5 Days of Fun in Bordeaux: Wine, Parks, and More!

Drink in the beauty of Bordeaux without draining your wallet.

21 June 2023

Visiting Bordeaux, France on a limited budget is still achievable with careful planning. Opt for off-season travel and staying in more affordable accommodations, such as hostels or Airbnb. Take advantage of walking tours and free attractions, including strolling through the city's picturesque streets and admiring the architecture. Sample local wine and cuisine at affordable cafes and markets for a more budget-friendly experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Wine, Dine and Stroll

Check into Mama Shelter Bordeaux, a trendy hotel at reasonable rates.
Head to Le Chapon Fin for lunch, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
Visit Bordeaux Wine School for an informative wine tasting session.
Walk through the picturesque Place de la Bourse and admire the famous Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) reflecting the grand architecture.
End the day with dinner at Le Petit Commerce, offering excellent seafood and a friendly atmosphere.

Day 2

Explore the City Centre

Start with breakfast at La Fabrique à Pain, a bakery and coffee shop with a range of baked goods and breakfast options.
Walk through the charming neighbourhood of Saint-Pierre, home to many antique shops and boutique stores.
Visit the Gothic-style Cathédrale Saint-André, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch at the vibrant Marché des Capucins, a bustling indoor food market offering everything from cheese to fresh seafood.
Meander through Place du Parlement and Place Saint-Pierre, both filled with historic buildings and outdoor cafes.
End with dinner at Pub Saint-Aubin, a cozy pub that serves French beer and pub food.

Day 3

The Art of Wine-making

Start with breakfast at the hipster hotspot Black List Coffee Roasters, offering coffee and pastries.
Take a guided tour of the impressive and historic Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, learning about the wine-making history of the region.
Head out to the vineyards of Saint-Emilion for a tasting tour and visit to the underground cellars at Chateau Villemaurine.
Lunch at the charming terrace of Le Bistrot de l'Ecole, serving excellent country-style cuisine.
Return to Bordeaux for dinner at Le Lion Lilas, a classic French restaurant serving hearty dishes.

Day 4

Historic Bordeaux

Begin with breakfast at Mama Shelter Bordeaux, the hotel's lively restaurant.
Visit the Musée d'Aquitaine, a history museum showcasing the culture of the region.
Walk along the elegant boulevards and admire the stunning architecture, featuring many 18th-century buildings, such as La Place Gambetta.
Lunch at La Belle Équipe, a cosy and traditional French bistro.
Visit the stunning Place des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe, and take in the grandeur of the fountain and the obelisk.
End the day with dinner at Le Comptoir du Jazz, a jazz club restaurant serving delicious international dishes.

Day 5

Parks and the River

Start with breakfast at Karl, a contemporary cafe that serves excellent coffee and brunch.
Walk through the delightful Jardin Public, featuring a lake, formal gardens and a zoo.
Visit the striking Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, a modern lifting bridge over the Garonne River.
Lunch at Le Café du Port, a traditional brasserie with riverside seating.
Take a boat tour of the river from Quai de la Grave to see the city from a different perspective.
End with dinner at La Tupina, an authentic restaurant serving delicious grilled meat and classic French dishes.

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Type of trip

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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.