Discover Bordeaux: A Wine Lover's Paradise in Southwest France

Discover the charm of Bordeaux, a city known for its world-class wine, stunning architecture, and rich history. Our guide covers the best time to visit, must-see attractions, local delicacies, and essential travel tips to help you make the most of your stay in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Liv Coning

Marketing Lead

Discover Bordeaux: A Wine Lover's Paradise in Southwest France

Aug 23 2024

Bonjour

Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, is renowned for its exquisite wines, rich history, and stunning architecture. Located in the heart of one of the world's largest wine-growing regions, Bordeaux offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and gastronomic delights.

This elegant destination attracts wine connoisseurs, history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and food lovers alike. With its UNESCO World Heritage status, world-class vineyards, and vibrant culinary scene, Bordeaux caters to a diverse range of travelers seeking a quintessential French experience.

The lay of the land

A quick overview of the most important things to know about Bordeaux.

Language

The official language is French. While English is spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience.

Currency

Euro (EUR) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.

Main Airport

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) is the main gateway, located about 12 kilometers west of the city center. It serves both domestic and international flights.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Bordeaux are from June to August and September to October. Summer offers warm weather and festivals, while autumn brings the grape harvest and milder temperatures.

Recommended Stay

A stay of 3 to 5 days is ideal for exploring Bordeaux city and its surrounding wine regions. This allows time for city sightseeing, wine tasting, and day trips to nearby attractions.

Average Daily Cost

Budget travelers can expect to spend around $129 (€118) per day, which includes accommodation, meals, local transportation, and some activities. Mid-range travelers might spend more depending on their chosen accommodations and activities.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in France as service is usually included in the bill. However, it's common to round up the bill or leave a small tip (5-10%) for exceptional service.

Transportation

Bordeaux has an efficient public transportation system including trams, buses, and a bike-sharing program. The historic center is also very walkable. For wine tours, consider renting a car or joining organized excursions.

Safety

Bordeaux is generally a safe city for tourists. As with any urban area, be aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.

LGBTQ+ Equality Index

France has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, scoring 75 out of 100 on the LGBTQ+ Equality Index. Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited. While major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and host Pride events, attitudes in rural areas may be more conservative. Travelers should be aware of local attitudes, especially in less urban areas, but overall, France provides a generally favorable environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Digital Nomad Ranking

Bordeaux ranks 2.67 out of 5 for digital nomads, offering a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a thriving wine culture. While its growing tech scene and proximity to beautiful landscapes make it an appealing destination, potential digital nomads should consider factors such as cost of living and internet reliability when planning an extended stay.

Must-Dos in Bordeaux

Visit Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion is a charming medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional wines. Explore the underground monuments, stroll through picturesque streets, and enjoy wine tastings at renowned châteaux.

Caity Zagar

Available for hire

Day Trip to St. Émilion from Bordeaux 🍷✨

St. Émilion is one of the most popular day trips from Bordeaux. And even though this medieval village is nestled in the heart of Bordeaux's wine country, you DON'T have to love wine in order to have a great time here! It's an adorable, picturesque town, packed with history in the beautiful French countryside- what's not to love? This guide is perfect for those who are dying to get out of the city for a day and take a break in a small-town village in France. In this guide, you will find EVERYTHING you need for a successful day trip from Bordeaux to St. Émilion. This guide provides you with: 🗺️ details on how to get there, where to park, and how to get around 🍽️ 3 options for lunch ⛪️ 2 activity options 🍷 3 Chateaux Tour options +7 spots to visit while you're strolling around the town You can do everything on this list, or just some of it - you can make your day in St. Émilion as packed or as carefree as you want it to be! If you want my advice - St. Émilion is well worth the visit, so if you're hesitating, just go for it!

History • Wine • Nature • People & Culture • Slow Travel

$15.00

5.0

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Itinerary

Explore La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin is a modern museum dedicated to the history of wine offers interactive exhibits, tasting sessions, and a panoramic view of Bordeaux from its observation deck.

Stroll along the Garonne River

Take a leisurely walk along the quays of Bordeaux, admiring the beautiful 18th-century architecture. Don't miss the Water Mirror, a stunning reflecting pool that creates a magical atmosphere, especially at night.

Must-Eats in Bordeaux

Canelés

Canelés are small pastries with a caramelized crust and a soft custard center, flavored with rum and vanilla. They're a Bordeaux specialty not to be missed.

Entrecôte à la Bordelaise

This classic Bordeaux dish features a ribeye steak cooked in a rich sauce made with red wine, butter, shallots, and bone marrow. It's often served with potatoes.