Bordeaux: The Travel Destination to Discover

Bordeaux is one of those iconic cities in France. Located in the south-west, it is one of the must-visit travel destinations for all lovers of culture, art, and even gastronomy. World-renowned for its prestigious wines and vineyards, the city also has a rich architectural heritage to offer with its monumental squares, Gothic churches, and museums.

To help you prepare for your stay in Bordeaux, I have gathered in this article all the things you need to know to have a successful stay. You will find advice on the best time to visit, the budget to plan for, the must-see attractions and activities, as well as itinerary ideas and accommodation recommendations. Whether you are planning a short getaway or a longer stay, this guide aims to help you make the most of your visit to Bordeaux.

Historic street of Bordeaux

When to go to Bordeaux?

The city has a certain asset: its climate. Bordeaux is known for its mildness and sunny summers. It makes it an ideal destination for terrace lovers. The best months to visit the city are often those that extend from May to October. Despite a few days that can be a bit hot, the averages range between 20°C and 28°C, which is ideal for many of us. It is also during this period that the city is the most lively, with festivals, gourmet markets, and extended evenings along the quays.

If you are looking for a period that is a little less touristy or if you are one of the true connoisseurs, the harvest season from late August to October is ideal. During this time, the air is still warm, the light becomes golden, and the summer bustle gives way to a more serene atmosphere. Fewer tourists also guarantee more authenticity, especially during tastings in the nearby châteaux. Therefore, I recommend this time to explore the vineyards, observe the grape harvests, or enjoy a freshly picked grape without haste.

To remember: to enjoy Bordeaux between sunshine, sweetness, and wine discoveries, prefer the beautiful season and dare to choose autumn for a discreet immersion in the heart of the region.

How many days are sufficient to discover Bordeaux?

The ideal duration of a stay in Bordeaux depends on your desires and what you wish to explore. To fully enjoy your visit and have time to discover the must-see attractions, 3 to 4 days are recommended.

• Express stay: quick discovery of the main sites such as Place de la Bourse, Saint-André Cathedral, and Cité du Vin.
• Extended stay: explore the surrounding vineyards, such as those in Sauternais, and take the time to enjoy the cultural and gastronomic activities of the city.

Sunny climate of Bordeaux

What budget should be planned for visiting Bordeaux?

Is Bordeaux expensive to visit? This is one of the questions I asked myself before leaving, the answer obviously depends on your desires but overall there are options for all budgets. For a visit to the city of Bordeaux as a travel destination, I invite you to plan a daily budget distributed as follows:

• Accommodation: around €30-40 for the most economical accommodations such as hostels or budget hotels, and up to €200 (or more) in boutique hotels in the city centre or if you prefer in a wine estate castle.
• Dining: for dining, we are generally looking at the same prices as in the rest of France, of course it depends on the location. Expect to pay an average of €2-3 for an espresso on the terrace, artisanal sandwich (€5-7), lunch menu in a typical brasserie (€16-25), gourmet or bistronomic dinner starting from €35. Some markets like the Capucins market are part of the good deals for composing a gourmet picnic at a low price.
• Local transport: Bordeaux is one of the cities with the best public transport network and it offers the CityPass. It allows you to enjoy the tram, bus and river shuttle services starting from €15 per day, with access to museums included.
• Culture & discoveries: entry to La Cité du Vin (€22 with tasting), Musée des Beaux-Arts (€8), immersive exhibitions at Bassins des Lumières (€15).

A comfortable stay without being extravagant but without depriving yourself generally costs between €90 and €150 per day and per person, depending on the level of comfort chosen.

Those of you looking for exclusive experiences such as private tastings in a castle, gourmet sunset cruises,... will need to plan to expand their budget a little.

Must-see and do in Bordeaux

Place de la Bourse and water mirror

If there is one must-see site to visit in Bordeaux, it is the Place de la Bourse. This large square from the 18th century is famous for its classical architecture and elegant facades. The city has set up a huge water mirror right in front of it that reflects the beauty of the surrounding buildings, especially at sunset. If you want to take a stroll or take photos, this is the ideal place.

Place de la Bourse illuminated

Saint-André Cathedral

The Saint-André Cathedral is one of the Gothic jewels dating back to the 12th century in the city. You will be captivated by its colorful stained glass windows, sculptures, and also by its nave. If you have some time, take the opportunity to climb the Pey-Berland tower, which will offer you a panoramic view of the city.

Fine Arts Museum

The city naturally has its Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. You will find major works by artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Rubens, etc. If you are passionate about art and culture, this museum is one of the highlights of your stay.

Immersive visit to La Cité du Vin

If you are looking for experiences that are a bit out of the ordinary, I recommend visiting La Cité du Vin. This museum offers an interactive experience that will allow you to discover the history and winemaking techniques through modern exhibitions and tastings. For architecture enthusiasts, the building itself is worth a visit as it features futuristic architecture reminiscent of a wine decanter.

These places to visit are among the must-see attractions in the city and they are just a small part of what Bordeaux has to offer in terms of history, architecture, and culture.

Ideas for itineraries to explore Bordeaux and its surroundings

Urban itinerary over 2 days

I propose a two-day itinerary (which can be extended to three days) to discover the cultural treasures of Bordeaux.

Visit Bordeaux in one day:

Morning

• Place de la Bourse and its water mirror: start your day by strolling around this beautiful 18th-century square.
• Sainte-Catherine Street: then head to the lively pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes.

Noon

• Lunch at Le Chien de Pavlov: enjoy neo-bistro cuisine with tasting menus.

Afternoon

• Musée des Beaux-Arts: admire works by Picasso, Renoir, and other masters.
• Coffee break at Black List Café: enjoy a handcrafted coffee accompanied by a Basque cheesecake.

Visiting Bordeaux in two days:

Morning

• La Cité du Vin: discover the history and culture of wine through this modern interactive exhibition.
• Stroll along the banks of the Garonne River.

Noon

• Lunch at Madame Pang: savor delicious Cantonese cuisine.

Afternoon

• Visit the Capucins market to taste local specialties like Arcachon oysters.
• Wander around the Saint-Pierre district, known for its picturesque streets and artisanal shops.

Sunny afternoon in Bordeaux

Expanded itinerary including the Sauternes vineyards

For those who wish to explore beyond the city centre, here is an itinerary that includes a trip to the renowned Sauternes vineyards:

Visiting Bordeaux in three days:

Morning

• Departure for Sauternes (approximately one hour by car).
• Visit a renowned château such as Château d'Yquem, famous for its exceptional sweet wines.

Lunch

• Lunch in a local restaurant with a view of the vineyards.

Afternoon

• Tasting at several wineries to discover the diversity of wines in the region.

A day of exploration like this will allow you to discover and appreciate the historical and cultural riches of Bordeaux. You will also be able to immerse yourself in the winemaking tradition that gives this region its world-renowned reputation.

Where to Stay in Bordeaux: The Best Neighbourhoods for Your Stay

To make your stay as successful as possible, finding the neighbourhood to stay in Bordeaux is a crucial step. Like in many cities, each neighbourhood has its own atmosphere, ranging from cobbled streets to vibrant nightlife and peaceful havens. In Bordeaux, the historic centre located around the Pey-Berland Square and the Saint-Pierre district is ideal for architecture enthusiasts and those who plan to explore the city on foot. Close to everything but also quite lively, you will find most of the city's treasures there: hidden wine bars behind carriage doors, trams silently gliding towards the Garonne, cafés where you can enjoy a small black coffee on the terrace facing the blonde facades.

For those seeking more tranquility, head to the Chartrons and Public Garden districts. These areas evoke a gentle Bordeaux way of life. A somewhat "chic" part of the city, it is here that contemporary art galleries, vintage shops, and organic markets intertwine. You will also be close to green spaces or the famous Wine and Trade Museum.

For the more dynamic (and especially night owls), I would highly recommend the Victoire district or the areas around the Cours Alsace-Lorraine: student atmosphere under the plane trees, lively terraces open late, electro clubs to have fun after midnight.

Practical transportation means during the stay

Bordeaux is one of the cities best served by public transport. Exploring it is a real child's play thanks to this multitude of choices in terms of travel. The backbone of its transport network is based on the tramway network that winds through the city. Three main lines (A, B, and C) cross the central districts and effortlessly connect the must-see sites: Place de la Bourse, Saint-André Cathedral, or even the Cité du Vin.

The city also offers the Bordeaux CityPass, which is a key to unlimited travel. This pass includes:

• Unlimited trams: no more headaches with individual tickets.
• Buses and river shuttles: board the Bat³ to sail on the Garonne like an urban cruise with stunning views of the illuminated bridges.
• Entry to numerous museums and monuments: really economical for your stay.

The city can of course be explored on foot (at least in large part) and it is by strolling around that you will discover some of its charm, with its cobbled streets lined with blonde facades and lively terraces where the singing accent of the South-West resonates. The city also complements its offer with soft mobility: self-service bikes and electric scooters. And for night owls, the taxi and VTC service guarantees you a hassle-free return.

Conclusion

Discovering Bordeaux means choosing a city that combines both the richness of its heritage and the friendliness of its lively terraces, as well as the boldness of modernity. The city offers an authentic experience that blends living tradition with its Sunday morning markets, the sound of church bells in the cobbled streets, a glass of Sauternes at sunset on the quays, and innovation. It is between this heritage and modernity that the city invites you to live every moment by enjoying and contributing to the preservation of its unique art of living.