The Best Things to Do in Bordeaux: Spotlight on the Best Activities, Restaurants, and More

Whether you’re a wine lover or simply curious about exploring one of France’s most vibrant cities, you’ll find countless amazing things to do in Bordeaux. From strolling through the cobblestone streets to visiting historic vineyards, Bordeaux offers something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Bordeaux, including top Bordeaux attractions, wine tastings, delicious food, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Bordeaux: Top Attractions

1. Cité du Vin: A Multi-Sensory Wine Experience

A trip to Bordeaux wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Cité du Vin, the city’s stunning wine museum. This modern, award-winning space is not just a place to learn about wine—it’s a true multisensory experience. Your visit includes a headset for the exhibits, and there’s even a kid’s version to keep them engaged.

One of the standout features of Cité du Vin is its interactive nature. For example, you can sniff a series of wine-related scents or “stomp” grapes on a lighted floor display. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit that allowed you to put together your ideal meal and wine pairing and receive feedback on whether it was a good match.

Beyond the exhibits, Cité du Vin also offers wine tastings and workshops, allowing you to deepen your appreciation of wine while honing your skills. From wine’s history to its science, you’re sure to learn something new whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual wine lover.

Pro Tip: To avoid the lines, book your tickets ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

2. Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror

Place de la Bourse is one of Bordeaux’s most iconic spots. During the day, the grand 18th-century buildings shine. At night, the square lights up, and the nearby Water Mirror creates an amazing reflection, perfect for photos. Note the city drains the Water Mirror in late fall.

3. Saint-André Cathedral

Saint-André Cathedral is another must-see. This Gothic masterpiece is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb the Pey Berland Tower nearby for sweeping views of the city and beyond.

4. The Garonne Riverfront

If you’re looking for a peaceful walk, take a stroll along the Garonne Riverfront, known as the Quais. This revitalized area is full of cafes, boutiques, and parks. Don’t miss the Pont de Pierre, the picturesque stone bridge that connects both sides of the city.

5. The Chartrons District

Once the center of Bordeaux’s wine trade, the Chartrons District is now a lively neighborhood filled with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes. For a deeper dive into Bordeaux’s wine history, stop by the Musée du Vin et du Négoce (Wine and Trade Museum).

Explore more things to do in Bordeaux.

Wine Lover’s Guide to Things to Do in Bordeaux

Winetasting is at the top of most people’s lists of the best things to do in Bordeaux! The world-famous Bordeaux region is home to over 6,000 wineries, so there’s no shortage of places to explore. Here’s how to make the most of your wine-tasting experience.

Book Your Vineyard Tours in Advance

Winetasting in Bordeaux is quite different than what you’d find in Napa or Sonoma. You can’t just drive up to wineries and expect a large drop-in tasting room. Since most vineyards in Bordeaux require advance reservations, it’s essential to plan ahead. Popular vineyards like Château Margaux, Château Pape Clément, and Château Lafite Rothschild are known for their exclusive tours. If you want to organize it for yourself, you will need to email each winery to arrange a visit.

Join a Guided Wine Tour

To make winetasting stress-free (and have a designated driver!), I highly recommend booking a guided tour. Many local companies offer half-day or full-day trips, which include transportation and expert guidance. It’s a great way to experience Bordeaux’s top wine regions without the hassle. Collectors might also consider a private tour. We highly recommend Henri Challeau ([email protected])

Visit Local Wine Bars

For a more relaxed experience, Bordeaux’s wine bars, like Les Trois Pinadiers or Le Bar A Vin, are perfect spots to try the region’s best wines. The sommeliers will walk you through Bordeaux’s rich variety of wines.

The Urban Wine Trail offers a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant wine culture, right in the heart of the city. This is a self-guided bar crawl showcasing local wineries, bars, and wine shops. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s rich wine heritage while exploring the city’s most charming neighborhoods. Note that this list is a little outdated, so I recommend googling the names of individual spots you’re interested in to ensure it’s still open.

Overview of Bordeaux’s Famous Wine Regions

Bordeaux’s wine regions offer different flavors depending on where you go. Here’s a quick overview:

• Left Bank (Médoc): Known for bold, full-bodied red wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon. Famous areas include Pauillac and Margaux.
• Entre-Deux-Mers: This area produces crisp white wines and is located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
• Graves and Sauternes: Graves offers both red and white wines, while Sauternes is famous for its sweet dessert wines like the renowned Château d’Yquem. Even if you don’t try the wines at Château d’Yquem, don’t miss the chance to tour the stunning property, which is free.
• Côtes de Bordeaux: This region is known for affordable wines, with labels such as Blaye or Cadillac.
• Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol): This region produces softer, Merlot-based wines. Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you only go to one part of the region, I recommend this one.

Visiting Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful towns. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its medieval streets and top-notch vineyards. Don’t miss the Monolithic Church, an underground cathedral carved into limestone, or the Tour du Roy, which offers panoramic views. If you only have one day to visit the wine regions, I recommend choosing the right bank and spending some time in this charming town.

If you’re looking to be close to the best Bordeaux attractions, consider staying near the Chartrons district or the city center.

Best Restaurants in Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s food scene is just as impressive as its wine. Here are some top restaurants you don’t want to miss:

• Vivants: This trendy spot serves fresh, seasonal dishes and natural wines. It’s an unusual concept – everyone at the table does the tasting menu, but they bring out different dishes for each person. I would have preferred to pick from a selection, but fortunately, my husband was willing to share so I could try everything.
• Zéphirine: A modern bistro offering creative takes on local ingredients and an excellent wine list.
• Arcada: Perfect for a romantic dinner, Arcada offers elegant decor and dishes that highlight regional flavors.
• Le Chien de Pavlov: A laid-back place with inventive dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
• Soif: A wine bar and restaurant that pairs small plates perfectly with Bordeaux’s best wines.
• Racine: A chic and cozy restaurant where refined French cuisine meets modern presentation. Don’t miss the desserts.
• La Tupina: Known for its rustic charm and traditional southwest French dishes, this iconic spot is a meat lover’s paradise.
• Bastion: A hidden gem with a warm atmosphere, offering bold flavors and an ever-changing menu of creative dishes.
• Les Trois Pinadier: More of a wine bar than a full restaurant, but perfect for a charcuterie and cheese dinner if you’re tired of multi-course menus.

Pro tip: Many upscale Bordeaux restaurants offer only a multi-course prix-fixe menu. After spending five nights there, I was craving something a little lower-key. I recommend balancing prix-fixe fine dining with more casual wine bars!

When to Visit Bordeaux

The best time to visit Bordeaux depends on what you want to experience:

• Spring (April-June): Perfect weather and blooming vineyards make this a great time for sightseeing and wine tasting.
• Fall (September-October): The grape harvest season is exciting, and you can witness the winemaking process firsthand. However, vineyards are busy during this time, so you might find it harder to make appointments at smaller vineyards.
• Summer (July-August): Summer is busy and warm, especially in the city center, but it’s lively and full of festivals.
• Winter (November-March): Fewer crowds and lower prices make winter a good time for a quieter trip. However, some vineyards may be closed. We went in early November and found the weather delightful, but they said that for weeks previous, it had been nothing but rain.

Things to Do in Bordeaux: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Bordeaux?

The TGV offers a quick 2-hour train ride from Gare Montparnasse. You can also arrive with a connecting flight from the US. Have extra time? Plan a trip to Paris with our helpful guide.

How do I make appointments at vineyards?

Most vineyards require advance reservations. You can book through their websites, email them directly, or use platforms like Wine Paths. If you prefer, you can also book a guided tour that handles all the details for you.

How long should I stay in Bordeaux?

A three- to five-day stay is ideal for exploring the city, nearby vineyards, and Bordeaux’s incredible food scene.

Is Bordeaux walkable? Do I need a car?

Bordeaux’s city center is very walkable, so you don’t need a car in the city. However, to visit the vineyards, you’ll need a car or guided tour. Public transport and Uber are also good options for shorter distances. If you only want to see nearby Saint-Émilion, you can take a train.

Is Bordeaux family-friendly?

Yes! While wine is a major focus, Bordeaux is also great for families. Kids can enjoy the Natural History Museum, the Jardin Public, and river cruises. Some vineyards even offer kid-friendly activities.

Can I go wine tasting with kids in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux offers family-friendly wine-tasting experiences. Some vineyards, like Château Soutard in Saint-Émilion, offer interactive tours where kids can learn about winemaking and enjoy grape juice tastings while parents taste wine. Château de La Dauphine combines wine tastings with family picnics and nature walks. These experiences are perfect for both parents and kids. Many wineries also include the option to picnic, which will give little ones the chance to burn off some energy outside.

Conclusion: The Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Whether you’re exploring Bordeaux’s iconic attractions, indulging in a wine-tasting tour, or enjoying a meal at one of its best restaurants, this city offers something for everyone. Slow down and savor the beauty of Bordeaux, and you’ll find that it rewards every kind of traveler.

Looking for More Food and Wine Adventures?

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