Bordeaux on a budget: 4 days of French fun

Explore the flavors of Bordeaux without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Bordeaux, France on a limited budget can be very rewarding. Visitors can explore the charming city center, take in stunning views along the Garonne River, and visit world-renowned vineyards without breaking the bank. By finding affordable accommodation, dining at local markets and bakeries, and taking advantage of free activities, a trip to Bordeaux can be both memorable and budget-friendly.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Bonjour Bordeaux!

  • Check into the Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Gare hotel for a budget-friendly option that still has great amenities.
  • Start the day off with a coffee and croissant at Cafe Jean in the historic district of Bordeaux.
  • Take a stroll through the Jardin Public, a gorgeous park filled with statues, fountains, and beautiful greenery.
  • Head to the Bordeaux Wine Museum to learn about the history of wine in the region and enjoy a tasting.
  • Finish off the day with a dinner at L'entrecote, a popular restaurant known for its steak frites.
Day 2

Castles and Caves

  • Take a day trip to the stunning Château de la Brède, a majestic castle with breathtaking gardens and architecture.
  • Stop by the Grotte de Pair-non-Pair, one of the oldest prehistoric sites in France, with incredible cave paintings.
  • Enjoy lunch at the cozy bistro-style restaurant Le Bistro du Musée, located near the Musée d'Aquitaine.
  • Spend some time exploring the museum and learning about the history of the region.
  • End the day with a relaxing wine tasting at the Le Hangar à Vins wine bar.
Day 3

Gastronomic Delights

  • Start the day at the bustling Marché des Capucins, a vibrant market where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods.
  • Enjoy a meal at Le Bouchon Bordelais, a traditional restaurant that serves some of the best cuisine in Bordeaux.
  • Take a guided tour of the historic area of Bordeaux, filled with intricate architecture and charming streets.
  • Head to the Musée du Vin et du Négoce for a tour and tasting of some of the best wines in Bordeaux.
  • End the night at the chic, modern wine bar Mama Shelter for a nightcap and some live music.
Day 4

The Great Outdoors

  • Rent a bike from one of the city's many rental shops and explore the Garonne River, stopping at scenic parks along the way.
  • Head to the Place de la Bourse, where you can take a ferry to the famous wine region of Saint-Emilion for a day trip.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the picturesque Parc Bordelais, complete with a beautiful lake.
  • Take a sunset river cruise and see the city from a different perspective.
  • End the trip with dinner at the highly-rated Le Saint-James Bouliac, known for its exquisite food and beautiful views.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bordeaux, France by plane is to fly to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) from your departure city. Many airlines, such as Air France, Delta, and KLM, offer multiple daily flights to Bordeaux from major cities around the world. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to downtown Bordeaux.

Car

The best way to get to Bordeaux, France by car is to drive from your departure city or rent a car once you arrive in France. Bordeaux is easily accessible by car from major cities in France and Europe, and there are many highways and roads that lead to the city. Once you arrive in Bordeaux, you can park your car in a public or private parking lot and explore the city on foot, by bike, or by public transportation.

Train

The best way to get to Bordeaux, France by train is to take a high-speed train from Paris. The trip takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes on the TGV train, and trains leave from Paris' Montparnasse station. Once you arrive in Bordeaux, you can take a bus, taxi, or metro to your final destination.

Boat

The best way to get to Bordeaux, France by boat is to take a river cruise on the Garonne River. Many companies, such as CroisiEurope, offer multiple-day trips that start and end in Bordeaux and take you through the vineyards and historic sites of the region. Once you arrive in Bordeaux, you can explore the city's attractions and fine dining scene or take a wine tour in the surrounding areas.

Bus

The best way to get to Bordeaux, France by bus is to take a long-distance bus from Paris. Many companies, including FlixBus, offer multiple daily trips between the two cities. The trip takes around 7 hours, and buses usually depart from Paris' Porte Maillot bus station. Once you arrive in Bordeaux, you can take a taxi, bus, or metro to your final destination.

Destination

Bordeaux

Welcome to a city where the wine flows more freely than the Garonne River. Get ready to say Santé! until you can't pronounce it anymore.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Amour Escape: A Romantic Day Trip to Bordeaux

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