travel manager bordeaux

3 Best Travel Agencies in Bordeaux, FR

Expert recommended top 3 travel agencies in bordeaux, france. all of our travel agencies actually undergo a rigorous 50-point inspection , which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence. you deserve only the best, fram bordeaux tourny, promovacances.

FRAM Bordeaux Tourny, a renowned travel agency in Bordeaux, France, offers a variety of budget-friendly stays and holidays, whether you plan or opt for last-minute bookings for weekends, tours, or cruises. Their entire team, driven by passion and extensive experience, is dedicated to assisting you in securing the trip you've always dreamed of. Their travel agencies offer personalised assistance, providing you with an advisor dedicated to ensuring the perfect vacation choice for you. Many incredible destinations await, tailored to match your interests and preferences. While the offers may be limited, they ensure advantageous rates. Should you seek relaxation, destinations like Thailand's serene beaches, the enchanting Greek islands, or the picturesque Caribbean islands could be the perfect choice. With an outstanding customer satisfaction rate exceeding 98%, FRAM Bordeaux Tourny is committed to delivering exceptional services. Contact FRAM Bordeaux Tourny for the most enticing deals on your upcoming journey. UNIQUE FACTS: • More Than 70 Travel Agencies.

• age***@f***m.fr
• fram.fr/agence-de-voyage/...
• 05 24 00 00 18

Working Hours:

Tbr® inspection report:, fram bordeaux tourny reviews.

Nous venons de réserver 1 semaine pour les canaries à Tenerife. Nous avons été reçu par Anne-laure à l'agence Tourny à Bordeaux. C'est une personne gentille et très professionnalisme. Elle connaît sur les bouts des doigts chaques préparations de dossiers pour que les clients passent d'agréables vacances. Je recommande cette agence. A bientôt pour d'autres destinations Anne-laure.

Voyage en Pologne. Excellent contact avec la conseillère Anne-Laure. Très présente et compétente. Je m’en suis remise complètement à elle, et en suis très satisfaite. Je conseille vivement cette agence Tourny.

Super agence, avec une équipe très efficace. Mention spéciale à Sandra qui prend en charge nos demandes de déplacements pro depuis plusieurs années avec réactivité et toujours sans erreur.

Help others: Click Here to send review or send us your review to [email protected] . Negative and positive review will be used for rating. Make a difference.

Promovacances, a reputable travel agency based in Bordeaux, France, boasts an eager team dedicated to guiding you toward your dream trip within its extensive array of cost-effective travel packages. They present diverse packages and offer personalised assistance to help you discover the ideal option tailored to your needs. At Promovacances, booking your journey is a breeze, as they provide flight, hotel, cruise, rental, camping, and insurance services, ensuring your comfort and convenience. They are a reliable choice with a track record of numerous delighted and contented customers. Contact Promovacances today to transform your dream vacation into a tangible reality. UNIQUE FACTS: • Dedicated Team.

• age***@p***.com
• promovacances.com/agences...
• 08 92 23 08 96

PROMOVACANCES REVIEWS

J'ai passé un séjour incroyable dans cet hôtel recommandé par Coline de l'agence Promovacances de Bordeaux, au cœur de Hammamet. Ma semaine a été magnifique. Mondher est très à l'écoute, efficace, et d'une grande bienveillance pour ses clients.L'équipe d'animation est juste fantastique, je recommande cet hôtel les yeux fermés .

Merci infiniment à Marc et Coline pour leur accueil et surtout leur professionnalisme pour l'organisation de notre séjour en famille ! Nous n'hésiterons pas à refaire appel à vos services !

Un superbe voyage, un grand merci à l'équipe pour cet accompagnement de qualité dans les préparatifs.

Club Med is a premier travel agency in Bordeaux, France, presenting an extensive selection of travel packages. Engage with their staff to explore packages tailored to your needs. Embrace the liberating and distinctive experience offered by Club Med. Their destinations span Europe, the Alps, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean, and North and South America, boasting nearly 80 Club Med Resorts worldwide. They excel in providing upscale resorts in France, Europe, and various other destinations. Club Med ensures you'll discover your ideal dream destination. Contact them by telephone, and come and meet them at their agency; they will build the stay of your dreams together. UNIQUE FACTS: • Friendly Staff.

• age***@c***.com
• agence.clubmed.fr/fr/fran...
• 05 56 81 28 30

CLUB MED REVIEWS

Le personnel de cette agence est très agréable et réactif, en particulier Denise, Sabrina et Delphine. Je suis une habituée des lieux et je n'ai jamais été déçue. Toutes connaissent très bien les resorts qu'ils soient au soleil ou à la montagne. Les conseils sont toujours avisés, chacune prend le temps de renseigner et de proposer en fonction des besoins. C'est vrai que parfois les attentes au téléphone sont longues, même en agence on peut attendre un peu, mais quelqu'un vient toujours vous accueillir et vous propose quelque chose à boire pour patienter. C'est le prix pour des vacances réussies !!!

Un grand merci à Denise pour son accueil, le temps qu’´elle m’a accordé , son empathie pour mieux me conseiller, son professionnalisme, la qualité de notre entretien en général. Merci. Bel été à vous aussi.

Des conseils toujours adaptés, une écoute et une disponibilité de tous les instants. Un vrai service de conciergerie cinq étoiles mais avec l’esprit ClubMed ! Merci à vous Nathalie R.

Write a Review

Your review has been sent successfully. Thank You!

Error occurred

Please try later or you can also send your review to [email protected]

Contact Business

Your message has been successfully sent to the business owner. Thank You!

Please try later. If the problem persists, contact our support team at [email protected]

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

This French Wine Country Region Has Idyllic Vineyards, Stunning Speakeasies, and Luxury Hotels

Here's where to stay, eat, and explore in Bordeaux, France's wine capital.

Over the past decade, Bordeaux has been steadily drawing more Parisians, who are infusing the formerly soot-stained shipping center on the Garonne River with a new jolt of art, culture, and culinary excellence. The new life being breathed into the city is intoxicating — and we promise, it’s not just the wine talking (although you’ll drink plenty of it, whether at luxury hotels set into historic vineyards, a new crop of natural wine bars downtown, or at the famous Cité du Vin museum). 

Rabi Merizak/Getty Images

Made more easily accessible in 2017 by the extension of Paris’s high-speed train network, the TGV, it lies just a two-hour ride from the City of Light — technically quick enough for a day trip , although we’d suggest allowing a weekend at the very least, as there’s plenty to sustain your interest (and appetite) in France’s wine capital.

From vineyard tours to seductive speakeasies and psychedelic art exhibitions set in former submarines, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Bordeaux.  

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

Bordeaux is at its best from May through October, when the weather warms and the days are long and sunny. In August and December, many businesses close for their annual vacations, so there will be markedly less to see in the city itself — which, on the bright side, means fewer tourists. If you do find yourself here on a winter visit , be sure to pack waterproof layers, as the weather tends to be rainy and gray. 

Oenophiles and budding wine lovers alike are in for the trip of a lifetime if they come around harvest season, which generally runs from late August or early September through October. You can get a peek at the winemaking process and stroll through the vineyards before tasting the fruits of the labor you’ve just witnessed. 

How to Get Around Bordeaux

Getty Images

In terms of getting to Bordeaux, the simplest way is to hop on the TGV from Paris’s Montparnasse station and take it directly to Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, which takes around two hours. While you can technically fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, it’s more cost- and time-efficient to take the train (not to mention, more sustainable). You can also drive here, but be warned that it can be slightly tricky to find parking downtown — you’ll want to check with your hotel to see if they have on-site spot. 

Once you’ve arrived, it’s easy to rely on the public transit system (the TBM, or Transports Bordeaux Métropole), which includes bicycles and motorized scooters, an extensive bus network, river shuttles, and a tram system, all of which are navigable with the Bordeaux CityPass . The contactless card, which also includes access to 15 museums (including the pricier Cité du Vin) and a guided city tour of your choice, is a great option if you’re staying for a few days or more; it allows unlimited travel on the trams, buses, and river shuttles over 24, 48, or 72 hours (for 34 euros, 44 euros, or 50 euros, respectively). You can order it online or pick one up from the tourist office upon arrival. 

While public transit is convenient, the tourist center of Bordeaux is pedestrian-friendly and you’ll spend plenty of time on foot appreciating the beauty of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region's capital.

In terms of private transportation, taxis, Uber, and other ride-share options (like Bolt, which you can download for Apple and Android) are all readily accessible.

Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux

Les sources de caudalie.

If you’re familiar with the cult-favorite French skin care brand Caudalie, you may have heard of their idyllic vineyard retreat , a hotel just 30 minutes away by car from downtown Bordeaux. This is a self-care destination not to be missed: Nestled in the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, the 40 rooms and 21 suites are bright and airy, appointed with natural materials, antique fixtures, and jacuzzi-sized bathtubs. After a day spent wine tasting, indulge at the on-site two-Michelin star restaurant, La Grand’Vigne, or pamper yourself at the Vinotherapie Spa, home to a hammam and natural hot spring. 

Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa

Courtesy of Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa

Once ensconced in this luxury hotel , it’s easy to imagine you’ve been whisked into the French countryside — and yet, it’s located right in the heart of downtown Bordeaux. This is one of those rare city hotels that strikes the perfect balance of old-school charm and modern convenience, with an oasis-like backyard pool, an inventive rooftop cocktail bar, and jewel-sized rooms that boast period furniture plus private terraces with jacuzzis. 

Le Boutique Hôtel & Spa

Set in an 18th-century mansion, this sophisticated 25-room boutique hotel offers an ideal location in the city center, just a stone’s throw from the Triangle d’Or. With vintage parquet floors and design-focused pieces from Philippe Starck, no two rooms are the same — but most offer spectacular city views. There’s a cozy outdoor terrace centered around a large tree trunk, which is a perfect place to sip your morning coffee or kick back over an early-evening apéro . During your stay, be sure to take advantage of the Nuxe spa. 

With just 12 rooms, the intimate Yndo Hôtel in the city center takes a streamlined, modern approach to its decor. Set in a timeless 19th-century mansion, the interplay of old and new world is enough to make your jaw drop. Sleek furniture pops against antique fixtures like molded fireplaces and parquet floors. Frankly, the property is worth a visit just to check out owner Agnès Guiot’s eclectic selection of chairs, which includes whale-shaped seats, sequined floral couches, and more.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bordeaux

Black list café.

For an artisanal caffeine fix or a memorable slice of creamy Basque cheesecake, pop into Black List Café . Tasty brunches are on the menu at this trendy indoor-outdoor spot, where you can tuck into goat cheese risotto or savory French toast with sweet potatoes while looking out over the Hôtel de Ville (town hall). 

Madame Pang

Dim sum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re planning a trip to French wine country, but Madame Pang is a worthwhile stop on nights when you’re looking for something different. This elevated Cantonese spot serves inventive dishes like octopus croquettes with yuzu mayo and curry pork dumplings alongside vibrant cocktails. The best part? The kitchen is open until 1 a.m. 

Le Chien de Pavlov

A standout among the wave of neo-bistros sweeping the French city, Le Chien de Pavlov offers superb dishes in a cozy atmosphere (think: fish carpaccio with wasabi and green apple, or lamb cooked two ways and set atop a green pea and mint purée with delicate roasted artichoke and a bright burst of confit lemon). A five-course dinner tasting menu will only set you back 49 euros, an absolute steal once you’ve admired the artful plating. Run by a young French couple, the space itself is warm and welcoming, serving high-quality cuisine without any of the traditional fine-dining stuffiness. 

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, Symbiose is more than what meets the eye as you step into the riverside cafe (which has its own garden from which it plucks much of its produce). Beyond the handful of tables lining the wall of the blonde-wood room, there’s an antique clock that reveals a not-so-secret speakeasy. There, you’ll find a candlelit, cave-like bar where locals and in-the-know travelers sip local wine or edgy cocktails and flirt with the handsome French bartenders. 

With a focus on natural and low-intervention wines, this ultra-cozy wine bar and bistro calls to you from the street, where tables are set up in warmer weather and you can glimpse an intriguing collection of bottles perched invitingly in the window. Inside, a bar and a few tables are typically bustling with a young, local crowd enjoying well-priced by-the-glass wines and slabs of paté topped with caramelized onions. 

Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Vineyard tours and wine tastings .

If you’re visiting Bordeaux, chances are you’re looking to drink some wine. Known as the wine capital of France, there are 57 appellations (known as AOCs) and some 6,000-plus vineyards producing primarily red wines made from merlot and cabernet sauvignon, although the region also produces whites. That can make choosing a wine-tasting destination a little daunting, but luckily the Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions website simplifies it. Choose between half- or full-day tours of vineyards and chateaux in Saint-Émilion or Margaux, a bit east or north of the city center. 

Place de la Bourse

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Place de la Bourse is a jaw-dropping 18th-century square built during the reign of King Louis XV. Located near the charming Chartrons neighborhood, it’s a must-visit in order to glimpse the impressive Miroir d’Eau, a 37,000-square-foot reflecting pool (which happens to be the largest in the world).

Cathédrale Saint-André

You haven’t really been to a French city if you haven’t gaped in awe at its most famous cathedral, and in this case, it’s Cathédrale Saint-André , known locally as Bordeaux Cathedral. Worth a visit for its magnificent architecture alone, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic church features two impressive spires and is also home to the Marcadé Collection, which comprises a treasure trove of famous medieval paintings.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Following an extensive renovation, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux reopened in 2019, boasting a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and more from famed European artists (including the likes of Picasso and Renoir) and local painters, with works spanning the 15th to the 20th century. In addition to their permanent collections, there’s typically a few temporary exhibitions of local art on display. 

Marché des Capucins 

A food tour through the fragrant delight of the Marché des Capucins is a must during your trip to Bordeaux. Wandering through the hectic mix of locals buying their weekly groceries and vendors selling fresh fruit, local cheese, and cream-filled pastries is a feast for the senses. Make a point of seeking out Chez Jean-Mi , an oyster bar with a mouthwatering selection of freshly shucked oysters from nearby Arcachon, one of France’s primary oyster farming centers. 

Sunset River Cruise

Take in the UNESCO banks of the city from the water as you float down the Garonne River at sunset. While river cruises often have a touristy tang to them, this one from Les Bateaux Bordelais makes up for it by whisking you beneath the illuminated bridges of the city — including the Pierre, Jacques Chaban-Delmas, and Aquitaine bridges — while exploring their history and treating you to a gourmet dinner of locally inspired fare, prepared freshly on board. 

La Cité du Vin

One of the addresses that’s redefined the city’s physical and cultural landscape in recent years is the interactive La Cité du Vin , a sort of mecca for oenophiles. But you don’t have to be a wine aficionado to appreciate the strikingly modern architecture of the decanter-shaped building, or the palate-expanding wine tastings held on the property. Exhibitions include flyovers of vineyards from all around the world, plus an introduction to terroirs, grape varietals, the winemaking process, and more. 

Bassins des Lumières 

Discover the works of Dalí and Gaudí like you’ve never seen before at this former submarine base, reconstructed into a cultural center that puts on trippy, immersive projections throughout the year. The Bassins des Lumières building underwent an extreme overhaul, having been bombed during the war and submerged in water. Now, it’s one of the city’s most exciting art destinations. Lose yourself in Dalí’s melting clocks and imagine you’re entering into some of Gaudí’s most famous architectural works, lit up in technicolor on the walls around, above and below you. 

Related Articles

A team of enthusiastics experts  

We are passionate globe-trotters, always on the lookout for the latest novelties in the must-see places of our great region of South-West France: Bordeaux, Arcachon, Saint-Emilion, Médoc, Cognac, La Rochelle, l'île de Ré, Dordogne-Périgord, Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian... But also elsewhere in France: Loire valley, Normandy, Champagne, Paris, Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and Côte d'Azur.

Christophe Tissinier

General Manager

Joëlle Kolich-Brocas

Associate Director - MICE and FIT

Sébastien Saillol

Administrative and Financial Director

Marion Buisset

Assistant Project Manager, MICE & FIT Dept

Hélène Clodic

Project Manager - Cruise Dept

Léa Garcia Ortiz

Valentine Joly

Melissa Mays-Eymery

Project Manager, MICE & FIT Dept

Thomas Perrier

Marion Saint-Cricq

Cecile Scotto Di Porfirio

Sophie van Bladel

Our history, an agency created in 2002.

Bordeaux Excellence was created in 2002 by Madeleine Marchand, a pioneer in the art of hospitality and tourism in southwest France. Her meeting with Stéphane Tillement,  Chairman of Bordeaux based travel agency  Mauriac Voyages and of the Wine Paths  website, allowed the company to position itself as the leading DMC of the destination. 

As worthy heirs of this know-how, the current managers, Christophe Tissinier and Joëlle Kolich, perpetuate this culture of excellence with the discreet help of Stéphane.

Passionate and curious, they each bring their in-depth knowledge of the Tourism industry: Joëlle for business tourism (MICE) and private luxury travel (FIT); Christophe for ocean and river cruise services.

An expert agency in its field

Recognized for its professionalism, Bordeaux Excellence continues to progress thanks to an alchemy that harmoniously blends creativity, high standards, a sense of detail and Anglo-Saxon service. Talents that are praised by the largest operators in the business tourism industry, incentive houses, travel agencies specialized in luxury travel, and cruise lines around the world.

With more than 20 years of experience in the high-end personalized travel sector, we put at your disposal our network of privileged contacts to push back certain limits that are considered impassable. Whether your project is already established or you are looking for inspiration, Bordeaux Excellence will always be there to guide and assist you throughout our collaboration.

Our commitment is to bring you the added value of our experts to create together a program that suits you and your desires.

At Bordeaux Excellence, we are sharing a passion for our destination.

It is our mission to encourage Responsible Tourism, to minimize any negative effects on the natural environment, and to promote a good social balance internally within the company, as well as externally with our partners. We make our customers and suppliers aware of sustainable development issues.

Discover our Sustainability Policy

• Groups & incentive
• Our destinations
• Bay of Arcachon
• Atlantic Coast
• Basque Country
• Dordogne Périgord

Who are we?

The Bordeaux Travel agency organizes personalized short stays and turnkey tours in Bordeaux, in the vineyards and in the South West of France.

Bordeaux Travel, the South-West’s host agency

Bordeaux Travel is incoming tourism agency, which means that we organise your turnkey sightseeing break by selecting the best hotels, restaurants, visits and activities for you for a day, weekend, short or long stay

Based in Bordeaux (Gironde), our DMC agency is specialised in the creation of tailor-made weekends in Bordeaux Here in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, we prepare short turnkey stays for individual tourists, couples, families with children, groups of friends and also for Bordeaux vineyards Based in Bordeaux (Gironde), our agency is specialised in the creation of tailor-made weekends in Bordeaux, in the Bordeaux vineyards (Médoc, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Entre-deux-Mers) and in the South-West of France (Bay of Arcachon, Atlantic coast, Landes, Basque Country, Dordogne-Périgord). Arcachon bay , Atlantic coast , Landes , Basque Country , Dordogne-Périgord ).

Bordeaux Travel offers themed stays for people wishing to discover all aspects of our beautiful Bordeaux region: heritage discovery , winemaking and tasting , gastronomy , romance , relaxation and thalassotherapy getaways , leisure and sports activities , major local events .

Here in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, we prepare short turnkey stays for individual tourists, couples, families with children, groups of friends and also for business and incentive trips .

Vidal Azogui, Director

Celine Mateos, Project Manager

A team of tourism experts at your service

Bordeaux Travel is an e-commerce website, but it is also a team of incoming tourism specialists based in a physical agency located in Le Bouscat in the Bordeaux metropolitan area. They are always available to answer your queries and support you before, during and after your stay.

Bordeaux Travel is dedicated to sharing the French culture and lifestyle with every tourist so that they meet people and enjoy life like the locals. Loving a place is often linked to the people you meet there! This is our vision of travel.

We are very flexible and we adapt each offer to your wishes and needs but also to your budget.

A question to ask us ?

A serious agency that meets the standards of tourism.

Bordeaux Travel, part of the Vidal Voyages group, has taken out insurance with Allianz to cover the financial consequences of its professional civil liability, up to a maximum of €2,000,000 per year in accordance with the Tourism Code. See our general sales conditions

Bordeaux Travel is a member of the major professional French and international tourism organisations:

• Destinations

• Fields preceded by an asterisk * are required:

DMC France • Corporate event and travel management

Destination Management Company

Who are we?

Abroad Company is a French company that specialises on corporate event and travel management: the delivery of events, tours, staffing and transportation, using our extensive knowledge, expertise and resources. We can help you to organise your French event, from logistical support to creative programmes. Once you are looking for an expert advice in planning your meeting, event or conference, we will provide you with all the support you need.

What we do?

Abroad Company has an in-depth knowledge of France, an logistical and creative experience, to serve as your perfect ground agent. Our destination management company is managing accommodation and tailor-made packages to groups of all sizes and specification. We are a company with an experienced and knowledgeable multi-lingual team, providing a personal and dedicated approach to each client.

Abroad Company provides great local knowledge and resources, specializing in the design and organization of events: restaurants, private venues, activities, tours, transportation, and program logistics. We are developing an outstanding network of qualified and professional collaborators to deliver high-level services and make your event a life time memory.

Abroad Company is here to make your event in France as successful as possible. Incentive travel, award ceremonies, conferences, congresses, team building, private events. We follow your goals, objectives and budget, we propose our ideas and support, knowledge, experience and creativity. Best hotel options, transportation, various venues, special visits, official guides, lectors and personal attitude. We want to give you the best of France!

Our destinations

• Abroad Company Paris
• Abroad Company Lyon
• Abroad Company Burgundy
• Abroad Company Beaujolais
• Abroad Company Marseille
• Abroad Company Monaco & Côte d'Azur
• Abroad Company Normandy & Britany

Our services

• Abroad Company Meetings & Conferences
• Abroad Company DMC in France
• Abroad Company Incentives
• Abroad Company Events
• Abroad Company Wine tours
• Abroad Company Golf tours
• Abroad Company Weddings

Seminar travel agency Lisbon

Organize business trips for groups of 10 to 30 people abroad

Lyon seminar organization agency

We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. More info .

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, and for good reason: It's France's largest fine wine producing region and it's home to a full-fledged wine museum. When you need to dry out, head to a local wine spa or spend time wandering the historic city center.

The Best Places for Pastries and Sweets in Bordeaux

The 12 Best Restaurants in Bordeaux (For Every Type of Eater)

An Essential Guide to France's New Wine Museum

The Top 15 Things to Do in Bordeaux, France

How to Get From Barcelona to Bordeaux, France

Luxe Adventure Traveler

Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Bordeaux

By Jennifer Dombrowski 37 Comments

We might be a little biased since we do call Bordeaux home, but we think it’s one of the best places to visit in France. There’s no where else in France like it. You can combine a vibrant city, beautiful vineyards making some of the world’s most famous wine, a charming medieval UNESCO listed village with the world’s largest church of its kind, and some of the most stunning beaches in all of Europe all for the perfect Bordeaux trip. We’ve lived here for over three years and still haven’t seen and done it all. But with limited travel time, a long weekend in Bordeaux can be just the right amount of time to fall in love with the World Capital of Wine. Follow our itinerary for 3 days in Bordeaux (or stretch it to 4 days in Bordeaux to include a day visiting Europe’s largest sand dune) to ensure you experience all the best Bordeaux has to offer.

And if you need more suggestions beyond this Bordeaux itinerary, join our Bordeaux travel Facebook group to ask us questions, get even more Bordeaux travel tips and our latest recommendations.

Day 1: Exploring Bordeaux City Centre on a Walking Tour

Until more recent years, the city of Bordeaux was a stopping over point you blazed through on your way to the world class vineyards. Dubbed the nickname Sleeping Beauty because of the grime years being a bustling port left behind, even the Bordelaise didn’t spend much time in Bordeaux city center. There just wasn’t much to do or reason to hang around the center. But a massive revitalization project over the last decade or so gave Bordeaux a much needed facelift. All those years of grime were quite literally washed away. New attractions like the gardens along the quay, the Miroir d’Eau and museums began to lure in visitors and locals alike.

These days Bordeaux regularly ranks as one of the best cities to live in, both in France and Europe. And there’s loads of attractions and events that can entertain visitors for far longer than just a day. With the vineyards calls and the gorgeous beaches near Bordeaux, you definitely have to divvy up your time among it all, and at least one of your three days in Bordeaux should be devoted to discovering this culturally rich city.

A Bordeaux walking tour is the perfect way to see the city. Unlike Paris, which is a sprawling city with the sights quite spread out, Bordeaux is very compact and walkable.

Place de la Comédie

Twelve muses decorate the top of each column on Bordeaux’ Grand Théâtre

No matter where you’re staying in Bordeaux, Place de la Comedie is situated as though you dropped a pin right in the middle of the city. It’s a great place to start a walking tour with the commanding neoclassical Grand Théâtre holding court, which was inaugurated in 1780 and is one of the oldest wooden frame opera houses in Europe. Take time time admire the  portico with 12 Corinthian style columns that perfectly frames the Monument aux Girondins on Place des Quinconces . Look up and you’ll see nine muses and three goddesses of ancient mythology seemingly standing watch over the opera house and Place de la Comedie.

If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday (outside of the summer months), you can also tour the Grand Théâtre with a look at the interior and a behind the scenes look at the operations. Reservations are mandatory and check the website for tour availability times.

L’Indendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux is Bordeaux’s most beautiful wine shop

Before leaving Place de la Comedia, pop in to have a look at Bordeaux’s most beautiful wine shop. L’Intendant features only wine from the Bordeaux wine region and you can find wines from 1200 different châteaux. The spiral staircase is lined with the bottles and organized by appellation. Head to the very top floor to find some of the world’s most famous and most expensive wines. One can dream, right?

Notice the broken chains in the Statue of Liberty’s hands

Head to Place des Quinconces and the Monument aux Girondins. The monument is emblematic of the French revolution and is one of the classified historical monuments of Bordeaux. At 43 meter high column topped with a 20-meter high Statue of Liberty breaking from from her chains, and the base is surrounded by groupings of bronze sculptures.

Monument aux Girondins honors the victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution

If you’re looking at the horses and a chariot located in the direction of the Grand Théâtre, this sculpture represents the triumph of the Republic of France. Look for the seahorses, which represent happiness. Continuing around toward Allées de Tourny, you’ll find the city of Bordeaux sitting on the bow of a ship and an allegory of our two important rivers: the Garonne and the Dordogne. Circling toward the Chartrons district, the sculpture represents the triumph of Concorde. And finally facing the river is the Tribune with the Gallic rooster, with the rooster being a symbol of France.

The ferris wheel is often on Place des Quinconces for festivals and the carnival

The Monument aux Girondins sits on Place des Quinconces, which is the largest square in Europe. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might either find a large open space or one of the many festivals, carnivals or events that take place in Bordeaux throughout the year.

Plane trees form a cool canopy over Place des Quinconces

Walk beneath the plane trees toward the river. The way the plane trees are planted in the staggered rows gives the name to the square. At the river entrance to the square, there are two monumental columns topped with more statues dedicated to Bordeaux’s maritime and commercial port history.

Also note that Place des Quinconces is the major transportation hub of Bordeaux, with all of the tram lines converging here and a number of bus lines terminating here. Because of that, there’s always a steady stream of visitors and lends to making Place des Quinconces one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Cross the street and walk through the gardens of the Quai toward the Miroir d’Eau and Place de la Bourse.

Blue hour is one of the most beautiful times of day to photograph the Miroir d’Eau and Place de la Bourse

The 3,450 square meter Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflecting pool and was designed as a work of art when it opened in 2006. It’s a Bordeaux must see. Kids, adults, tourists and locals alike love splashing in the water, especially on a hot summer day. The water features cycles through a program consistently from 10am – 10pm daily with 3 minutes of filled water, 5 minutes of emptying, 15 minutes of mirror effect and 3 minutes of fog.

The spectacular Place de la Bourse, which is reflected on the Miroir d’Eau during the mirror effect, is the very symbol of the city of Bordeaux. The 18th century classical buildings also played a major role in Bordeaux’s future, opening up the previously fortified medieval city walls. It took 20 years to construct and consists of  three separate buildings: the Hôtel des Fermes, the Hôtel de la Bourse and the central pavilion.

You might recognize the Fountain of the Three Graces from Mamma Mia 2 when Donna “arrives in Paris”

The Fountain of the Three Graces was added to the square in 1869, and formerly statues of Napoleon and even before that an equestrian statue had stood in center of the square.

Port Cailhau is one of the remaining gates to the city

Port Cailhau was once the main gate to the city of Bordeaux. It remains almost unchanged from when it built and integrated in to Bordeaux’s fortifications in 1494. Look for a statue of Charles VIII on the river side of Port Cailhau, whom the triumphial arch and gate was built for to commemorate his victory at Fornovo, Italy.

It’s more than just a monument that is castle-like though. You can actually go upside of the gate, where there’s a small museum that shows how Bordeaux was built from the limestone quarries. It’s an interesting little museum that is included for free entry with the Bordeaux City Pass, but we also like the view on to the quay and river from the perch 35 meters above the city.

Count the arches of the Pont du Pierre – they number the same number of letters in Napoleon Bonaparte

Pont du Pierre, or the Stone Bridge, was the first bridge built over the Garonne River in Bordeaux and was Bordeaux’s only bridge until 1965. The construction took place under the orders of Napoleon I. Count the 17 arches of the bridge – it’s no coincidence that there are also 17 letters in the name Napoleon Bonaparte. Since 2017 the bridge became pedestrian-only with the exception of the tram lines that still cross it in order to preserve the bridge.

The Gothic Basilica of Saint-Michel is one of the largest places of worship in Bordeaux

Continue walking along the Quai to head to Saint-Michel, Bordeaux’s ancient quarter. The Basilica of Saint-Michel was built between the 14th and 16th centuries in the Gothic style and is dedicated to the archangel.

It’s open to the public from April to October and worth popping inside of the basilica for a look. At 75 meters long and 38 meters wide, it’s one of the largest places of worship in Bordeaux. There’s 17 side chapels and each is a work of art dedicated to various brotherhoods. The stained glass window with the genealogy of Jesus is the oldest of the stain glass windows in the basilica.

The view over Bordeaux is stunning and worth the climb up La Flèche

The bell tower was built separately from the church in the 15th century and, at 114 meters high, it’s the second tallest bell tower in France. It’s also the tallest bell tower in southern France. Us locals refer to it simply as La Flèche . You can climb up the bell tower for one of the best bird’s eye views over the city and it’s free to do so with your Bordeaux City Pass.

The Grosse Cloche is one of the oldest belfries in France

Make your way to the Grosse Cloche, one of the oldest belfries in France. The name literally means “big bell” and the 7800 kilogram bell that still hangs there today was cast in 1775. The bell is so large that when it’s rung, the windows in the neighborhood rattle. These days the bell is only rung a handful of times throughout the year: on the first Sunday of each month, January 1, May 8, July 14 for Bastille Day, August 28th which marks the 1944 liberation of Bordeaux and November 11th.

The belfry itself is built from the remains of the 13th century Porte Saint-Éloi, which was one of the main gates to the commercial center of medieval Bordeaux. It’s also known as the Porte Saint-James since pilgrims on the Saint James’ Way have always passed through this gate.

At one point in time, this gate also served as a prison. You can tour the belfry to have a look at dungeons, which is included in the Bordeaux City Pass.

Place de Victoire commemorates the end of WWI

Place de la Victoire wasn’t named as such until 1918, when the name was changed to commemorate the end of WWI. Long before that this big square was a fairgrounds located just outside the fortifications, and a gate stood where the triumphal arch we see today stands. That arch is the Porte d’Aquitaine and it was completed in 1756 after the fortifications and medieval castle were destroyed.

The obelisk and the giant turtle sculptures were added to Place de la Victoire were added in 2005. The 16 meter tall obelisk is made of red marble from the Languedoc and bronze. And though wine has always been an important part of Bordeaux’s history, this was the first monument in the city dedicated to viticulture and wine. The motifs on the obelisk tell stories of the history of wine from ancient times to the present day.

The turtle symbolizes Bordeaux’s slow and steady growth in the wine industry

The turtles symbolize the long, steady rise of the wine industry of Bordeaux. Their shells, if you get a look between the kids that love to climb all over the turtles, are adorned with the names of the Bordeaux appellations.

Place de la Victoire is another of the busiest places in Bordeaux and is frequented by many of the local university students. It’s also the start of Rue Saint-Catherine, the most important and longest pedestrian street in Europe. These days Rue Saint-Catherine is occupied by many chain stores, but it’s still worth walking up at least a portion of it before making your way to Cathedral Saint-Andre.

Rue Vital Carles offers one of our favorite views of the Cathedral

A church has stood on the spot of Cathedral Saint-Andre since 1096, though only a wall from the original Romanesque edifice remains inside the nave. It was in the original church that a 15-year old Elenor of Aquitaine married Louis VII in 1137, just a few months before she became Queen of France.

The cathedral as we see it today was mostly built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The current cathedral was witness to the marriage of Anne of Austria and Louis XIII in 1615.

The cathedral remains the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux and is a working cathedral, so the inside is only open to the public briefly on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

You can visit the freestanding Tour Pey-Berland next to the cathedral. It was built in 1440 after the 12th century tower of Cathedral Saint-Andre couldn’t support the weight of the bell. The tenor bell is massive at 11 tons, making it the fourth largest bell in France. Climb up the tower’s 229 steps for another spectacular view over Bordeaux.

A gate has existed where Port Dijeaux stands since Roman times

End your do-it-yourself walking tour of Bordeaux at the Port Dijeaux and Place Gambetta. Port Dijeaux was the first line of fortification and the western entrance to the city since the Roman times. The gate has been replaced over the centuries and the current gate we see today was built between 1748 and 1753. Look for Bordeaux’s coat of arms and the face of Neptune, who a friend recently pointed out bears a striking resemblance to the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz .

Just outside of Port Dijeaux is small park of Place Gambetta. While today you’ll likely see locals lounging on the grass during their lunch break, it wasn’t always such a serene place in the center of Bordeaux. It was the permanent location of Bordeaux’s guillotine between October 1793 and July 1794 where sordid, torturous acts took place almost daily. Nearly 300 people were sent to the guillotine here.

Filet of beef with mashed potatoes and root vegetables at Le 7 Restaurant

After a day of exploring Bordeaux on foot, indulging at one of Bordeaux’s many restaurants is practically guilt free. We have a lot of favorites throughout the city. Just be sure to book a reservation in advance, which you can easily do online with one of our favorite apps: LaFourchette. It takes the language barrier out of making any restaurant reservations and you can easily book without needing to make expensive phone calls to France before your trip.

For Bordelaise dishes to taste authentic cuisine from the southwest of France head to Bordeaux icons like La Tupina or La Brasserie Bordelaise . For one of the most beautiful views over Bordeaux, we love booking a table about an hour before sunset at Le 7 Restaurant on the seventh floor of La Cité du Vin. Or if you want something a bit more exotic, Madame Pang (note that this restaurant doesn’t take reservations) is one of our favorite picks for the fun atmosphere and the delicious dim sum.

A Local’s Take on the Best Restaurants in Bordeaux

Château Cantenac is a charming family-run winery in Saint-Émilion

Day 2: Wine Tasting Day Tours from Bordeaux to Margaux, Saint-Émilion or Sauternes

When it comes to the Bordeaux wine region, it’s much larger than many people anticipate. The region encompasses 62 different appellations and more than 7300 châteaux. It’s a huge area that spans both the Left and Right banks of the Garonne River. Just to put things in to perspective, the Médoc alone is an area stretching 60 kilometers (37 miles) in length. People often underestimate the amount of time that it takes to get from one appellation to another, and even from one château to another.

That’s why if you only have one day to visit Bordeaux’s châteaux for wine tasting, it’s best to focus on a single appellation. You should plan for one hour for a classic visit and tasting at a château, which will encompass touring the estate from the vineyard to the cellar and tasting 2-3 of the château’s wines.

To help you plan your day out wine tasting in Bordeaux, we’ve put together these 1-day itineraries for Margaux on the Left Bank, Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank and Sauternes, Bordeaux’s sweet wine appellation. Just click the tabs to see the various itinerary options for these three possible day trips from Bordeaux.

For a day trip to Margaux, we recommend visiting two châteaux with lunch at a local restaurant in between.

Château Kirwan, a third growth 1855 Grand Cru Classé in Margaux

Start the day at Château Kirwan , a third growth 1855 Grand Cru Classé, for their Vintage Tour.

We tried my birth year vintage, a 1980 Château Kirwan 1855 Grand Cru Classé

The Vintage Tour is a special tour that includes the classic visit of the vineyard, winery and barrel room. This tour allows you to select from a list of the château’s old vintages in the cellar beginning from 1967. Your special vintage is decanted while you tour the estate and is waiting for you as you reach the locked cellar where the special vintages are stored. Best paired with food, the old vintages are complimented with cheese and ham for the tasting.

Chateau Kirwan: Taste Fine Vintages as Old as 1967

After the visit and tasting at Château Kirwan, drive or bicycle the 3 kilometers to La Table de Nathalie at Château Marquis d’Alesme for lunch. This restaurant run by a husband and wife team is situated right on the route of the Médoc castles. The welcome is always warm and the menu is a delight of seasonal dishes at very good prices. The wine list is also extensive and you can leisurely enjoy the meal and some wine outdoors in their garden (weather permitting).

The wines of Château d’Issan were served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henri Plantagenet on May 18, 1152.

In the afternoon, head to one of the most romantic châteaux in Bordeaux: Château d’Issan . Surrounded by a moat and with the château hidden away behind the defensive outer walls, the estate is simply breathtaking.

The Cruse family, who own Château d’Issan, still live in the house so it’s not possible to see the inside of the château itself. But the tour takes you from the moat on a tour of the grounds as you hear the tales of the estate that stretch back to it’s claim to fame as the Bordeaux wine served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to the future king of England, Henri Plantagenet on May 18, 1152. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll be lucky to admire the art exhibition by a solo artist that the château hosts each summer in the historic cellar. The visit ends with a tasting of two wines: a vintage of the 1855 Grand Cru Classé and a vintage of the château’s second wine. On the Right Bank sits the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Unlike the blink-and-you-almost-miss-them villages of Margaux and the even tinier villages that make up Sauternes, Saint-Émilion is a village worth visiting even if some of the most beautiful Saint-Émilion vineyards didn’t practically grow up the stone fortifications.

Don’t mistake that to mean that Margaux and Sauternes aren’t stunning, because they are. But in Margaux and Sauternes it’s the wine castles that take center stage. Saint-Émilion is just different as the medieval village is worth a full day of exploring all on its own. Really, you can easily spend 3 days in Saint-Émilion with all there is to do there.

You can easily get from Bordeaux to St. Émilion via train in just 30 minutes, then either rent a tuk-tuk or a bicycle to get around to one of the many nearby châteaux. If you prefer to rent a car, Saint-Émilion is an easy 45-minute drive from Bordeaux and there is various metered parking outside the fortified village. The village itself is best explored on foot or on a tuk-tuk tour, since the old cobbled lanes are steep and uneven.

To combine wine tasting at a châteaux with the highlights of the village of Saint-Émilion, we suggest you follow our Saint-Émilion day trip itinerary that will take you out in to the vines, then inside the fortified village before a tasting of Crémant de Bordeaux that is produced deep below Saint-Émilion in the labyrinth of tunnels that snake beneath the medieval village.

Begin the day with a morning visit and tasting at one of Saint-Émilion’s nearly 1000 châteaux.

Château Fombrauge is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé winery in Saint-Émilion

Or for a unique experience, visit Château Fombrauge where you can blend your very own wine in their B Winemaker workshop. After a classic visit in the vineyard, winery and cellar where vintages dating back to 1870 are stored, you learn the art of blending Cabernet and Merlot wines to find the perfect blend for your palette. You bottle, cork and label your very own unique blend to take home with you before finishing the experience with a tasting of Château Fombrauge’s wines.

Château La Dominique is an architectural gem in Bordeaux

We also love the stand-out architecture at Château La Dominique , where you’ll find the theme of red runs throughout the entire château. The modern winery was added on to the historic château and is quite different from anything you’ll see almost in all of the Bordeaux wine region. Château La Dominique is also a fantastic choice for one of the few châteaux that have onsite restaurants and it’s hard to beat their rooftop view over the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol vines radiating out in all directions. The food at the aptly named La Terrasse Rouge is excellent and the 3-course menu available at both lunch and dinner is good value, which is why we recommend the restaurant among the best restaurants in Saint-Émilion .

L’Envers du Décor has been a fixture of Saint-Émilion for more than 30 years

Duck breast with seasonal vegetables at L’Envers du Décor

If you didn’t visit Château La Dominique and stay for lunch at La Terrasse Rouge, head to L’Envers du Decor . It’s located just steps away from the Saint-Émilion Tourism Office and the Monolithic Church, and has been a fixture of the medieval village for more than 30 years. Owned by the same family that owns Château Pavie, the restaurant offers a menu of local cuisine that changes seasonally as the chef only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients. Splurge on a dessert course, especially if they have the soufflé and don’t worry about the calories because you definitely walk every single one off in Saint-Émilion.

The ornate entrance draws visitors’ eyes, but it’s what inside that is truly spectacular

There’s more to the Monolithic Church than meets the eye. The bell tower and church we see on the balcony of Saint-Émilion hide a secret beneath them. Begin the afternoon by heading underground to discover the massive 12th century church several stories beneath the surface. It’s the largest church of its kind in Europe and shouldn’t be missed.

Don’t worry if going underground sounds a bit daunting. Even my mom, who is often claustrophobic, loved the underground visit. The church is a massive single vault that will quite literally make your jaw drop.

The Porte de la Cadène is one of the most picturesque spots in the village

The tour finishes in the Lower Tower, but head back up to the the Upper Town via the Porte de La Cadène. This is the most lovely of the gates to the fortified town because of the way the vines dangle down it like a curtain and the way the arched gate perfectly frames the bell tower of the Monolithic Church. Though the steep angle of the cobbled lane and the view are what immediately catch your eye, don’t miss the Maison Cadène. This house dates from the 16th century and it’s the only timbered building in the entire village.

The cloister is monolithic, meaning cut from a single stone

Wind your way through the Upper Town to Les Cordeliers , the partially ruined cloister where Crémant de Bordeaux has been produced since 1892.

The cloister itself dates from the 14th century when Franciscan monks were permitted by the Pope to construct it within the walls of Saint-Émilion. They occupied the cloister for four centuries, before abandoning it during the French Revolution in 1789 when the Cordeliers order was banned. It sat with the ivy taking over nearly every inch of the crumbling walls until the 19th century, when it was purchased and the owner had the foresight to utilize the 3 kilometers of underground tunnels to age sparkling wines in the Champagne method.

The wines age and ferment in riddling racks in the dark tunnels

Like the maze of tunnels beneath the Avenue of Champagne in Épernay, the tunnels beneath the Cordeliers Cloister are perfect for fermenting and aging sparkling wine with their constant darkness and steady 12°C temperature. You can tour the tunnels on either a walking underground tour or a tuk-tuk underground tour , both of which take you 17 meters beneath the surface for a look at the production of the Crémant de Bordeaux.

Les Cordeliers: The Bordeaux Sparkling Wine Made in the Champagne Method

Taste the sparkling wines of Les Cordeliers while exploring the cloister and gardens

Both tours end with a tasting of the Cordeliers Crémant de Bordeaux. Or if you’re not interested in going underground to the tunnels, you can always stop by for a glass of Crémant to be enjoyed in the gardens of the Cordeliers Cloister.

Most visitors don’t find their way to the Porte Brunet in a quiet residential part of of Saint-Émilion

Before leaving Saint-Émilion, stroll from the cloister along the Upper Town toward the Porte Brunet. It’s another of the gates to the fortified village. Not as many tourists make their way to this part of Saint-Émilion and they’re definitely missing out as this is our friend and local Saint-Émilion resident, Aurélie’s favorite viewpoint. Often a few of Saint-Émilion’s resident sheep are grazing just outside the walls.

The Jurade climbs the Tour du Roy every September to declare the official start of the grape harvest in Saint-Émilion

From the Porte Brunet, it’s just a 3-minute walk to La Tour du Roy (or the King’s Keep). It’s worth climbing the 118 steps to the top where every year the Jurade pronounce the start of the harvest in September.

Finish off the visit in Saint-Émilion by either going down again to the Lower Town, which takes you past the Petite Fontaine where the villagers came to do their laundry washing. Or continue along the roads of the Upper Town, which leads you past another beautiful viewpoint over the village as you circle back to the Eglise Collégiale (Catholic Church).

Sauternes is made up of five small villages all situated quite close to one another. It’s easy to visit two or even three Sauternes châteaux on a day trip from Bordeaux.

Château de Rayne Vigneau sits atop the third highest point in the Sauternes appellation

We recommend starting the day with a visit to Château de Rayne-Vigneau . This 1855 Premier Cru Classé Sauternes château is leading the transformation when it comes to wine tourism in Bordeaux with some of the most unique and adventurous ways to taste wine throughout the entire Bordeaux wine region. For the truly adventurous, try their treetop tasting in which the traditional visit concludes with a return to carefree childhood days climbing trees. With a little assistance and safety equipment, climb up their historic tree for a perch with a view of the family castle-like house while you try the sweet pineapples and honest of a Château de Rayne-Vigneau vintage.

A Sweet Escape at Château de Rayne Vigneau

Or if climbing a tree isn’t quite what you had in mind for a fun day out wine tasting, there’s opportunity to go on a horseback ride through the Sauternes vineyards or test your detective skills in solving an Escape Room game as you race against the clock. Of course, if you’re really just in to learn about the appellation and taste some wine, the classic visit is available too.

Boeuf de Bazas is a Gascon specialty served at La Chapelle

Adventurous wine tasting works up an appetite and La Chapelle situated on the grounds of the beautiful Château Guiraud is an excellent restaurant to sit back and relax over a delicious meal. There actually are only a handful of châteaux with on-site restaurants across the entire Bordeaux wine region, and La Chapelle is the very first restaurant on a 1855 Premier Cru Classé estate. The restaurant is housed in the former chapel of the estate, which lends the restaurant its name. The menu is renowned for showcasing products from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, particularly the meats like Bazas beef or the roasted chickens that come from Maison Peyriguet. Try the wine pairings with the menu to taste the wines of Château Guiraud.

Vines as far as the eye can see surround Château Coutet

Sauternes is something truly special that due to the microclimate created by the convergence of the the Ciron and the Garonne rivers can’t be recreated anywhere else in the world. The sweet wine is the most expensive of any Bordeaux appellation, because of the amount of manual work that needs to be done in order to produce a bottle of Sauternes. It’s the only Bordeaux appellation, not taking in to account exceptional circumstances, that has more than one harvest. That’s because the grapes are left on the vine to become practically raisins as the noble rot, or botrytis, sucks the moisture out and highly concentrates the sugars. Not all the bunches of grapes are ready to be harvested at the same time and botrytis-affected grapes might be harvested in many harvests from early fall through winter. It’s also only possible to harvest entirely by hand.

How a fungus can be a good thing for a grape and produce the exceptional Sauternes wines is difficult to understand without seeing botrytis in action. That’s why Château Coutet Barsac is the perfect place to educate yourself on this unique wine.

Sémillon is one of the primary grapes in Sauternes

Château Coutet Barsac offers a workshop in which you taste each of the grape varietals in jelly form individually. It’s actually pretty rare to taste anything other than the final Bordeaux blends and so often the average wine drinker doesn’t understand what each kind of grape brings to the finished blend. The jellies let you taste what each grape tastes like as an individual. One of the jellies is also the botrytis affected grape and the before and after of what this fungus does to the grape is an almost unbelievable transformation.

Discovering Sauternes’ Varietals at Château Coutet Barsac

La Cite du Vin was designed to look like a wine decanter

Day 3: La Cité du Vin

If you’re spending a weekend in Bordeaux, Sunday morning is the perfect time to visit La Cité du Vin . Much of the city is closed on Sundays, but La Cité du Vin is open along with a handful of other museums. And if you’ve purchased a Bordeaux City Pass, you get free entry to Bordeaux’s interactive wine museum so long as you enter La Cité du Vin before 12pm.

Sniffing red wine aromas

The museum is divided up by the permanent exhibition, which you should allow around two hours to visit, and by the temporary exhibitions which change every couple of months. The permanent exhibition is about far more than just Bordeaux wine, with a beautiful video of some of the world’s most stunning wine regions. There’s also the history of wine dating back to the Romans. But it’s the interactive exhibits that engage four of your five senses through visuals, sound, touch and smells that are our favorite part. Taste, the fifth sense, is finally engaged at the end of your visit to La Cité du Vin when you’re invited to taste wine from around the world including Bordeaux, Georgia (the country), China and more on the top floor with panoramic views of the city.

The Spaceship is one of the newest attractions in Bordeaux in the Bassin à Flot quartier

Just a short walk from La Cité du Vin, the Spaceship one of Bordeaux’s newest attractions. It’s an artwork by British artist Suzanne Treister, who was very struck by the sunken WWII ships in the Garonne River. Some protrude from the river at low tide. She had really wanted to haul one of those ships out from their eternal grave and transform it into something else, but the ships are a part of Bordeaux’s history. Instead she came up with this sculpture, representing the past transforming in to the future. It’s been a bit of a controversial addition to Bordeaux, so see it while you can.

You’ll find some of the prettiest goat cheeses at the Marché du Quais

After La Cité du Vin and the Bassin à Flot, stroll along the quay toward the Chartrons district. On Sundays the Marché du Quais, an outdoor market with food producers from the region, sets up along the river. You’ll find some of the most beautiful cheeses. Several producers sell fresh oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, which you can get a plate of with a glass of white wine and eat at one of the little tables. Or there’s food trucks selling everything from seafood paella to empanadas (we always get some empanadas). Locals buy their produce, meats and fish from the vendors while mixing with tourists that love the ambiance of the lively market scene.

A blanket, a baguette and some cheese is all you need to feel like a local

It’s a great place to try several different little plates for lunch, which you can either eat right at the market or take-away to enjoy nearby picnic-style in the gardens of the quays or in the Jardin Public.

Know Before You Go

The Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux

This article contains affiliate links. When you book on Booking.com ,  Viator or Trainline through our affiliate partner sites, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Greig Santos-Buch says

September 15, 2018 at 7:04 PM

Wow, very in depth Bordeaux itinerary! What better way to navigate this amazing region than to hear from a local. I\’ll definitely be using this when we visit next year! Thanks for the tips on visiting Porte Brunet, I love these kinds of hidden gems.

Jennifer Dombrowski says

September 23, 2018 at 8:16 PM

Thank you, Greig! We’re very proud to call Bordeaux home and love exploring it. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions when you start planning your trip.

Prachi says

December 3, 2019 at 4:10 PM

Hi! Where can we rent a car from?

Allison Wallace says

September 15, 2018 at 8:02 PM

This brings back such great memories from our trip this past May, I only wish we had seen this before we visited–fantastic itinerary!

September 23, 2018 at 8:18 PM

It took us a while to put the itinerary together. The city is easy since we live right in the center, but the wine appellations are so vast and there are so many châteaux that it has really taken several years to know each of the major appellations so well.

September 16, 2018 at 5:26 AM

It looks so beautiful! Bordeaux is high on my wine travel bucket list and it’s good to know that even if we have only a few days we can still see and experience so much of its beauty! Thanks for the travel tips.

September 23, 2018 at 8:21 PM

There’s so much to discovering Bordeaux that we still haven’t seen and done it all! I think we’ve been to around 50 châteaux now, which to many people is a lot. But there are over 7100 châteaux. Of course, not all are open to the public.

That’s why people often have such a hard time planning a trip here. Picking just a few châteaux to visit can feel really overwhelming.

Robin Bell Renken says

September 16, 2018 at 10:01 PM

This is BRILLIANT! I love the notes for the walking tour (I had no idea there was so much to see!). Your itineraries for Margaux, Saint-Émilion or Sauternes are so perfect for those who are new to the area (like me!). I am bookmarking this for our trip to France!

September 23, 2018 at 8:25 PM

And the walking tour is really only touching on the main sights! If you have more than 3 days, there is a lot more to see in the city itself. Some of our favorite more off-the-beaten-path things to do are visit the Moon Harbour Whiskey Distillery and the submarine base, which houses art exhibitions.

Not to mention you could easily spend 3 days alone in Sauternes and another 3 days in Saint-Émilion.

Eric Gamble says

September 22, 2018 at 7:03 PM

This is a great Bordeaux Itinerary! I had no idea that it was kind of a lost city due to the past “grime” as you put it. Guess I always thought it would be a hot destination for wine lovers as you showcase in Days 2 and beyond! Love the Grand Theater and the muses that atop the 12 pillars. Also I have to say I actually verbally “Whoa-ed” when I saw your pic of the spiral staircase of L’Indendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux. That looks cool. So Darcee LOVES ferris wheels but I cant determine if it is a permanent fixture or just there for festivals randomly in the Place des Quinconces! Overall, I am not the biggest Wine person but I would definitely love exploring the old streets, the churches, the hundreds of statues and ornate decorations.

September 23, 2018 at 8:31 PM

Until about 5 years ago or so, most châteaux weren’t even open to the public. There wasn’t much going on in the city, either. So unless you worked in the wine industry and were invited to En Premieur, the auction where much of the wine is sold just a few months after the harvest and long before it’s even ready, there wasn’t much reason to come to Bordeaux as a wine destination.

The ferris wheel is here periodically. It is always here during festivals and then will usually stay a few weeks beyond the festival. It’s not a permanent fixture.

Kimberly Erin Davies says

September 22, 2018 at 10:08 PM

wow what a great Guide to Bordeaux, with so much detail. This destination looks absolutely beautiful, so photogenic. I would love to shoot some photos in the Place des Place des Quinconces as well as the grand theatre. Id go here if I was visiting France.

September 23, 2018 at 8:32 PM

Bordeaux is definitely very photogenic!

Hannah says

September 23, 2018 at 11:51 AM

What a fantastic guide to Bordeaux. We live 3 hours north east from Bordeaux and try to get down as often as possible. We love walking in the evening, down past Miroir d’Eau and then along the river and back through town – so many great restaurants. I haven’t been to La Cité du Vin yet – so that’s on our list for our next visit!

September 27, 2018 at 1:32 PM

Yes, there are loads of great restaurants and always new ones opening up!

Carol Colborn says

September 23, 2018 at 10:08 PM

What a comprehensive guide to Bordeaux. I know it is near Paris where we will be for a week in October. Still debating whether we can carve two days and go to either Bordeaux or Normandy.

September 27, 2018 at 1:34 PM

Bordeaux is not near Paris. We are in the south west corner of France. But since July 2017 we have a fast direct train that only takes 2 hours to travel between Paris and Bordeaux. It’s possible to make Bordeaux a day trip, but you just need to leave Paris very early and it makes for a long day.

Carissa says

September 24, 2018 at 6:51 AM

I\’ll definitely use your itinerary when I visit Bordeaux! Thanks for the suggestion about purchasing a Bordeaux City Pass! I would love to experience visiting their museums so I can better understand their history, and I wouldn\’t want to miss taking pictures of these magnificent sites you mentioned! I especially wanted to see the bell tower for myself! Wish I could witness it in action though. I will try to visit Bordeaux then on the dates you mentioned. Climbing the tower’s 229 steps would not be a problem for me just so I can witness the amazing view of Bordeaux! Thank you Jennifer for sharing this!

Punita Malhotra says

September 25, 2018 at 1:18 PM

France never fails to surprise. Bordeaux looks like a wonderful city and your post has tempted me to make a fifth visit to the country. I haven’t had enough of France yet!

sherianne says

September 26, 2018 at 3:01 PM

I’m planning a France itinerary for next year and Bordeaux wine region is high on the list. I hadn’t realized how beautiful the city is. I really want to see the Miroir d’Eau reflecting pool, fountain and city gate. Thanks for the info on the La Flèche viewpoint

September 27, 2018 at 2:39 AM

I’ve never been. It looks so beautiful. And that is some pretty cheese lol. I’ve only been to Paris but now I need to get here.

September 28, 2018 at 7:57 AM

I am ashamed to say that like every other tourist, I have only been to Paris! Bordeaux looks amazing and if I had known when I travelled to France that I could get a vibrant city, a UNESCO listed charming village and wineries, all in one place, I would not have missed it! I love your picture of Miroir d’Eau at dusk. It is gorgeous!

Suruchi Mittal says

September 29, 2018 at 8:11 AM

Honestly, we have never looked at the Bordeaux the way you have shown us in this post. It is full of culture, history, UNESCO heritage sites, Indeed, so many gems. My favourite is that wine shop, I would have not stopped clicking it. One can really follow your itinerary and do a trip to Bordeaux

December 28, 2018 at 12:33 PM

Hello there

Thank you for sharing online your very informative Bordeaux travel guide. I wonder if you could help me with the following?

If one were to visit during February, how’s the weather? Would it be too cold to be strolling around town and going to the beach/sand dunes (not to swim but even just for scenic walk)?

Are many good places such as restaurants, vineyards or hotels closed during this month?

If February isn’t ideal, would you recommend April or May?

Appreciate your help.

December 28, 2018 at 12:34 PM

The weather in February is a mix of rainy and sunny days and usually is around 12-15 Celsius (55-60 Fahrenheit). The weather in Bordeaux and on the Atlantic Coast is very mild in winter and it doesn’t get very cold. You can definitely comfortably visit the Dune.

Nothing is closed during February. Bordeaux isn’t a seasonal destination and everything is open year round, with the exception of August when Europeans go on their holiday.

The weather will be nicer and warmer in April and May. You may run in to many vineyards that won’t accept your appointment request for a visit in April as everyone is very busy preparing for an event that is called En Primeur. This is where wine professionals come to taste the latest vintage and many buyers purchase the vintages. It is not open to the public.

April 24, 2019 at 8:46 PM

Hi Jennifer, thanks so much for sharing this, it’s so detailed oriented and such a big help! My boyfriend and I are staying in Bordeaux for a couple days and would love to do a day trip in Saint-Emilion. I have a question: Is wine tasting in Saint-Emilion totally doable without a car? I want more freedom than going on a tour, but am also anxious to drive in a foreign country, especially while wine tasting. I’m not sure how far the wineries are apart from one another and how to get from chateau to chateau (and from the city center). You mentioned taxis and tuk-tuks. Are they common and easily accessible? I read somewhere that taxis are hard to come by.. Any help you could provide would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you!!!

April 28, 2019 at 10:49 PM

You can take the train from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion if you prefer not to drive. The train station in Saint-Émilion is just a stop at the foot of what is called the Saint-Émilion plateau and you would either neither to call a tuk-tuk to take you up to the village or walk. It is about a 1.5 kilometer walk up to the top of the village, which takes about 20 minutes.

I would suggest you can visit Château Canon-la-Gaffelière upon arriving in Saint-Émilion. It is across the road from the train station and takes less than 1 minute to walk to. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/chateau-canon-la-gaffeliere-saint-emilion/ They can call for a tuk-tuk to take you up to the village if you didn’t want to walk after your visit.

I would recommend you visit two châteaux for the day maximum as it’s quite a lot and it will take 1-1.5 hours per visit. This gives you time to explore the village as well.

For the second château easily accessed without a car, I suggest Château Villemaurine. It’s at the top of the village. You can do the interesting underground quarries tour there. https://www.villemaurine.com/

You can then either walk back down to the station, which is a nice walk downhill or hire a tuk-tuk at the Office of Tourism in the village to take you back down.

Hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Jessica says

December 29, 2020 at 2:49 PM

Great guide! If you were ro recommend a tour/visit between Chateaux Villemaurine and Les Cordeliers, which one would you recommend outside of the actual wine produced, thinking of just the tour itself. Or if including the wine, the overall experience of the tour/wine tasting.

January 4, 2021 at 8:22 PM

I really like Les Cordeliers because it is something entirely different from the other Bordeaux wine estates with the sparkling wine production. For the tunnel experience itself, either would be comparable. But Les Cordeliers is really something unique and special to Saint-Émilion. Hope that helps!

Geoffrey Barnes says

July 1, 2019 at 9:20 PM

Your suggestions for a visit to Bordeaux and surrounding area are very informative. I have spent quite a bit of time traveling in France but have never been to the Bordeaux region, I am looking forward to it. I am planning a trip in April 2020.

July 3, 2019 at 1:41 PM

Hi Geoffrey,

You will love your trip to Bordeaux! Let us know if there are any questions we can answer as you plan your trip.

Adrienne Bunting says

July 16, 2019 at 2:20 AM

Thank you so much for your Bordeaux itinerary. My husband and I will be traveling to the region in October. We will be spending a half day exploring two wineries and then one full day exploring the city of Bordeaux so your walking tour itinerary was extremely helpful. If we have a full day in Bordeaux before we return to Paris, will we be able to do the walking tour you highlighted? Thank you for your help.

July 16, 2019 at 2:14 PM

Hi Adrienne,

You’ll love Bordeaux! Yes, if you have a full day in Bordeaux then you will be able to cover the walking tour we highlighted. The great thing about Bordeaux is that it is a compact city and everything is pretty close together.

September 19, 2019 at 5:02 PM

Hi I seen you mentioned something about places being closed for holidays in August? Would the 1st – 5th of August not be a good idea then? We would like to see everything in your itinerary.

Christie says

September 22, 2019 at 3:19 PM

Hi Jennifer, Thank you for sharing great tips on visiting Bordeaux!

We will be visiting France in May 2020 and planning to visit Bordeaux for 2-3 days. We are unsure whether we will hire a car in Bordeaux but it is assuring to know that Saint-Emillion can be reached by train.

We are hoping to be able to visit a couple of wineries in Saint-Emillion by ourselves rather than joining a tour. However, we are unsure if this is a good idea or not. If we were to visit the wineries ourselves, do we need to make a reservation in advance? If so, it is best to email the wineries directly? It would be great if you could please let me know. Thank you

Frank Dvorak says

January 29, 2021 at 12:19 AM

Hi Jennifer

I just happen to stumble upon this site reading about Bordeaux… WHAT A WONDERFUL FIND… I’m taking notes as I am planning on spending 3 months in 2022 in Bpordeaux. Question, could you recommend a local English speaking agency that deals in home / apartment rentals ( furnished for 3 months ). I have looked at AirBnB and VBRO, but they seems to be a little impersonal . Any information you can provide will be very helpful;.. Thanks

February 18, 2021 at 7:53 PM

The minimum lease is 3 years in France and you will need to meet a lot of requirements, including having a visa and either income from a French employer or a French guarantor, in order to rent an apartment. It’s also incredibly difficult to find available apartments, even for residents. If you are only visiting short term like for 3 months as you mention, it’s best to stick with a short term rental like Airbnb or VRBO.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Bordeaux Travel Guide

Start Planning Your Trip

Discover bordeaux.

See & Do in Bordeaux

Eat & Drink in Bordeaux

Stay in Bordeaux

Visit bordeaux châteaux, châteaux to visit by public transportation.

You don't need an expensive day tour or a car to visit these Bordeaux chateaux.

Unique Wine Tasting Experiences in Bordeaux

Looking for something a little different than the classic Bordeaux château tour and tastings?

Must Visit Sauternes Châteaux

Discover Bordeaux's sweet wine appellation, Sauternes.

Jennifer & Tim

Your Bordeaux Experts!

We’re Jennifer & Tim, the founders of the leading English-language travel site about Bordeaux.

We fell in love with Bordeaux on a trip, packed up and moved to Bordeaux a year later, and four years later we’re still living our Bordeaux dream. Come experience the joie de vivre of Bordeaux with us!

Read Our Story

the latest from the blog

Everything You Need to Know About the Paris to Bordeaux Train

With regular trains from Paris to Bordeaux, you can be easily be sipping Grand Cru Classé in the blink of an eye. Paris to Bordeaux travel is a cinch thanks to the high speed trains in France finally linking the two cities as of 2017. The TGV Paris Bordeaux route reduced the formerly 3.5 hour … Read More about Everything You Need to Know About the Paris to Bordeaux Train

Hutong: A Taste of Singapore in Bordeaux

Though you might have come to Bordeaux for the specialties of the South West of France, like the magret de canard or the oysters, you’d be remiss to skip some of the excellent international restaurants that make up Bordeaux’s superb dining scene. And while you wouldn’t likely expect to find Singaporean cuisine in Bordeaux, a … Read More about Hutong: A Taste of Singapore in Bordeaux

Day Trip from Bordeaux: Château de Vayres

An impressive fortress sits majestically along the banks of the Dordogne River just 30 minutes from Bordeaux. It’s Château de Vayres and it’s one of the most striking fortresses of the Gironde. With Château de Vayres’ nearly 1000 years of history and beautiful gardens, the castle is well worth the easy day trip from Bordeaux … Read More about Day Trip from Bordeaux: Château de Vayres

Alex Getting Lost

Adventures, please

3 Days in Bordeaux – solo travel in the south of France

4 nights, and a total of 3 days in Bordeaux, was the perfect amount of time to spend in the city. Although solo travel to Bordeaux might not be particularly common, it’s definitely a brilliant city to explore on your own.

Bordeaux, world famous producer of wines since roughly the 8th century, is perhaps one of the most elegant cities I’ve ever stayed in, second only to good old Paris. I ended up visiting Bordeaux solo in July for the pure and simple fact that I typed my departure date from Gatwick into Skyscanner, clicked ‘anywhere’ in the destination box- and a £24 British Airways flight to Bordeaux was the cheapest thing that appeared.

Obviously it was destiny as I’m all about that bargain travel life. BORDEAUX HERE I COME.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

As a solo traveller a cheeky hostel would have done me fine, however Bordeaux is such a classy city that there are only two hostels in the entire place- both of which were fully booked up for the four nights I was there. And as you might imagine, hotels in Bordeaux are rather on the expensive side (especially for one person occupying a double room).

So. I opted for a classic AirBnB stay over remortgaging my non-existent-house-because-I-can’t-actually-afford-a-house, in order to stay in one of Bordeaux’s exquisite hotels. But here’s the thing pals- as with 90% of my AirBnB stays throughout life, my Bordeaux Airbnb did not disappoint.

My one bedroom, two floor apartment was located on the top floor of an old building just behind the Place de la Bourse (ie pretty much in the centre of everything you need to be near), overlooking a narrow cobbled street. It was absolutely bloody beaut I tell you.

More bizarre solo travel stories: Solo Travel in Corfu , Greece

The only slight downside was that every morning whilst tucking into my breakfast a man living in the apartment opposite would open all his windows and proceed to sweep his floor whilst wearing not a shred of clothing. I did my best to avert my eyes/back away from view as stealthily and silently as possible, but on the second morning he began nakedly leaning out of his window to call out ‘Bonjoooour!!! ‘Allooo!!’ This routine continued daily, making me feel more and more uncomfortable as the days wore on, and also altogether confused about the situation. By repeatedly yelling greetings across the street whilst he happened to be completely starkers , was he was just being a friendly neighbour? Or was it actually borderline harassment? I mean, where do you even draw the line on these things???

Aside from The Issue of the Naked Neighbour, as a lass staying all by myself, the AirBnB choice also meant that I didn’t have the awkwardness of repeatedly having to dine out alone. I could just buy my own ingredients and cook up a storm instead.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken myself out for dinner before. But despite the fact that Bordeaux is a culinary hotspot of Europe, filled to the brim with Michelin-starred restaurants, first and foremost it can be mildly awkward to deal with the baffled looks of the waiter, and secondly: frankly my budget did not allow for even one evening meal out, let alone four in a row.

Add to this the fact that I really appreciate buying food that comes in cool packaging, like this tin of tuna, and I was as happy as Larry.

(I didn’t just eat nicely-packaged tins of tuna for four days, promise)

Visit a wine museum

The Cité du Vin is a flashy new Bordeaux museum located in what was once a pretty derelict part of town, designed to look like a swirl of wine sloshing into a glass. Fancy that. At €20 per ticket entry it’s on the pricier side of the museum entry fee scale, however when a glass of wine is included in that price, I’d say it’s 100% worth it.

Good one, semi-free wine. Good one all around.

And the Cité du Vin is actually a truly fascinating place, where I managed to learn more than I ever thought I would about wine in general. From the history of winemaking to attempting to get a grasp on what on earth connoisseurs are talking about when they say wine has ‘earthy, blackberry undertones.’

All this knowledge is presented in an interactive, high tech and highly flashy way. Visitors have to wear a set of headphones which talk you through what you’re seeing, and most exhibits involve you having to smell or touch or wave your hand over something. I full on loved it I tell you!

On the top floor of the Cité du Vin is the bar, with a great viewing point over the river Garonne and the rest of the city. It’s up here that you can choose whichever glass of wine takes your fancy to sip from whilst you think about how well-informed you are about wine these days.

That’s what I did, anyway.

Appreciate the Place de la Bourse and it’s ginormous reflecting pool

The Place de la Bourse is a wide open square right next to the river in the centre of town, built in the 1700s to make the city look generally more welcoming and resplendent to visitors arriving by ship (as this bad boy is actually a port city despite it being inland.)

The buildings that surround it are classic pieces of French architecture, and between the square and the river is the grandiose Miroir d’Eau, which as it happens is the world’s biggest reflecting pool. This beautiful sight looks beaut at any time of day or night. (I’m not gonna lie, I did go back several times just to check it out with different sunlight surrounding it.)

The Miroir is a meeting point for people across the city, who come to literally chill out a bit in the hot summer months, either by running through it, skating across it, or even having salsa lessons around it. True story. What a lovely location.

Eat Canelés. You’ll thank me for it.

Some people say go to Bordeaux and eat duck. But I didn’t fancy that. Others say drink wine. But I’d already done that, even having headed one day on my trip to the wine-growing village of Saint Émilion . What is left, I hear you ask!?

CANELÉS. GLORIOUS CANELÉS.

Back in the day, Bordeaux wine was filtered into a vat using egg whites (don’t ask me how because I’m not enough of a wine expert yet to be sure of that method). The discarded yolks were passed on to nuns who used them to bake these beaut little doughy cakes called canelés. These days, rum and vanilla are added to the mixture and all I’m saying is it produces the most delicious thing I’ve tasted in a long old time.

After I hunted down one of the Baillardran cafes (just past the corner of Quinconces, near the opera house, if you’re interested), I settled down at an extremely red and shiny seat in the extremely red and shiny shop and began to tuck into my coffee and canelé combo. It was JOYOUS.

The best day trip from Bordeaux : The Beautiful Village of Saint-Émilion

On my second sip of coffee an old man with a silk square tucked in his pocket and a newspaper tucked underneath his arm sat at the table next to me, nodded ‘bonjour,’ (if he’d been wearing a top hat he definitely would have tipped it at that point because I feel like that’s the kind of old gent he was), and was joined a minute later by another old chap. Monsieur Pocket Square went on to ask all the questions…why I was in Bordeaux, where I’m from, do I like France, how long am I here for, you know- all the classics.

The problem was that he said 98% of it in French, which I can understand the basics of thanks to Years 7 to 9 of secondary school. But which I find completely impossible to actually speak myself. So for my replies I opted for a combination of English, large facial expressions, and the art of mime. This seemed to go down surprisingly well as when I asked the waitress if I could get the bill Monsieur Pocket Square insisted on getting it for me. What a kind old chap!

Sign up here to get newsletters from time to time, delivered straight to your inbox.

I consent to receiving emails and personalised ads.

Visit a Bordeaux park – Le Jardin Public

The public garden is a blooming lovely place to stroll through or sit and have a read or a picnic if you’re that way inclined, and is definitely one of the prettier city parks I’ve been to in my time.

After a great many hours worth of pacing across Bordeaux and standing on trams, I was craving some fresh air and open space. Le Jardin Public is a lovely location to disconnect from the city slightly. Whilst en route to the garden through a rather classy-looking part of town (although let’s face it, pretty much everywhere I went in Bordeaux looked like this), I accidentally strolled onto the film set of a TV show and stood waiting in hushed silence while a runner held back me and four other passer-bys from interrupting a fight outside a fake police station. It was a right laugh I tell ya.

Get Educated at the Musee d’Aquitaine

Aside from the flashy Cité du Vin, there’s a massive collection of other museums and galleries spread across Bordeaux (just housed in a slightly older collection of buildings). And even if you only have 3 days in Bordeaux, I strongly suggest a visit to this museum.

Although every exhibit in the Musee d’Aquitaine is in French, I still managed to learn a lot about the city and its influence on the rest of the world. Which as a mild history geek I really did appreciate. I mean- fact number one is that Bordeaux and the entire Aquitaine region was actually English territory for about 300 years. This was thanks to Eleanor of Aquitaine- who dumped the French King for the English one. What a sassy lass. And it’s during that time that Bordeaux became a full on wealthy location due to its wine being exported to the English shores.

Related: Exploring Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe

Having just spent several months visiting several French Caribbean islands, second in the list of Things I Found Interesting At the Musee d’Aquitaine is that the city also accumulated a fortune due to a booming slave trade. Many residents of Bordeaux made the journey to islands like Guadeloupe, Haiti and Martinique to colonise them and get rich quick from the profits of their newly-founded slave-dependent plantations.

It was during this era of slavery that the city grew incredibly, incredibly wealthy.

It’s kind of amazing to visit two completely different parts of the world and see how their histories are intertwined, however appalling the reasons for the connection are. This dark but ginormous part of Bordeaux’s history is barely spoken about, although there are still several roads around the city named after the richest and most successful slave traders back in the day. This exhibit at the Musee d’Aquitaine is one of the steps that Bordeaux is taking towards confronting its past; I wish more towns, cities and countries around the world would do the same.

Marvel at the big bell of Bordeaux

Along with the Place de la Bourse, the Grosse Cloche is another landmark of Bordeaux, and is one of the oldest belfries in the whole entire land! And by land, I’m referring to France, FYI.

The gigantic bell tower has been around since the Middle Ages and as well as a massive bell, houses a casual jail where anyone who disturbed the peace was swiftly thrown into for an overnight stay. I like to think it has a faintly Beauty and the Beast vibe about it.

Don’t confuse the old Grosse Cloche with Porte Cailhau though my friends. (An easy mistake to make as they’re both exceedingly similarly designed) This second tower was once the city gate, back in the time when the city had actual walls and before the more welcoming Place de la Bourse was constructed.

Stroll around the Triangle d’Or

Three grand 18th century boulevards make up a literal triangle shape right in the heart of the city, filled with splendiferous architecture, exceedingly high price tags, and lined with trees. The Place de la Comédie is a large square right in front of the Grand Theatre, with trams running through it and an olden-times carousel grinding merrily away as a backdrop to the shoppers casually purchasing bags and bags of designer gear. It’s like Bond Street round here, you know.

Further along, the Esplanade de Quinconces is France’s most biggest square ever ever, starting at the top with a gigantic fountain and statue creation, and leading all the way down to the river. When I was there, the circus was in town, so Quinconces had been overtaken by a brilliant brightly coloured tent and a fleet of trucks and vans to transport the circus equipment with. Good. Times.

Get lost in the Saint-Pierre district

I’m not gonna lie here pals, when I say get lost what I really mean is stroll around, stop for coffee, stroll around some more, and then maybe stop again for a second coffee. Saint-Pierre is full of quirky little coffee shops and even quirkier actual shops, as well as the usual main street which is home to the same set of stores as everywhere else on the planet. (As much as I’m not a fan of every single high street in the universe looking identical, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to walk past a Zara and not go in, so I’m in a real quandary with that one.) Saint-Pierre is a web of medieval lanes and alleys, and is the perfect location for spending an afternoon exploring; you never know what you might find.

Personally I was rather taken aback when I almost collided with a priest in full robes texting in a back alley. I know we’re in the 21st century now but it’s still not something I expected to almost crash into in a Medieval alleyway, know what I’m saying?

With 3 days in Bordeaux I had enough time to soak up the city without feeling like I was cramming in five thousand things a minute. I’m definitely more a ‘slow-travel’ kind of a gal but 3 days in Bordeaux is the ideal amount of time to spend in the city.

LOGISTICAL STATISTICALS

• An airport shuttle connects Bordeaux airport to the city in a mere half an hour, for €8. Cash or cards are accepted on the bus, or you can pre-buy your ticket online, and there’s a 10% discount on a return ticket if you buy it at the same time.
• Or there is a local bus, which takes longer but is cheaper.
• The tram network in Bordeaux is DA BOMB. It’s super easy to figure out, and the cost of a single journey is €1.70, bought from a machine at the tram stop. I bought a 10 journey ticket, although it was kind of pointless as the ticket validation machines didn’t work for three journeys, I only used it for seven journeys, and my ticket wasn’t inspected once.
• But still, it’s a good idea to at least attempt to validate your ticket in one of the yellow machines when you board a tram. Just for a laugh, more than anything.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

3 thoughts on “3 Days in Bordeaux – solo travel in the south of France”

Looks like you had an amazing time! Definitely adding Bordeaux to my list now!

Jamie | http://www.jamiechancetravels.com

Yes it was great! Definitely recommend it 😆

I need advice asap! My husband will be joining my daughter atvPlum Village for a retreat. We signed up late, so i have a friend who reccomends i do my own retreat in Bordeaux while they mingle with monks and nuns, i do my own thing. Frankly this both excites and terrifies me. I dont speak French. But think i could figure out! The idea of a cute air b n b in walking distace is good. Amy reccomendations is good.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Job Descriptions
• Hospitality and Tourism Job Descriptions

Travel Manager Job Description

Travel managers direct, administer, and monitor the travel policies, guidelines, and budgets for businesses and travel agencies. When working for travel agencies, they will assist customers with travel plans and itineraries. When working for corporations, they will make business travel arrangements for executives and employees.

Try Betterteam

Post your jobs to 100+ job boards

• Reach over 250 million candidates.
• Get candidates in hours, not days.

Travel Manager Job Description Template

We are looking for a detail-oriented individual to join our team as a travel manager. The responsibilities of the travel manager include optimizing our travel operations, making travel arrangements over the phone or the internet, providing guidance on travel arrangements, and preparing budget reports.

To be a successful travel manager, you should have a strong working knowledge of travel management processes and excellent attention to detail. Ultimately, a top-notch travel manager is skilled at maintaining positive relationships with airlines and hotels and at providing a smooth travel experience.

Travel Manager Responsibilities:

• Maintaining positive relationships with vendors of direct travel, such as car rentals, hotels, and airlines.
• Negotiating preferred rates with vendors of direct travel.
• Planning travel accommodations, booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and coordinating activities.
• Managing and processing all travel-related documentation, including payments, itineraries, visas, medical, and legal forms.
• Assisting with any travel-related issues that may arise.
• Researching travel deals and evaluating prices and services.
• Arranging travel accommodations for business visitors.
• Creating, optimizing, and monitoring corporate travel policies.
• Preparing travel budget reports.
• Analyzing and preparing reports on travel spend.

Travel Manager Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in tourism, travel or hospitality is required for corporate travel managers.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in the travel industry.
• A minimum of 1 year supervisory experience may be preferred.
• Certification in travel or hospitality may be advantageous.
• Knowledge of travel management processes.
• The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with vendors of direct travel (existing relationships may be advantageous).
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Good communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• A basic understanding of Geography.
• Strong computer skills.

Related Articles:

Travel planner job description, travel agent job description, travel consultant job description, travel manager interview questions, travel planner interview questions, travel agent interview questions, travel consultant interview questions.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The luxury guide to Bordeaux

Where to stay, eat and drink in France's most famous wine-growing region

Like many people, my experience of France was limited to its most famous city and its coastlines – but, after just a few days in Bordeaux, I realised that I had now found somewhere that encompassed the chic, cosmopolitan nature of the former with the relaxed energy of the latter. Nestled on the banks of the Garonne River in the southwest of the country, Bordeaux is a charming maze of 18th-century streets boasting cafés on every corner, where you’re as likely to find jamon croquettes hailing from nearby Spain as you are a deliciously flaky croissant. Frequent breaks to enjoy wonderfully cheap coffee and the city’s traditional canelé pastries provided the relaxation we desperately needed.

With its grand, Napoleonic architecture and vast array of chic boutiques, it’s not for nothing that Bordeaux has earned the nickname ‘Little Paris ’. But the city has a far more low-key vibe than the capital: the locals are unfailingly friendly (not something that can always be said of Parisians) and most restaurants – although there are several, cutting-edge spots – retain a sense of regional authenticity.

Of course, it’s impossible to visit the hub of France’s most famous wine -growing region and not mention (and sample) a few glasses of red – all under the guise of researching our wedding wine, naturally. Just a short drive from Margaux, Saint-Émilion and Sauternes, Bordeaux is an ideal spot for oenophiles, and wine tastings are popular among visitors to the city and beyond. Though I knew of Bordeaux’s grape-growing reputation, I hadn’t realised until our visit quite how much more it has to offer – all of which has made it a mini-break I cannot recommend more highly.

Here’s where we recommend staying, the restaurants and bars to try, and what to do in this most beautiful of French cities.

Where to stay

Bordeaux has no shortage of hip boutique spots, as well as larger hotels for those with more traditional tastes. The grande fromage is undoubtedly the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel , a 130-room IHG Hotels & Resorts palace right in the middle of the city, opposite the famous opera house. The rooms, all spacious, classic and comfortable, have plenty of upmarket allure with their marble bathrooms and swagged curtains, which nod to the building’s grand heritage.

On the fifth floor is the hotel’s expansive Guerlain Spa , a heavenly escape patronaged by one of France’s most famous beauty brands, which boasts an indoor pool, sauna, hammam and a wide list of soothing treatments. A ‘sono sensory’ massage, during which our tense shoulders were expertly unknotted in time to hypnotically relaxing music, banished all signs of wedding stress. Just next door you’ll find the rooftop bar, which serves up excellent cocktails all year round (just pop into the conservatory if you’re cold) as well as the best panoramic views of the city’s landmarks.

If a good spa is key to your enjoyment of a trip (we hear you there) try Les Sources de Caudalie , a rustically designed but oh-so-luxury resort just outside the city, in the sleepy wine country of Martillac. Here, you’ll find the Vinothérapie Spa – the birthplace of beauty brand Caudalie’s world-famous, grape-based products – as well as three restaurants and (naturally) an excellent bar serving local vintages. If you’d like to work off some of that rich French food, be sure to book in for tennis lessons on the resort’s private courts.

For those seeking something more understated, Maison La Course in the lively Chartrons district is a little like staying at the house of a very chic French friend. With just five bucolic bedrooms, plus a cosy living room complete with a fireplace, this hideaway offers personalised service at its best: ask for a bespoke wine tasting, for which the staff will procure bottles from the hotel’s cellar according to your tastes.

Around the corner is another IHG property, the Hotel Indigo Bordeaux Centre Chartrons : just a two-minute walk from the river bank (so you’re a stone’s throw from the glorious food market on Sundays) this is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a more purse-friendly option. The staff here are some of the most helpful you’ll ever encounter; Emeric, the manager, is always on hand to give restaurant recommendations and fix any issues swiftly.

The rooms, masterminded by Morocco-based designer Stella Cadente, take their aesthetic inspiration from the nearby Arcachon bay on the Atlantic coast and feature beachside hues, as well as nods to the famous dunes and authentic oyster huts. They’re well-appointed, simple, but exceedingly comfortable – think feather-light duvets and power showers.

Where to eat and drink

One thing’s for certain: you won’t go hungry in Bordeaux. Wherever you find yourself in the city, you’re never more than a few metres away from one of the city’s countless cafés, all of which serve up traditional French fare: croque monsieur , canelé , steak, crisp salads and foie gras abound, as well as the oysters for which the region is famous. Try Le Carré in Chartrons for the best frites allumettes around.

For evenings out, you’ll find options that range from the super trendy to the very traditional. Le Pressoir d’Argent , the InterContinental’s two-Michelin-star restaurant helmed by the Gordon Ramsay group, sits somewhere between the two, with its modernised take on a classic menu of black truffles from the Gironde and Breton lobster. Opt for either of the tasting menus, and be sure to say yes to the wine pairing – in Bordeaux, of all places, you won’t be disappointed.

We found an evening of rich French flavours to be balanced out beautifully by a trip to Symbiose , a bar and restaurant overlooking the river, which serves the best cocktails in Bordeaux, should you tire of wine. The restaurant, with its cork ceiling, hanging plants and thick tables hewn from tree trunks, feels cool and cosy, with a menu made to match: the sautéed mushroom gnocchi and crispy tapioca croquettes are must-orders.

You won’t find a restaurant, café or bar in Bordeaux that doesn’t have a decent list of red wine, but if you’re looking to flex your taste buds and try several, head to Bar à Vin in the centre of town, which is extraordinarily well-priced and offers the widest selection of wines – red, dry and sweet whites, rosés, clarets and crémants – you could hope to sample.

No trip to Bordeaux would be complete without a wine tasting (or three). Most hotels will offer them – the InterContinental even has a dedicated Wine Bar Suite with its own bar – so be sure to ask the concierge, wherever you’re staying. If you’d like to venture out to the actual wineries to learn about grape-growing and production, Olala provides excellent, small group tours to Saint-Émilion and Margaux. Led by wine experts who’ll guide you through the process and introduce you to a number of wineries, a full or half-day trip is well worth booking.

Culturally, there’s plenty to do in Bordeaux. The stunning Cathedral of St Andrew, which dates back to the 10 th century, is an awe-inspiring architectural feat both inside and out; the smaller (but no less impressive) Church of Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons is also worth seeing for its stained glass windows.

When it comes to museums, you’re also spoilt for choice. The Cité du Vin is a veritable temple to Bordeaux’s most famous export, where wine comes to life through immersive exhibitions – a trend mirrored in the enormous Bassins des Lumière , a former submarine base, now the world's largest digital art centre. Buy yourself a tram pass to make best use of the city’s excellent public transport system, which we found to be by far the best way to get around Bordeaux.

Blessed with good weather? Take a stroll around the public gardens , an 11-hectare oasis of stately 18 th- century buildings, ancient trees and the famous ‘Guignol Guérin’ puppet show. The streets themselves are a wonderful stomping ground, particularly if you’re fond of French fashion: Bordeaux has a variety of great shops, including Stella Forest , Des Petits Hauts and The Store (Rue des Remparts is particularly good for independent boutiques, and I found myself returning to London with a rather fuller suitcase). Antique hunters, meanwhile, should head straight to Rue Notre Dame, a quaint little street in Chartrons with some delightful antique dealers and brocantes .

Weighed down with 40 vintage crystal glasses with which to enter married life (a bargain second-hand shop find) my fiancé and I boarded the plane back to London relaxed, a little more cultured and – miraculously, given our impressive wine consumption – not at all hungover. Even more surprisingly? Quite so much was there to distract us in Bordeaux, that we hadn’t discussed the wedding at all (well, maybe once – after all, those napkins aren't going to choose themselves).

A-list approved Cannes hotels

The ultimate Bazaar travel guide is on sale now

10 of the best luxury family-friendly hotels

The most luxurious hotels in Dubai

On-screen hotels to book this summer

The most luxurious hotels in the Maldives

A luxury guide to Milan's best hotels

How to travel more sustainably

The best hotels in St Tropez

The best luxury hotels in Venice

Our verdict on the luxe version of Airbnb

• CONTACT - APPLY ONLINE - BROCHURE - VIRTUAL TOUR

• Vatel Group
• Vatel Bordeaux
• Why study at Vatel Bordeaux
• Undergraduate
• MBA in International Hotel Management
• MBA Specialisation in International Wine & Spirits Management
• Parallel Admissions
• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Tuition fees
• Ask Your Question
• Practical Training
• Alumni Success Stories
• Who recruits our Alumni?
• Vatel Bordeaux’s partner network
• International Student Support
• Studying in Bordeaux
• Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world
• LATEST NEWS

BACHELOR IN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Experiment and develop your leadership skills in a wide range of exciting careers in hospitality..

Courses taught on our campuses in Bordeaux (France)

English or French

INTERNSHIPS

2 (4 months minimum)

180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)

November 2023

Education goals

Our 3-year Bachelor degree develops your leadership skills, and includes 15 months of practical training and internship in a multicultural environment. 

Learn how to become an operational manager by gaining a complete set of skills in Marketing, Management, HR and other specific subjects related to Hospitality.

> Bachelor success rate in 2023: 100%

> bachelor employment rate of the 2022 graduates ;  33,3% (to learn more), >64% of the bachelor graduates in 2022 are continuing their studies.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Join the 1st Worldwide Business School Group in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a strong network: 9,000 students, 54 campuses & 39,000 Alumni

Bachelor in International Hotel Management (French State Certified Degree Level 6 RNCP) Equivalent Certification: Bachelor in Hotel Management Professional Bachelor’s Degree

Gain skills in •  Management: Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Professional Culture •  Consulting: Case Studies, Real Projects, Corporate Visits, Hospitality Lab

Get a real hands-on approach with 15-months of practice and internships: learn to take responsibility, initiatives and become a problem solver. 100% placement for internships & professional training

33,3% of our bachelor Alumni graduated in 2022 are employed (to learn more)

64% of our bachelor Alumni graduated in 2022 are continuing their studies

Get a real hands-on approach: 98% of our lectures are professionals in activity

Learn French  while enjoying Bordeaux’ “Art de Vivre”

Work up to 20 hours per week and gain operational experience

Discover the Wine Region  by studying in Bordeaux (Paris is just 2 hours away)

• Benefit from a good healthcare system  by living in France •  Count on our Students’ Affairs Department to  assist you before and during your stay  on your administrative paperwork

> Satisfaction level of students on professional training & internships in 2022-2023: 8/10

Main jobs & positions, build your international career in a blooming industry as there are so many job opportunities , > bachelor employment rate of the 2022 graduates: 33,3% (based on 84,25% of respondents) (to learn more).

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND SPAS: Food and Beverage Manager, Front Office Manager, Concierge, Guests Relations Manager…

WINE AND SPIRITS: Trader, Broker, Wine Tourism Manager, Brand Ambassador, Sommelier…

FINANCE, ADVISORY, HUMAN RESOURCES: Human Resources Assistant, Accoutant…

TOURISM, EVENT, BANQUETS AND CONFERENCES: Event Coordination Manager, Tourism Manager, Communication Manager…

SALES AND MARKETING: Sales and Marketing Manager, Assistant Brand Manager, Sales/Export manager, Social Events and Community Manager…

OVERVIEW OF COURSES

• Sem. 1: Academic
• Sem.2: Internship
• Sem.3: Academic
• Sem.4: Internship
• Sem.5: Academic
• Sem. 6: Optional Internship

BACHELOR YEAR #1 – DISCOVER

MAIN TOPICS Accounting and Management Fundamentals, Marketing fundamentals, HR Management Fundamentals, Office tools, Business Economics, Sustainable Development & C SR , Interculturality, Marco Polo & International Internship, Professional Culture, Self image & Good Work Practices, Hygiene & Safety Rules, Nutrition basics, Wine Vintages, Conferences and Tours, English F&B, Spanish/German, Intro to Restaurant Practices, Intro to Kitchen Practices, Food & Beverage roundtables, Hospitality Roundtables

• Operational internship in a company in France
• Duration: 4 months (minimum) Stipend for reference only**
• In France: about € 600 per month after tax

**These internship conditions are for reference only. They are not binding and can change from one internship to another, according to the host company.

BACHELOR YEAR #2 – EXPLORE

MAIN TOPICS Financial Management, Strategic Marketing, Human Resources Management, Advanced Excel, Commercial law applie d to Hotel Management, Effective communication, Business environment, Documentary & Strategic Monitoring, Nutrition and society, Tourism Economy, Wines of the World,Vatel Sustainable Development Project, Roundtables: High Vatel Sustainable Development Project, Vatel Sustainable Development Project, Roundtables: High-end Hospitality Management, English for Hospitality, Spanish/German

• Operational internship in a company inside or outside Europe

BACHELOR YEAR #3 – SPECIALISE

MAIN TOPICS Introduction to Operational Auditing, Operational Marketing, HR Management & Leadership, Corporate Taxation, Intercultural Team Management, Sales & Negotiation Technique, Community Management, Expert Exc el, ATL and BTL Media Communications, Professional Oral Communication, Wines, beer & Spirits, Geopolitics, Tourism & Travel, Expertise Week*, English for Manager, Spanish/German, Grand Oral Preparation Ajouter

* Expertise week: Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development and Events (30 hours)

• Duration: 3 up to 6 months Stipend for reference only**

STUDY ABROAD WITH THE MARCO POLO PROGRAM

Study for a year in the Vatel School of your choice* (Subject to conditions)

Students who are considering making a career in the hospitality industry must be prepared for international experiences. Keeping this in mind, Vatel gives students the opportunity to spend their 2nd year in a different Vatel school, located in several places around the world. Their school year is validated and the ECTS credits are awarded. These students can also do their internship in the host country.

*Eligibility criteria include language skills, grades and visa compatibility.

ADMISSIONS & FEES

To apply for the Bachelor program at Vatel Bordeaux, applicants must follow the application process available here and comply with the appropriate entry requirements:

• High School Diploma / High School Leaving certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent) 

• To study in English: Equivalent to CEFR B2: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 80, Cambridge CPE B2, TOEIC 785 points, CAE B2 or FCE Grade B

• To study in French: Equivalent to CEFR B2: DELF / TCF B2 (minimum)

All the fees are available   here.

TESTIMONIALS

Tangi Le GRAND - Alumni 2006

General Director Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf – Ari Atoll, Maldives

"Thanks to Vatel Bordeaux I have been able to advance in the hotel sector in the Asian Continent. In France, there are a lot of hotel schools but very few that equal Vatel Bordeaux in education standards. The success of this school is linked to the many internships it offers to its students which boost our learning quality. Moreover, we were at that time 20 classmates and we were like a family."

Lynn Van Logtestjin - Alumni 2020

Junior Sommelier at Clayre Smith restaurant 3* Guide Michelin - London, UK

"When starting at Vatel Bordeaux, I knew I had a passion for working with people in the hospitality industry, but I was not sure which specific direction I wanted to take. The academic teaching combined with the professional practices proved to be the ideal way of building a path to a successful career where the world lies at your feet. Out of all possibilities that the hotel and tourism industry offers, I chose to specialise in wine. Thanks to opportunities that Vatel Bordeaux created, especially with the help from the academic team and industry professional teachers, I was able to build a strong network. After graduating, job offers were limited in many sectors due to the pandemic. However, I was immediately employed as a sommelier by the three starred Michelin restaurant, where I did the second year’s internship at. The best memories I have from the school are from my class, it has been incredible to be surrounded by and learning from different cultures and backgrounds. While we were all far from our usual surroundings, we were able to create a new home in Bordeaux and learn the French culture and language together."

Mathieu Astuguevieille - Alumni 2010

Director of Catering at Hilton - Roissy-en-France, France

"Graduated from a Bachelor's degree from Vatel Bordeaux in 2010, I then followed an international path to be today as Director of Catering in the Hilton group. The content of my Vatel training is a perfect balance between future professional needs and personal development. The alternation of internships, the quality of the education provided and the interaction with external speakers ensure great professional maturity to undertake in the best conditions the exercise of our passionate professions. Thanks to my Vatel network, it guarantees professionalism and rigor internationally, values that are constantly sought after by all stakeholders in our increasingly competitive industry. Associated with personal ambitions, Vatel is a brand ally for advancing in our businesses."

Arnaud Béril - Alumni 2009

Director of Food and Beverage at Avani Hotels and Resorts - Bangkok, Thailand

"During my time at Vatel Bordeaux, spending 3 years pursuing my Bachelor degree, I was able to make relevant connections with students and hospitality partners building up on my professional network. With Vatel’s reputation, I obtained the right internships and exposure most suited to my development goals, further leading to my career. I can only recommend to any Vatéliens to strategically utilize their internship opportunity as being one of the key factor to establish themselves as future hospitality leaders."

Chat with a student

From mid-november, you can be put in touch with international students during virtual open days or on request.

He/she will be able to accompany you , answer all your questions and above all share his/her experience!

Get in touch with the International Admissions department for more information.

ACCESSIBILITY

Our first priority: an inclusive sense of service, we are committed to offering a personalised welcome to our students with disabilities., if you have a disability, please contact us so that we can help and guide you in your application and procedures..

[email protected]

The 10 best restaurants in Bordeaux

I n a city where locals can talk for hours about the subtle resonance of a 1974 first-growth, you’d expect them to be picky about their food. And you’d be right: Bordeaux has some pretty fancy restaurants, which flatter the wines with a dining ceremony that’s almost excessive. But dining in Bordeaux doesn't necessarily have to be posh. The city is also steeped in traditions from southwestern France and its heartier dishes. We’re talking Pauillac lamb or local Bazas beef, perhaps grilled over vine prunings. Wood pigeon in red wine sauce with garlic croutons is another one to look out for, as are foie gras and Arcachon Bay oysters. Locals are also keen on whatever they can haul out of the river, be it lampreys, eel, shad or sturgeon – and its caviar.

For further Bordeaux inspiration, see our guides to the city's best  hotels ,  nightlife  and  things to do .

Find a restaurant by area

City centre, le chapon fin.

This restaurant has had its ups and downs since its establishment in the 19th century, but is generally the most celebrated table in town. It's the type of place where artists and visiting presidents dine. Painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and stage icon Sarah Bernhardt helped set the trend – and presumably appreciated the extraordinary man-made rocks, which have been threatening to take over the dining room since about 1900. The rest of the restaurant has been significantly lightened up since then, but this remains a place for class food - say, veal with truffles - served with bow-tied panache.

Contact:   chapon-fin.com

Reservations: Essential

Prices: £££

Brasserie l’Orléans

Manager Emmanuel Bizet continues to restore this restaurant's 'Parisian brasserie' verve, with classic dishes and a classic buzzing atmosphere. Tables are close together, furniture is bric-à-brac-ish and there’s a happy urgency about the place. Look out for whole duck breast, rack of lamb with lemon zest and as many oysters as you can manage, all accompanied by a good and reasonably priced selection of wines. If you don’t like liver, the l’Orléans’ calf liver – a signature dish – might change your mind.

Contact: brasserie-lorleans.fr

Reservations: Recommended

Best table: On the terrace

Le Pressoir d'Argent

The culinary heart of the five-star InterContinental Bordeaux, now in the hands of Britain's own Gordon Ramsay, has already earned two Michelin stars. Prices are astronomic – around €195 (£166) for the full, five course tasting menu – but not absolutely outrageous for a meal at the peaks of gastronomy. The dress code stipulates no jeans, T-shirts or sportswear and, if you're a chap, you'll need a jacket. The hotel is also home to Ramsay's Le Bordeaux, which has all the bustle of a real 19th-century Parisian brasserie, accompanied by a British-influenced menu.

Contact:   bordeaux.intercontinental.com

Reservations:  Essential

Prices:  £££

Les Bâteaux Bordelais

This company, run by a youthful team of Bordelais folk, put on (among other things) lunch and dinner cruises along the broad, idle River Garonne. The dinner cruise – on the Sicambre, a refurbished Bosphorus ferry – offers food and wine that's significantly better than one would expect on a river boat. Depending on the season, you might expect slow-cooked lamb shank, monkfish in Nori leaf or civet-de-cerf  (venison casserole). The cruise is alive with conviviality, a certain elegance – and the riverscape is pretty grand, too. Highly recommended.

Contact:  lesbateauxbordelais.com

Racines By Daniel Gallacher

Self-taught Scottish chef Daniel Gallacher has carved out an enviable niche in Bordeaux gastronomy – unusual, perhaps, for a Scotsman – by offering inventive dishes and top-end value for money on a weekly-changing menu at his place in the Meriadeck district.

Contact: racines-bordeaux.com

Reservations : Essential

La Boca 14 Food Court / Halles de Bacalan

Two food courts at opposite ends of town, each with a terrific mix of food stands. La Boca is down by Quai Paludate, the Halles de Bacalan a spit from the Cité du Vin up in the newly hip Bassins-à-Flot district. Look out for Mexican, Japanese, Indian and African cuisine, among many others, and the chance to mix and match and then eat on the terraces which trim both establishments. At La Boca, one of the terraces offers a boules court.

Contact: labocafoodcourt.eu; biltoki.com

Imagine, if you will, a warm old French farmhouse – but one slotted into a quiet city street just off-centre. There are several rooms, all set about with vintage rustic furniture. Old photos and rural clutter cram on the walls and spare surfaces. And there is, of course, a big open fireplace – with cauldrons ('tupina', in Basque) bubbling and meat roasting on a spit. That, in a nutshell, is La Tupiña, a restaurant which, though recently taken over by Franck Audu from founder Jean-Pierre Xiradakis,  continues to emphasise regional food from the heart of the land. The appeal is atavistic: expect pot-au-feu (beef stew), foie gras, slow-roasted lamb, roast Bigorre pork, spit-roasted beef, and seriously good potatoes cooked in duck fat. Also cassoulet and lampreys à la bordelaise. If you're looking to keep your spending down, there's a menu of the day for €23 (£19.50) at lunch. Dinner menus from €70 (£60).

Contact: latupina.com

La Brasserie Bordelaise

La Brasserie, on one of the key old streets in the St Pierre district, is one of those restaurant where no one’s sure whether it’s food or conviviality that has the upper hand. The place has barrels as tables, bottles along every wall and the buzz of locals tackling great meat and shellfish. This is not the setting for your romantic dîner à deux – but if you want Bordelais bustle and a sense that you’re at the centre of things, you could do very much worse. There’s also a surprisingly satisfactory wine list, plus a selection of cognacs and armagnacs to satisfy the most exacting.

Contact: brasserie-bordelaise.fr

L'Oiseau Bleu

Here’s an arresting spot: the restaurant used to be a police station, but these days, one enters with a lighter tread – once it has been located, that is. The premises are on the right bank, across the Garonne from the main bit of town. It’s well worth the gambol, though, especially when the weather’s fine. Take advantage of the lovely terrace, overlooking surrounding gardens. Wherever you sit, the food served by Sophie and Frédéric Lafon will hit the spot. Think excellent produce imaginatively worked – without spilling over into bonkers modernism. Try the scallops with butternut, chestnuts, mimolette and single malt whisky.

Contact:   loiseaubleu.fr

Since 2019, Fabien Beaufour has been treating Bordelais diners to tasting portions – shared platters in the middle of the table – and other innovations born of his travels which are presently assuring his position in the French gastronomic hierarchy. Menus hover around €80/£67pp, and include, amongst very much else, crab salad with sea urchin broth, cauliflower and roasted grapefruit.

Contact: cent33.com

Reservations: essential

How we choose

Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller’s taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.

Discover Telegraph Wine Cellar’s new wine club. Enjoy expertly chosen bottles at exclusive member prices. Plus, free delivery on every order.

Manager slammed for ‘ludicrous’ rule around annual leave

A boss has been blasted for cancelling an employees annual leave all because of one ‘ludicrous’ rule.

Man makes $50/hr after one week of training

Huge financial blow for university

Why EVs a ‘significant challenge’ for fireys

A boss has been torn to shreds over a “stupid” annual leave rule that resulted in them abruptly cancelling an employee’s family holiday.

The text exchange between the manager and an unnamed employee garnered major attention online after being shared on TikTok by popular creator, Ben Askins.

Mr Askins is an entrepreneur and managing director of a digital agency in the UK and is often sent details bizarre workplace interactions that he then shares with his followers.

In this exchange, the employee reaches out to her boss after noticing her leave for the start of May had been cancelled out of the blue.

The manager then informs her that another staff member, Louis, had just asked for that same week off and said that they couldn’t have them both off at the same time.

When the employee pointed out that Louis had requested the time off after her, the boss said: “Yeah I know but he is more senior and company policy is that the more senior person gets priority.”

The employee was clearly stunned by this policy, noting that she had booked in the leave months ago and that her whole family was going away together that week.

But the boss remained unmoved, telling her that he was sorry but there was “nothing” he can do and that she can go away the week after.

“You can’t do this, what if I spoke to Louis and asked him if he could move it?” she said

The boss replied: “Do what you want, as long as one of you is in, I don’t care.”

The employee then spoke to Louis, who informed her that he had no idea she was meant to be off that same week and he was happy to move his leave to another date as he had no solid plans.

After reading out the exchange, Mr Askins tore into the manager, branding the annual leave rule “ludicrous”.

“What a waste of time,” he said, adding the employee was having the stress about her family holiday all because of the “absolute incompetence by the manager”.

Mr Askins said that, while it is reasonable for a company to tell employees that they can’t all take their annual leave at the same time, leave should be booked on a first come first served basis, not by seniority.

He also pointed out that this whole situation could have been avoided if the manager had informed Louis that the other staff member had booked off those dates when he first requested the leave.

“He would have saved her a huge amount of stress,” Mr Askins said.

He also slammed the suggestion from the boss that she could just go away the following week instead, noting that her accommodation and travel arrangements with her family were likely already booked.

“This little attitude of ‘do what you want, as long as one of you is in I don’t care’. I mean, look, with the greatest respect, it is your job to care,” Mr Askins said.

“If you did care even slightly you would have avoided all of this and she wouldn’t have presumably spent quite an unproductive afternoon stressing about holidays.

“Just breathtaking incompetence this one.”

The video has been viewed more than 340,000 times and has sparked hundreds of comments from stunned viewers.

Many commenters claimed that, while it wasn’t uncommon in some companies for seniority to be considered when booking leave, it should only be a factor before one of the requests is approved.

This means that once one person has their leave approved, a more senior person cannot take precedence in booking leave for those dates.

Others claimed that, if this happened to them, they would be looking for a new job as soon as they got back from their holiday.

More Coverage

“That is unacceptable. I would start looking at my options after the holiday,” one person said.

“I’d be out of there so fast. What a ridiculous rule!” another added.

One wrote: “My first priority when I come back from holiday would be finding a new job.”

A well-paid job requiring just one week of training and no uni degree has been revealed – but Aussies think “95% of people” don’t have what it takes to do it.

A top ranking university has been dealt a huge financial blow after it was revealed it owes current and former staff more than $10m in super payments.

First responders face significant challenges rescuing people from crashes involving electric vehicles, an inquiry has been told.

• Aller au menu principal
• Aller au lien pour renforcer les contrastes

menu header

• My personal information
• My preferences

Tickets and fares for visitors

Tram, bus, bat3 (river shuttle).

Find out about pay as you go fares and day tickets which allow you unlimited travel by tram, bus and Bat³ for your chosen time period! When you arrive in the metropolitan area, buy your ticket online or at one of our ticket offices .

V3 (self-service cycles)

Use our self-service bicycles to explore the city your way! Discover our 24-hour and 7-day passes! Once your ticket has been read, the first 30 minutes are free. Every subsequent hour is charged at €2.

Tram, Bus, Bat³ + museums, walks and visits

The Greater Bordeaux Tourist office and TBM offer you an exclusive package so you can discover Greater Bordeaux: Bordeaux CityPass . City Pass combines unlimited use of public transport, entrance to the Cité du Vin (before 12pm), more than 20 other museums and sights, plus many other benefits! There are three options available.

• Discover Bordeaux
• Companies and employees
• The biking solution that suits you
• Help and contact
• Terms and Conditions and Legal Notices
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

Plus d’info sur l’utilisation de vos données personnelles ici

Join the sample group

Meta Quest 3

Meta quest gets ‘travel mode’ in beta for use on airplanes.

Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets are picking up a useful new Travel Mode which makes the VR experience easier to use in moving vehicles including on an airplane.

Announced on Meta’s blog and through Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram account, Quest 2 and Quest 3 are today getting a beta version of “Travel Mode,” a new option on the headset which optimizes the experience for use on moving vehicles. The new mode, which is currently specifically optimized for airplanes, makes it easier to use the headset while traveling by ensuring the motion of the aircraft doesn’t affect your use of the headset.

Meta explains:

We specially tuned our algorithms to account for the motion of an airplane, so you’ll have a stable and consistent experience in Travel Mode—even when looking out the window. 👀 Travel Mode is optimized for use on planes to start, and we plan to add support for other modes of transportation like trains in the future.

Previously, one of the headaches in using Quest on a flight was that the movement of the plane could result in the headset thinking you’d walked away from the UI itself.

Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 owners can opt into Travel Mode by checking the “Experimental features” menu in the Settings app. Once enabled, Travel Mode is accessible through the Quick Settings for easy access.

Beyond that, Meta says it has worked with Lufthansa on a new partnership which will see the airline using Quest headsets for travelers in the Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Suite for in-flight entertainment.

Meta Quest 3 is available now for $499 while Quest 2 is available for as low as $199 at some retailers .

More on Quest:

• Meta pushes Google to bring the Play Store to Quest’s ‘Horizon OS’ ahead of expansion
• Meta Quest 3 seems to be removing Chromecast support for mirroring VR to your TV
• Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available on Meta Quest 3, Quest 2, & Quest Pro [Video]

Follow Ben:   Twitter/X ,  Threads , and  Instagram

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to [email protected] or encrypted to [email protected].

Ben Schoon's favorite gear

Google Pixel Watch 2

Ben's smartwatch of choice with his phone is the Google Pixel Watch 2.

Reserve Galaxy S24

Reserve the Galaxy S24 series for free and get a $50 credit, no obligation required.

Manage push notifications

German soccer champion Bayer Leverkusen becomes the first team to finish a Bundesliga season unbeaten

The Associated Press

May 18, 2024, 11:24 AM

• Share This:
• share on facebook
• share on threads
• share on linkedin
• share on email

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — German soccer champion Bayer Leverkusen becomes the first team to finish a Bundesliga season unbeaten.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Related News

The sequel has been much better for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as Mavs head to West finals

At low-scoring PGA, Morikawa, Schauffele sleep on lead that could vanish by their tee time Sunday

Mbappé left out of PSG squad for final league game of the season

Recommended.

The Preakness Stakes: half horse race, half fashion show

3 hurt in 3-car crash on Rock Creek Parkway in DC

Capitol Hill Classic 10K, 3K cause traffic closures around Lincoln Park

Related categories:.