It’s nearly impossible to tame the wave of sheer joy you feel as you prepare to land in the grapevine-bordered Bordeaux Airport. With a quick 30-minute drive to the city center, you’ll be able to begin your adventure through this stunning French wine region in no time.
As you enter the city center, you’ll pass along the glistening La Garonne River, boutique-lined streets, and locals enjoying leisurely bike rides through the quaint streets. One of the most lively streets you’ll pass through is Rue Saint Catherine, which is well over a mile long and is filled with dozens upon dozens of boutique and name brand shops. This entire scene immediately gives this large city a charming-town-feel—an illusion that remains with you for your entire trip.
In addition to spectacular shopping, Bordeaux also has a remarkable mix of high-end restaurants and brassieres, with fresh produce and seafood in abundance. Many of these restaurants are located along the La Garonne River, offering spectacular and romantic views of ships traveling up the Garonne to dock and breathtaking scenery.
As you travel through the city center, you’ll witness some of the most spectacular architecture in all of France.
From 15th-century Romanesque to 16th-century Gothic, and 17th-century Renaissance, Bordeaux is filled with rich architectural characteristics that bring the region’s rich history to life in modern day. You’ll also notice that all of the buildings are made from limestone. When one of these buildings’ exterior is cleaned the color is a beautiful pale yellow. And with age and pollution, the limestone soaks up the dirt and turns a dark yellow-gray.
What to Do
Wine Tasting and Pairing: Wine tasting is an absolute must when in the Bordeaux region. St. Emilion is a phenomenal area to enjoy tastings and is a place entirely dedicated to all things wine. This area has been known since early antiquity for the quality of its wines and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. This area is one of my favorites with its remarkable cafes, shops, Medieval churches, and steep cobblestone streets.
As you enter the region you may choose to begin your day with a private lesson with a wine specialist who will introduce you to the wine making process and to a wine tasting moment. After enjoying a delightful and educational lesson in wine, enjoy a delectable lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants—a culinary experience that will enable you to understand the pleasure of food and wine pairing.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour and wine tasting at one of the most prestigious St. Emilion wine estates, Grand Cru Château Beau-Séjour Bécot. If this type of estate is what you fancy, be sure to make arrangements ahead as they are closed to the general public and only accept select private appointments from credential parties.
Cavern Touring: If you visit Chateau Franc Mayne while in St. Emilion, you can tour the 5 acres worth of underground caverns where the limestone used for buildings such as the Opera House in Bordeaux was mined.
Beach Getaways: If you are seeking a true beach getaway while in the area, look no further than Arcachon where you can find the largest sand dune in all of Europe: Dune of Pilat. It is after all considered on of Europe's seven natural wonders. Or, take a delightful day trip to Cap Ferrat via ferry boat for some fresh oysters and magnificent white wine. This region is famous for cultivating oysters that they sell to other oyster farms around Europe. These farms’ oysters are all grown from these cultivations.
Cap Ferrat is a unspoiled beach village with hints of old-style Riviera glamour where people visit to escape the city life and to get some fresh air. When I was on the ferry we saw the King of Denmark’s yacht in harbor as he loves to vacation in this region. Far less crowded that St Tropez, this makes an ideal French Riviera home base.
How to get around
The public transport from the airport can be taken for the value price of €1.40 to the city center. If you want to travel around Bordeaux via bicycle, the Vcub is a public bike rental. But the city core with shopping and museums is easily walkable, it is only when you want to explore the vineyards in the various appellations that you will need a rental car or driver.
Where to Stay
The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux is the only 5-star hotel in the Bordeaux city center and is the granddame of properties. Uniquely combining old-world style with modern amenities, The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux is the ultimate in luxury, equipped with rooms that are large by European standards and bathrooms that are very well appointed.
The hotel faces opposite the Grand Theatre and is inside the Golden Triangle, the finest shopping and pedestrian area in the city. The hotel is located within walking distance of all the main attractions and the city tram (an eco-friendly green tram). This city tram charges at an hourly rate so you can hop on and off as much as you like.
If you wish to stay in St. Emilion during your trip, the Hostellerie de Plaisance is a fantastic, boutique 5-star property with spacious rooms that I inspected and highly recommend. The hotel also houses a spectacular Michelin-star restaurant! Book this property early as it has a tendency to sell out quickly.
Would you prefer spring of fall to experience the ultimate luxury Bordeaux Wine Tasting Tour?
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