Plan the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway Bordeaux France
Bordeaux France is world famous for its wine. Like the 7 million people who visit each year, you have dreamt of visiting Bordeaux France. You are excited to spend some time in Bordeaux but are not sure where to start. Keep reading for everything you need to know to plan your three days in Bordeaux France.
There are many amazing things to do in Bordeaux France! La Cité de Vin wine museum is one of the most popular things to do in Bordeaux France. One of the must-see attractions in Bordeaux is the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to cross the river and enjoy the hipster vibe of Darwin or check out the Bassins des Lumiéres immersive art exhibit. If you are looking for something romantic, take the evening boat cruise with a glass of wine on the Garonne River, enjoy a picnic in Jardin Public, or catch a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Foodies will want to try Canelés and Dunes Blanches sweets and sample Bordeaux’s famous Ossau-Iraty cheese while in the city. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your three days in Bordeaux France with amazing experiences. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ France Travel Guide
Why Visit Bordeaux France?
Bordeaux France is all about wine, food, and architecture. You know the area is world famous for its Bordeaux wine, but did you know there are 5 subregions? They include: Saint-Emilion, Medoc, Graves and Pessac Leognan, Sauternes, and Blaye and Bourg. Be sure to visit a wine museum, wine bar, and winery during your visit. Begin at the La Cité du Vin wine museum to learn about the regions and enjoy a tasting. Take a wine tasting class or visit the Triangle d’Or, the gourmet district known for its wine and cheese boutiques and chocolatiers.
The historic center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is full of narrow, cobbled streets winding past 17th and 18th-century houses. There are 362 preserved historic monuments and over 3,000 mascarons (sculpted faces) adorning buildings. Did you know Bordeaux holds the record for the number of restaurants per person in France? Be sure to try canelés and Dunes Blanches desserts.
How to Spend a Weekend Bordeaux France
Is a Weekend in Bordeaux France Enough?
3 days are enough to explore the city of Bordeaux and take day trips to the nearby wine regions.
Is it Safe to Visit Bordeaux France?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel to Bordeaux France is medium. There is a high risk of pickpockets targeting tourists at landmarks and on public transportation. Bordeaux also has a high risk of a terrorist incident.
How Do I Get to Bordeaux France?
Fly into the Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport (BOD) or Paris. From Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport take the shuttle to the train station (30 minutes) and a transfer to a tram to your hotel (15 minutes to city center). From Paris take the 2.5-hour high-speed train from the Paris Montparnasse station to the Gare Saint-Jean station in Bordeaux and hop on a tram to your hotel. Note, it is a 40-minute walk to the city center from the train station.
How to Get Around Bordeaux France?
Bordeaux is a walkable and bikeable city. Trams also run throughout the city, and day pass tickets are available.
Where Should I Stay in Bordeaux France?
I booked the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona in the historic city center near the tourist office. I knew I would be taking day trips that originated there and it would be convenient. It was an easy bus ride from the train station to the city center with a 5 minute walk to the hotel.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bordeaux France?
High season in Bordeaux is during the summer and fall. Expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodation during this time. Summer in Bordeaux is warm with temperatures in the 80s. The grape harvest typically takes place from early September to late October. Spring is shoulder season, and it is also the rainy season. Winter is the low season with temperatures in the 50s.
The Perfect 3 Day Bordeaux France Itinerary
Day One: Spend the day exploring Bordeaux
10 am Begin the day learning about wine at the interactive Cité du Vin Museum, the largest wine museum in the world
Noon Head to the nearby Les Halles Bacalan and grab lunch from a vendor
1 pm Explore the historic center. Don’t miss the Grosse Cloche medieval bell tower, Porte d’Aquitaine and Porte Cailhau city gates, Place de la Bourse and its water mirror
5 pm Enjoy a self-serve wine tasting at Max Bordeaux or Aux Quatre Coins du Vin
7 pm Have dinner in Place de la Bourse before doing a little shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine
9 pm End the day with a rooftop cocktail at the InterContinental Bordeaux rooftop bar
Day Two: Book an organized wine tour to the Medoc Wine Region
The Medoc wine region is known for its Chateau Road, home to over 1,500 vineyards. The area covers approximately 5,700 hectares of declared vineyards and produces an average 300,000 hectoliters of wine per year. 50% of the viticultural area is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This is the perfect place to taste both wines!
READ How to Take a Medoc Wine Tour from Bordeaux (COMING SOON)
Day Three: Book an organized wine tour to Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of winding alleys, medieval stone buildings, cafés, boutiques, and shops selling wine, cheeses, and chocolates. It is also known for its world-class vineyards and specializes in red wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
READ How to Take a Day Trip to Saint-Emilion from Bordeaux (COMING SOON)
Have an extra day? Consider taking a day trip to Cognac France.
Check the Bordeaux France Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay. LINK:
Useful Bordeaux France Travel Tips
Download the SNCF app to purchase and save train tickets to your mobile wallet, receive alerts if the train is delayed, the platform it is departing from, when it is ready to board, and track your route so that you know when your stop is approaching.
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Have a great vacation!