Skip to Content

8 Best Things to do in Bordeaux, France

8 Best Things to do in Bordeaux, France

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a trip to Bordeaux, France? We can help!

It’s a dream destination in France, but the only problem is that with so many incredible activities here, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time exploring the wine capital of the world.

So, we’ve compiled this list of the top 8 things to do in Bordeaux, from making your own wine to visiting Europe’s tallest sand dune. Ready to plan the ultimate Bordeaux adventure? Let’s go!

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

Bailey-walks-down-a-row-of-vines-in-Bordeaux France

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Bordeaux is this day trip to the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine regions. We drank incredible wine in French castles, strolled around the quaint town of Saint-Emilion, and learned so much about wine making.

Check the 900+ reviews and book this tour here!

Things to do in Bordeaux, France

1. Learn about Bordeaux’s history and culture on a private tour

Grosse Cloche seen on a tour in Bordeaux France
The Grosse Cloche bell tower sits above a former dungeon and is magnificent!
Basilica of St. Michael seen on a tour in Bordeaux France
The Basilica of St. Michael
  • Duration: 2 – 3 hours 
  • Time: 8 am – 8 pm
  • Highlights: Esplanade des Quinconces, Place de la Comédie, Place Gambetta, Pey Berland Tower, Gate of the Great Bell, Capuchins Market, Basilica of St. Micheal, Palace Square, Stone Bridge, Stock Exchange Square, the Water Mirror 
  • Inclusions: Private English-speaking guide, private tour 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 470+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux, then exploring the city on this private guided tour is a must!

We met our guide, Nicolas, outside of the Grand Theatre, and the tour unfolded beautifully from there. It’s in the historic Place de la Comédie, and then we dived even deeper into the city’s heritage at Place Gambetta and Porte Dijeaux. 

For me, a huge highlight was visiting the Grosse Cloche, a beautiful and dramatic bell tower that stands above a former medieval dungeon. We also loved exploring the Capuchins Market, where we got to sample local cheese and wine. After all, when in Bordeaux, right?

We also had a blast exploring the vibrant Saint Michel neighborhood, and admiring its famously flamboyant basilica. Then, the tour wrapped up at the Water Mirror, which is a pool of water that mirrors the beautiful Place de la Bourse. It’s pretty stunning, and the kind of thing you have to see for yourself while in Bordeaux! 

This tour really gave us the full Bordeaux experience, and it was the perfect way to get acquainted with the city and all of its historic highlights. Plus, we feel as though it’s great value for money for a private sightseeing tour.

2. Go wine tasting in the famous Saint Emilion region

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-on-a-wine-tour-from-Bordeaux France
We love a good wine tour!
Streets of saint emilion on a wine tour from Bordeaux France
Saint Emilion is stunning
  • Duration: 8 hours 
  • Time: 9:30 am 
  • Highlights: Guided wine tasting at a chateau in Saint Emilion, walking tour of Saint Emilion town, free time in Saint Emilion, cellar tour and guided tasting at a wine estate in the Pomerol
  • Inclusions: Return transport from Bordeaux, professional English-speaking guide, three wine tasting sessions, guided walking tour of Saint Emilion 
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 930+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

When in Bordeaux, you have to explore and go wine tasting! Our favorite way of doing that is visiting the Saint Emilion and Pomerol wine regions on this top-rated tour.

It’s a truly dreamy experience. After all, who doesn’t want to spend a day sipping wine in gorgeous French chateaus? 

Speaking of which, the first wine estate of the day was absolutely perfect. We learned so much about the art of winemaking, and how the region’s unique soil and climate create world-class wines. We also got to walk through the vineyards and enjoy a guided tasting of some of the estate’s top reds. 

Next up, we headed to the charming, UNESCO-listed town of Saint Emilion, where we were introduced to the town’s rich history via a walking tour. Then, we had free time to wander the cobblestone streets and savor a yummy local lunch at a café that our guide, Carol, recommended. 

The third and final stop of the day was another chateau in Pomerol, where we got to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the wine cellar and vat house. We gained an even deeper appreciation for the winemaking process, and got to do another wine tasting.

We can’t say enough good things about this tour and we aren’t alone, just check out all the 5-star reviews! It was perfectly paced, educational, and a total blast from start to finish.

3. Taste your way around the city

A french dish seen on a food tour in Bordeaux France
Yes, this was as delicious as it looks!
Chocolate-eaten-on-a-tour-in-Bordeaux France
We went to an award-winning chocolatier and had some seriously delicious treats
  • Duration: 3.5 hours 
  • Time: 11:15 am or 5:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Tasting organic wine, sampling chocolate bonbon and hazelnut treats, enjoying a traditional French lunch at a classic bistro, exploring the Saint-Pierre neighborhood
  • Inclusions: Food samples, lunch, water, wine, small group size, English-speaking local guide
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

Bordeaux is world-renowned for its excellent food, so this small-group food tour is a must! It’s a true culinary adventure, and it’s easily one of the best experiences we’ve ever had here. 

Our journey began with a glass of organic Bordeaux wine at a local bar, where we learned about winemaking in the region and how to detect different notes and flavors in a glass.

Then, our guide, Alexandria, took us on a guided stroll through the city. We stopped to try unique Bordeaux treats, like handcrafted hazelnut treats, and chocolate delights from an award-winning chocolatier! 

Of course, the highlight of the tour was a leisurely lunch at a classic French bistro in the chic Saint Pierre neighborhood. We won’t spoil too much, but we will say that the meal was the epitome of French cuisine: simple, fresh, and full of flavor. And the desserts were incredible! 

This is a small group tour, so it feels intimate and personal. It felt more like exploring the city with friends than a formal tour. So whether you’re a tried and true foodie or just curious about French cuisine, you’ll love it!

4. Visit Europe’s tallest sand dune and go oyster tasting

Dune of Pilat on Arcachon Bay on a tour from Bordeaux France
The Dune of Pilat is the tallest in all of Europe
Fresh oysters eaten on a tour from Bordeaux France
Fresh oysters are the best!
  • Duration: 5 hours 
  • Time: 9 am 
  • Highlights: Visiting the Dune of Pilat, enjoying views of Landaise Forest and Cap Ferret, visiting the Belvedere observation tower, oyster tasting with wine at Teste-de-Buch port 
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private guide, private transport, parking fee at Dune du Pilat, oyster tasting, glass of wine
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

This private tour of Arcachon Bay was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in Bordeaux! We got to see Europe’s tallest sand dune and go oyster tasting – what more could you want from a day trip to the French Atlantic coast?

Best of all, this is a private tour, so we had the full attention of our guide, Kevin, and we could ask him all of our burning questions about the area. He picked us up from our hotel in Bordeaux and the first stop of the day was Dune du Pilat, which is the tallest sand dune in Europe. 

Climbing the dune was a little challenging, but the views from the top were 100% worth it. Kevin told us lots of stories about the area, which gave us an even deeper appreciation of the vistas of the Arcachon Basin, the Arguin Sandbank, and Bird Island.

Next up, we went to the Belvedere Tower, where we had fantastic views of the area. But for us, the highlight of the day was doing a private oyster tasting, away from the tourist crowds. We loved indulging in fresh oysters and washing them down with a crisp glass of rosé. Heaven! 

This tour was so much fun, and we loved being able to take it at our own pace.

5. Learn about Bordeaux’s wines with a cheese pairing class 

Wine and cheese charcuterie board on a tour in Bordeaux France
Wine and cheese? Yes, please!
A woman holds wine on a wine tour in Bordeaux France
I’m a sucker for a good red
  • Duration: 1 hour 
  • Time: 2:30 pm or 4:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Learning the basics of wine production and terminology, tasting three different wines, eating charcuterie
  • Inclusions: Wine, charcuterie, expert sommelier guides, bread, water  
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

Of course, one of the main reasons to visit Bordeaux is to learn about and drink wine. And that’s precisely why we love this wine tasting experience – it’s Wine 101! 

As people who appreciate wine, but aren’t experts, we found this wine workshop super approachable and informative. There was no snobbery involved, and it was the perfect way to learn.

It was set in a cozy wine bar close to the Grand Theatre, and the session was led by an awesome sommelier, Noah. He taught us the basics of wine production, terminology, and tasting techniques in an engaging and easy-to-follow way. 

Noah took us through the universal steps of wine tasting: observing the color, swirling the class, and identifying aromas. We started with a crisp white wine and then moved on to two reds.

The wines were paired perfectly with a beautiful charcuterie board, which featured local cheeses and cured meats. Noah also gave us lots of practical tips on how to pair food and wine, which we can use in the future! 

We loved how personal this experience felt. We had plenty of time for questions, and there was no pressure whatsoever to already be a wine connoisseur!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

6. Visit the Médoc Wine Region 

Chateau Margaux seen on a wine tour from Bordeaux France
Chateau Margaux has such a rich history with wine
The Chateau Pichon Baron seen on a wine tour from Bordeaux France
Chateau Pichon Baron was just as amazing!
  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Time: 2 pm 
  • Highlights: Visiting one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions, exploring two chateaux wine estates, guided wine tastings, spectacular scenery 
  • Inclusions: Return transport from Bordeaux, wine tasting fees, English-speaking guide
  • Rating: 4.5 stars (check 185+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

The Medoc region is arguably the most prestigious wine region in Bordeaux, and we booked this tour for a hassle-free way to explore. And honestly, it was perfect! 

We set off from Bordeaux in an air-conditioned minivan, and our guide, Helen, shared lots of insights about Medoc and the wider Bordeaux region as we drove through the picturesque countryside.

The first stop of the day was the prestigious Chateau Margaux for an intimate wine tasting session. The guide walked us through the winemaking process and the wine itself was exceptional. Not to mention the grounds are stunning!

Next up, we visited Chateau Pichon Baron. We explored the estate, sampled more wines, and learned more about what makes Medoc’s reds some of the best in the world. Helen was also always on hand to answer questions, and she made us laugh non-stop throughout the day. 

Medoc produces some of the best wine in the world, so you cannot pass up the chance to visit while you’re in Bordeaux! It’s not as easily accessible as some other wine regions, and that’s precisely why we love this tour – it makes it so easy to visit, without the need for a designated driver.

7. Explore Bordeaux on a city bike tour

Bordeaux Cathedral seen in Bordeaux France on a bike tour
Bordeaux Cathedral is an architectural work of art
Bordeaux Bike Tour bikes at Darwin Bordeaux on a tour in Bordeaux France
Darwin is where all of the young creatives hang out and it was a blast to explore with our guide! Photo credit: Bordeaux Bike Tour
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 9:30 am or 2:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Palais Gallien, Public Garden, Church of Notre Dame de Bordeaux, Cathédrale Saint-André Bordeaux, Bordeaux Judicial Court, Grosse Cloche, Saint Michel Basilica, Stone Bridge, Quai des Queyries, Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, la Cité du Vin Museum, 
  • Inclusions: English-speaking guide, use of bicycle and helmet
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

If you’re short on time in Bordeaux, then make sure that you fit this cycling tour into your itinerary! It was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the city’s charm, and we were in a small group, which ensured a personal adventure, rather than a cookie-cutter tour!

Our guide, Flavi, was a true gem. He was knowledgeable and friendly, and he shared so many fascinating stories about Bordeaux’s history and culture with us.

The tour began with an easy ride through the Public Garden, and from there, we pedaled to the Palais Gallien, one of the oldest architectural sites in Bordeaux. We took photos outside the ruins and then continued onto the Saint André Cathedral, and the iconic Grosse Cloche, which is straight out of a Disney movie. 

The route also showed a more modern side to Bordeaux, too. We stopped at Darwin, an innovative eco-space, and even had time to grab a quick coffee and watch Bordeaux’s young creatives go about their daily lives. Then, it was onto the Stone Bridge and the Quai des Queyries for fantastic views of the Garonne River and the city’s skyline.

The tour covers a lot of ground in just a few hours, but the pace is leisurely, so it’s accessible to all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or rarely travel on two wheels, this tour is a fun and interactive way to explore Bordeaux, and we can’t recommend it enough. 

8. Make your own cuvée of Bordeaux wine

Le Pied à Terre Bordeaux cuvee station on a tour in Bordeaux France
We loved getting the chance to be winemakers for the afternoon! Photo credit: Le Pied à Terre Bordeaux
Le Pied à Terre Bordeaux people drink wine on a tour in Bordeaux France
Of course, we got to drink it after! Photo credit: Le Pied à Terre Bordeaux
  • Duration: 2.5 hours 
  • Time: 2:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Tasting different types of Bordeaux wine, learning about the characteristics of a Bordeaux vineyard, snacking on basque ham and goat cheese, mixing your own blend of wine, labeling and closing your own bottle of wine
  • Inclusions: English-speaking sommelier instructors, guided wine tasting, snacks, ingredients and equipment, your own unique bottle of wine to keep 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 65+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

There are lots of wine tours in Bordeaux, but blending your own bottle is a unique opportunity not all of them offer. This wine-making tour tops them all as it’s not every day you get to create your own cuvée – it’s the ultimate Bordeaux souvenir! 

We knew that we were in for a treat as soon as we arrived at the workshop and met our guides, Pierre and Geoffroy. They guided us through every step of the process with humor and expertise, starting with a tasting of three distinctive wines representing the iconic Bordeaux regions: the Left Bank, the Right Bank, and Graves. 

After tasting, it was time to step into our role as winemakers. We used pipettes and beakers to experiment with blending the different wines until we were ready to create a cuvée that perfectly suited our tastes! The process was both scientific and artistic – just like all great winemaking! And with Pierre and Geoffroy’s guidance, we learned how very subtle adjustments can totally transform the wine’s profile. 

We were then able to bottle our custom blends and seal them with a cork. We got to label them, too. Holding the finished product was so satisfying, and we’re definitely going to save these bottles for a very special occasion! 

This class is a hands-on way to connect to the region’s winemaking heritage, and we left with a real one-of-a-kind memento. We would definitely do this tour again!

Where to Stay in Bordeaux, France

Pullman Bordeaux Lac hotel in Bordeaux France
Photo credit: Pullman Bordeaux Lac

Finding the perfect place to stay in Bordeaux is just as important as planning what to do! This stunning city offers a variety of options, from luxury hotels in historic buildings to chic boutique stays and affordable gems.

To help narrow it down, I’ve handpicked the top accommodations to suit every budget and travel style, so you can focus on enjoying this world-famous wine capital!

Luxury – $$$

For a truly luxurious stay in Bordeaux, the Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa is an exceptional choice. Set in a stunning historic building near the city center, this 5-star boutique hotel features elegant rooms and suites with stylish decor, some offering private terraces or plunge pools. Guests can unwind at the relaxing spa, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, or savor exquisite French cuisine at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.

Prices vary depending on the season and room category you select but usually range from €250 – €400 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

The Pullman Bordeaux Lac is a fantastic mid-range option for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Located near Bordeaux’s Lac district, it’s just a short ride away from Bordeaux’s city center, making it a great base for exploring while staying slightly removed from the hustle and bustle. The hotel offers modern rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious French and international cuisine.

Prices are around €120 per night on average. You can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For budget-friendly accommodation, the MEININGER Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean is a great pick! Located near the Saint-Jean train station, this modern hotel offers clean, stylish rooms with en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, making it ideal for travelers looking to explore Bordeaux on a budget. The hotel also features a shared kitchen, a bar, and a relaxed lounge area, perfect for socializing or unwinding after a day of exploring.

Prices for a private room start as low as €60 per night, which is great value for such a nice hotel! Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.

For more options, see all of Bordeaux’s hotels listed here!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-at-a-winery-near Bordeaux France
Thanks for reading!

I hope this list has you excited to explore the best of Bordeaux! If you’re a fan of great wine, this destination is a must-visit, but we found so many other activities here that we loved. It’s a must-visit spot in France for us!

If your travels are taking you further than Bordeaux, check out our blogs on Europe here. Or if you’re headed elsewhere in the world, have a look at all our blogs!

10 Best Things to do in Paris, France

10 BEST Things to do in Florence, Italy

10 BEST Things to do in Vienna, Austria