies according to the validity period and age:

• 24-hour pass : 34€/person or 19€ for 6-17 year-old kids
• 48-hour pass : 44€/person or 26€ for 6-17-year-old kids
• 72-hour pass : 50€/person or 31€ for 6-17-year-old kids

You can book your Bordeaux City Pass here .

Tip : Just so you know, entry to La Cité du Vin for example can range from 22€ to 45€. However, if you have a Bordeaux City Pass , you can enjoy free entry before noon, or pay only a small fee of 5€. So make sure to crunch the numbers first to see which option fits your budget best.

🛴 Bike & scooters : You’ll find self-service bikes and electric scooters available for rent throughout the city. While the city has its own bike service called V3, I suggest going with Bird, Dott, and Tier, all of which operate in Bordeaux. They’re easier to use, with pay-as-you-go systems, and you won’t have to worry about putting down a deposit or subscribing.

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

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

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

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

Rabi Merizak/Getty Images

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

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

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

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

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

How to Get Around Bordeaux

Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux

Les sources de caudalie.

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

Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa

Courtesy of Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa

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

Le Boutique Hôtel & Spa

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

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

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bordeaux

Black list café.

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

Madame Pang

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

Le Chien de Pavlov

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

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

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

Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Vineyard tours and wine tastings .

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

Place de la Bourse

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

Cathédrale Saint-André

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

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

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

Marché des Capucins 

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

Sunset River Cruise

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

La Cité du Vin

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

Bassins des Lumières 

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

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Home » Europe » France » Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France: A First Timer’s Guide

Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France: A First Timer’s Guide

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 6, 2023

Exquisite architecture, fresh seafood, a vibrant city with an historic core, and some of the best wine in the world—in a nutshell, this is Bordeaux, France. Even better, the whole city is highly walkable, with pedestrian-only areas and welcoming squares. In less than an hour, you can also visit the beach or make your way to castle-like chateaux producing superb wine in fairy tale settings.

There are so many things to do in Bordeaux that it would be easy to spend a few weeks exploring. But, if your time is limited to a long weekend, it’s still possible to hit the highlights of this lovely region and see some of the best that Bordeaux has to offer. Here’s a look at what we loved most on our first visit to the area.

Visiting Bordeaux, France

Things to do in bordeaux, feel regal at port cailhau, admire place des quinconces, grab a bite at les halles de bacalan, see the miroir d’eau, visit moon harbour distillery, see the basilica of saint michael, shop on rue sainte-catherine, visit la cité du vin, discover arcachon and pyla dune, visit a local market, see cathedral saint-andre, find a café with a view, discover the history and wine of saint-emilion, go wine tasting at a chateau.

Bordeaux is both a wine-growing region and a city in southwestern France . First settled in 567 BC, some of the oldest ruins in the city that date from the 4th century can still be visited in the crypt below Saint-Seurin Basilica.

Bordeaux flourished over the centuries thanks to the wine trade. The construction during its golden age in the 18th century is responsible for thousands of buildings that still stand today. Bordeaux’s preserved architecture–which is second in France only to Paris–and its deep history are the basis for its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Though most wine drinkers have heard of Bordeaux wine, interestingly, no wine is produced within the city limits. Bordeaux’s wine region encompasses 65 appellations—such as Haut-Medoc, St-Emilion, and Sauternes—and more than 7000 chateaux. The wineries of the Bordeaux region are generally within a one-hour drive of the city of Bordeaux, making them easy to visit on day trips in a rental car. (See our tips for driving in France .)

One of our favorite sites in the city, Port Cailhau has been impressing visitors to Bordeaux for over 500 years. It has been almost unaltered from the time it was built in 1494.

Now one of the most photographed places to visit in Bordeaux, Port Cailhau was both celebratory and defensive. It was an arc of triumph dedicated to King Charles VIII commemorating his victory at Fornovo, Italy. You can see a statue of the king—alongside St. John and the Archbishop of Bordeaux—on the river side of the gate.

Inside the gate is a small museum that tells the story of the construction of Bordeaux’s medieval and Renaissance buildings from the limestone quarries. The exhibits are informative for anyone with an interest in architecture, and we loved the view of the city and the river from 115 feet up.

At 31 acres, Place des Quinconces is the largest city square in France and one of the largest in Europe. It’s often the home of outdoor concerts, festivals, and fairs, as we found during our visit when the twice-annual antique and flea market Brocante des Quinconces was on.

Laid out in 1820 on the site of Chateau Trompette, a castle-fortress that once stood here, Place des Quinconces had a decidedly less lighthearted purpose when it was conceptualized. It was intended as a defense to prevent rebellion among the citizens, and the guns were pointed toward the city center, as opposed to enemies that might approach from outside.

Now, it’s full of trees, fountains, and places to grab a bite to eat and relax, in addition to being a major transportation hub. One site not to miss in the square is the Girondins Monument , which honors the Girondists that were victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Its pedestal and fountain are decorated with large bronze horses and troops. The tall center column is topped with a statue representing the spirit of liberty breaking free from her chains.

We’ve become huge fans of food halls and markets in places like Copenhagen and Ghent , so our hopes were high during our Bordeaux trip. Les Halles de Bacalan lived up to our expectations in every way.

This modern food hall on Quai de Bacalan houses over 20 different merchants including butchers, seafood sellers, cheesemongers, a wine specialist, and more. There are lots of items to take on a picnic or consume on the spot. And, better yet, most things are local—85% of the products come from southwestern France.

We visited twice—once for lunch and once during happy hour. It’s clear that people enjoy food and drink here like they do all over France—it’s not just about eating and drinking, it’s a social occasion. Throughout the kiosks and bars, family, friends, and colleagues cracked open champagne, sipped rose, and savored oysters, tapas, and the other delicious foods for sale throughout Les Halles de Bacalan .

In addition to the food stalls and merchants, there are special events and collaborations all year long. You can experience special tastings, cooking classes, and more, making it one of the fun things to do in Bordeaux for foodies.

The Miroir d’Eau is one of the most popular Bordeaux attractions. Locals and tourists splash in its pool and relax on the banks of the river, picnicking, listening to music, and otherwise enjoying the ambiance. Even if you only have one day in Bordeaux, it should be at the top of your list.

The Miroir d’Eau first opened in 2006 as a public art installation and has since become a mainstay of the city and an iconic landmark in the country . It was even included as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for Bordeaux.

The largest reflecting pool in the world, the Miroir d’Eau is only 2 cm deep, but that’s enough water to create the mesmerizing mirroring effect that reflects Place de la Bourse just across the street. The water moves in cycles of fog, mirror, and pool, creating different visuals over 26 minutes. Because of the length of the cycle and people enjoying the site, it can be a challenge to get a good photo without lots of people, so leave yourself a little bit of time, if that’s important to you.

Not far from Les Halles de Bacalan, Moon Harbour Distillery offers tours and tastings at its unique facility, a former German World War II submarine bunker. Too massive to destroy after the war, the unused bunker has been an eyesore for over 70 years in a newly developing part of the city. The distillery has changed all that, and a visit here is a must do in Bordeaux for whiskey lovers.

Moon Harbour—the first whiskey distillery in Bordeaux —makes its products just a few feet from the bunker. Its blended whiskies and single malt come to life in the distillery and then move into barrels to age in the bunker. In used wine barrels from the area’s best-known wineries, the products take up residence in the concrete vault for anywhere from three months to three years and one day.

Seeing the barrel room is a cool enough reason to go to Moon Harbour (not that we needed a push to visit a craft distillery) when you visit Bordeaux, but a tour also includes a look at the stills and a product tasting of their whiskies, gin, and other spirits. The grain and the stills themselves are local to Bordeaux, and as with the other French distillery we’ve visited, Maison Manguin in Avignon , you can see each step of the production.

The Basilica of Saint Michael is impossible to miss because you can see its famous bell tower piercing the sky from just about anywhere in the city. The Basilica itself was built from the late 14th century through the 16th century. The interior of the Gothic church is worth a visit for its pulpit that shows St. Michael slaying the dragon and its 17 side chapels, but it’s the view from the bell tower that’s the real draw.

The freestanding 15th-century bell tower in front of the church soars 375 feet in the air. Known as La Flèche to the locals, it’s the second tallest bell tower in France after Strasbourg Cathedral’s. Climb up the tower for a great view of the city, one of the best things to see in Bordeaux.

If shopping is your thing, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the place to go. At 3/4 of a mile long, it’s the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe.

Rue Sainte-Catherine has over 250 stores—including high-end options, French brands, and bargain stores—along with cafés and restaurants. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a nice place to relax in a café and do some people watching.

La Cité du Vin (“The City of Wine,” in English) is Bordeaux’s love letter to wine. It’s fitting that one of the best wine regions in the world is home to one of the best museums in the world—not just wine museums, but museums, period .

La Cité du Vin is completely interactive. You simply wave your audio guide in front of a panel, and you’re transported into the middle of the exhibit. That may mean sipping wine with vintners from the Middle Ages or identifying the aromas commonly found in fruity white varietals. There’s plenty to scratch, sniff, and see. In one room, you nearly lie down as the vineyards of the world surround you.

The museum goes well beyond Bordeaux wines. It covers the history and the process of wine making from its origins millennia ago, and it highlights what makes different wines around the world special. All the education gets put to good use by the end of the visit when you can sample several wines of your choosing from the bar with gorgeous views over Bordeaux. During our visit, they offered a couple of local selections, but there were also wines from Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and other unexpected wine regions .

In addition to the museum, La Cité du Vin hosts classes and special events. There are wine tasting workshops—often with cheese, chocolate, or other delicious bites—happy hours, and even performances.

La Cité du Vin is one of the busiest Bordeaux tourist attractions. We went early on a weekend morning in the spring, and it was packed, so plan your time accordingly if the museum is on your Bordeaux sightseeing list.

Without fail, every time we told a local we were planning to visit Arcachon, they let out a happy sigh followed by a big smile and, “you’ll love Arcachon…and you must visit the dune!” They were right.

About an hour from Bordeaux on the Atlantic Ocean is the paradise of Arcachon. This beach city with golden sand and clear water is made for swimming, shopping, relaxing, and oyster eating.

The 350 oyster farms in Arachon Bay are small producers selling almost entirely to locals and nearby restaurants. Without middle men or exporting, the oysters are some of the freshest you’ll ever taste. Finding a seaside spot to enjoy a platter along with a white Bordeaux or bubbly is one of the main activities here.

Nearby, you’ll find the Pilat dune, the highest sand dune in Europe. From the 350-foot-high summit you get panoramic views of the bay, the point of Cap Ferret, and the sprawling pine forest. The weather wasn’t on our side the day we made the trip (Lance braved it in the rain), so it’s high on our list for next time.

We love visiting markets when we travel because they give us a chance to interact with locals and because of the ambiance—people are almost always happy when they’re shopping and eating good things. In Bordeaux, you can have this experience almost every day of the year. Markets around the city feature food, flowers, clothing, crafts, and books year-round.

Marché des Capucins is the city’s largest market, and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Bordeaux. With all the things you’d hope for from a French food market like pungent goat cheese, herbs, and fresh produce, it’s a great place to pick up Bordelaise specialties and reminded us why we once planned a whole trip devoted to visiting the colorful markets of the South of France .

Another good option is the Quays Market that happens every Sunday morning on the banks of the Garrone. More than 60 food stands supply locals with their week’s shopping, and there are plenty of places to sample the wares. If you aren’t able to visit Arcachon, a local market like this is an ideal place to try oysters affordably.

We enjoyed the outdoor market Marché Royal at Saint Michel. Every Saturday, food stalls, food trucks, crafts, and flea market vendors put on this huge market with over 150 sellers. The quality is high, and the smells are enticing.

For nearly 1000 years, a church has stood on the spot of Cathedral Saint-Andre in the heart of Bordeaux. A witness to a vast amount of Bordeaux’s illustrious history, most of the current structure was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Cathedral Saint-Andre is the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux and is renowned as the place where 15-year-old Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII in 1137, shortly before she became Queen of France. As with other grand French cathedrals, Saint-Andre has magnificent vaulted ceilings and stunning stained glass.

If the cathedral isn’t open, visit its freestanding bell tower. Tour Pey-Berland next to the cathedral is a Bordeaux must see. Built in 1440, heading up its 229 steps offers another spectacular view over the city.

The main purpose of Bord’eau Village is shopping. On Sundays, it’s the home of the Quays Market mentioned above, but it’s also a mall with 34 boutiques, furniture shops, and cooking stores. We loved it best for the view and the promenade, though.

At Bord’eau Village, there are more than 10 cafés where you can grab a waterfront table and just relax with coffee or one of Bordeaux’s finest wines in-hand while enjoying the river. Happy hour and weekends are the busiest times with friends and families meeting up to enjoy the nice weather, hang out, and bike and roller blade along the water.

The sloping, cobbled lanes of Saint-Emilion have welcomed visitors for centuries. Just a 30-minute train ride or 45-minute drive, this ancient village is an ideal location for a day trip from Bordeaux.

Saint-Emilion is renowned primarily for two things—its Monolithic Church and the rich red wines produced in the surrounding area. The hulking underground church was dug out of limestone in the early 12th century in honor of the hermit monk Emilion who lived in a cave on the site 400 years earlier. The tourism office runs tours of the church, the catacombs, and related sites, which is the only way to get an inside look at this part of the village’s history.

In addition to the tour, the village of Saint-Emilion itself is lovely. Wander the steep alleys, visit the shops, and take in the views. L’Envers du Décor was our pick for lunch, and you can stop by the historic Les Cordeliers cloisters to enjoy the grounds and taste their range of Crémant de Bordeaux sparkling wines.

There are nearly 1000 chateaux to choose from in Saint-Emilion, and the tourism office can suggest a few that are open the day of your visit, if you’re not able to make plans in advance. The first weekend of May—as we found by happy accident—is Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes (“open doors,” in English), a time when many chateaux open for tours, tastings, and special events without the need for reservations. It’s an ideal time to visit if you want to taste lots of Saint-Emilion wines.

As with many famous wine regions in Europe (there are exceptions such as Alsace ), Bordeaux wines are classified by location rather than by grape. That means that instead of a Merlot or a Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll find a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, which is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. That can make wine tasting a little confusing if you’re not a wine expert, but, luckily, the experts are very happy to help.

Most chateaux in Bordeaux require reservations to visit, and the appointments are generally individual. Visits are often about an hour, though they can run up to 90 minutes, so it’s helpful to leave some extra time if you’re visiting several in a row. Some chateaux also have on-site restaurants featuring wine pairings, which is an unforgettable experience, if you have the time in your schedule.

There are thousands of wineries to choose from across the Bordeaux wine region. They vary in age, size, facilities, and the wines they produce. Our goal on our Bordeaux trip was to try a variety of reds and whites of different appellations . If you’re short on time, you may taste more by focusing on visiting a few chateaux in one region.

These are the chateaux we particularly enjoyed.

Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron

Commonly referred to as Pichon Baron , this castle-like chateau in the Pauillac appellation is one of the finest estates in Bordeaux. Founded in 1694, the property has been in its current state since the 1850s when the grand chateau was built and the land was divided among siblings.

With 73 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot along the Gironde estuary, Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron produces renowned wines made for aging. A tour includes a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the barrel room, and a look at the history of the estate. We loved tasting their full-bodied, rich, tannic wines that are otherwise beyond many people’s price point, including ours (bottles begin around $100 and extend beyond $3000).

Chateau d’Agassac

Visiting Chateau d’Agassac , a Haut-Medoc estate, is a dream. Just 20 minutes from the city of Bordeaux, the chateau evokes a fairy tale feel, complete with a moat surrounding the property.

Chateau d’Agassac was built in the 13th century and the winery was established in 1792, making it one of the oldest chateaux in the Medoc. Today, they grow 43 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc that go into their five wines, some of which have been named among the best in the world.

The tour includes a look at the grounds and the winery’s efforts to keep both the estate and the wine as natural as possible. You can even book a picnic on the grounds, if you wish.

Chateau de Portets

Located in the Graves region, Chateau de Portets produces both red and white wines from the grapes grown on the property. The site is full of history—the chateau itself is built on the site of an ancient fortress and for 200 years was the home of the Baron of Portets. With an important river port on the property, the Chateau played a role in local commerce for centuries and welcomed prominent people like Napoleon and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The tour of Chateau de Portets includes interactive components showing how they plant, monitor, and harvest their vineyards, as well as their aging process. A family-run winery since 1956, the enthusiasm for their business and sharing their love of wine is evident in every step. After visiting the barrel room and tasting three wines, we wandered the beautiful grounds along the river and saw the 14th-century tower.

Chateau Filhot

Chateau Filhot , an estate in the Sauternes region, dates from the mid-1600s. It has been run by the same family since before the French Revolution, a rarity in Bordeaux. About 20% of the estate’s 350 hectares are dedicated to growing Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The remainder is forests, parkland, and lakes, which makes it a beautiful place to visit and a great location for the concerts and other events the Chateau hosts throughout the year.

Sauternes is a unique sweet wine that results when the sugars in the grapes are concentrated by botrytis cinereal , also known as nobel rot. Chateau Filot makes several different wines, including its signature, oak-aged Chateau Filot, its second wine Chateau Pineau du Rey, and a lighter third wine called Zest that is often drunk as an aperitif. We bought several bottles to drink now and to age for a few years.

Chateau Pipeau

The newest winery we visited on our Bordeaux trip, Chateau Pipeau, is in the hands of fourth-generation wine makers, which tells you a lot about the deep history of wine production in the region. Founded in 1929, Chateau Pipeau produces Saint-Emilion Grand Cru at their 25-hectare, Right Bank winery.

As with the other chateaux, a visit to Pipeau included a look at their production facilities, vineyards, and barrel room. The estate itself is modest compared to some of the regal sites we visited, but the wine is some of the best in the appellation. In addition to the Grand Cru, we tasted an Entre-Deux-Mers AOC Bordeaux from Chateau Joinin, another winery run by the same family. Less than 2 miles from the old town of Saint-Emilion, Chateau Pipeau is a perfect spot for wine tasting on a day trip to the region.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Monday 29th of April 2024

Excellent article! I’m headed to Bordeaux for 3 weeks to study French. Look forward to seeing it all and tasting it all!

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Thanks for your blog. We are very interested in visiting. Can we just rely on public transportation for all these activities? How can we visit the wineries without renting a car? Thanks.

Laura Longwell

Monday 8th of January 2024

Everything in town is easily accessible, and you can take the train to Arcachon and Saint-Emilion. Chateau de Portets and Chateau d’Agassac seem like they may be possible to visit via public transportation, but you'd have to walk about 1km. I would suggest checking out their websites or contacting them directly to see if they can provide more information (every winery we contacted before visiting was very responsive).

Alternatively, I would suggest a tour--you'll have less control but will be assured of easy arrival/departure at the wineries. Some suggestions... Two chateaux: https://gyg.me/UeMHmbaq Three chateaux: https://gyg.me/RaAdaid2 Arcachon/dune: https://gyg.me/OUENEwvq

Tony Powell

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

Hi Laura, We are returning to Paris then Bordeaux at end of February / early March. We love both cities, we are spending 10 nights in Bordeaux on this trip. There have been a few changes in Bordeaux since our last trip, La Cité du Vin for one. We are also visiting the fantastic people at Chateau de Portets this trip. We are also visiting many of the other vineyards and chateaux in this world famous wine region. Your article is very interesting and informative about what this city and region has to offer. We will be definately visiting Arcachon the seafood capital of the region, white wine and oysters, fantastic.

Monday 28th of August 2023

@Tony Powell, interesting read. thank you. We'll be in Bordeaux for 6 days this September. I loved your idea of going to a vineyard And having lunch there. Any suggestions? Also, any suggetions for places to eat in Bordeaux city/

Chris Backe

Thursday 9th of May 2019

OK, so the Quai de Bacalan food hall looked good...

But you had me at whisky distillery...

How pretentious does the city feel? Serious question - you hear it more about Paris...

Friday 10th of May 2019

Not a bit. There's tons of history, but there have been so many renovation and revitalization projects recently (and ongoing), that there's a very energetic, fun vibe.

3 Days in Bordeaux: The Perfect Itinerary for your Trip (2024)

• March 27, 2024
• by Jenoa Matthes

Are you planning to visit Bordeaux for a few days? We are sharing a complete itinerary in this guide.

We recently spent 2 weeks in Bordeaux visiting the main attractions, eating at fantastic restaurants, and discovering hidden gems. It’s safe to say – we fell in love with this spectacular city.

Based on our experience, 3 days is the perfect amount of time for a short stay in Bordeaux. You have enough time to visit the world famous vineyards, taste some local wines, and explore the city’s main sites.

This 3 days in Bordeaux guide includes the best things to do, our favorite places to eat, our top hotel picks, and practical information to help you plan the perfect trip.

Day 1: Bordeaux Itinerary

Put on your walking shoes because your first day in Bordeaux includes a self-guided tour of Bordeaux’s historic center, and you’ll be walking a lot. Day 1 includes an overview of the main attractions in the city, and we’ve put together an ideal walking route below.

If you prefer to see the main sites with a guide, you can book a half-day walking tour with a local guide. We did something similar, except it was a food tour, and we absolutely loved it. Here are a couple of great options to choose from:

• Private Walking Tour : A highly-rated 2-3 hour private walking tour to Bordeaux’s top attractions with a fantastic local guide.
• Walking Food Tour: This small-group tour takes you around Bordeaux for a tasting of the region’s specialties – from wine to dessert! It’s focused on food – not sightseeing – so you’ll have to make time to visit the main sites after the tour.

Start at the Places des Quinconces

The Place des Quinconces is a fantastic place to start off your 3 days in Bordeaux. This tree-lined square is located in the center of the city, and it’s also one of Europe’s largest squares at 12.5 hectares (or 31 acres) in size.

Head towards the fountain with the tall column in the center. This is called the Monument aux Girondins, which is a memorial to the Girondins who were killed during the Reign of Terror.

The Girondins were a political group from Gironde (the department in France where Bordeaux is located) and early supporters of the French Revolution. They were eventually killed by the guillotine because of their differences with another popular political group during the revolution.

On top of the tall column is a woman signifying freedom who is holding a broken chain. Around the monument you will find many bronze sculptures that represent the French Republic.

After a look at the statue and fountain, meander through the rest of the square and under the rows of trees. Many of Bordeaux’s large festivals and events take place here, such as the bi-annual Bordeaux Quinconces Brocante (flea market) that brings in hundreds of thousands of people per year.

Tip: The Bordeaux Office of Tourism is located next to this square, so if you need to stop in for a map or to pick up your Bordeaux City Pass, this is the time and place to do just that.

Opera National & Place de la Comédie

Just a short 5-minute walk from the Place des Quinconces is another grand square in Bordeaux – Place de la Comédie. On one side of the square is Bordeaux’s National Opera, a stunning 18th century theater that hosts performances throughout the year.

We highly recommend reserving a seat at a performance of the opera, ballet, or orchestra, as the interior of this grand theater is one of the most impressive in Europe. We were lucky because our visit to Bordeaux aligned with European Heritage Days, where many museums, palaces, and theaters are open to the public for free.

We got to tour the inside of the theater, plus rooms that usually closed to the public, such as the costume department, which sits above the theater. European Heritage Days in France are from Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, September 22 in 2024 in case your trip to Bordeaux aligns with those dates.

The Place de la Comédie is also the start of the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe – Rue Sainte-Catherine. This 1.2km-long street is home to both small boutiques and large department stores and is worth a wander.

Opposite the theater is one of Bordeaux’s grandest hotels, the InterContinental Bordeaux . We recommend stopping by their rooftop bar for a drink in the evening.

Tip: L’Entrecôte is one of the most popular restaurants in Bordeaux and is considered an institution in France. The menu is simple – steak with sauce and fries. It’s located in the Place de La Comédie and the line can get long. If you plan to eat here, make sure to arrive early.

READ ALSO: One Day Bordeaux Itinerary

Place de La Bourse

From the Place de la Comédie, make your way through the small streets to Place du Parlement. This is one of Bordeaux’s most lively squares. In the evening, the square is filled with locals socializing at the cafes after the workday.

This is a great spot to stop by for a drink later in the evening.

Follow Rue Fernand Philippart until you reach the Place de La Bourse. Flanked with elegant 18th century buildings and a large fountain in the center, this is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bordeaux.

The Place de La Bourse means “Stock Exchange Square” and several governmental institutions, such as the Chamber of Commerce, fill these buildings today.

Walk around the square and then cross the street to the Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror). You may recognize the view of the reflecting pool and Place de La Bourse, as this picture-perfect image is the symbol of Bordeaux.

Tip: Come back to the Miroir d’Eau after sunset one evening to see the buildings lit up and reflected on the pool. The view is beautiful.

Porte Cailhau

Make your way along the riverfront until you reach Porte Cailhau. This Medieval gate dates back to the 15th century and used to be one of two main entrances into the old city.

We recommend climbing to the top for views overlooking the Garonne river and the charming Place du Palais square. The cost is €5 per person, and it’s worth it based on our experience.

Practical Info: The Porte Cailhau is open daily from April to October, and from Wednesday to Sunday between November and March. Hours vary. You can reserve your time slot online in advance, or purchase tickets upon arrival. Included in the Bordeaux City Pass.

Grosse Cloche

Your next stop is the Grosse Cloche, just a 10-minute walk from the Porte Cailhau. This is Bordeaux’s second Medieval gate and also dates back to the 15th century.

The bell at the top of the tower was installed in the late 18th century and weighs over 7,700kg, or 17,000 pounds.

Don’t get too excited to hear it ring. Since it’s over 200-years-old, the bell only rings on the first Sunday of the month and on special holidays, such as New Year’s Day and Bastille Day in July, in order to preserve it.

Tip: For breakfast or coffee one morning, go to Books & Coffee . This small cafe is located on the same street as the Grosse Cloche. The cafe’s outdoor tables offer the best view of this gate. Try to arrive at opening to secure a spot outside.

Basilique Saint Michel

Your final stop before lunch is the Basilique Saint Michel located in Place Canteloup. This impressive Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and took over 200 years to construct. It was completed in the 16th century.

The bell tower, known as La Flèche, which is a separate structure from the church, is the tallest tower in southern France at 114 meters tall.

Marché Royal: On Saturday mornings, there is a huge outdoor market underneath the bell tower with vendors selling fresh produce and food.

An additional market takes place on Wednesday mornings. This is not a food market. Instead, you’ll find vendors selling books, vintage items, and other oddities.

Tip: You can usually climb to the top of La Flèche bell tower; however, it’s currently under construction and is not expected to be completed until 2026 or later.

READ ALSO: 2 Days in Bordeaux Itinerary

Lunch at La Table Deruelle

In the same square as Basilique Saint Michel is one of our favorite restaurants in Bordeaux. La Table Deruelle is a fantastic family-run restaurant that serves a delicious menu focused around cheese.

The family actually owns one of the best cheese shops in Bordeaux called Fromagerie Deruelle , which we highly recommend checking out. If you have time, buy a few cheeses from the shop, a baguette from a local bakery, some fruit from the market, and have your own picnic. It’s our favorite way to try out a bunch of local foods in France.

The menu at La Table Deruelle is simple and they often only have a few options to choose from, including seasonal specialties. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Make sure to reserve online a few days in advance because tables do book up.

Another lunch option: The Marché des Capucins is an 8-minute walk from this square. Another option for lunch is to head straight to the market after visiting the cathedral. It’s an 8-minute walk.

The covered market has several food stalls where you can try everything from a charcuterie board to fresh oysters from the Arcachon Bay at Chez Jean-Mi. Many of these food stalls close between 1:00-3:30, so you’ll need to try to get there around noon if you can.

Saint-Andre Cathedral

Saint-Andre Cathedral, also known as the Bordeaux Cathedral, is your next stop on this itinerary, and it’s about a 20-minute walk from lunch. An alternative option is to take Tram B from Place de la Victoire, which will save you a few minutes of walking.

This cathedral transformed from Romanesque architecture in the 11-12th centuries to Gothic architecture in the 14th-15th centuries, which is mainly what you see today.

The most important event that was held at this cathedral was the wedding of Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1137. They were married a few days before Louis VII was crowned King of France.

There is a small fee to visit the cathedral and opening hours vary throughout the year, so it’s best to double check online before your visit.

Pey Berland Tower

Pey Berland is Saint-Andre’s bell tower. The tower is 66 meters (217 feet) tall and used to be the tallest building in the city. Of course, this title is now held by La Flèche, the bell tower at Basilique Saint Michel.

We highly recommend climbing up the 229 steps to the top of the tower. The views from here are spectacular. You can see over the entire city center and the Garonne river.

Tickets cost €9 and 2024 opening hours are below:

• October 2, 2023 – May 20, 2024: Open daily from 10:00am – 12:30pm & 2:00 – 5:30pm
• May 21, 2024 – September 23, 2024: Open daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm

Reserve your time slot online in advance if you are visiting Bordeaux during peak season (June to October).

Wander through the streets

After a busy day of sightseeing, take some time to meander through the charming streets and explore Bordeaux on your own. Stop into some local shops, buy some wine from a wine store, or check out some of the fun clothing stores.

We suggest popping into Librairie Mollat , one of the largest bookstores in France, to check out their selection of reads. Even though we don’t read French fluently, it’s still fun to browse the local book shop.

Rue Saint-Catherine is the shopping street in Bordeaux if you’re looking to browse or shop for some clothes. Many of the high-end designer stores are located on Cours de l’Intendance.

Taste the local desserts

We are big fans of eating dessert before dinner, and even if you aren’t, you should make an excuse just this once. Bordeaux is famous for two desserts in particular: Canelés and Dunes Blanches. Both are small and can be eaten in the same sitting.

The Canelé is a small custard-like dessert that is flavored with rum and vanilla. You’ll find them all over the city at two shops in particular: La Toque Cuivree and Baillardran Bordeaux . We’ve tried canelés from both places and you can’t go wrong with either.

Maybe you should do your own tasting? Buy a canelé from each shop and let us know which one is your favorite in the comment section.

The second must-try dessert are Dunes Blanches . These delicious cream puffs are stuffed with a light and airy chantilly cream and then topped with sugar crystals and powdered sugar.

They offer seasonal flavors. When we visited, we tried a chocolate and pear combination – incroyable. You need a box of 4 at minimum to be satisfied.

Drinks at Bar A Vin

Le Bar A Vin is the best place to get a taste of Bordeaux wines. It’s located in the Maison du Vin (House of Wine) along with the Bordeaux Wine School and the Bordeaux Wine Council.

Students studying to be sommeliers at the Ecole du Vin (wine school) are the waiters at Bar A Vin. So you get to have a professional help guide you with your wine selection.

The menu includes over 30 local wines representing the various appellations in the region, including red wines, white wines, sparkling wines, and sweet wines. Prices for a glass of wine are extremely affordable here.

If you’re interested in doing a wine tasting, or taking a deep dive into Bordeaux wines, you can sign up for a 2-hour or full-day class at the wine school.

Classic French Dinner

After a busy day of sightseeing, a classic French dinner is in order. Much of the cuisine in Bordeaux is centered around meat or fish, usually served with a flavorful sauce.

Fois Gras is a specialty from the region. Fresh oysters come straight from the Arcachon bay. And fresh produce is sourced locally.

Here are a few local restaurants we recommend trying:

• Le Bouchon Bordelais
• La Brasserie Bordelaise
• Chez Dupont

Day 2: Bordeaux Itinerary

Our day 2 itinerary takes you to Bordeaux’s wine museum, La Cité du Vin and also to one of our favorite neighborhoods in the city – the Chartrons District.

You can end your day with a nice walk along the river front, or alternatively, you could book a river cruise. We share more on this below.

La Cité Du Vin

La Cité du Vin is a fantastic museum dedicated to the world of wine. It’s located on the other end of the city, so you either need to take the tram or bike here. The walk from the city center is about 40 minutes along the riverfront.

We rented bikes from one of the V3 self-service bike stations around the city and absolutely loved our ride along the river to the museum. If you’re up for it, we recommend doing this.

The wine museum’s permanent exhibition takes you through the history of wine, from its beginning all the way to the modern day. There are 6 separate rooms with interactive exhibits.

In one room, you’ll learn about different terroirs, or lands, that are used to grow wine. In another, you’ll learn about the wine-making process from start to finish.

It’s a fascinating and educational experience for both wine enthusiasts and non-drinkers. A ticket to the permanent exhibition includes a glass of wine at the end.

For an additional experience, you can book the “Sensory Tasting Journey” , which is a one-hour guided tour with a sommelier. Throughout the tour, you’ll experience the 4 seasons through different art installations, along with drink pairings.

Lastly, the Cite du Vin hosts wine tasting workshops with professional sommeliers where you can learn about the science behind tasting wine.

Plan on spending 3-4 hours at the museum.

Practical Information: The permanent exhibition costs €22 per person. The other experiences, such as the Sensory Tasting Journey and Wine Tasting Workshops cost extra. You can check all ticket options and opening hours online at the official website.

Lunch at Halles De Bacalan

Just a few steps from La Cité du Vin is Les Halles de Bacalan, an indoor food hall. There are a bunch of small restaurants inside serving everything from Italian food and charcuterie boards to Mediterranean-style food and other quick eats.

It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat for lunch before heading back into the city center.

Jardin Public

Make your way back into Bordeaux old town and head to the Jardin Public. This classic French-style park is a lovely spot to wander around or take a break on one of the benches and manicured lawns.

During the spring, summer, and fall, the Botanical Garden inside of the park has beautiful floral and fauna, which is lovely to walk through. We spent many afternoons relaxing at this park in between sightseeing.

Tip: Instead of eating at Les Halles de Bacalan, pick up a baguette sandwich from a nearby bakery and have a picnic in the park.

Explore the Chartrons District

The Chartrons District is one of our favorite parts of Bordeaux to explore. It feels like a local village within the city with small bakeries, antique shops, and local restaurants.

Below, we’re sharing a few of our go-to spots in the neighborhood.

• Au Pétrin Moissagais | This is the oldest bakery in Bordeaux and is a must-visit during your trip. They use an oven from the 1700s to make traditional Gascon Bread , a thick-crusted bread from the region. We recommend getting some of the bread to taste a bit of history. If you ask about the oven and if its not too busy in the shop, they might take you back to tell you a bit about it. We did this and they happily gave us a tour of the bakery and told us about the history of the oven. Other than bread, they sell traditional French viennoiseries.
• Rue Notre Dame | This is the main shopping street of the Chartrons neighborhood, and it’s known for antique shops. Bordeaux is actually famous for its antique markets, such as the bi-annual Brocante des Quinconces, and this is where you’ll find all of the permanent shops year-round. There are also small boutique shops selling clothes, art galleries, and a beautiful church called Église Saint-Louis des Chartrons that’s worth going into.

Note: If you have more time in the day, you can visit the Bassins des Lumieries. This is a unique art exhibit located in an old submarine bunker. It’s a light show that projects art by famous artists onto the walls. We enjoyed our visit here.

Evening on the River

Complete your afternoon with a nice walk along the river, or book an evening river cruise. We recommend this 1.5-hour cruise that includes a glass of wine and a canelé.

A commentator will talk about the history of Bordeaux while you enjoy a relaxing ride along the Garonne river.

Later in the evening, make sure to stop by the Miroir d’Eau at the Place de La Bourse to see the buildings lit up and mirrored on the reflecting pool. It’s especially spectacular to see at night.

Dinner at local restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Bordeaux restaurant that we listed on your day 1 itinerary, or try something a bit different at one of the restaurants listed below.

• L’Entrecôte  – A French institution, this restaurant focuses mainly on two things: steak and fries. Worth a visit if you’re looking to try this classic French dish that is served with a flavorful sauce.
• Le Loup  – A lovely restaurant serving regional French dishes at an affordable price.
• Fufu Ramen – A fantastic ramen place in the heart of the old town. It gets busy, so be prepared to wait!
• Palatino – This Italian restaurant is part of the famous Big Mamma group that has delicious restaurants all around France. We got pizza and pasta here and enjoyed our meal.

Day 3: Bordeaux Itinerary

No visit to Bordeaux is complete without exploring the beautiful wine country just minutes from the city.

There are a few ways you can plan your day trip. You can either book a tour, take the train to Saint Emilion, or rent a car and visit the vineyards on your own.

Book a tour

Booking a tour for your day trip is the easiest and most convenient option. It’s also our recommend option.

Not only will you get to visit the best wineries, you’ll also learn a lot about the region, history, and the process of wine-making from your guide.

Here are a few tours we recommend:

• Full-day Saint Emilion Tour + Wine Tastings : Visit three different Saint Emilion wineries and sample both regional reds and whites. Explore the village of Saint Emilion on a guided walking tour.
• Full-Day tour to Saint Emilion and Medoc : Explore beyond Saint Emilion and try neighboring Medoc wines as well. After your tastings, enjoy a three course French picnic lunch.
• Saint Emilion Electric Bike Wine Tour : Explore the vineyards and the countryside at a slow pace on an electric bike. During the tour, you’ll sample four wines while learning about the winemaking process.

Our tour experience: We booked the full-day e-bike tour of Saint Emilion from Bordeaux. I am personally not a huge wine enthusiast, but I wanted to experience what makes this region so famous.

The e-bike tour was a blast. We loved our guide and riding through the vineyards was so dreamy! If you feel comfortable riding an e-bike, we highly recommend booking this tour.

READ ALSO: Best Medoc Wine Tours & Best Saint Emilion Wine Tours

Train to Saint Emilion

Saint Emilion is one of most well-known appellations of the Bordeaux wine region. This charming village is surrounded by rolling hills and endless vineyards.

You can take the train to Saint Emilion and visit the town on your own. The direct train from Bordeaux takes about 30 minutes. The train station in Saint Emilion is about a 15-minute walk from the village.

Renting a car is a great option if you want to visit some of the grand chateaux, such as Chateau Margaux, in both Medoc and Saint Emilion. You can rent a car from the Bordeaux train station and drop it off that same evening.

We recommend renting your car from Discover Cars , our go-to rental agency in Europe. We’ve rented from them too many times to count and have always had a positive experience.

3 Days in Bordeaux Map

This map includes the best things to do with 3 days in Bordeaux. You can use it to easily navigate your way around.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

72-Hour Bordeaux City Pass

Wondering if you should buy the 72-hour Bordeaux City Pass ? Let’s take a look.

The pass costs €55 per person for three full days. It includes transportation on the city trams and river shuttle, free access to La Cité du Vin, plus other museums and a free walking tour. You can see everything that is included in the pass here.

Here’s a breakdown of the activities that are included in this 3-day Bordeaux itinerary:

• Porte Cailhau – €5 (price without pass)
• Pey-Berland Tower – €9 (price without pass)
• Cite du Vin – €22 (price without pass)
• Tram – €5 day pass or €15 for 3 days (price without pass)

Based on our itinerary, you won’t save money by purchasing the pass if you only do the activities listed above. However, if you take advantage of the free city walking tour and the other museums included in the pass, then it’s definitely worth purchasing.

It really depends on whether or not you add extra activities into your itinerary. We suggest taking a look at everything that’s included in the pass to decide for yourself.

Tips for your trip

• Book restaurants in advance – Book restaurants at least a few days in advance. Many have online booking options, which makes it easy to reserve ahead of time.
• Download the TBM app – If you opt out of the Bordeaux City Pass, which includes the tram, we recommend downloading the TBM APP . Not all tram ticket have a ticket machine, so this makes it easy to purchase tram tickets online without having to buy a physical ticket. We used this during our stay and it was pretty seamless to use.
• Book wine tours ahead of time – If you plan on booking a wine tour, then we recommend booking at least a month or more in advance, especially if you are visiting during the months of September and October. These are the busiest months in Bordeaux because of the fall harvest and tours fill up quickly.

Getting Around Bordeaux

Bordeaux is pretty compact and most of the main attractions are within walking distance from each other. The only exception is the Cité du Vin, which can be reached by tram or bike. You can walk here but it’ll take 40 minutes from the center.

There are trams running throughout the city. This is the best way to get to the train station, wine museum, and anywhere around the city. You can purchase single-ride tickets or day passes.

Additionally, there are many V3 self-service bike stations around the city. Bordeaux is a bike friendly city and this is a fantastic way to get around if you feel comfortable with it.

When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?

Spring, summer, and fall are all great times to visit Bordeaux. Fall season is high season, from early September to late October, as tourists arrive to experience the grape harvest. Expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodation during this time.

We visited Bordeaux at the end of September, and the weather was perfect for sightseeing – it was mild and warm. Again, book accommodation, tours, and restaurants if you are visiting in the fall. They book out early and it’s just all around more expensive.

Summer is warm in Bordeaux, with average highs around 80°F (27°C). Many locals and tourists flock to the beaches during the summer, just an hour from the city.

Spring is lovely with beautiful flowers in bloom and mild temperatures. Expect rain during this time.

Winters are cooler with average highs of 50°F (10°C) in January. The crowds are slim this time of year and many attractions have limited hours, so make sure to double check opening times in advance.

How to Get to Bordeaux

Bordeaux has both a train station and an international airport. We are sharing how to get to Bordeaux below, plus how to get to the city center from both the train station and airport.

Getting to Bordeaux by train

The main train station in Bordeaux is called Bordeaux Saint-Jean. It is located about 3.5km from the center, or 15 minutes via tram.

The station is well-connected with the rest of France and has both high-speed and regional trains. With direct trains to and from cities like Paris and Biarritz, the train is an easy and convenient way to get to Bordeaux.

We recommend booking your high-speed train tickets online at least 3-weeks in advance at the SNCF website to get the best prices.

Bordeaux Train Station to City Center

Getting from Gare Saint-Jean station to Bordeaux city center is simple, and there are two convenient options to choose from. Your first option is to hop on the tram heading towards the city center.

The tram stop is located outside the front of the station and there is a ticket machine where you can purchase single-ride, multiple rides, or day passes. A single-ride ticket costs €1.70.

Alternatively, if your accommodation is not too far from the train station, you can walk. However, the walk to the city center takes 40 minutes, so it’s worth taking the tram with your luggage.

Of course, if you prefer, you can always take a taxi from the train station. Either have your hotel arrange one in advance, or just hail one outside of the station.

Paris to Bordeaux

There is a high-speed train that departs from Paris Montparnasse station many times throughout the day. The direct train takes between 2-2.5 hours each way. You can easily visit Bordeaux on a day trip from Paris.

Getting to Bordeaux by Plane

The closest airport to Bordeaux city center is Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport. If you’re flying internationally, this is your best bet when it comes to getting to Bordeaux. It serves flights from elsewhere in France, as well as other countries across the globe.

Bordeaux airport to Bordeaux city center

The best and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center is via the direct shuttle bus. The shuttle drops you off at the train station and takes 30 minutes each way. From the train station, you can take the tram to your accommodation.

The 30’Direct bus offers rides every hour from the airport, and it costs €8 each way. You can save money by booking your tickets online . For a complete timetable, go to the official site.

Alternatively, you can grab a taxi outside of the airport. It’s faster and more convenient and drops you off directly at your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

There are plenty of nice hotels in Bordeaux. We are picky when choosing hotels because we like to stay in comfortable places with modern amenities and stylish decor.

Here are our top hotel picks:

• Bordeaux Budget Hotel: Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre | This high-rated budget hotel is located in a 19th century building in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Place de la Bourse. The rooms are spacious and clean with an optional breakfast included.
• Bordeaux Boutique Hotel: Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux | This 4-star, highly rated boutique hotel is centrally located in Bordeaux and features beautifully decorated rooms. For those visiting during the summer, the rooms have A/C, which is a huge plus in France. Not only that, but you can enjoy their rooftop terrace with stunning views overlooking the city.
• Bordeaux Mid-Range Hotel: Heym | Located next to the Jardin Public, this gorgeous hotel features spacious rooms and even an indoor swimming pool. Breakfast is included in the price.
• Bordeaux Luxury Hotel: Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa | A stunning 5-star hotel, Le Palais Gallien features an outdoor swimming pool and well-designed rooms. It’s central location makes it convenient for getting around the city by foot.

More Information for your Trip to France

• Bordeaux to Dune du Pilat
• 2 Day Bordeaux Itinerary
• One Day in Bordeaux Itinerary
• Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?
• Best Medoc Wine Tours
• Best Saint Emilion Wine Tours
• Paris to Bordeaux Day Trip

FRANCE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE France Travel Insurance  – Should you get travel insurance for France? YES! We always purchase travel insurance before all of our trips just in case anything happens. Check out  Safety Wing  to find the best plan for you. France Rental Cars  – Is it safe to rent a car in France? Yes! We’ve rented a car in France too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through  Discover Cars  (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. France Phone Plans –  If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in France, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used  Airalo  during our trip to France, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. France Hotels –  Wondering where to book your accommodations for France? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through  Booking  for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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Solo trip to Bordeaux: discover Bordeaux on your own!

How to spend sundays in bordeaux, self-guided tour in bordeaux- go on a walk with me.

• 10 Places to stop on the way between Paris and Bordeaux
• Best wine hotels in Bordeaux – scenic vineyard accommodations
• The most family-friendly restaurants in Bordeaux 
• 10 outdoor activities to do in Arcachon this summer (2024)
• What to do in Bordeaux in July

A weekend in Bordeaux- the ultimate guide from a local

As someone living in this city, writing an article about things to do on a weekend in Bordeaux is not as easy as you might think. This amazing city has so many festivals, art events, amazing coffee places and restaurants that choosing the best things to do over a few days is almost impossible. But I will give it a try nevertheless 🙂 

If have more time to spend in Bordeaux be sure to check out my Bordeaux Customized map and my Audio walking tour in the the city center. I also have a longer article about my 50 favorite things to do in Bordeaux and its region .

A bit about Bordeaux…

A weekend in bordeaux -day 1, a weekend in bordeaux – day 2, useful info when in bordeaux.

For many years, Bordeaux was nicknamed the sleeping beauty. A stunning city turned into a somewhat shady town following years of neglect. However, in the last two decades, the beautify has been awakened following a massive restoration work done by its administration. The goal was to make Bordeaux an attractive town to tourists again and give it back its well-deserved glory. 

The makeover included the restoration of monuments, modern tram lines, a building of a long beautiful promenade, an extensive cleaning of all the facades, and more. That plan was a great success with Bordeaux becoming one of the most interesting and popular destinations in Europe in the last decade. 

Bordeaux has 362 historical monuments (second only to Paris), so to visit them all will probably take weeks. So here in this article, I will cover only the most interesting/ beautiful ones. If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of Bordeaux I highly recommend taking one of these tours: A two hour guided walking tour offered by the tourist office A guided bicycle tour of the historic center and Chartrons district. Classic Bordeaux – Audio Tour – My self-guided walking tour in Bordeaux

Also, despite it being the world capital of wine, I did not include wine-related activities in this article. I believe you need more than two days from that. If however, you do want to include a wine-related experience on your visit here, check out my articles about the Bordeaux wine region and wineries in Saint Emilion . 

Although this guide proposes a specific route to follow, feel free to take whatever you want from the list, and adapt it to your style of travel. You can switch the order of places you’re planning to visit but pay attention to things that are taking place only on Saturdays or Sundays. This list is quite dense so if you come for more than two days, feel free to reduce the pace and take some time to visit the city more calmly, and enjoy its cafés and the general atmosphere.

One last thing before we dive in. If you’re looking for a hotel to stay in during your visit here, check out my posts about the best districts in Bordeaux and about the best places to stay in Bordeaux . I’ve included some beautiful boutique hotels and several more affordable ones.

Place de la Victoire

Start your day from Place de la Victoire, on the southern end of Bordeaux’s shopping street rue Sainte Catherine. The impressive square is recognized by the 18th-century arc and the marble obelisk at its center. 

Its proximity to the busiest street in the city, the University campus, and the numerous cafes and bars give it a very young and happy vibe. It’s not one of my favorite squares in Bordeaux but it’s a great place to start your discovery tour of Bordeaux. If you only have one day in Bordeaux , you can skip Place de la Victoire and focus on the most beautiful monuments in the city.

Marché des Capucins – discover local gastronomy

It’s never too early to start your gastronomic discovery of Bordeaux and for that, there’s no better place than Marché des Capucins . 

The Capucins, the biggest daily market in Bordeaux has everything from stands of fruits and vegetables, sweets, spices, and a bunch of lively cafés and restaurants. It’s the best place to taste some of the specialties of this region like oysters, duck products, and sheep cheese. 

It’s a covered market so you can enjoy it on the city’s numerous rainy days . Most cafes and restaurants also have tables outside where you can have a coffee or an early lunch. During the weekend, the market is packed with locals, who gather to eat oysters accompanied by white wine. Be sure to come early if you want to catch a table. 

Before you go, be sure to check out my article about the best places to eat at the Marché des Capucins . The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, however, be aware that not all the restaurants and stands are open on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you happen to visit on Thursday, I highly recommend booking a market tour with Anne , an American chef living in the region.

Now after opening the morning at the market we can start touring Bordeaux and admire its beautiful architecture. If you followed my advice and went to the market, your next destination should be Saint Michel. From Place des Capucins continue to rue Clare which brings you to the heart of the Saint Michel neighborhood. If you don’t have two full days in Bordeaux skip Saint Michel and go to the next item.

Discover the Saint Michel neighborhood

Saint Michel is skipped by many tourists. But I think that its authentic atmosphere, chic cafes, and markets make it one of the more interesting places in Bordeaux. There are many things to do and see in this area and you have more time to discover the neighborhood, be sure to read my detailed guide to Saint Michel . If, however, you are short in time and just want the “best of”, this is what I suggest:

The Basilica of Saint Michel – classified as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1998 stands at the heart of this lively neighborhood. It is located on the main square, Place Meynard, surrounded by plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

la Flèche Saint-Michel – Just next to the basilica you’ll find the Saint Michel bell tower, one of the main monuments of the city. I highly recommend climbing it to see a magnificent view of Bordeaux.

The market on Saturday – Every Saturday there’s a local market around the Basilica. Even if you don’t need to buy anything I’d still recommend going there on a Saturday morning just for the atmosphere

Antiques – if you love antique markets, whether it’s to buy or just to have a look, you’re at the right place. This neighborhood has several antique places that are open daily. Check out my guide to Saint Michel for a detailed list of addresses.

We are now going to enter the historic center of Bordeaux! If you’re short on time, I recommend starting the tour here!

The Grosse Cloche – one of the most impressive monuments in Bordeaux

From Place Meynard (in Saint Michel) take rue des Faures to get to one of the main streets in the center of Bordeaux (rue Victor Hugo). After a minute’s walk, on your right, you’ll see the spectacular bell town called the Grosse Cloche. 

The 15th-century bell tower is one of the most prominent symbols of Bordeaux. The gate was built on the remains of Porte Saint-Éloy, through which the pilgrims of Saint Jacques passed on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

You will now be entering the historic center of Bordeaux through the Quartier de la Grosse Cloche/ Saint Paul. Let yourself be charmed by the narrow paved streets of this small neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite districts of Bordeaux , full of chic cafés and boutiques. 

Rue Saint James

The first street you encounter when entering through the Grosse Cloche gate is  Rue Saint James. This is one of the most charming streets in the neighborhood, with beautiful coffee shops (such as books and coffee ) chic boutiques, and specialized shops. Take some time to discover this street as well as the lovely narrow streets around it.

Continue on the street until you get to Place Fernand Lafargue. A long time ago this square used to be the city’s market and today it’s one of the best spots for a nice Lunch. The square and the emerging streets are a real food hub with plenty of cafes, bars, and a variety of restaurants from hamburgers to Sushi and Ramen soup.

After you finish strolling around the Grosse Cloche continue on Cr d’Alsace-et-Lorraine until you get to rue Sainte Catherine.

Shop on rue Sainte-Catherine

Sainte Catherine is the longest pedestrian street in France. A long strip of shops where you can find all main clothing retail stores as well as boutiques of cosmetics, jewelry, books, and more. 

The Southern part of the street (closer to Place de la Victoire) is where you’ll find most of the cheap clothing shops. The big chain clothing stores are located in the northern part of the streets. After you finish your shopping go back to Place Saint Projet , a square in the middle of rue Sainte Catherine. Now take rue des Trois-Conils and walk towards the main cathedral of Bordeaux on Place Pey Berland.

Visit the main Cathedral of Bordeaux on Place Pey Berland

Place Pey Berland is one of the most central squares of Bordeaux and home to the main Cathedral of Bordeaux and its town hall. It’s also one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Bordeaux with many coffee places, chocolate shops, museums, and art galleries.

C athédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

The Cathedral of Saint André is the main church of Bordeaux and the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux. It is a Roman Catholic church that was labeled as a national monument of France.  In the evening the Cathedral often hosts concerts of classical music, choirs, and an organ festival during the summer. You can check out more info about the concerts here .

Tour Pey Berland

Just next to the Cathedral, you’ll find its 15th-century bell tower – la Tour Pey Berland. On the top of the tower, the statue of Notre Dame d’Aquitaine rises to the height of 66 m. 

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of Bordeaux climb the 231 stairs of the tower to get to the top. A ticket to the bell tower is 6 euros and free to people below 26 years old. I recommend climbing it only if the weather is good, otherwise, you won’t see much. See the hours and buy tickets here .  *If you have the Bordeaux City Pass , you get free entry to the Tour Pey Berland.

Good places for a coffee break :

Although I’m not a big fan of French coffee, somehow Bordeaux has figured out the secrets of a great brew. Some of the best coffee places in the city are actually in this central neighborhood, among them: Sip , Black list , and l’alchimiste café . If you’re a coffee-lover check out my article about Five coffee places in Bordeaux you don’t want to miss .

Other interesting streets in the Pey Berland neighborhood

From Place Pey Berland continue on rue Vital Carles, alongside the tram B line which goes through the main spots of the center of Bordeaux. On your left, don’t miss one of the city’s establishments –  Librairie Mollat, the oldest independent bookstore in France since 1896.

Another place worth mentioning is Porte Dijeaux . This pretty arc is another gate to the historic center of Bordeaux and has been classified as a historic monument in 1921.

Visit one of Bordeaux’s museums

If you have some time to visit a museum or two in Bordeaux , three of them are located in the Pey Berland neighborhood. It can also be a great option in case it’s raining in Bordeaux . 

Here are three museums in the neighborhood you should know about (all three have free entry with the Bordeaux City Pass ): Musée d’Aquitaine (Bordeuax’s history museum), Musée des Beaux-Arts (the fine-art museum), Museum of Decorative Arts of Bordeaux (currently closed for renovation).

If you skipped the museums continue walking on Vital Carles Street and be ready for a beautiful surprise. At the end of the street, you will turn right to one of the most impressive streets of Bordeaux Cours de l’Intendance. This street conveys the feeling of Bordeaux – historic, beautiful, and very calm- just stand there and take a breath for a second.

Continue on Cours de l’Intendance until you get to Place de la Comédie.

Grand Théâtre – one of the landmarks of Bordeaux

The beautiful 18th-century building on Place de la Comédie will be hard to miss. The Grand Théâtre, the home of the National Opera of Bordeaux is one of Bordeaux’s most important landmarks.  If you have the chance, try to book tickets to one of the concerts at the Opera or the national ballet. 

Have a fancy meal in one of Bordeaux’s great restaurants

If you want to have a fancy meal while in Bordeaux, Place de la Comedie and its surrounding streets are one of the main spots for fine dining in Bordeaux. One of my favorite restaurants in Bordeaux is le Quatrième Mur, which belongs to the famous French chef Philippe Etchebest. The restaurant is located inside the Opera of Bordeaux complete with all its lavish decor. There are of course many other amazing restaurants in Bordeaux such as Bo Tanique and Lauza.

Place des Quinconces

Next on our list is Place des Quinconces, the largest city square in France and one of the biggest ones in Europe. On one of the sides of this enormous square, you’ll find le Monument aux Girondins, a spectacular monument dedicated to the members of a political faction that were killed during the French Revolution. 

Throughout the year, many different events, festivals, and fairs (like the Brocante de Quinconces and the Foire aux Plaisirs) take place on this square. I tend to write a lot about the events that take place in Bordeaux in my newsletter and monthly to-do lists in Bordeaux .

If you’ve been following my guide so far, you’ve probably walked quite a bit. This would be the perfect time to rest in one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful parks .  From Place des, Quinconces continue to Cours du Marechal Foch until you get to Jardin Public.

Do a picnic in Jardin Public

Jardin Public is the largest park in the center of Bordeaux with more than 300 trees and vast green planes – a perfect place for a picnic. It has a large pond (with ducks and geese!), great facilities for kids, and even a nice coffee place. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth visiting the Natural History Museum, located in the park. Read my article about all the other fun stuff you can do with kids in Bordeaux .

If you want to know more about parks and gardens in Bordeaux check out my article with plenty of places for picnics in Bordeaux .

Now back to the city and to the last stop on the first day of discovering Bordeaux – the Chartrons neighborhood. Leave the park from Cours Xavier Arnozan and continue towards the Garonne river. On your right don’t miss the CAPC, the Contemporary art museum of Bordeaux. This beautiful building was previously used as a warehouse for colonial foodstuffs and today is the house of contemporary art in Bordeaux, curating many exhibitions.

Now turn left on rue Notre Dame to enter the Chartrons neighborhood.

Visit the northern chic district of Bordeaux –  Les Chartrons

Located to the north of Bordeaux’s center, Chartrons is a very popular neighborhood with chic boutiques, antiques, and a lot of restaurants. The most interesting part of Chartrons is the main street, rue Notre Dame which is also one of the most foodie streets in Bordeaux . Don’t miss Eglise Saint-Louis des Chartrons , a 19th-century Neo-Gothic church.

Turn left straight after the church to get to the heart of the neighborhood- Halle des Chartrons. There are plenty of restaurants around the central square, with good lunch menus. The Halle des Chartrons often hosts activities and exhibitions, so take a peek inside to see if there’s anything going on. 

If you want to discover all the interesting places you can visit in the Chartrons district check out my article about the best things to do in Chartrons .

Start the day at Place du Palais Station (Tram A) to enter the Saint Pierre Neighborhood.

Enjoy the squares of the Saint Pierre neighborhood

Saint Pierre is the most ancient district of Bordeaux and the tourist heart of the city. There aren’t any major monuments to see in this part of town but the little narrow paved streets and the beautiful lively squares are what make it one of the more pleasant places in Bordeaux.

I’ll mention some of the best things to do in this neighborhood, but I really recommend just taking a few hours to get lost in the charming narrow streets and get a feel of historic Bordeaux.

Porte Cailhau

From Cours d’Alsace et Lorraine turn to place du Palais. This is the first of many squares you’ll see while touring the neighborhood and probably the most beautiful one. 

The magnificent Porte Cailhau, a monument that looks like it has been taken from a fairy tale cannot be missed. This gate was built in 1495 to commemorate the glory of King Charles VIII. On the square itself, you’ll find a few nice cafes and restaurants with a view of the medieval gate. One I particularly like here is Tutiac, Le Bistro Vignerons.

There are three other squares worth mentioning in this neighborhood, all of which are beautiful and abundant with cute terrace restaurants. Each one is quite unique and worth a visit, but if you don’t have much time don’t feel obligated to visit all the squares.

Place Camille Julian

Place Camille Julian is one of the busiest squares in towns. Its main highlight is Utopia, a monastery turned into a cinema with a varied program of both blockbuster movies and small independent films.

Place Saint Pierre

The little square of Place Saint Pierre is where Bordeaux was born in the 3rd century. In the center stands the main church of the neighborhood Gothic Flamboyant styled Église Saint-Pierre. This historic monument used to be the main praying temple of the craftsmen and traders living in the area in medieval times. 

Place du Parlement

Another beautiful square in this lovely neighborhood is Place du Parlement, which was classified as a historic monument in 1952. This is yet another spot with many cafés with tables outside, perfect for a sunny day in Bordeaux. The Parlement square is located just a few steps from one of the important squares of Bordeaux – Place de la Bourse.

Miroir d’eau – the most popular attraction in Bordeaux

From Place du Parlement continue to rue Fernand Philippart until you reach Place de la Bourse , a masterpiece of classic French architecture from the 18th century. Don’t miss the famous mascarons of Bordeaux, the little faces looking at you from the arches of the buildings.  There are more than 3000 of them decorating the buildings and monuments of Bordeaux.

In front, on the quay of the Garonne River, you’ll find one of the most popular attractions in Bordeaux – le Miroir d’eau! This modern monument, built in 2006, is the world’s largest reflecting pool. The surface is made from blue granite covered in water, reflecting the 18th-century Place de la Bourse.

Take a walk on the quai – Bordeaux’s promenade

The promenade on the board of the Garonne is one of Bordeaux’s highlights. In recent years, since the renovation of the area, the riverfront has become one of the city’s most central spots, hosting many events and festivals during the summer. 

The 4.5 km promenade is also perfect for a walk or a bicycle tour . The most interesting part of it is between the two bridges of Bordeaux – Pont Saint Pierre in the center and Pont Chaban Delmas in the north of the city. This trail includes the water mirror as well as big playgrounds for kids, restaurants with a view of the river, and the Chartrons Market, which is our next stop.

This is part of the trail you’ll do if you take the guided cycling tour .

Shop and dine at the Chartrons market

One of the best markets in Bordeaux takes place every Sunday morning at Quai de Chartrons. The Chartrons market hosts dozens of food stalls, fruits, vegetables, cheese, fish, and plenty of food trucks. 

The market is usually quite busy with both locals and tourists, especially if you come towards noon, but it’s still worth the visit. For many visitors, the main attraction is the few stalls with oysters and a bottle of dry white wine. This, in a way, embodies life in the region 🙂

For more info about the market and other places around it read my article about the best places to visit in the Chartrons district .

Bacalan – discover the northern part of Bordeaux

From here (if you have more time left) you can discover the Bacalan, the northern district of Bordeaux . From the market just continue walking north on the riverfront until you reach the Chaban Delmas bridge.

Pont Chaban Delmas

Pont Chaban Delmas is a modern bridge, named after the previous mayor of the city, which was inaugurated in 2013. It’s the longest vertical-lift bridge in Europe and seeing it elevating to let the tall ships pass is a very impressive sight. On the way there you will pass by several hangars that were turned into restaurants, boutiques, and a fantastic science museum for kids (Cap Sciences).

La Cité du Vin – Bordeaux wine museum

Just next to the bridge, you’ll find one of Bordeaux’s main attractions – la cité du vin . The Wine Museum of Bordeaux is a one-of-a-kind cultural center, all dedicated to discovering the wine world . It’s a “must” place for wine lovers but can also be very interesting and enjoyable for people who don’t drink at all. 

The museum offers an immersive exhibition to help you discover both French and global wine history. You will learn about winemaking, see movies and interviews with wine producers and then smell and taste wine. 

Click here to buy tickets to the wine museum in advance to avoid the line.

Read more about visiting the world’s best wine museum in my article about the Cité du Vin .

Les Halles de Bacalan

Les Halles de Bacalan is a covered market, located just in front of the Cité du Vin and hosts tens of stalls with amazing food and drinks. It’s a perfect place to stop by for a snack or a drink when discovering the Bacalan district .

Take a boat to the other side of the Garonne

Now it’s time to discover the other side of the Garonne river – the Bastide neighborhood. It’s yet another district of Bordeaux worth exploring if you have time . There are a few ways to get to the Bastide district. You can either cross the bridge (it’s a very nice walk but will take some time), take a bus or take a boat. 

Since 2013 the public transport system in Bordeaux has introduced a ferry (navette fluviale)  that will cross you over to the other side. The ferry which operates from 7 am to 7 pm, stops at five stations: Stalingrad, Quinconces, les Hangars, La Cité du Vin and Lormont. If you followed my guide up to now, take the navette at La Cité du Vin and get down at Stalingrad (on the other side of the river).

Take a look at the ferry timetable here .

You can use the boat and all other public transport in Bordeaux free of charge if you have the Bordeaux City Pass . 

Jardin Botanique

Arriving from Place de Stalingrad you have a nice walk on the riverfront to get to our next stop. On the way don’t miss le Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux. This beautiful park was created to allow the wide public to discover the world of plants, biodiversity, and sustainability. It’s definitely not a must-stop, but can be a great spot for a picnic with kids. 

From the part continue straight on the riverfront until you get to our next stop – Darwin.

Darwin – the hipster hub of Bordeaux

Darwin is probably one of the most surprising places in Bordeaux. An old military base turned into an urban space with a workspace/incubator for startups, a skate park for all ages, a restaurant, and many other surprises, all with an agenda of ecological awareness. 

Whether alone or with kids you can spend hours in Darwin. One of the buildings hosts the restaurant and the Darwin products store with a huge selection of different organic products. 

Darwin is also an extraordinary hub of street art done by many local and international street artists. The place hosts many cool events so don’t be surprised if suddenly you see an artisan market or a collection of old cars on display.

It’s also one of the best places to hide from the rain on one of Bordeaux’s many rainy days .

This is the end of our weekend journey in Bordeaux! Before I leave you, here are some useful links:

The Bordeaux expats blog is a great source of info for people considering moving to Bordeaux. 

The site of the tourist office in Bordeaux has loads of information about all the points of interest in the city as well as about most of the main events. They also offer a lot of tours in and around Bordeaux – so check it out here .

The official site of Bordeaux offers a lot of interesting info about the places you will see (in French)- read it her e .

As I said, Bordeaux has a lot to offer! It’s hard to see everything if you only have a day or two but don’t be stressed, just take the time to enjoy the city. 

If you have only one day, I recommend following this article instead .

Where to stay in Bordeaux 

Before we end I want to help out those who are looking for accommodation in Bordeaux! If you’re looking for a hotel, I have an article with recommendations about the  best hotels in Bordeaux  for different budgets.  If you’re looking for an Airbnb or just want to understand where you should stay in Bordeaux, you should definitely read my  Bordeaux districts guide . 

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:

Facebook  | Instagram  | Email   |  Facebook group

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux you may also like to read some of the following “intro to Bordeaux” articles I wrote: The Ultimate Guide to a weekend Bordeaux  The best districts in Bordeaux  Where to stay in Bordeaux  What to do in one day in Bordeaux Things to do with kids in Bordeaux

If you like this article and want to read it again when you’re in Bordeaux – Save it to your Pinterest board!

* 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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16 Comments

Thank you for your very helpful information! I’m planning our family trip to France and plan to spend a few days in Bordeaux. May I ask, would you recommend taking the train from Paris or renting a car? It seems everything is walking distance from the city center, but I wasn’t sure if you think having our own car to stop at any vineyards is a good idea, or just do wine tastings in the city since we don’t speak French. Thank you for your suggestion!

Thank you very much Sheryl! First of all, I definitely recommend taking the train from Paris, it’s only 2 hours by train and much better than being stuck in the car for about 7 hours. You don’t need a car in Bordeaux itself as it’s not a big city and in any case there’s a very good tram system here. About going to the vineyards, there are thousands of vineyards here and many of them have at least one guide speaking English so it’s you should definitely go out of Bordeaux to visit at least one of them. There are several options to do that, if you don’t want to rent a car you can take a train to Saint Emilion and there are several wineries that are located very close to the center. I believe that renting a car is worth it as it can be an amazing day outside, seeing the wine road and visiting more distant wineries, but it’s definitely not a must. Here are a few suggestions for wineries to visit: https://www.lostinbordeaux.com/the-best-wineries-to-visit-in-saint-emilion/

I am planning a solo trip to Bordeaux for 5 nights in August and I have found your post SO helpful! Being a female travelling alone, you have given me lots of information to make the very best of my trip. I am a wine loving foodie, so I should fit in pretty well. I will let you know how I get on, and how much I use your generous information!

Such a great article! We’re planning to visit in September, so thanks for all the great info!

Thank you so much Rissa! You’re going to have such a great time. Check out my latest article about things to do in September.

Excellent source of information – thank you so much!!

Thank you so much Caroline! Hope you enjoyed Bordeaux!

Wow. What a detailed information. I plan to visit there with my Husband and 6 yr old in July. I plan to stay in Dordogne and visit Bordeaux for a day trip. I would be certain to use these tips while there. My question is , we will be driving Can we park the car at some place to explore the city on feet? How much would it generally cost? Thanks a ton for this. I am definitely saving this one.

Thank you so much!!! About Parking, generally in the city center parking is quite expensive, unless you come on Sunday when parking is free on many of the streets. What many people do is park in one of the park and rides and take the tram. That would usually cost 5 euros. This is the link to all the park and rides in Bordeaux https://www.infotbm.com/en/mode/dynamic-plan/poi/2/15?fbclid=IwAR0CSH_ZtWrjqPp_CpKRInUe-rQ5wKrU-TPff7pDNkXAWlJvfH81cno7fEQ You can also park in one of the commercial centers (like IKEA) for free and take the tram to the city center. Hope it helps 🙂

Hello again, Much thanks for your in-depth information about Bordeaux & all the wonderful things that we’re looking forward to experiencing there! Working diligently on our long -stay paperwork & purging stuff! Can you suggest a few airnub places not too far off from some walkable markets (food & pillows/ & thrift type) you mentioned. We’re actively retired & bringing my dog 🐕 Starbuck who loves everyone! Mainly, we ‘ll need something for about 2-3 wks. depending upon price, as we’ld like to get into a more permanent affordable apt. Off the beaten path….windy little streets…? Anyway anything you can suggest greatly appreciated! Oh, what do French people like from America?

My wife and I spend a long May weekend in Bordeaux and your post was extremely helpful indeed. In my opinion you did an excellent job in providing a solid blueprint for covering the essence of Bordeaux in a few days … you could easily spend the summer here.

Kind regards & thanks, Stefan

Wow!! Thank you so much!! It’s is an amazing city and you can easily spend the whole summer here with all the great events that are about to take place soon! You should come back 🙂

Very informative & love the details where to enjoy oysters etc. Thankyou.

I’m so glad my post has been helpful… and eating oysters is a must in this area so I just had to include it in the article 🙂

Thank you for putting this much effort in creating this article. I will visit Bordeaux soon and would like to know if you provide guided tours.

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Bordeaux Travel Guide

A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

See & Do in Bordeaux

The fact that Bordeaux is like Mecca for wine lovers is certainly what drew us to come visit this city and worship at the altar of some of the world’s best wines. But Bordeaux is more than just sipping Grand Cru Classé at châteaux; it’s a beautiful and compact city who’s been getting a shiny facelift over the last few years. Known as the Sleeping Beauty, Bordeaux’s 350 listed buildings now gleam a honey-gold. There are new attractions popping up all the time, and there’s no shortage of excellent restaurants , pâtisserie, bars or cafes to rest your weary feet in. The only problem is narrowing down what exactly you can fit in to your Bordeaux trip . And luckily, locals know best. We’re Bordeaux locals and the leading English-language Bordeaux blog. We’ve compiled all the best things to do in Bordeaux from the musts for fist-time visitors to the more off-the-beaten path that only locals know (and we’re always adding more).

You can also join our Bordeaux Travel Facebook group for even more insider tips, events happening in Bordeaux and around the region each weekend and more.

Bordeaux Museums | Bordeaux Attractions | Free Attractions | Monuments Worth the Entry Fee | Markets in Bordeaux | Day Trips | Things to Do in Bordeaux on Sunday | Bordeaux City Pass

Bordeaux Museums

Think you’ve seen one Bordeaux museum and you’ve seen them all? Think again. Bordeaux has a bevy of museums, each with a different theme – more than 20 in fact! Most famous is La Cité du Vin, the interactive wine museum that opened in 2016. But with museums like the Natural History Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Science Museum and Maritime Museum, there’s sure to be at least a few to tickle your fancy. We haven’t even been to all of them yet, but we’re working on it.

La Cité Du Vin

La Cité du Vin is a must for wine enthusiasts. France’s premier wine museum is an interactive experience engaging all of your senses, ending with a wine tasting on the top floor and a panoramic view over Bordeaux.

The permanent exhibition takes you on a journey through the greatest wine regions of the world, wine making processes and techniques throughout the centuries and a sensory experience of everything but tasting wine. But don’t worry, because you do get to taste on the top floor at the end of the visit.

There’s also events, temporary exhibitions and various wine classes and workshops. One of our favorite events is the Ciné Gourmand, which pairs a movie with a delicious movie-themed tasting dinner with wine pairings.

La Cité du Vin is open daily April 1 – June 30 from 9:30am – 7pm, July 1 – August 31 from 9:30am – 7:30pm, week days September 1 – March 31 from 10am – 6pm and weekends September 1 – March 31 from 10am – 7pm. Closed December 25. Book a Skip-the-Line La Cité du Vin ticket or La Cité du Vin is included as free entry with the Bordeaux City Pass .

Be surrounded by art at the Bassins de Lumières

The Bassins de Lumières (Ponds of Light) is Bordeaux’s newest attraction and the world’s largest digital art museum. It’s located in the Base Sous-Marine, which was built as a U-boat base during WWII when Bordeaux was under German occupation. Spread across 11 cells, the thick concrete walls come to life with the art of first Gustav Klimt and then Paul Klee in the current exhibition, which runs until January 2021.

A few tips for visiting:

• advance tickets are mandatory. Avoid selecting the 10am time slot, which is opening. A line forms and then everyone enters at once, making it the most crowded and difficult to social distance.
• the exhibit plays on a loop and you see the same thing in all 11 cells. Most cells, with the exception of the very center which have small round digital screens set in the ponds too, are are same. So it’s unnecessary to crowd the entrance. Move through a bit and you can find spots where it is very easy to maintain social distance.
• the Gustav Klimt exhibit plays first and lasts around 45 minutes. Paul Klee follows after a short intermission and lasts around 5 minutes. Plan for 1 hour to see the entire exhibit.
• there is stadium like seating in a cell at the very back if you don’t wish to stand. There is also a platform with wheelchair access in front of the stadium platform where you can watch.
• masks are obligatory. Only small bags can be carried in and currently lockers/coat check is unavailable due to COVID-19.

Bassins de Lumières is open daily from 10am – 7pm with late opening until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Book your ticket in advance online.

Visit the cradle of Christianity in Bordeaux

The foundation of the Saint-Seurin Basilica dates back to Gallo-Roman Bordeaux and the 6th century, though the church we see standing today dates from the 11th century with many additions to it through the 18th century. A gothic style entrance was added on the south side in the 13th century, the 14th and 15th centuries saw the addition of several chapels including the Notre-Dame de la Rose chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the pipe organ is added in the 18th century.

The crypt dates from the fourth century and was discovered on accident during excavations. UNESCO declared Saint-Seurin a World Heritage Site in 1998 as part of the monuments along the Saint James de Compostela Way.

One of the really interesting things about Saint-Seurin Basilica is that you can visit the ancient crypt to see the Merovingian marble sarcophagi. The crypt gives us a look into the earliest French Christians, or the very cradle of Christianity here in Bordeaux.

There are two parts of the crypt which can be visited. One is the archaeological site, which has a small fee to enter. The second part of the crypt can be accessed from a stairway down in to it from the center of the Basilica and is free to enter, along with the Basilica itself.

Saint Seurin Archaeological Site is open June 1 – September 30 from 1pm – 6pm daily. Entry is €5 or free with the Bordeaux City Pass .

Bordeaux Attractions

These Bordeaux tourist attractions go way beyond wine, museums and city sightseeing. From mind-challenging escape room games to a wave pool right in the center of the city, there are many things to do besides taste wine and there’s sure to be something for visitors of any age.

Visit the only château located within Bordeaux city limits

A visit to most of Bordeaux’s wine estates requires at least a half day, since travel times are often greater than most visitors expect. But there is one Bordeaux wine estate located within Bordeaux city limits and it’s easily accessed by Tram A in just 30 minutes from Bordeaux centre.

It’s Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion , who got their start as a part of the 1855 classified Château Haut-Brion. With unique architecture, lovely gardens designed by the same designer of the Jardin Public, top notch wines and a location so close and accessible from Bordeaux centre, you can easily include a château visit on any Bordeaux itinerary.

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is open for visits by appointment only. Book your visit online .

Put your detective skills to use at Escape Hunt Bordeaux

You’re locked in a room and you have just one mission: to solve a mystery by working through a series of clues before the clock runs out.

You get a small group of at 3-4 friends or family together and test your detective skills while attempting to solve the mystery. You have an Escape Hunt guide who watches from outside, and is there to help with additional clues when you get stuck.

Escape Hunt Bordeaux currently has five different mysteries to choose from and they are both in French and English. We’ve done Jack the Ripper, Murder in the Harbour and the Saint-Émilion Mystery, where we were only a few minutes from solving it to unlock the door. We’re addicted now and will be back to do all the mysteries.

The newest escape room offered by Escape Hunt Bordeaux is at their Tourny location. It’s called Protocol, and you have to solve the mystery of murders that took place in an insane asylum. This particular escape room is currently only offered in French, and there’s so much to read in French that some of the clues were hard to tackle for even our French friends. So if your French isn’t très bon, you might want to skip this escape room and opt for one of the four other options.

Escape Hunt Bordeaux is open daily from 10am – 11pm. Book online.

Tour Bordeaux’s only whisky distillery

While this region is no stranger to distilling spirits like Cognac, Armagnac and Lillet, Moon Harbour Distillery is the very first to ever produce a whisky distilled and aged in Bordeaux. The distillery sits just on the edge of Bordeaux a short distance from La Cité du Vin.

Even if you don’t like whisky, it’s well worth touring Moon Harbour Distillery. The barrels are uniquely aged in a former WWII U-boat bunker. With walls of concrete up to 30 feet thick, a doorway was cut out of the concrete to allow visitors to enter the unique barrel room.

Of course, the distillery and barrel room tour ends with a tasting of Moon Harbour’s whiskies and gin back in the boutique/tasting room. There’s not a whisky distillery like it anywhere else in the world, so be sure to check it off on your visit to Bordeaux.

Like Bordeaux châteaux, it is required to book a Moon Harbour Distillery tour in advance. Email [email protected] to reserve your visit in English. Visits last 1 hour and are €10 per person; visits are discounted with the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass .

Take a bike tour of Bordeaux

With more than 200 kilometers of cycling paths, Bordeaux is the 4th most bike-friendly city in the world. Believe us when we tell you to skip the open-top bus tour and explore Bordeaux by bike instead. A bike tour of Bordeaux is a great way to cover a lot of the sights of Bordeaux, especially if you’re short on time.

Bike to some of Bordeaux’s most beautiful monuments like one of the oldest belfries in France, the Grosse Cloche, and learn about the unique design of the Bordeaux Tribunal (Bordeaux Law Courts) that was designed by Richard Rogers (the same architect who built Paris’ Centre Pompidou). Discover some of “new” Bordeaux and see some of the most stunning views of Place de la Bourse after crossing the Stone Bridge to La Bastide (Bordeaux’s Right Bank).

With a number of stops to hear stories about the monuments and sights, there’s plenty of time to take photos too. The Bordeaux Highlights bike tour is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Highlights bike tour is available daily April – November at 9:30am and 2:30pm. The tour lasts 3 hours and is €29 per person . Bicycles and a bottle of water are included.

Go Ice Karting

Like Mario Kart come to life, the premise of ice karting is pretty simple. It’s just like go karting, but add in some studded tires and an ice rink and you have a recipe for some serious fun. The ice rink at the Patinoire Mérideck, which usually serves either as a public ice skating rink or as the ice for Bordeaux Boxers home games, turns in to an ice karting race track on Wednesday nights from September to May.

The sessions are 7-minutes, which is basically the perfect amount of time for racing around the course. You have enough time to get warmed up and used to the kart, and then plenty of time to go zipping right past your friends to take home the championship.

Ice Karting at the Patinoire Mériadeck is available on Wednesday evenings from September – May. It’s €16.50 per person and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Free Things to Do in Bordeaux

There are a lot of free things to do in Bordeaux. From browsing the various food, book and antique markets to the Bordeaux sights like the Miroir d’Eau and the parks, you can easily build an itinerary of free fun.

Splash around in the world’s largest reflecting pool

Bordeaux is home to the world’s largest reflecting pool, Miroir d’Eau. Opened in 2006 as a public art instillation designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud and water technician Jean-Max Llorca, it was inspired by the flooded sight of Piazza San Marco in Venice.

It’s set across the street from 18th century Place de la Bourse, the very symbol of Bordeaux. The square represents Bordeaux’s break from medieval Bordeaux when the city was surrounded by walls. Originally the square had an equestrian statue in the center, which was briefly replaced by one of Napoleon. Since 1869, the Fountain of the Three Graces has dazzled visitors.

The water mirror quickly became a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Children are always seen running and splashing in it, there’s often salsa dancing on either side and it’s a favorite meeting place for lovers. The water goes through a programmed sequence of 3 minutes of fog, 3 minutes of mirror and 10 minutes of pool.

It’s a contemporary UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most photographed place in Bordeaux. With just three minutes to capture a photo during the mirror sequence, it’s becoming more and more of a challenge to capture one like ours above without any people in it.

Picnic in the Jardin Public

The Jardin Public was designed in the French style by Jacques Ange Gabriel and inaugurated in 1746. The garden was built in an area where the land was deemed not suitable to grow quality grape vines and was meant to give the Bordelaise an open space to relax away from the city.

It was re-designed in 1856 in the English style around a central pond and is much as we see the Jardin Public still today.

You can bring a blanket and have a picnic, relax with a book or maybe play a game of pétanque. In summertime, there’s a puppet theater for the kids. There’s also a playground and carousel for children. At the far side of Jardin Public closest to the Chartrons District, there’s also a fenced dog park where pups are free to run to their heart’s desire.

Behind the building that seems to frame the back of the Jardin Public, there’s actually a small botanical garden that is free to visit as well.

Shop ’til you drop on Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street

The 1.2 kilometer long Rue Saint Catherine is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. It runs from the Grand Théâtre on Place de la Comédie to the Thermier Column on Place de la Victorie. It’s been an entirely pedestrian-only street since 1984, though a shopping street also ran along this same stretch when Bordeaux was called Burdigala in Roman times.

Rue Saint Catherine has over 250 stores, plus cafes and restaurants. Aside from shopping, some points of interest along it are the Galerie Bordelaise, a covered shopping arcade that was designed in 1834, and Place Saint Projet.

Admire France’s largest city square

Place des Quinconces is the largest city square in France and one of the largest in Europe. It’s often the home of pop-up events, outdoor concerts and festivals in the heart of Bordeaux.

Laid out in 1820 on the site of Château Trompette, a castle-fortress that once stood court in the city, Place des Quinconces was intended as a defense to prevent rebellion. The guns were pointed toward the city center, as opposed to enemies that might advance from the Garonne.

The trees that were planted in staggered rows lends the square the name, Quincones. And the Monument aux Girondins honors the Girondists that were victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. There’s four scenes on the fountain: Triumph of the Concorde, Triumph of the Republic, the Tribune and the city of Bordeaux. The central column is topped with a Statue of Liberty.

We think it’s one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Bordeaux, and it’s also one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Check out the street art, skate park and roller derby at DaRWin

Darwin sits on Bordeaux’s right bank and it’s a unique project created to revitalize the former Niel Military Barracks. More than 100 companies and 30 associations in Bordeaux share the space and a common goal: to reduce their companies’ environmental footprints. You’ll find an organic grocery store, an urban garden, a skate park and more at Darwin. The Magasin Général is also France’s largest organic restaurant and Darwin brews its own organic beer.

There’s cool areas where you’re encouraged to hang out and play a game of ping pong or foosball. There’s skate and bike parks, where you can practice your flip trick …or maybe just watch. There’s even roller derby – come to watch the matches or the practices.

And urban street artists are encouraged to practice their free expression here at Darwin, with nearly every inch covered in graffiti and murals. Like anywhere where street art is prevalent, it’s always changing and evolving so it’s interesting to revisit Darwin and see what’s new.

Darwin also has a lot of events and concerts going on, so be sure to check their website for their calendar of events while you’re visiting Bordeaux.

Darwin is located at 87 Quai des Queyries. Take Tram Line A to the Stalingrad stop and then walk for about 10 minutes along the quayside.

Browse France’s largest independently owned bookstore

Librairie Mollat is France’s largest independently owned bookstore and has been run by the same family since they opened their doors in 1886. The book shop itself is a sprawling complex of 15 different departments and stocks more then 265,000 books. The departments, which range from everything from books in English to classic French literature, are spread across a maze of rooms in the former residence of the French philosopher Montesquieu. Music and movie lovers will enjoy getting lost in the multi-media department. And regular events like book signings and readings take place, so be sure to pop in and see what events are on while you’re visiting Bordeaux.

Librairie Mollat , 15 Rue Vital Carles. Open Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 7:30pm and on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm – 6pm.

Tour Bordeaux’s first brewery

Bordeaux isn’t just all about wine. We have a number of micro and craft breweries and beer shops in the city. But it was The Frog & Rosbif Bordeaux that was the very first pub in Bordeaux to brew their own beers. And the microbrewery does is right here in the very center of Bordeaux, steps away from the famous Miroir d’Eau in a historic building that was once a women’s prison in the 16th century.

Frog Beers was originally born in Paris. It was the final project for a Brit that had come to study in France. He decided to just stay in France and turn a microbrewery on paper into a real life pub. Frog Beers and Frog Pubs are indeed now a successful venture, with seven locations currently in Paris, plus the Frog & Rosbif here in Bordeaux and a location in Toulouse.

You can take a brewery tour of the microbrewery for free. The Frog & Rosbif Bordeaux brews 2-3 times per week, and if you’re lucky they’ll have brewed earlier in the day on the day of your tour. If they’ve recently brewed, you might just get to taste the sugary beer that’s just beginning it’s 7-day fermentation process.

The tour ends with a tasting of three of Frog’s 32 beers. We tried the lager, IPA and their Chipotle Chocolate Porter (my favorite) on the day we toured. It’s a great tour and a fun thing to do in Bordeaux at night.

Like the Frog & Rosbif Bordeaux’s Facebook Page to see when there are upcoming tours, which are typically the first Wednesday of each month in the evening. And if you don’t happen to be in Bordeaux when they’re officially offering a tour, you can also send them a message to request a tour. They can do tours in both French and English.

The Frog & Rosbif Bordeaux, 23 Rue Ausone. Open Sunday – Wednesday from 5pm – 1am and Thursday – Saturday from 5pm – 2am. Also open Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 12pm – 3:30pm.

See Bordeaux’s spaceship in the Bassin à Flot

The Spaceship is a sculpture by British artist Suzanne Treister and part of Bordeaux’s public art. The massive 17-meter (55-foot) in diameter spaceship sits in the Bassin à Flot district of Bordeaux and, according to the artist, represents the transformation of the past to the future. The artwork is definitely an interesting addition to Bordeaux’s skyline and it’s kind of fitting in the modern Bassin à Flot.

Monuments Worth the Entry Fee

While it’s free to admire many of Bordeaux’s monuments, some have a modest entry fee that goes toward maintaining them so visitors can enjoy them for years to come. We’ve included our favorites that are well worth the entry fee, and most are covered under the Bordeaux City Pass .

Climb the second tallest church bell tower in France

For an entirely different view over Bordeaux, climb the 114 meter tall Saint-Michel bell tower. And if you really want to impress the locals, refer to the bell tower simply as La Flèche.

It was built in the 15th century over 20 years from 1472 to 1492 by Jean Lebas. His son took over the building of the spire in 1496 and at the time that it was completed, it was 120 meters high. It’s the second tallest bell tower in France, after Strasbourg Cathedral’s at 142 meters high.

It’s practically a miracle it’s even still standing. It was hit by lightning in 1574, nearly demolished by Louis XIV in 1675 and a spire was swept away in a huge storm in 1768.

After nearly a century, a project to restore the spire was finally underway and the rebuilt spire was inaugurated in 1869. So perhaps with all these trials and tribulations, you can see why La Flèche is a source of pride for the Bordelaise and a key monument of the city.

La Flèche Saint-Michel is open from April 1 – October 31 daily from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm. Entry is €5 and children under 12 are free. Entry is free with the Bordeaux City Pass .

Get a look at Bordeaux during the Middle Ages at Port Cailhau

After nearly three centuries of British occupation, Bordeaux’s fortified walls are opened with a monumental gate facing the river. Porte Cailhau was built between 1493 and 1496 as an arc of triumph dedicated to King Charles VIII to show loyalty to the kingdom of France after the Battle of Fournoue.

Though the gate is elegant, it also had many defensive features. The name “Cailhau” has two possible origins: it could refer to the stones found on the site where it was built, or perhaps from the family name Cailhau, who birthed several mayors of Bordeaux and whose family mansion was located just next to the gate.

The gate serves as a small museum that tells the story of Bordeaux in the Middle Ages, and in to the 18th century when stone quarries and the Renaissance began to significantly change the style of architecture in the city.

Porte Cailhau is open daily from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm. Entry is €3 and children under 12 are free. Entry is free with the Bordeaux City Pass .

Glimpse the remains of Gallo-Roman Bordeaux

The Roman Empire’s reaches were far and wide, so it’s really no surprise that Romans once occupied Bordeaux (then called Burdigala). They even made wine here.

The remains of the amphitheater are the oldest Gallo-Roman ruins in Bordeaux and it dates from the third century. It was probably built on the occasion of a visit of Caracalla to Aquitaine. It’s believed it was a unique amphitheater, and unlike other Roman amphitheaters, only had wooden bleachers.

Only a fraction of the arena remains today, but at it’s time the ellipse-shaped arena would have held some 17,000 spectators for gladiator games. That would have been nearly twice the population of Burdigala.

It’s thought that it was set on fire by the Franks of Gaul and that it burned for two days. It was then abandoned until the 18th century when it became a refuge for prostitutes and hoodlums. Finally, steps were taken to preserve it and it became classified as a historical building in 1911.

A monumental entrance still stands, along with some arcades and ruins even lie in the cellars of the houses that surround it today.

Undoubtedly a Roman amphitheater, it got the name Palais Gallien in the Middle Ages when in 1367 it was named for Charlemagne’s wife, Galine.

Visit Palais Gallien on a guided tour from June 1 – September 30 at 10:30am or 3:30pm, or at 9:30pm on Saturdays in July and August. Entry is €3 for the day tour and €5 for the night tour. Entry is free with the Bordeaux City Pass . Purchase the tickets at the Tourist Information Office.

Markets in Bordeaux

There’s a number of bustling markets in Bordeaux on any given day of the week. From taking in the colorful produce and scents of farmer’s markets to browsing the books of the book market that circles Grands Hommes, there’s a market for just about anything you could want.

Eat your way through Marché des Capucins

Mountains of fresh herbs. Pungent goat cheeses. Piles of fresh oysters. Stacks of custard-y canelés. Grab a French market basket and pick out some picnic essentials alongside some of Bordeaux’s chefs at Marché des Capucins , the city’s largest market, and you’ll feel like a true Bordelaise. It’s here that you can try a number of Bordeaux specialties and specialties of the region.

Known as the “belly of Bordeaux,” the first market was held in this spot in 1749. Though, it would have looked quite different then. Cattle were sold along with food and the services of carpenters, roofers, shoemakers and blacksmiths. The market hall was officially launched in 1863, but the structure we see today wasn’t completed until 1881.

The areas on either side of the glass arcade have permanent vendors with their various stalls lining the rows. The center aisle often changes as vendors receive their spot by auction daily.

Tip: for great photo spot over the market, go up the steps to the car park. There are bridges that cross the center aisle and have an excellent view of the market and hall.

Marché des Capucins is open Tuesday – Sunday from 6am – 2pm. Closed Mondays.

Find a feast the Marché des Quais

The Marché des Quais stretches along the Quai des Chartrons every Sunday. Locals and tourists alike enjoy browsing the various markets stalls where food is the star of the show.

You’ll find everything from local produce to cheese producers. But you’ll also find an array of stalls selling food meant to be enjoyed on the spot. Vendors come from throughout the region with a bevvy of international cuisines to be enjoy.

Sit at little tables alongside the Bordelaise while you enjoy a plate of freshly shucked oysters and a glass of wine for around €6. We never miss having some empanadas from a French Guianese transplant who makes the best salsa. The roast chickens with their drippings cooking up delicious, crispy potatoes below are another temptation you can’t go wrong with.

But come with an appetite, because you won’t be able to resist all the food temptations at this Sunday market.

Marché des Quais is every Sunday along the Quai des Chartrons from 9am – 2:30pm

Day Trips from Bordeaux

The great thing about Bordeaux and the region is that it is well-connected by a train network. That makes many day trips from Bordeaux a breeze to make, even if you aren’t renting a car. You can easily take the train to Saint-Emilion, Arcachon and even places in the Médoc like Margaux and Pauillac.

Tour an 1855 classified Médoc wine estate

You can’t come to Bordeaux and not visit the very châteaux that this city is built upon. Wine making dates back to Roman times here and while the 1855 Classification of the Médoc was politically fueled at the time, it put Bordeaux on the map as one of the greatest wine regions of the world.

The classification has never been revised, with one exception, and the wines would hardly even be recognizable today. But the 1855 classification chateaux are some of the most impressive to visit. Beautiful, stately homes sit on stunning estates surrounded by vines that produce some of the best wines in the world.

Find all of our recommendations for Médoc châteaux to visit in our Guide to Bordeaux and easily book Bordeaux wine tours directly with many châteaux online at Rue des Vignerons .

Visit the Medieval Town of Saint-Émilion

While Bordeaux sparkles with its honey-colored facades, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion impresses with its steep tertres and ancient monuments. Built as an upper and lower town, Saint-Émilion seems nearly to be cradled by a bowl that’s surrounded by vines.

As another UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, the village deserves much more than a day trip to soak up everything Saint-Émilion has to offer. If you can plan to, spend at least 3 days in Saint-Émilion alone to tour the sites of the village and visit the châteaux of both the Pomerol and Saint-Émilion appellations.

But if you only have time for a day trip to Saint-Émilion, it’s well worth including the village on your Bordeaux itinerary. You can easily take the train from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion in just over 30 minutes time. Climb the bell tower of the church and to the top of the Tour du Roy for unparalled views over the village and vineyards beyond. Be sure to tour the Monolithic Church, which is the largest of its kind. And you can even still visit some Saint-Émilion châteaux like Château Soutard near the top of the village or Château Canon-la-Gaffelière just across from the train station.

Visit the UNESCO listed Citadelle de Blaye

Located just one hour from Bordeaux, the Citadelle de Blaye is one of the best free attractions near Bordeaux. Often underrated by locals, you’ll find the fortified city is uncrowded even in the height of the summer tourist season.

With information panels dotted around the site, it’s easy enough to visit on your own and discover the various buildings, ruins, bastions and ramparts. But there are guided tours available, including to some parts of the walled city only accessible on the guided tours such as the walled in vineyard of the Clos de l’Echauguette.

Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday when the weekly market sets up in the village just outside the Citadel. Pick up a baguette, saucisson and cheese and enjoy a picnic inside the fortification with stunning views looking out over Europe’s largest estuary.

Take a day trip to Europe’s highest sand dune

You might not think of Bordeaux and beautiful beaches, but one of The Guardian’s 50 Best Beaches in the World is right here in the southwest of France. It’s Dune du Pilat and it’s the highest sand dune in Europe, towering above the Atlantic over 100 meters high.

A mere 30 miles from the city of Bordeaux, you can often find us at the Dune in summer. A staircase helps visitors climb the Dune for a stunning view over the Arcachon Bassin. And in summer, the adventurous can paraglide off the top of the Dune – just remember that you have to drag yourself and your chute back up the Dune.

Some other ways we love to soak up the picturesque wall of pristine sand is on an Arcachon bay wine tasting cruise or a scenic helicopter flight over Dune du Pilat.

Try some of the world’s best oysters

It wasn’t just grapes that grew here in Bordeaux since the Roman times; back then oysters grew wildly in the Arcachon Bassin. Though just a fraction of France’s annual oyster production comes from the Arcachon Bassin, 60% of the oysters eaten in France come from the 350 oyster farms here.

All of the farmers are small scale producers and the oysters aren’t sold to supermarkets or exported. And the fact that the oysters are sold directly to people and restaurants keeps their cost low.

You can visit many of the farms that sell their oysters fresh for you to slurp up right there on a small terrace. Or you can eat plates of six with a bit of bread and butter and some white Bordeaux at the various markets like the Sunday Marché des Chartrons, where the lot will cost you just €6.

Things to Do in Bordeaux on Sunday

Many of the cruises begin or are in port in Bordeaux on Sunday. While it’s true that Sundays are a day of rest in much of Europe with many shops, museums and attractions closed, times are a changin’. Here’s a list of what to do in Bordeaux on Sunday:

• Many shops particularly along Rue Saint Catherine are now open on Sunday in Bordeaux
• La Cité du Vin is open on Sundays
• The Marché des Capucins is open on Sundays from 6am – 2pm
• The Marché des Quais is open on Sundays from 7am – 1pm
• The Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux is open on Sundays from 8am – 8pm (8am – 6pm in winter)
• The Musée des Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) is open on Sundays from 11am – 6pm
• The Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts & Design) is open on Sundays from 11am – 6pm
• The Musée d’Aquitaine is open on Sundays from 11am – 6pm
• The CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art is open on Sundays from 11am – 6pm
• The Cap Sciences Museum is open on Sundays from 2pm – 7pm
• Take a lunch Bordeaux river cruise on the Garonne
• A few chateaux are open on Sundays by appointment only (mostly only during summer months) such as Chateau La Dominique , Chateau Cantenac , Chateau Fombrauge and Chateau Dauzac

It’s also worth noting that several Bordeaux museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Checking out a museum that normally has an entry fee is one of the best free things to do in Bordeaux on a Sunday! The museums that offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month are:

• Musée d’Aquitaine
• Muséum de Bordeaux (also known as the Bordeaux Natural History Museum)
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs
• Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux
• Musée d’Ethnographie de l’Université de Bordeaux
• Musée National des Douanes

Bordeaux Metropole City Pass

Sometimes city passes just aren’t worth it, but that’s definitely not the case for the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass . Available as a 24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour pass, you can choose the right pass for your trip to Bordeaux. You do get additional free entry and discounted entry to a number of sights and monuments around the Bordeaux wine region with the 72 hour pass.

No matter if you choose the 24, 48 or 72 hour Bordeaux Metropole City Pass, you get free entry to 8 museums, 7 monuments, a guided Bordeaux city tour of your choice and unlimited access to Bordeaux’s public transportation network. If you plan to visit La Cité du Vin, one other monument such as Pey Berland Tower or the Saint-Michel bell tower and use public transportation just once while visiting Bordeaux, you’ll already recover the cost of the 24 hour Bordeaux Metropole City Pass.

Museums where you get free entry with the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass:

• La Cité du Vin (entry fee without pass is €20)
• Archaeological Site of Saint-Seurin (entry fee without pass is €5)
• Musée d’Aquitaine (entry fee without pass is €5)
• Musée des Beaux Arts (entry fee without pass is €5)
• CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art (entry fee without pass is €5)
• Musée de Design (entry fee without pass is €5)
• National Museums of Customs (entry fee without pass is €3)
• Musée de la Création Franche (entry fee without pass is free)

*Note that free entry with the pass to La Cité du Vin must be before 12pm, otherwise the entry fee is reduced to €5 with the pass.

Monuments where you get free entry with the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass:

• Tour Pey Berland (entry fee without pass is €6)
• Porte Cailhau (entry fee without pass is €3)
• Submarine Base (entry fee without pass is €5)
• Flèche Saint-Michel (entry fee without pass is €5)
• Grosse Cloche (entry fee without pass is €5)
• Cité Frugès (entry fee without pass is free)

Attractions, tours and museums where you get a discount with the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass:

• Château Pape Clement
• Château Saint Ahon
• Château du Taillan
• Cap Sciences Museum
• Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute
• Wine & Trade Museum
• Moon Harbour Distillery
• Great Synagogue of Bordeaux
• Châteaux & Terroirs Tour by Bordeaux Tourisme
• Burdigala River Cruise
• Lunch River Cruise
• Dinner River Cruise

Some activities and attractions visited are in partnership with Bordeaux Tourisme  in order to bring you this story. However, Bordeaux Travel Guide maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site. As always, all thoughts, opinions, and enthusiasm for travel are entirely our own. This article contains affiliate links. When you book on Viator or Rue des Vignerons through our affiliate sites, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

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.

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Where To Stay in Bordeaux France in 2024

Erica Forster Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Bordeaux is one of France’s most famous regions and warrants at least a one night stay. Read on to discover our guide for where to unpack when in Bordeaux.

What You Need To Know

Bordeaux easily ranks as one of our favorite cities to explore in France. Good food, amazing wine, incredible history and the surrounding vineyard-filled countryside all combine to make a magical trip. Ideally you should plan on spending about three days in Bordeaux if you really want to get a feel for the city, which means you’ll need to stay overnight. In this guide, we’ll cover four of Bordeaux’s best neighborhoods to stay in, plus highlight a few getaways in the countryside:

• Saint-Pierre
• Saint-Michel

Bordeaux Countryside

Our Partnership with Booking.com . If you like our content, please book by clicking on our Booking.com links. The price is the same for you and we get a small commission that helps support our helpful blog content. We’ve partnered with Booking.com because they have the most options, great prices, and a solid loyalty program.

Where To Stay in Bordeaux, France

Saint-pierre neighborhood.

The historic center of Bordeaux, commonly referred to as Vieux Bordeaux . If you enjoy being surrounded by old, charming buildings and plenty of history, this neighborhood is for you. You’ll be right in the middle of the action, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby.

Why I love the Saint-Pierre Neighborhood

• Old world charm
• Located in the center of the city
• Plenty of places to eat and drink

Attractions in the Saint-Pierre Neighborhood

• Place de la Bourse
• Église Saint-Pierre
• Porte Cailhau

Best Restaurants in the Saint-Pierre Neighborhood

Check out our article on the 12 Best Restaurants in Bordeaux . Then, bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it!

Best Hotels in the Saint-Pierre Neighborhood

Hotel bleu de mer.

€€ | Hotel | Great Location | Affordable

This hotel is extremely central, located only about 150 feet from the famous Place de la Bourse and the reflecting pool next to it. While it’s nothing fancy, it definitely has its own charm and all amenities. This is the best choice in the area if you don’t want to break the bank but are still looking for a nice play to stay.

Location, photos, and booking

Villa Reale

€ € € | Apartment | Luxury & Great View

An apartment including multiple bedrooms, a sauna, and a fabulous view over one of Bordeaux’s well-known squares. This upscale, luxurious option is ideal for those who aren’t always on the go and really want to enjoy where they stay.

Best Western Premier HBEO Bordeaux Centre

€€ | Standard Hotel | Great Service

This Best Western consistently offers outstanding and friendly service. The rooms were remodeled within the past couple of years so everything is modern and comfortable. It also has a fitness room, which is pretty rare to find in French hotels.

Chartrons Neighborhood

A bit north of Bordeaux’s old town, you’ll find the Chartons neighborhood. This area is an interesting mix of hipster vibes and bourgeois style. You’ll find antique shops, wine bars, boutiques and more sprinkled on the streets. Much quieter than the Saint-Pierre neighborhood, this is a nice spot for travelers who don’t want to be too far from the action but also not right in the middle of it. There’s also lots of nice waterfront dining in the area.

Why I love Chartrons

• Lots of shopping
• Quiet, picturesque streets
• Great restaurants

Attractions in Chartrons

• Walk along the Quai des Chartrons (riverfront)
• Multiple local markets
• Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux (wine museum)

Best Restaurants in Chartrons

Best hotels in chartrons, hotel vatel bordeaux.

€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Steps from the river

An upscale yet affordable hotel located in the heart of Chartrons, very close to the Garonne River. There are only twelve rooms, which makes this feel more like a boutique hotel. The restaurant and bar inside are also top-notch.

City Résidence Bordeaux Centre

€ € | CondoHotel | Good Value for Money

This spot is set up as a condo hotel, so most of the rooms will be studio-style with a kitchenette and all the basic amenities. It’s certainly no-frills, but it’s also likely the lowest price you’ll find in Chartrons or anywhere in the city.

Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons

€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Stylish & Trendy

Located in the heart of Chartrons, this modern hotel was designed in style, both on the inside and outside. Affordable for its four-star rating, and we like that it’s quiet and cozy.

Saint-Michel Neighborhood

Saint-Michel wins our vote for the most diverse and lively neighborhood in Bordeaux. The inhabitants are a mix of students, families and immigrant communities. You won’t get the bourgeois vibe often found in other parts of the city, but the vibrancy found here is fun and has its own charm. Great for travelers who prefer an authentic feel without being too far from the old-world charm.

Why I love Saint-Michel

• Not your stereotypical scene, with lots of diversity and young people
• Tons of up-and-coming businesses and shops
• Fantastic markets and food
• Close to the city’s train station

Attractions in Saint-Michel

• Basilique Saint-Michel
• Marché Royal (big market)
• Lots of antique shopping

Best Restaurants in Saint-Michel

Check out our article on the 12 Best Restaurants in Bordeaux. Then, bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it!

Best Hotels in Saint-Michel

B&b bordeaux saint michel.

€€ | B&B | Friendly Service

A home away from home! A cute and cozy bed and breakfast is located right next to the incredible Saint-Michel Basilica. Note that all beds are located in a mezzanine, so this isn’t the right choice for someone with mobility issues.

Les Chambres d’Art

€€ | B&B | Amazing Breakfasts

Another great bed and breakfast, located only about ten minutes walking distance from the Bordeaux train station. We especially love the fresh breakfasts served every morning, complete with homemade jam.

La Bastide is the neighborhood located on the other side of the Garonne River, almost directly across from the Saint-Pierre neighborhood. While this was once considered an industrial area, today it’s been revitalized with urban projects attracting a hip crowd. Trams will take travelers directly across the bridge if they don’t want to walk, so it’s easy to get to the city center from this neighborhood. A great area for those who love all that is underrated and a bit off-the-map.

Why I love Bastide

• A great ‘old meets new’ feel
• Good nightlife
• Far from other tourists

Attractions near Bastide

• Botanical Garden
• Darwin Center Natural History Museum

Best Restaurants in Bastide

Best hotels in bastide, hôtel des voyageurs centre bastide.

€€ | Hotel | Great Location

Conveniently located right by the bridge that will take you into the historic city center of Bordeaux. The quiet, clean rooms are very welcoming, as is the woman who runs the hotel.

Barge Tango

€€€ | Boat | Unique Experience

Stay on a 1930’s barge that’s been renovated into a luxury hotel. This is by far the most unique hotel experience available in the city. They even have a hot tub on-site (outside of the barge, of course)!

Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and its countryside dotted with vineyards is absolutely beautiful. Keep in mind that staying outside of Bordeaux likely means having to rent a car, but the upside is you’ll have the chance to explore more hidden gems.

There are many options to stay in the surrounding countryside, ranging from small bed and breakfasts to luxury castles. We’ve listed two of our favorite splurge picks below.

Why I love the Bordeaux countryside

• Incredible scenery
• More options for wine tasting
• Learn more about the heart of France

Attractions near the Bordeaux countryside

• Wine tasting!
• Picturesque villages

Restaurants near the Bordeaux countryside

This will vary depending on where exactly you go. Every village will have at least one or two small restaurants, but keep in mind that they might close early. Your best bet is to check with the hotel employees or B&B hosts for the best recommendations.

Best Hotels in the Bordeaux countryside

Château pape clément.

€ € €€ | Boutique Experience | Luxurious & Unique

That’s right, you can stay on the grounds of one of the infamous Grand Cru wine estates, which is one of the oldest in Bordeaux. The rooms inside this château will make you feel like royalty, as will the stellar service. An amazing experience to splurge on!

Hôtel de Pavie

€ € €€ | 5 Star Hotel | Luxurious & Unique

If money is no object, we highly recommend this hotel, a renovated stone monastery, located in Saint-Émilion. Incredible views await you on the balconies, and every single detail of this place is perfect. There’s also a two-star Michelin restaurant on-site, whose chef has been awarded three Michelin stars multiple times.

Château Hôtel Grand Barrail

€ € €€ | 5 Star Hotel | Outdoor Pool & Spa

The setting here is simply breathtaking – on one side you’ll find rows of vineyards, and on the other a small lake offering a perfect reflection of the château. Each room is uniquely and sumptuously decorated, and the spa services are perfect for relaxing.

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Bordeaux Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Bordeaux, a small port city in southwestern France, is best known for being a wine lover’s paradise.

The historic center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its very intact 18th-century city architecture. It’s one of the most quintessentially French towns to explore, with medieval buildings, old watchtowers, winding streets, and iconic French architecture. It’s one of the best-preserved city centers in France.

Bordeaux is also an upscale place — a city for luxury shopping, drinking, and eating. It sits in the center of the world-famous wine region that bears its name and, thus, just like the Napa Valley in California or the Hunter in Australia, prices here reflect that reputation.

Even if you are not here for the wine, a visit to Bordeaux is still worth it as it’s a beautiful city with a lot of fun, historic, and outdoorsy things to do. It’s not popular on the backpacking France/budget travel trail (I mean it’s based around wine and no wine region is ever cheap) but over the last few years, a lot of cheap and free activities have popped up.

This travel guide to Bordeaux can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bordeaux

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bordeaux

1. Go on a wine tour

Take a full-day or half-day tour to sample the region’s offerings. Depending on the length of your tour, you’ll visit two to four wineries and sample wine at each stop. The cheapest tours start at 45 EUR and go up from there, with half-day tours generally costing around 75 EUR.

2. Wander through Saint Emilion

This village has a strong connection to red wine production, and vineyards have existed here since the Roman Empire. Even if you aren’t on an organized wine tour, a visit to this village and an afternoon walking through its streets can be a peaceful way to spend a day. It’s beautiful and close to Bordeaux.

3. Day trip to Dune de Pyla

This sand dune is located an hour outside Bordeaux in Pyla Sur Mer, a resort town where many of France’s well-to-do spend the summer. It’s the largest sand dune in Europe and the result of winds eroding one shore of the bay and blowing sand over.

4. Visit La Cité du Vin

The new La Cité du Vin (City of Wine) Museum takes visitors through a fun, interactive tour of wine world history from 6,000 BCE to the present day. You’ll learn how and where wine is made and how the global trade ties in with Bordeaux. Get a glass of wine at the rooftop wine bar. Tickets are 20 EUR.

5. Musée des Beaux-Arts

This museum is housed inside two wings of the 18th-century Hôtel de Ville. Some of the main work featured includes pieces by French, Flemish, Italian, and Dutch artists of the 17th century, with masterpieces from Delacroix, Picasso, and Renoir. It costs 5 EUR to visit.

Other Things to See and Do in Bordeaux

1. stroll rue sainte-catherine.

For the walkers and the shoppers, this pedestrian shopping street stretches 1.6 kilometers (1 mile), making it the longest shopping street in Europe. The northern part of the street is filled with French chains, while the southern part has more local shops and restaurants. A lot of students hang out here as well, especially on Saturdays.

2. Explore Old Town Bordeaux

One of the largest 18th-century architectural urban areas in all of Europe, Bordeaux’s Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its amazing preservation. Two famous attractions are the Grand Théâtre, an opera house built in 1780, and the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, built between the 12th and the 14th century.

3. Visit the other wine museum

In addition to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux has another wine museum that dives deep into local history. Le Musée du Vin et du Négoce (The Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum) exhibits the history of the city’s wine merchants. Admission is 10 EUR and includes two tastings. You can also take a wine workshop here to learn about choosing wine, grape varieties, and different Bordeaux wines. Workshops are 40 EUR.

4. See the Musee D’Art Contemporain (CAPC)

If you love modern art, visit this museum. Located in a 19th-century warehouse, the museum has permanent works from renowned artists and photographers like Richard Long, Keith Haring, and Georges Rousse. On Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm, you can take a guided tour for 1 EUR in addition to the price of admission. It costs 7 EUR for the permanent collection and temporary exhibits (5 EUR if there are no temporary exhibits). The museum is closed on Mondays.

5. Walk around Les Quais

The Quays of Bordeaux follow the shores of the Garonne. The platforms here used to be a harbor but have been renovated for visitors to walk, rollerblade, or bike along. This 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) stretch is a scenic place to walk with some amazing views of the landscape and the unique Aquitaine bridges. This is also a popular nightlife and club area.

6. Visit the Water Mirror

Bordeaux’s Water Mirror (Miroir d’eau) is a giant reflecting pool in front of the Place de la Bourse. It’s made up of thin granite slabs covered in just two centimeters of water, covering over 37,000 square feet, making it the largest in the world! In the summer, mist is created from vents hidden in the granite.

7. See the Jardin Botanique

This big park north of the center is the city’s large public garden, spanning just over 1 acre. There are a ton of walking paths and places to bird-watch, or you can sit around on a nice day and have a picnic. There are guided tours for those looking to learn about all flowers in the garden. Admission is free.

8. Shop at the Marché des Capucins

This is Bordeaux’s central covered market, with stalls of bakers, produce sellers, cheesemongers, wine merchants, florists, and more. The market is open every day except Mondays, from 5:30am-2pm. It’s a great place to stock up on provisions for a picnic lunch. There are also cafes and restaurants inside.

9. Learn local history at Musée d’Aquitaine

With over 70,000 pieces in their collection, this museum focuses on the history of the region from prehistory to the present day. Newer additions to the permanent collection include an exhibit on Bordeaux’s maritime history and the city’s role in the slave trade. Admission is 5 EUR with free entry on the first Sunday of the month (except July and August).

10. Ascend the medieval tower

Built in 1494, Porte Cailhau is a beautiful defensive gate to the city. You can climb the tower to get views over the waterfront as well as learn more at the small exhibition inside the tower. Admission is 5 EUR. Even if you don’t pay to go inside, it’s worth walking by, especially at night when it’s all lit up.

  For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Bordeaux Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms with 4-6-beds cost 31-35 EUR while dorms with 8-10 beds run about 28-31 EUR a night. Private rooms start at 65 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard though no hostels offer free breakfast or self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for two people without electricity costs around 24 EUR per night. Wild camping is illegal in France.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 70 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and sometimes free breakfast.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 35 EUR, while the price for a full apartment starts at 75 EUR per night (though they average closer to 125 EUR).

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture at large. Fresh bread, tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the go-to foods in the country. Wine is especially popular in this region, often paired with common dishes like lamb and fresh fish from the Bay of Biscay. The region is also known for its popular (but somewhat controversial) foie gras , a fattened duck or goose liver. Pâté and slow-roasted meats ( confits ) are also traditional regional fare.

Personally, I think Bordeaux has some of the best food in France. While it’s a great region to splash out on food, you can also get by on a budget here. Cheap sandwiches cost about 6 EUR and most lunch specials cost 10-15 EUR. Fast food (think burger and fries) costs around 9 EUR for a combo meal.

If you want to indulge a little, a main dish at dinner costs around 15-30 EUR.

A glass of wine costs around 7 EUR and a cappuccino costs around 3.50 EUR. Beer is 5-6 EUR.

My two favorite restaurants are La Tupina and Le Petit Commerce. Be sure to eat at L’étoile for lunch and say hello to the chef, Clelia. She and I backpacked Thailand together years ago. Her food is delicious!

You can also pick up some ingredients and have a picnic in the park by stopping at one of the many breads, cheese, and meat shops/markets throughout the city. Groceries cost around 45 EUR per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bordeaux Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bordeaux, my suggested budget is 70 EUR per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, taking public transit to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free and cheap activities like free walking tours and enjoying the city’s parks.

A mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day covers a private Airbnb room, eating out for most meals at cheap restaurants, enjoying a few glasses of wine, taking the occasional taxi, and doing paid tours and activities like museum visits and a wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy plenty of wine, rent a car and do some day trips, and tour more wineries and vineyards. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Bordeaux Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bordeaux is built for luxury travel so you’ll have a hard time not spending a lot here. It’s just the nature of the city — especially if you want to dine out. However, if you want to cut your costs, here are some ways to save money in Bordeaux:

• Explore on foot – Walking around Bordeaux is a great way to experience the architecture and the city vibes. The city is easily walkable and there’s no reason to take public transportation.
• Drink the cheap wine – Grab a cheap bottle of Bordeaux from one of their numerous wine shops on the street and have a glass while walking around to see monuments and historic buildings. You can find good bottles for as little as 5 EUR.
• Take advantage of discount museum prices – Pick up a City Pass for free public transportation, free entry to 20 museums, and your choice of a guided city tour. A one-day pass is 29 EUR, a two-day pass costs 39 EUR and a three-day pass costs 43 EUR. You also get discounts on other attractions (including wine tours and dinner cruises).
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to learn more about the city, a free walking tour is a great place to start. You’ll learn about the history and architecture while touring all the major sights. Free Walking Tours Bordeaux is the best one. Just don’t forget to tip your guide!
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. With accommodation prices so expensive in the city, I highly suggest trying to find a host that can give you a bed and show you around. This city is not cheap and having a local guide goes a long way!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

There are only a few hostels in Bordeaux so budget options are limited. Here are my suggested places to stay in Bordeaux:

• Central Hostel
• Bordeaux Youth Hostel
• Cœur De City Hôtel Bordeaux Clemenceau

How to Get Around Bordeaux

Public transportation – Bordeaux is very walkable and has a large pedestrian zone so you can walk around the city easily. The city also has an extensive public transportation system if you are going far or don’t want to walk.

The bus and tram network are both run by TBM, and the central station is at Espace des Quinconces. Buses and trams take you everywhere you need to go. A single ticket costs 1.70 EUR, a 10-journey pass costs 13.70 EUR, and an unlimited day pass is 4.70 EUR. Tickets are rechargeable.

If you need to transfer from a bus to a tram, you need to pick up a two-journey ticket for 3 EUR. All tickets are valid for one hour.

If you get a City Pass tourism card, you’ll be able to ride the public transit for free. A one-day pass is 29 EUR, a two-day pass costs 39 EUR and a three-day pass costs 43 EUR.

There is also a bus that runs from the airport to the city center that leaves every 10 minutes between 6am-11pm. Tickets cost 8 EUR.

Ferry – TBM also operates a river ferry service between Lormont and Bordeaux, with stops in Stalingrad (Parlier), Quinconces (Jean Jaurès), and Lormont Bas. Ticket prices are the same as the bus and tram ticket prices.

Bicycle – V3 is the public bike-sharing system that lets you use bicycles around the city once you register online. It costs 1.70 EUR to rent a bike for a day, plus 2 EUR per hour after the first 30 minutes.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive in Bordeaux, with a base rate of 2 EUR plus about 1.66 EUR per kilometer. Prices add up fast so skip the taxis if you can. Public transportation can get you anywhere you need to go.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Bordeaux and is generally a bit cheaper than taxis.

When to Go to Bordeaux

If you’re traveling to Bordeaux specifically for the wine, timing is everything. The months between June and August are the best time for exploring the vineyards. Temperatures are hottest in July and August, with average highs around 27°C (80°F). This is also the busiest time of year so book your accommodation in advance. Much of France goes on holiday in August as well, so some businesses may have limited hours during this time.

The harvest season starts in September, which means that some wineries are closed to visitors (but not all). If there’s a particular winery you want to visit, do your research beforehand. September and October are still warm, with an average high temperature of 24°C (75°F).

If you want lower rates and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are great times to visit. The Christmas season, although chilly, is also an excellent time to explore the markets and festivities. Expect daily temperatures to hover around 7°C (45°F) in the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is very safe. People are generally friendly and helpful, and you’re unlikely to experience violent crime here. Like any destination, avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone at night and beware of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Pickpocketing is most common around the train station and Marche des Capucins so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone if intoxicated, etc.)

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Bordeaux Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bordeaux Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bordeaux

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

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Bordeaux hotels frequently asked questions, are there any family-friendly ihg hotels in bordeaux.

Absolutely! Many of the IHG hotels in Bordeaux offer family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms and kids' menus. Check with the individual hotel for more information about their family-friendly offerings.

Are there any pet-friendly hotels in Bordeaux?

Yes, many IHG hotels in Bordeaux are pet-friendly and welcome furry friends! Some hotels offer pet amenities, including pet beds and treats as well as information about pet relief areas. Select hotels may charge additional fees per pet staying at the hotel.  For more information on hotel specific pet policies,. visit the amenities page on the hotel's website.

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Many of the IHG hotels in Bordeaux offer complimentary breakfast. Check the hotel's website to find out more details as they may vary by brand and locations.

What amenities can I expect from my stay at an IHG Hotel in Bordeaux?

IHG Hotels offer a variety of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, business centers, restaurants/bars, swimming pools, and much more! Check the hotel's amenities page on their website for more information on the specific amenities offered.

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Many IHG hotels offer complimentary self parking, however, parking costs may vary by hotel and location. Some hotels may include parking as part of their stay package, while others may charge an additional daily fee. Check the hotel's amenities page on their website for more information on their parking policies.

Where can I find Bordeaux hotel deals and discounted rates?

You can find discounted rates on select IHG hotels in Bordeaux by visiting the hotel website's offers page for property-specific deals or the last minute deals page for IHG partner deals and perks around the world. Additionally, many of the hotels offer special packages and promotions throughout the year. Learn more about IHG's Best Price Guarantee .

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IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program is designed to make it easier for guests to earn and redeem points. There are 5 tiers of member benefits, starting with Club Member, Sliver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and the highest tier being  Diamond Elite . You can earn Diamond Elite status by staying 70 qualified nights or earning 120,000 qualified points in a calendar year. Learn more about IHG® One Rewards Loyalty Program

Is there a minimum age requirement to check into a hotel in Bordeaux?

Yes, most hotels have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to check-in without an adult present. However, some hotels may allow guests under the age of 18 to check-in if they are accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. Check the hotel's website or contact the hotel directly for more information on their specific age requirements.

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