Bordeaux 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Bordeaux Itinerary: A Taste of Wine & Culture

This itinerary focuses on exploring Bordeaux’s rich history in winemaking alongside its charming city life. It can be customized based on your budget and interests.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Hotel de Seze, Le Boutique Hotel, Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa
  • Boutique: Hotel Palais Gallien, Hotel Saint-André, Hotel Se Cathedral
  • Budget-friendly: Generator Bordeaux, The People Hostel, Auberge de Jeunesse Le Clos

Where to Eat: (These are just examples, feel free to swap based on your preference!)

  • Fine Dining:

    • La Tupina: (Restaurant) Experience traditional Bordelaise cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
    • Le Chapon Fin: (Restaurant) Indulge in a modern take on French classics, enjoying their stunning terrace overlooking the Garonne River.

  • Mid-Range:

    • Le Petit Commerce: Enjoy delicious seafood dishes at this popular restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

  • Casual:

    • L’Avant Comptoir: Savor small plates and gourmet delights in a casual setting.
    • Marché des Capucins: Explore the vibrant market and grab fresh produce, local cheeses, or artisanal bread from one of the many vendors and enjoy it as part of a picnic lunch!

Day 1: Wine Immersion in the City

  • Morning: Arrive in Bordeaux and check into your chosen accommodation.

  • Afternoon:

    • Immerse yourself in the history of wine: Start your exploration with a visit to the Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum that offers breathtaking views and a journey through the world of wine.
    • Explore the historic center: Wander through the charming streets of Bordeaux’s historic UNESCO-listed district, marveling at the elegant architecture, including the Grand Théâtre and Place de la Bourse.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at Chez Dupont, a renowned restaurant known for its authentic French cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Day 2: The Left Bank Wine Trail

  • Activity: Embark on a self-guided tour of the Bordeaux wine region’s Left Bank vineyards, such as those in Saint-Émilion.

  • Things to know:

    • The Left Bank is known for its elegant red wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.
    • Book tours and tastings in advance, especially for prestigious wineries.
    • Consider hiring a bike or taking a guided bike tour through the vineyards.

  • Lunch: Dine at L’Avant Comptoir (if you choose to dine) or explore a local vineyard with a picnic basket and a bottle of their finest wine!

  • Dinner: Indulge in a “wine & dine” experience at one of the vineyards’ restaurants, enjoying the local flavors alongside beautiful wines.

Things to do:

  • Visit a Bordeaux château: Explore the vineyards and cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and savor the flavors of the region with a tasting session.
  • Explore the charming town of Saint-Émilion: Visit the vineyards, churches, and monasteries in this historic wine-producing area.

Things to see:

  • Château de la Dauphine: A stunning 16th century château offering tours and tastings, showcasing the beautiful rolling hills and vineyards.
  • Chateau Haut-Brion: Experience a blend of history and luxury at one of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux.
  • Vineyard Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the picturesque vineyards at your own pace.

Day 3: The City’s Treasures

  • Morning: Stroll through the Jardin Public, a beautiful green space with a lake, gardens, and a botanical garden.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a delightful meal at Le Petit Commerce, or indulge in the culinary delights of the local market stalls.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts for an afternoon immersed in art and history.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the Grand Théâtre: Take a guided tour of this architectural gem, marvel at its grandeur, or even catch a performance!
    • Wander along the waterfront: Enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air at the Place de la Bourse, or take a boat tour on the Garonne River.

Things to see:

  • Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux: This historic building is a must-see, offering architecture tours and breathtaking performances.
  • Bordeaux Wine Museum (Cité du Vin): Discover the history and passion behind Bordeaux wines.

Day 4: Exploring Beyond the City

  • Morning: Enjoy the outdoors with a visit to the Bordeaux’s Grand Théâtre for a guided tour of the impressive structure, or take a leisurely stroll through the charming historic district.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit a local market: Wander through the stalls and experience the authentic flavors of Bordeaux.

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere: Watch the locals shop and interact with the vendors, enjoying the fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal goods.

  • Evening: Enjoy one last meal at a charming restaurant in the city center, like Le Bistrot de la Place for a taste of authentic Bordeaux cuisine.

Things to do:

  • Explore the vineyards around the city: Discover the “Caves de Bordeaux” (Wine Caves) and enjoy a wine tasting experience.

  • Visit one of the many wineries in the surrounding area: Choose from smaller, family-run vineyards or larger, more renowned ones.

  • Things to see:

    • Musée d’Aquitaine:** Discover the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine region.

    • Guided tour of a vineyard: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how these wines are made!

Day Trips:

  • Visit the vineyards in the Médoc region: Explore the famous “Chateaux” of Margaux, Pauillac, or Saint-Julien and learn about the Bordeaux winemaking tradition.
  • Discover the charming coastal town of Arcachon: Take a ferry to the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, or explore the oyster farms and indulge in fresh seafood.

Wine Tips:

  • Bordeaux is known for its fine wines, but don’t be afraid to explore other regions of France**: You can find excellent wines from all over the country, including many affordable options.
  • Research the wine regions you want to visit: Choose a region based on your interests: Bordeaux (for prestigious reds), Saint-Émilion (for historic charm and elegant reds), or Margaux (for its famous château and stunning wines).

Wine & Dine in Bordeaux:

  • Enjoy “wine & dine” experiences, like the ones at the Château de la Maltroye or Le Chai à Vin.
  • Sample local delicacies: Try a “canelé” (a small, sweet pastry with a caramelized crust) or a “tarte à la crème” (a custard tart).

Dining options:

  • Caves de Bordeaux: This charming restaurant and wine bar offers a delightful menu of regional specialties.
  • Le Bistrot du Boeuf: Enjoy traditional French dishes like steak frites, duck confit, and escargots in this cozy setting.

Things to remember:

  • Book reservations: Especially for dinner, as many restaurants are popular and get booked up quickly.
  • Dress comfortably: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, exploring the vineyards and markets, and enjoying the local wine scene.
  • Learn some basic French phrases: While English is spoken in many tourist areas, knowing a few words like “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), and “s’il vous plaît” (please) will help you navigate the local culture.

Transportation:

  • Walking: Bordeaux is a very walkable city, and exploring the charming streets and pedestrian zones of the city center is a great way to experience its beauty.
  • Tram: The city has a modern and efficient tram system, perfect for getting around.

Things to remember:

  • Purchase a travel pass: This will save you money on public transportation if you plan on staying in Bordeaux for several days.
  • Check the schedules: Bordeaux’s trams are a great way to get around the city, but they don’t run as frequently as in larger cities.
  • Download a transit app: It can be helpful for navigating the bus and tram system and understanding the routes.

Food & Wine:

  • Bordeaux markets:

    • Marché des Capucins: A vibrant indoor market with a variety of fresh produce, seafood, cheese, and wine stalls.
    • Local restaurants: Explore the diverse culinary scene by trying the local specialties at one of Bordeaux’s many restaurants.

Public transportation: Enjoy exploring the city’s public transport system!

For a more detailed “wine & food” experience:

  • Book in advance: To secure your spot on the tour and ensure you get to taste the best wines.
  • Check out the wine regions: Take a day trip and explore the vineyards of the Bordeaux region!

For a day trip: Consider purchasing a transportation pass for the city’s buses and trams.

For a more traditional experience:

  • Explore local wineries in the surrounding areas: Some popular options include Margaux, Saint-Émilion, Saint-Julien, and Pomerol.

  • Enjoy the local cuisine:

    • Bordeaux is known for its wine, of course, but it also has amazing seafood, fresh produce, and local dishes like “canard à l’orange” (duck with orange sauce) or “entrecote” (a type of steak).

Public transportation:

  • Take a tram to the Place de la Bourse.

  • Consider downloading the Bordeaux Métropole app: It provides information on public transport routes and schedules, making it easier to explore the city and surrounding vineyards.

  • Don’t forget to visit the “wine & dine” destinations in the city center: Try the wines of the region and enjoy a delightful meal at a local bistro!

Remember: This is just a starting point. You can adjust this itinerary based on your preferences and time constraints.

Enjoy your trip to Bordeaux!