Bordeaux Travel Guide 2024: Walking Tour in Bordeaux City - Local's Ultimate Food & Wine Insider Tips

Walking Tour in Bordeaux city

There is much to see in the centre of Bordeaux and much of it can be accomplished in a single day. Here are some highlights to visit:Place de la Bourse / Miroir d’eau, theChartrons district (Rue Notre Dame/Cathedral/Place du Marché des Chartrons),Hotel de ville /Pey Berland /Cathédrale Saint Jean,Porte Cailhau,Porte Dijeau,Grosse Cloche,the statue at Quiconces,Grand Théatre/ Grand Hotel. Grab a bicycle or take a 30 minute walk along the river and don’t miss theCite du Vin. This is a must see for any wine lover and certainly the most important wine museum in the world. In addition to a tasting area at the top of the “decanter” there are many interactive exhibits where you will sniff your way around.

Want to visit the sea and love oysters? 

Take a day trip to the theBassin d’Arcachon(Arcachon is accessible by train if you don’t have a car) orCap Ferret. Nearby is thedune de Pilat which is a scenic and unusual amount of sand overlooking the Atlantic.

Nice areas to stay in Bordeaux

Chartrons, Bordeaux quays (fromPlace de la Bourse toBassins à flots, not south towards the train station),Quinconces,Jardin Public,Tourny,Fondaudège,Gambetta

Top 5 Hotels in Bordeaux:

1. Les Sources de Caudalie - A luxury hotel and spa located in the vineyards.
2. InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel - A historic hotel with elegant accommodations.
3. Hôtel de Sèze - Chic hotel in the heart of Bordeaux.
4. Hotel Les Champs- A boutique hotel with a cozy vibe.
5. Hôtel La Maison du Lierre - A charming hotel with a lovely garden.

Best Hotels Outside Bordeaux:

Bordeaux Top restaurants Recommended by Local Wine Insiders

• L’oiseau bleu
• Ressources
• Soléna
• Le Cent 33
• Tentazioni
• Le Chapon Fin- Known for its exceptional cuisine and wine pairing.
• La Tupina - A rustic eatery that focuses on traditional dishes.
• Les Quatre Coins du Vin - A great spot for wine tasting and small plates.
• Le Petit Commerce - Renowned for its seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
• Cafe Les Arts - A charming place with a lovely view and delicious food.

Bordeaux Casual Dining Where Locals Go

• Brutus
• l’Estacade
• le Carreau
• Chez Peppone (Cours Clémenceau)
• le Café Japonais
• Loulou
• le Mirabelle

Bordeaux Top Wine Bars

• Le Sobre
• Quatre coins du vin
• TheCIVB bar (that’s the bar from the ODG of Bordeaux wines, affordable beautiful wines that change often as the properties gave them the bottles and the place is amazing)

Top Cocktail Bars

• Le Point Rouge
• Simone
• L’Apothek
• Le Symbiose
• ACC
• Madame Pang
• La Comtesse

Bordeaux Rooftops with Amazing Views

• Intercontinental Bordeaux
• Tchanqué

Bordeaux Wineries

Many wineries are not open to the public. Only a handful of wineries are staffed daily so it is imperative that you book ahead and check online or call for reservations. Here is a short list of some wineries that are available to visit:

• Ch. Lynch-Bages(their restaurant Café Lavinal is really nice)
• Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte (+Les Sources de Caudalie – spa, restaurant, wine bar) 
• Les Carmes Haut-Brion
• Ch. Beychevelle
• Ch. Phelan Segur
• Ch. Marquis de Terme
• Ch. Giscours
• Ch. La Gaffelière

Top 5 Restaurants Outside Bordeaux

1. La Table de Pottoka (in St. Emilion) - Offers a fantastic local dining experience.
2. Château Cordeillan-Bages (in Pauillac) - A Michelin-starred restaurant in a beautiful vineyard.
3. Hostellerie de Plaisance (in St. Emilion) - Elegant dining with a focus on regional cuisine.
4. La Cuisine de la Basse-Cour(in Blaye) - A hidden gem with a cozy atmosphere.
5. Les Sources de Caudalie (in Martillac) - Known for its exceptional food and spa experience. 
6. Les belles Perdrix (Troplong Mondot’s restaurant in Saint Emilion)

Bordeaux Wineries to Visit

1. Château Margaux - Iconic winery with beautiful grounds.
2. Château Lafite Rothschild - A must-visit for any wine lover.
3. Château Pichon Baron- Offers tours and tastings.
4. Château Paloumey – Offers tours and tastings
5. Château La Dominique - Known for both its wine and restaurants in the vineyard that overlooks Ch. Cheval Blanc.

 Right Bank Bordeaux to Visit

• La CITADELLE de Blaye. A historic military fortress that is a UNESCO world heritage site, this is a perfect spot for see the estuary.
• Fabrique de Macarons in St. Emilion If you didn’t know, the original macaron was created in 1620 at this bakery and the charm and authenticity of the place has been handed down for centuries.