Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting? A Complete Bordeaux Travel Guide

I adore France.  I love the timbered homes in the Alsace.  I love the history in Normandy.  I love the food, wine, and culture.  So when I was considering what region to explore next, I was happy to find an affordable train ticket from Paris to Bordeaux – France’s premiere wine region and ninth largest city.

I caught the earliest train out on a Monday morning and after an easy three-hour journey, arrived to Bordeaux bright and early.  While I was expecting to be awe-struck at the cobblestone streets, the smell of French bread wafting through open shop doors, and wine shops lining the streets; instead, I felt let down.

In this Bordeaux travel guide I’ll walk you through how to get to Bordeaux, what to see and do in Bordeaux, how to get around Bordeaux, and most importantly – is Bordeaux worth visiting?

 

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Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?

As I mentioned earlier, I felt a bit let down when I first arrived to Bordeaux.  I guess that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and I imagined it to be much more charming and quaint feeling than it was.  Truthfully, it kind of just felt like a big city… minus the magic that Paris has.

Fortunately, after three days in Bordeaux, I grew to understand the city and love it so much more than when I first arrived.  Here is my opinion on whether or not Bordeaux is worth a visit…

• If you’re at all interested in wine, then absolutely – Bordeaux is worth a visit
• If you’re interested in exploring the region of Bordeaux and you want somewhere central to stay with plenty of bars, restaurants, and hotels; then yes, Bordeaux is worth a visit
• If you’re looking to visit an exciting city with tons of cool restaurants, cocktail bars, and museums… yes, you should visit Bordeaux
• If you’re looking for a quaint village, then you’d probably be better off basing yourself outside of Bordeaux in Saint-Emilion

 

Brief History of Bordeaux

Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication.  Known as the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux has been producing some of the finest wines for over 2,000 years, with its vineyards earning UNESCO World Heritage status.  The city itself features grand boulevards, picturesque squares, and the iconic Place de la Bourse.  Beyond wine, Bordeaux is a culinary haven, offering everything from traditional French pastries to innovative dining experiences.  Whether strolling along the Garonne River or exploring the surrounding vineyards, Bordeaux offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and indulgence.

 

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

The best time to visit Bordeaux is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, and the vineyards are at their most picturesque.  These shoulder seasons also mean fewer tourists, making it ideal for exploring the city’s historic streets and surrounding wine regions.  Summer (July to August) brings warm weather and lively festivals, but it’s also peak tourist season.  Winter (November to February) is quieter, with cooler temperatures, perfect for a relaxed city break and enjoying Bordeaux’s culinary delights.

I visited Bordeaux in January and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.  The city felt quiet to a point that it was eery, and many of the small villages, restaurants, and vineyards close during this time.

 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

When picking where to stay in hotel, I absolutely recommend staying in – or as near to – the old town as possible.  (This neighborhood is also referred to as Vieux Bordeaux).  That way you’ll be near all of the great bars, restaurants, and best of all is that you’ll easily be able to walk the charming cobblestone streets without needing to rely on public transportation.  The hotels that I recommend in this area include…

• FirstName Bordeaux
• Hotel Konti Bordeaux
• Hotel Singulier Bordeaux
• Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa
• Mama Shelter Bordeaux Centre
• Yndo Hotel

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN BORDEAUX HERE!

 

How to Get to Bordeaux

Bordeaux is easy to get to whether you’re traveling from Paris, elsewhere in France, or even elsewhere in Europe.  It’s easily accessible by train and has an international airport with non-stop flights throughout Europe and Northern Africa.  You can also rent a car and drive to Bordeaux (from Paris the journey is around six hours).

 

Driving to Bordeaux

If you’re wanting to explore the further Bordeaux region, it’s definitely best to have a car.  Luckily, the roads in France are well maintained making it super easy to get around.  Plus, if you choose to drive to Bordeaux you have unlimited possibilities to stop in quaint towns and take your time along the way.

If you’re driving to Bordeaux from Paris (or elsewhere in France), I recommend using Discover Cars to filter through multiple rental companies in whatever city you’re looking to rent in.  In Paris specifically, driving through the city can be challenging so for this reason you might want to consider picking up your rental car outside of Paris (at one of the airports) to avoid Paris traffic.

 

 

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Taking the Train to Bordeaux

If you want to take the train to Bordeaux, you’ll want to arrive to the Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, located in the city.  To book train travel in France, I recommend using Omio.  Once you arrive in Bordeaux, depending on where your hotel is, you can walk, grab a taxi, use Bolt, or use public transportation to get to where you’re going.  All modes of transportation can be found right outside of the train station.

 

BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKET TO BORDEAUX HERE!

 

Flying to Bordeaux

Another way to get to Bordeaux is to fly.  The international airport in Bordeaux is called the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport and is only about a 20-minute drive from the city centre.  When you arrive, you can get a taxi or use public transportation to get to your hotel – both options are located right outside of the airport.

When searching for flights to Bordeaux, I like to use a big search engine like this one to filter through airlines and prices, and choose from there.

 

How to Get Around Bordeaux

Bordeaux is incredibly easy to get around because not only is it a walkable city, but public transportation is both cheap and easy.  If you plan to use public transportation in the city, you can purchase a ticket at each bus/metro stop.  (You can use a credit card or cash to do this).  Once you get on the bus or metro, you will scan the ticket that you just purchased (there will be a scanning area at each door).  Make sure to keep your ticket until you depart because there are times that you’ll be asked to show your ticket by security and if you don’t have a ticket, you’ll be fined.

If you plan to rent a car to get around the region of Bordeaux, there are car rental stations both at the train station and at the airport.  Again, I recommend using Discover Cars to filter through options.

 

IF YOU’RE VISITING BORDEAUX FOR 48-72 HOURS, CONSIDER THIS CITY PASS THAT INCLUDES FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

 

Best Tours & Things to Do in Bordeaux

There are endless things to do when you visit Bordeaux!  From wine tasting to day tripping; even visiting the interactive wine museum – La Cite du Vin.  Here are my favorite tours and things to do when you visit Bordeaux…

 

Day Trip to Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion is a medieval city in the historic wine hills of Bordeaux.  It’s located only an hour east of Bordeaux and is one of the most charming villages I’ve stepped foot in.  Think rolling hills, cobblestone streets, old churches and historic squares.  If you want to visit from Bordeaux (and you want autonomy), I recommend renting a car in Bordeaux for the day and driving to Saint-Emilion.  This is what I did when I visited and it was incredibly easy to get around.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also take a group day trip from Bordeaux where you’ll also be able to wine taste in the region.  Here are some of my top recommendations for group tours…

• From Bordeaux:  Saint-Emilion Food & Wine Tour
• From Bordeaux:  Saint-Emilion Half Day Tour with Wine Tasting
• From Bordeaux:  Saint-Emilion Guided Wine Tasting Tour
• Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

 

Learn About the History of Wine at Cite du Vin

As a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast, I jump at the chance to learn about wine anyway that I can.  When I visited Bordeaux, I made certain to carve out time to spend at Cite du Vin and I have to say that it’s one of the coolest wine experiences I’ve had.  Cite du Vin is an interactive wine museum that makes learning about wine incredibly straightforward and fun.  Plus at the end, you’re able to head to the top floor for views over Bordeaux and a glass of wine!  You could easily spend three-hours here but could also manage to get through in an hour if you don’t stop at each station.

You can get your ticket to Cite du Vin here, which includes entrance, an audioguide, and a glass of wine.

 

Indulge in French Food on a Local Food Tour

There’s nothing I love more than getting to experience a country or city through its food scene.  And Bordeaux has a really incredible food scene!  If you’re limited on time, or not sure where to start, I highly recommend joining a food tour hosted by a local guide.  This way you can get to know the regional cuisine, ask questions, and even get recommendations on where to eat once your tour ends.  Here are some of my top recommendations for food tours in Bordeaux…

• Bordeaux Food Tour in the Historic District
• Bordeaux Food Tour:  Sweet Specialties & Highlights
• Bordeaux Old Town Food & Wine Tour
• Bordeaux Ultimate Food Tour

 

Take a River Cruise Down the Garonne

The Garonne River is the river that weaves its way through Bordeaux.  If you want a different perspective of Bordeaux or generally enjoy being out on the water, I suggest a river cruise down the Garonne!  I suggest this 1.5 hour discovery cruise where you’re able to enjoy a glass of local wine and a canelé!

 

Get Your Art Fix at Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

Another thing to do when you visit Bordeaux is to visit the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts.  Here you’re able to see sculptures and paintings from the 15th-20th century.  It’s a great way to spend an hour or two in the heart of Bordeaux.

 

Shop Along Rue Sainte-Catherine (Europe’s Longest Shopping Street)

The longest shopping street – in Europe – happens to be in Bordeaux and it’s Rue Sainte-Catherine.  This pedestrian street is 1.2 km long and 10 meters wide.  If you visit Bordeaux in February and/or July, that’s when all of the stores have clearance sales so while it can get crowded – it’s a great way to snag a bargain!

 

Best Bars & Restaurants in Bordeaux

Not only is Bordeaux known for their culinary scene and abundant wine bars, but surprisingly, the city also has a pretty great cocktail scene!  Needless to say, there are tons of great bars and restaurants when you visit Bordeaux.  Here are my favorite places to dine at/drink at in Bordeaux…

• Atelier des Faures – French
• Baud et Millet – All you can eat French cheese & wine
• Les Halles Bacalan – Food court with multiple food & drink options with both indoor and outdoor seating
• KI Patisserie – Coffee & pastries
• Le Bar a Vin – Wine bar that only serves glasses of Bordeaux wine and small plates
• Madame Pang – Cocktail bar with Chinese-inspired dim sum
• Motto Bar – Cocktail bar

 

FAQ

Q:  “Is Bordeaux expensive?”

• A:  In my opinion, Bordeaux is not expensive and is in fact, much more affordable than Paris.  Of course, if you visit during high season prices will increase; but overall I don’t think that Bordeaux is expensive.

Q:  “What is Bordeaux famous for?”

• A:  Bordeaux is known for being the wine capital of the world.  On top of that, it’s also known for its emerging gastronomy scene.

Q:  “Is Bordeaux safe?”

• A:  I would say that yes, Bordeaux is safe.  It ranks as one of the safest cities in France and violent crime is not common.

Q:  “Is Bordeaux worth visiting in the winter?”

• A:  If you’re only going to Bordeaux for the city and gastronomy, yes!  Hotel prices are cheaper and winter temperatures are pretty mild.  However, if you’re going with plans to visit wineries and tour the countryside – you might want to consider another time because many places close during the winter.

Q:  “How many days should I spend in Bordeaux?”

• A:  I recommend spending 2 days in Bordeaux and 1-2 days exploring the greater region of Bordeaux.

 

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Luckily, after three days in Bordeaux – peeling back the different layers of the city, I grew to love it.  While I’m not sure it will ever be my *favorite* place in France, I appreciate Bordeaux for its impact on the world of wine, for its food scene, and for its friendly locals who patiently let me practice my French.

So, is Bordeaux worth visiting?  Well, I’d say that’s up to you – but in my opinion yes.  Yes it is.

 

If you’re considering other regions to visit in France, don’t miss…

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For more information on things to see and do in Paris, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinfrance” or under my highlights for “France 1″, “France 2”, & “France 3”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “France” highlight

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