Are you a wine lover who is looking for what to do in Bordeaux? I got you. Let me show you the must see things to do while in Bordeaux.
The five things listed below were our top things to do in the 48 hours we were in Bordeaux. You may be able to do these in even less time if you’re full of energy. Because we were traveling for a while, we took things slow and really enjoyed the wine culture of this beautiful French city.
ONE | Bar a Vin Bordeaux is known for its wine and the best place to try the wine at a steal is Bar a Vin.
- Bordeaux is known for its wine and the best place to try the wine at a steal is Bar a Vin.
- The bar is owned and managed by the Bordeaux Wine Council. The Wine Bar is located on the ground floor of the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, headquarters of the Interprofessional Council of Bordeaux Wines.
- Entirely designed and renovated by the architect Françoise Bousquet, the Wine Bar combines neo-classical architecture with colonnades and contemporary furniture.
- You can get a glass of wine for a few euros or a Grand Cru for 10!
TWO | Downtown Bordeaux The downtown Bordeaux area is full of charm. Here are the top places to check out:
- Place de la Bourse: Built from 1730 to 1775 along the river Garonne, it was a multi-building development designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel.
- Monument aux Girondins is also in the same neighborhood. The Monument to the Girondins (Monument aux Girondins) is one of Bordeaux’s most distinctive landmarks. A statue atop a 43-meter high column, it is completed at the base by an ornate fountain, cast in bronze.
- Garonne River: the fresh water (that flows in the Garonne from its source) is laden with sediment (mainly clay). With the effect of the oceanic tides, the river comes up against an incoming current made of salty seawater.
THREE | La Cite du Vin: Home of the world’s largest wine bar. This building takes the description of “museum” to another level. It is educational, fun, and entertaining all at once. The place is beautifully designed and well maintained. Here are things that you can check within the headquarters:
- Le 7 Restaurant – The 7 Panoramic Restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Bordeaux and the Port of the Moon, from the 7th floor of the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux. LE 7 is the panoramic restaurant in La Cité du Vin, located on the 7th floor of the architectural masterpiece designed by architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières of XTU.
- Latitute 20 Wine Cellar of the world
FOUR | Grosse Cloche – 7.75-ton 18th-century bell above a former dungeon for juveniles, rung on special occasions.Young people who misbehaved were locked up in its jails with thick doors and huge bolts. The jokers said they were staying at the Hôtel du Lion d’Or, an allusion to the weather vane in the central dome actually representing the king of beasts, one of the symbols of the kings of England.
- Frida Restaurant – there are tons of food options near grosse cloche. We had brunch at Frida and it was really really good. The restaurant had a very modern and artsy atmosphere. The staff was very welcoming.
FIVE | St Emilion Vineyards: You absolutely can’t miss the Bordeaux Vineyards – they’re a must-see! We drove all around, exploring different places, but these two vineyards were incredibly kind. They welcomed us even without a reservation and allowed us to enjoy a tasting. Lesson learned: booking tours and tastings in advance is definitely the way to go!
Do you need to speak French to visit Bordeaux? Although speaking some French helps, the majority of people speak English.
Are the roads safe to drive? Yes! The roads were pretty well maintained. Road signage was clear and the GPS worked beautifully throughout our stay.
Overall Bordeaux is a beautiful city full of history, art and wine. We enjoyed our 48 hours there and with the tips above we hope you do too. Do you have a favorite city for wine? Let us know in the comments below.
Keep in touch and follow us on Instagram at @tastingmalbec
Cheers 🍷 !!
Mendoza
thank you!