Bordeaux Travel Guide: Beyond the Vineyards
This travel guide will help in planning your trip to Bordeaux, France. Beyond its famous vineyards, the region offers an elegant city, charming medieval villages and easy access to the Atlantic coast. Discover the differences between Bordeaux's Left Bank and Right Bank wine regions, where to stay and how much time to allow for your visit.
When most people think of Bordeaux, they picture vineyards, beautiful châteaux and some of the world's most celebrated wines. And while wine is certainly a major reason to visit, there is much more to this region of southwestern France.
During my recent visit, I explored the wine country, visited a charming village, spent time in Bordeaux itself, and discovered the nearby coast known for their magnificent oysters.
Bordeaux Travel Guide: Left Bank vs. Right Bank
Bordeaux is one of the world's most famous wine regions which is divided into two major wine-producing areas: the Left Bank and the Right Bank.
The Left Bank is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends which tend to be bolder and higher in tannins red wines. Some delicious white wines are also being produced here.
Many of the region's most recognizable grand châteaux are located here.
The Right Bank is best known for Merlot-dominant blends. These red wines are softer and silkier with rounder tannins. The landscape includes vineyards, smaller estates and picturesque villages.
If wine is an important part of your trip, I recommend private winery visits tailored to your interests. Not every château welcomes visitors, and many require advance appointments.
Bordeaux City
Before visiting, I pictured Bordeaux as a charming, relatively small wine town.
However, Bordeaux is one of the largest cities in France. It is a lively city with grand architecture, beautiful public squares, excellent restaurants and plenty of shopping.
Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the elegant 18th-century buildings along the Garonne River give the city a distinctive character.
The Charming Villages of Bordeaux Wine Country
If you're imagining cobblestone streets, small cafés and vineyards stretching across the countryside, you'll find that side of Bordeaux as well.
Saint-Émilion is one of the region's most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval streets, historic buildings, wine shops and surrounding vineyards make it a wonderful place to explore between winery visits.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the energy of Bordeaux city and the quieter atmosphere of the wine country.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux?
One of the most important decisions is where to stay in Bordeaux – in the city or in the surrounding wine country?
Staying in Bordeaux city is ideal if you enjoy walking to restaurants, exploring historic neighborhoods, shopping and having a lively atmosphere outside your hotel.
Staying in wine country offers a quieter experience, with vineyards and beautiful landscapes. We stayed in the countryside at a hotel located about a 20-minute taxi from the city center. I am still dreaming about this incredible property. The hotel is nestled in the vineyards with the most magnificent blend of luxury and rustic elegance.
Beyond Wine: Arcachon Bay and the Atlantic Coast
Another beautiful side of Bordeaux is within easy reach - the Atlantic coast.
Approximately an hour west of Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay offers a completely different experience from the vineyards.
The area is known for its seaside towns, oyster farms, beaches and the spectacular Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune.
For seafood lovers, enjoying fresh oysters overlooking the bay is one of the area's signature experiences. A couple of hours on a boat along the coast, tasting oysters and sipping wine was one of my favorite experiences during our trip in France.
How Many Nights Should You Spend in Bordeaux?
We spent three nights in Bordeaux, which gave us time to visit wineries in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, explore Saint-Émilion village, experience Bordeaux city, and a half a day on the coast.
I could have stayed longer as I fell in love with this region.
At Distinct Vacations, we help you determine which areas to visit, where to stay and how much time to allow, creating a private itinerary that brings together the experiences that matter most to you.
If Bordeaux is on your bucket list, contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation. I'd love to help plan your visit.
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