Bordeaux 7 Day Itinerary

Bordeaux 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore the City Center

  • Stay at: Hotel Le Boutique (Centrally located, affordable luxury) or Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa (Luxury option)
  • Eat at: Comptoir du Quai for traditional French cuisine or Le 7 Portes for a mix of French and Mediterranean dishes.

Day 2: Historic Bordeaux - The UNESCO Site

  • Visit: Place de la Bourse, Palais Rohan, Grand Théâtre, Saint-André Cathedral, and the Porte de Caille.
  • Lunch: Le Petit Commerce or Café du Quai for a quick bite near the waterfront.

Day 3: Wine Tasting & Château Visits

  • Day trip to the Medoc region: Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Latour are popular options (Book tours in advance).
  • Dinner: Restaurant de l’Hotel de France or Le Pressoir d’Argent for a gourmet dinner.

Day 4: Saint-Emilion & Surroundings

  • Day trip to Saint-Émilion (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Wine tasting, walking tour of the village, and underground monolithic church.
  • Lunch: Le Clos du Quat’Saisons or La Terrasse de l’Écluse.

Day 5: Modern Bordeaux - Museums & Gardens

  • Visit: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, Musée d’Aquitaine, Jardin Public, and Cité du Vin (book your tickets in advance).
  • Lunch: La Tupina or Le Bistrot d’Antonin.
  • Evening stroll along the Quai des Chartrons for a beautiful sunset view.

Day 6: Arcachon & Dune de Pilat

  • Day trip to Arcachon: Visit the town, take a boat ride to the oyster farms, and climb the Dune de Pilat (Europe’s tallest sand dune).
  • Lunch: Le Tropézien or La Baleine Ailée.
  • Dinner: Chez Nous for a seafood dinner in Arcachon or return to Bordeaux for a restaurant of your choice.

Day 7: Farewell Bordeaux

  • Spend the morning leisurely exploring any missed attractions or shopping in the city center.
  • Lunch: A last meal at one of your favorite restaurants from earlier in the week.
  • Departure: Gare Saint-Jean is the main train station, with frequent connections to other cities in France.

Transportation: Bordeaux has an efficient tram and bus network (TBC). Bicycles can be rented for exploring the city center. For wine tours, it’s best to book guided tours or hire a car.

Tips:

  • Bordeaux is famous for its wines, so don’t miss out on the wine tastings.
  • Many attractions offer discounted tickets when bought as a combination pass (e.g., the Bordeaux City Pass).
  • French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations.
  • Always reserve tables for dinner, especially during peak season.
  • The city center can be quite lively at night, so consider noise levels when choosing accommodation.