Bordeaux 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Bordeaux

Morning:

  • Check-in at Hotel du Palais (Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa) or similar. Located near the iconic Place de la Bourse, it offers a convenient starting point for your exploration.
  • Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café like Café de l’Abreuvoir or La Maison Rose.
  • Visit Place de la Bourse and admire the stunning Water Mirror (Miroir d’Eau).
  • Stroll along Rue Sainte-Catherine, the longest pedestrian street in Europe.
  • Explore the historic district of Saint-Pierre with its charming streets, colorful houses, and Saint-Pierre Church.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-André, followed by the Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathedrale Saint-Andre) and the Saint-Michel district.
  • Have lunch at Le Tremplate or Chez Bistro, both offering delicious French cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux to appreciate its impressive art collection.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the River Garonne and enjoy the sunset at Quai de Paludate or Quai de Bacalan.
  • Dine at Restaurant Pierre or Alléno Parcours for an unforgettable fine dining experience.

Day 2: Discovering Bordeaux’s Wine Country

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • Head to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vineyards and wine production.
  • Spend the morning exploring Saint-Émilion’s medieval streets, churches, and monuments. Don’t miss the underground monolithic church!

Afternoon:

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Saint-Émilion such as La Tour du Pin or Chez Marie.
  • Embark on a wine tasting tour of the region. You can book a guided tour or hire a car and explore vineyards like Château Clos de l’Oratoire, Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, or Château Fombrauge.

Evening:

  • Return to Bordeaux and have dinner at Le 58 Galerie for some modern French cuisine.
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront or visit a wine bar like Le Wine Bar des Chartrons for a nightcap.

Things to Know:

  • Bordeaux is known as the “City of Bikes.” Renting a bike can be an enjoyable way to explore the city.
  • The best time to visit Bordeaux is from March to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
  • English is widely spoken in Bordeaux, making it easy for tourists to communicate.
  • Euro (€) is the official currency of France. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but cash can be useful for small purchases or tipping.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Bordeaux is by walking, bike, or public transportation (tram and bus). A Combined Ticket (Ticket Unité) offers unlimited travel on both tram and bus networks.
  • To travel between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, consider hiring a car or taking the train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station. There are also organized tours available.

Tips:

  • Dress code: Smart casual is generally accepted in restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the city.
  • Be sure to try local wines, such as Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux Rouge, and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, during your visit.
  • Reservations are recommended at popular restaurants, especially for dinner.
  • Enjoy your trip to Bordeaux!