Bordeaux tours and tickets
Bordeaux is a city you can walk on the day, and a wine region that needs a plan. The Cité du Vin sells timed tickets, and the best châteaux in Saint-Émilion and the Médoc ask for a booking. Weekend visits fill first. The Miroir d'eau, the quays and the market are free. Book the wine day first, then the museum, and leave the rest open.
Book these first
- Saint-Émilion or Médoc wine tour
- 1 to 3 weeks ahead. Château visits need a booking, and weekends fill.
- Cité du Vin
- a few days ahead in summer. Timed entry and the rooftop bar can be busy.
- Dinner at weekends
- a few days ahead. Small restaurants fill from Thursday.
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Museums and galleries
Cité du Vin
A wine museum in a curved tower on the Garonne, with an interactive tour, a rooftop tasting and views over the river. Entry is by timed ticket, and the tasting glass is included. Allow about two hours.
Which to pick. Book a morning or late afternoon slot. Go for the rooftop even if you are not into wine, and plan your lunch afterwards.
A few days ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBassins des Lumières
A digital art center in a former submarine base, where huge projections cover the walls and flooded basins. Shows change, and entry is by timed ticket. A visit takes about an hour.
Which to pick. Check what is showing and book a slot a day or two ahead. Go in the evening or on a wet day when you want something indoors.
A day or two aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Saint-Émilion
A medieval hilltop village among vineyards, with underground churches and cellars. A guided visit is needed for the monolithic church. The train from Bordeaux takes about 40 minutes, and tastings are sold in the village.
Which to pick. Book a guided visit of the underground sights and one tasting. Take the train and walk, or book a small-group trip with a driver.
1 to 2 weeks aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMédoc châteaux
The famous wine estates north of the city, about an hour by car. Most need a booking for a tour and tasting, and weekends fill. A small-group trip handles the driving.
Which to pick. Choose a tour with one or two estates and a lunch. A driver is the only sensible way if you plan to taste.
1 to 3 weeks aheadTours and tickets on ViatorArcachon and the Dune du Pilat
An oyster town on a bay and the tallest sand dune in Europe, about an hour by train and bus. The dune is free to climb, and boat trips around the bay are sold. Oyster huts sell lunch.
Which to pick. Go by train and bus, or book a half-day trip. Visit the dune at the end of the afternoon, and bring water and sun cover.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Guided walks and tours
Old town walking tour
A walk of about two hours through the old streets, the Place de la Bourse and the quays, with the history of the wine trade and the city's rebuilding. Small groups run most days.
Which to pick. Book a small group in the morning. It is a useful first stop if you plan to spend several days.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on ViatorTour Pey-Berland
The bell tower beside the cathedral sells tickets for the climb to a viewing platform with a view over the roofs. The cathedral itself is free to enter. The tower closes on some days in winter.
Which to pick. Buy the tower ticket at the door. The climb is steep, and the view is best in the late afternoon.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Food tours and classes
Marché des Capucins tour
A market tour of the main food market, covering oysters, cheese and charcuterie. Some include a tasting breakfast with white wine. Tours are small and last about two hours.
Which to pick. Go on a Saturday or Sunday morning when the market is full. A guided taste is worth it once, and you can return alone afterwards.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorWine and cheese tasting class
A tasting class in a wine bar or school in the center, covering how to taste, the main appellations and what to pair. Classes last about two hours and are taught in English.
Which to pick. Choose a class if you want the regions explained before a day in the vineyards. Book a day or two ahead for an evening session.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Bordeaux
Do I need to book a Saint-Émilion visit?
The underground church can only be seen on a guided visit, which is sold by the village. Book it a week ahead in summer. Tastings in the village need no booking, but estates do.
Can I visit Médoc without a car?
Not easily. A small-group tour with a driver is the usual way, and some tours leave from the city center. A taxi for the day is another option.
Is the Cité du Vin worth it?
Yes, if you like the idea of wine. The interactive tour is clear, and the rooftop tasting and view are the best part. Book a morning slot to avoid crowds.
Can I take a train to Saint-Émilion?
Yes, trains run from Bordeaux in about 40 minutes. The station is a short walk from the village. Check the return times, since the last train leaves earlier than you expect.
What can I book at the last minute?
Walking tours, the Tour Pey-Berland, the Miroir d'eau and the Marché des Capucins can all be done on the day. Book wine estates and the Cité du Vin first.
When is the Dune du Pilat best?
The late afternoon is best, for the light and to avoid the midday heat. Go in spring or autumn for fewer crowds, and plan the return transport before you set out.