5-Day Bordeaux Adventure: Beaches, Wines & Culture
Discover the heart of wine country in Bordeaux, France.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
As a tourist in Bordeaux, France, one can experience the unique beauty of the city's 18th-century architecture and exceptional wine-tasting tours. The city, situated along the Garonne River, offers extensive culinary options, ranging from classic French cuisine to gourmet tapas, and local specialties. A visit to the Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to the history of wine culture, is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the region's wine heritage.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Stay at the trendy Mama Shelter hotel in Bordeaux, check-in and head to Arcachon for a beach day. Take a bicycle tour of the stunning city of Arcachon before spending the rest of the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the Atlantic Ocean's salty waters.
- Take a bicycle tour of the city
- Visit the Dune du Pilat for a fantastic view
- Enjoy the beach and savour some oysters
- Take a boat tour of the Arcachon bay
- Shop in the local markets for souvenirs
- Get an early start and visit the delightful medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Go wine-tasting in the vineyards, learn about the sparkling wines, and explore the numerous caves.
- Stop at the monolithic church in Saint-Emilion
- Admire the views of the village from the top
- Wine-tasting in Château La Dominique & Château Soutard
- Enjoy lunch menus in the modern and elegant L’Envers du Decor
- Visit the historic vineyard Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
- Embark on an adventurous biking tour of the Medoc vineyards in Bordeaux. Taste some of the spectacular wines, take in the beautiful scenery, and learn about the history of wine-making in Bordeaux.
- Visit the boutique winery Château Lynch-Bages
- Learn about the different varieties of wines with a guided tour
- Have lunch in the beautiful winery Château Pichon Baron
- Take photos by the vineyard's sculpture of a mythological centaur
- Taste some of the world’s best wines Château Margaux
- Explore the city center of Bordeaux and prepare to indulge in some of the most fantastic dishes on this side of France. From gourmet street food to world-renowned restaurants, you'll experience an explosion of flavors and foodie delights.
- Go shopping for souvenirs and wine in the Marché des Capucins
- Grab lunch at the local food trucks in Place Fernand Lafargue
- Dine in Le Petit Commerce for fresh seafood
- Visit the beautiful restaurant Le Gabriel for dinner
- Savor the famous cannelés de Bordeaux for dessert
- Spend your last day in Bordeaux discovering the city's rich heritage and culture. From art museums to street performances, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained all day long.
- Check out the Musée des Beaux-Arts for classic and contemporary art
- Visit the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art for a different perspective
- Get to know more about Bordeaux in the Musée d'Aquitaine
- Enjoy a coffee in the lovely Square Pierre Renaudel
- End your day watching street performers at Place de la Bourse
- * This itinerary can change depending on the weather or the travelers' preferences. Bon voyage!*
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.