48 hours in Bordeaux
48 hours in Bordeaux
48 hours in Bordeaux
48 hours in Bordeaux
More than just the world capital of wine. Bordeaux also has a famous historic centre, classified as a World Heritage Site for its 18th century architecture, with village-like districts that are a goldmine for inquisitive gourmets.
9:30 a.m. – The Bordeaux CityPass
First things first, pick up your CityPass, your key to the city's transport network along with its guided tours, museums, historic monuments and La Cité du Vin. A must.
SHOW ALL BORDEAUX CITY PASSES10 a.m. – Guided tour of the city centre and neighbouring districts
It makes sense to begin with the Grand Théâtre and Place de la Comédie, followed by the Girondins column and Place des Quinconces, Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror, Porte Cailhau and, for the view, a climb up Tour Pey Berland. By now you probably need to refuel, so end your tour at Halles de Bacalan covered market.
12h: Lunch at Halles de Bacalan
In the Bassins à Flot district, opposite La Cité du Vin, you’ll find Bordeaux’s latest dining hot spot. Here you’ll find a market look and feel, with 24 artisanal vendors offering a contemporary take on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region’s star produce: duck burger, truffle omelette, fish from Arcachon Bay, organic vegetables, gourmet charcuterie, and much, much more.
DISCOVER THE HALLES DE BACALAN2 p.m. – La Cité du Vin, the city’s latest landmark
More than just a museum, this is a thrilling, multi-sensory playground. Take a tour of the world’s wine regions, learn about the history of different civilisations and vinification, and be introduced to the wonders of your olfactory sense... A visit lasts between 2-3 hours, followed by a trip up the Belvedere tower to taste a glass of delicious wine 35 metres above the Garonne river. Well-behaved little ones get to choose their own grape juice.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LA CITÉ DU VIN
8 p.m. – Le 7 at La Cité du Vin
No need to head far to dine at Le 7, the panoramic bistronomic restaurant at La Cité du Vin. Naturally there is an impressive wine list with over 500 different wines from around the world. Sophisticated, delicious and local cuisine featuring, depending on the season, Blaye asparagus, St-Étienne-de-Baïgorry trout, Pauillac lamb, Caviar d’Aquitaine, all served with a splendid view of the Garonne river.
BOOK YOUR TABLE AT LE 710 p.m. – A glass of wine on a terrace in the Bassins à Flot district.
Two suggestions for a post-dinner drink on a terrace in the Bassins à Flot district. I-BOAT, an impromptu bar/concert hall/club housed in a 687 metre refitted ferry. And Bar Wallace, the Radisson Blu’s roof-top cocktail bar. Each with excellent views of the docks and district. Solid choices.
11 p.m. – A night at the Boutique Hôtel, in Rue Lafaurie de Monbadon
Low-key and charming **** hotel in a mansion. 27 modern and design-conscious rooms, some with a terrace and jacuzzi. Inner tree-lined courtyard and conservatory. Well-being services, massage, beauty treatments. Wine Bar on the ground floor. A short walk from the Public Garden. A stylish and relaxing place to stay.
BOOK YOUR ROOM AT THE BOUTIQUE HÔTELDay two is where things get serious as you spend a day in the vineyards. The focus is terroir but there are some surprises in store too. The days of routine vineyard visits are long gone. For around 20 years, the region’s châteaux have been working hard to wow visitors and showcase their terroir. A journey deep into the very best that wine tourism has to offer.
10 a.m. – Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
The day gets off to a good start at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. And a highly original visit to Bordeaux's last urban vineyard with its ultra-modern cellar designed by Philippe Starck. Sharp design, raw materials, subdued lighting and bags, or barrels, of emotion. The visit ends with a wine tasting opposite the vineyard.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHÂTEAU LES CARMES HAUT-BRION12 p.m. – Lunch at Magasin Général, Quai des Queyries
Still in Bordeaux, but this time on the right bank, with a visit to a former military barracks that has been transformed into a highly original artistic space. Bistro-canteen atmosphere with a fresh menu that changes daily. Warm and friendly feel with an excellent covered terrace. Great value for money.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE MAGASIN GÉNÉRAL
2 p.m. – Explore the Saint Emilion wine region in a 2CV
2C or not 2C. That is the question. The answer is of course yes, so your trusty steed awaits in the Magasin Général’s car park, with your guide for the afternoon behind the wheel. Enjoy a stunning ride past the vines and a visit to the village, cellars and of course numerous wine tastings. All to the tune of an engine we all know and love. Happy days!
BOOK YOUR TRIP IN A 2CVEarly evening: Urban Wine Trail
Jour 2 – 6 p.m. End the day in style with a highly original stroll through the capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine via its wine bars (and there are quite a few! ). It’s easy, just download the app onto your phone and be guided through the city's streets. At each stop, sample a glass of wine and a house tapas. There’s no shame for those who fail to finish the walking trail: there are 20 stops in total!
FOLLOW THE TRAIL
