Bordeaux is one of France’s most captivating cities, blending history, architecture, and world-famous wine. If you’re planning a trip, here are the top five experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.
One of the best ways to get to know Bordeaux is on foot. Bordeaux Free Walking Tours offers engaging, guided walks departing daily from Cathedral Saint-André, marked by their iconic purple umbrella.
The guides share stories from Bordeaux’s medieval merchants to its role in the Resistance, mixing history with humour and insider anecdotes. Best of all, the tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, making culture accessible to everyone.
Bordeaux’s city centre is full of architectural gems. Walk through the Grand Théâtre, where you can attend world-class performances, admire the stunning Place de la Bourse, pass under the Porte Cailhau, and reflect at the Miroir d’Eau.
Don’t miss Les Citées du Vin, a modern museum dedicated to wine culture, where you can explore the global history of wine and enjoy tastings with panoramic views of the city. A city walking tour helps uncover stories behind these landmarks that you won’t find in guidebooks.
Bordeaux isn’t just about wine—it’s also a gastronomic hotspot. With one restaurant for every 285 inhabitants, the city boasts the highest restaurant density per capita in Europe. Sample local delicacies, such as canelés or fresh seafood, at markets like Marché des Capucins.
For a more relaxed experience, grab a bottle of wine from a wine shop in Chartrons, pick up local cheese, and enjoy a picnic in the Jardin Public. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Bordeaux like a local while savouring the city’s culinary culture.
No trip to Bordeaux is complete without visiting the vineyards. Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim offers private and group wine tours to Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Graves. Learn about the winemaking process, explore prestigious châteaux, and taste some of the region’s most celebrated wines.
These tours offer an in-depth experience, providing visitors with insight into centuries of winemaking traditions. There are many free parking options. Be sure to check out where to park in Saint Emilion.
Bordeaux isn’t just about the city itself. Its surrounding region offers incredible natural attractions. Take a day trip to the Dune of Pilat, the tallest dune in Europe.
Located about an hour from Bordeaux, this natural wonder offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Arcachon Bay, and the surrounding pine forests.
Climb the dune, enjoy the sweeping vistas, and even try paragliding for the adventurous. A day at the Dune of Pilat is the perfect way to experience the beauty of southwestern France beyond the city’s streets and vineyards.
Combining a walking tour with a wine tour is the perfect way to experience Bordeaux fully. Start with a guided stroll to understand the city’s streets, stories, and history, then venture out to the vineyards with Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim to taste the fruits of centuries of winemaking.
Add a stop at Les Citées du Vin, enjoy world-class theatre at the Grand Théâtre, savour the city’s culinary delights with a picnic in Jardin Public, and cap the trip with a visit to the Dune of Pilat. Together, these experiences ensure that your vacation is educational, indulgent, and memorable.
Bordeaux is more than a destination—it’s a journey through time, culture, and taste. Follow the purple umbrella, explore the city’s landmarks, sip exquisite wines, attend remarkable performances, enjoy the food culture, and discover natural wonders like the Dune of Pilat that make Bordeaux so unique.
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This story is brought to you in collaboration with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours and Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim.
The post Bordeaux Is Europe's Top Emerging Destination appeared first on Go Backpacking.
Top 5 Things To Do in Bordeaux: Wine, History, and Culture
1. Explore the City on Foot with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours
One of the best ways to get to know Bordeaux is on foot. Bordeaux Free Walking Tours offers engaging, guided walks departing daily from Cathedral Saint-André, marked by their iconic purple umbrella.
The guides share stories from Bordeaux’s medieval merchants to its role in the Resistance, mixing history with humour and insider anecdotes. Best of all, the tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, making culture accessible to everyone.
2. Discover Iconic Landmarks and Les Citées du Vin
Bordeaux’s city centre is full of architectural gems. Walk through the Grand Théâtre, where you can attend world-class performances, admire the stunning Place de la Bourse, pass under the Porte Cailhau, and reflect at the Miroir d’Eau.
Don’t miss Les Citées du Vin, a modern museum dedicated to wine culture, where you can explore the global history of wine and enjoy tastings with panoramic views of the city. A city walking tour helps uncover stories behind these landmarks that you won’t find in guidebooks.
3. Enjoy Bordeaux’s Culinary Scene and Picnic Experiences
Bordeaux isn’t just about wine—it’s also a gastronomic hotspot. With one restaurant for every 285 inhabitants, the city boasts the highest restaurant density per capita in Europe. Sample local delicacies, such as canelés or fresh seafood, at markets like Marché des Capucins.
For a more relaxed experience, grab a bottle of wine from a wine shop in Chartrons, pick up local cheese, and enjoy a picnic in the Jardin Public. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Bordeaux like a local while savouring the city’s culinary culture.
4. Explore Saint-Émilion and the Vineyards
No trip to Bordeaux is complete without visiting the vineyards. Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim offers private and group wine tours to Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Graves. Learn about the winemaking process, explore prestigious châteaux, and taste some of the region’s most celebrated wines.
These tours offer an in-depth experience, providing visitors with insight into centuries of winemaking traditions. There are many free parking options. Be sure to check out where to park in Saint Emilion.
5. Take a Day Trip to the Dune of Pilat
Bordeaux isn’t just about the city itself. Its surrounding region offers incredible natural attractions. Take a day trip to the Dune of Pilat, the tallest dune in Europe.
Located about an hour from Bordeaux, this natural wonder offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Arcachon Bay, and the surrounding pine forests.
Climb the dune, enjoy the sweeping vistas, and even try paragliding for the adventurous. A day at the Dune of Pilat is the perfect way to experience the beauty of southwestern France beyond the city’s streets and vineyards.
Final Thoughts
Combining a walking tour with a wine tour is the perfect way to experience Bordeaux fully. Start with a guided stroll to understand the city’s streets, stories, and history, then venture out to the vineyards with Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim to taste the fruits of centuries of winemaking.
Add a stop at Les Citées du Vin, enjoy world-class theatre at the Grand Théâtre, savour the city’s culinary delights with a picnic in Jardin Public, and cap the trip with a visit to the Dune of Pilat. Together, these experiences ensure that your vacation is educational, indulgent, and memorable.
Bordeaux is more than a destination—it’s a journey through time, culture, and taste. Follow the purple umbrella, explore the city’s landmarks, sip exquisite wines, attend remarkable performances, enjoy the food culture, and discover natural wonders like the Dune of Pilat that make Bordeaux so unique.
_____
This story is brought to you in collaboration with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours and Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim.
The post Bordeaux Is Europe's Top Emerging Destination appeared first on Go Backpacking.