Bordeaux travel guide: the center, the Cité du Vin and the vineyards
Bordeaux is a flat, walkable city of pale stone, a wide river and the best wine region in France on its doorstep. Two days cover the center, the Cité du Vin and the quays. A third day goes well in Saint-Émilion. Book the wine tours and dinner ahead, and leave the city itself loose.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in the old center, give it three days, and book a day in Saint-Émilion or the Médoc.
- Where to stay
- The Golden Triangle or Saint-Pierre for a central base, Chartrons for a local feel, Saint-Michel for a cheaper base.
- How many days
- Two days covers the city. Three adds a wine day in Saint-Émilion.
- Best time to go
- May, June, September and October are best. The harvest runs from September, and July and August are hot.
- Book ahead
- Wine tours and château visits, the Cité du Vin in summer, and dinner at weekends.
- From the airport
- Tram line F runs from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport to the center in about 35 minutes, and the 30'Direct shuttle goes to Gare Saint-Jean.
Where to stay in Bordeaux, in brief
Saint-Pierre and the old center
a central base near the river
Old streets, restaurants and the Place de la Bourse. Everything is within 15 minutes on foot. It can be loud at weekends.
Golden Triangle
shops, elegant streets and a quiet stay
The grand streets around Cours Clemenceau, with theater, shops and the Grand Théâtre. It suits a smart, calm stay.
Chartrons
a local feel, antiques and wine bars
A former wine merchants' district, now full of cafes and small shops. It is about 20 minutes on foot from the center.
Saint-Michel
budget stays and a lively market
A diverse area around the basilica and a Sunday market. It is cheaper but rougher at night.
Things to do in Bordeaux
Miroir d'eau
A shallow reflecting pool in front of the Place de la Bourse. Visit at sunset or at night.
Place de la Bourse and the quays
Walk the river promenade for the best view of the city.
Cité du Vin
A wine museum with a rooftop tasting and views over the river.
a few days ahead in summer
Cathedral Saint-André and Tour Pey-Berland
Climb the tower for views over the city.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
A long shopping street, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.
Saint-Émilion
A hilltop village among the vineyards, with underground churches and tastings.
1 to 2 weeks ahead for tours
Marché des Capucins
The city's main food market, with a morning breakfast of oysters and wine.
Chartrons antiques and bars
Browse antique shops and sit in a wine bar.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Bordeaux can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Bordeaux, and which to pick- Saint-Émilion or Médoc wine tour1 to 3 weeks ahead
Château visits need a booking, and weekends fill.
- Cité du Vina few days ahead in summer
Timed entry and the rooftop bar can be busy.
- Dinner at weekendsa few days ahead
Small restaurants fill from Thursday.
What to skip in Bordeaux
- Touristy restaurants on Place du Parlement
The square is pretty, but the food is average. Eat in Chartrons or on the side streets.
- A rushed visit to every château
Choose one area and two stops. Two or three visits are enough in a day.
Best time to visit Bordeaux
May, June, September and October are the best: warm and bright, with the harvest in September and October. Spring has gardens in bloom.
July and August are hot and crowded. Winter is mild and wet, and some vineyards close or reduce hours.
- From Bordeaux-Mérignac airportTram line F runs to the center (Hôtel de Ville) in about 35 minutes. A taxi is simple with luggage.
- TramFour tram lines cover the city, and a single ticket works on trams and buses.
- On foot and by bikeThe center is flat, and there are many bike lanes and public bikes.
- To Saint-ÉmilionA train runs from Gare Saint-Jean in about 40 minutes, and tours also run from the city.
Bordeaux in three days
- Day 1
Walk the old center, the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'eau. Lunch at the Capucins market, then Cathedral Saint-André.
- Day 2
The Cité du Vin in the morning, Chartrons in the afternoon and dinner in a wine bar.
- Day 3
A day in Saint-Émilion with a village walk and a tasting.
Day trips from Bordeaux
- Saint-ÉmilionAbout 40 minutes by train. A village among vineyards with underground sights and tastings.
- Arcachon and the Dune du PilatAbout an hour by train and bus. The tallest sand dune in Europe and an oyster town.
- Médoc châteauxAbout an hour by car. Famous wine estates, best visited with a booked tour.
Bordeaux: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Bordeaux?
Two days cover the city. Add a third for Saint-Émilion or another wine day trip.
Where should I stay in Bordeaux?
Near Saint-Pierre or the Golden Triangle for a central base. Chartrons is quieter and local.
Is Bordeaux worth visiting without drinking wine?
Yes. The architecture, the river and the food market all stand on their own.
How do I visit Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux?
A train takes about 40 minutes from Gare Saint-Jean, or join a wine tour.
What is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
May, June, September and October. September and October bring the harvest.
How do I get from Bordeaux airport to the center?
Tram line F runs to the center in about 35 minutes.