Bordeaux truly is a region that has it all. From the fabulous foods and wines to beautiful countryside and coastline and the fascinating medieval history there is much to discover. It’s impossible to see everything in a weekend getaway to Bordeaux, but it’s a wonderful way to get acclimated with this special part of France.
A Weekend Getaway to Bordeaux
How to Get to Bordeaux
Thanks to the high-speed TGV train, you can now travel between central Paris and Bordeaux in just two and a half hours. French Side Travel thinks this is the perfect excuse to plan a weekend getaway to Bordeaux as an extension of a Paris trip. Bordeaux also has an airport with incoming flights from major European cities.
Day One: Private Museum and Walking Tours with Wine Tastings and an Evening Cruise
Begin your weekend getaway to Bordeaux with a private guided tour of the Cité du Vin museum. Discover wine culture in an architectural masterpiece on the banks of the Garonne River. You’ll learn about and taste wine in over 140,000 square feet of exhibition space. A highlight of the visit will be access to the eight floor observation deck for a panoramic view of the city with a glass of local wine. Next, discover Bordeaux wines during a tasting workshop. Learn about its history and what makes it so special. Each vineyard’s reputation is built on style, terroir, varieties, expertise, and methods developed over centuries. This experience is a great starting point for your time in Bordeaux.
After lunch, enjoy a walking tour that blends the highlights of the city with wine tastings. Your oenology expert guide will take you for carefully-selected tastings. Sample four wines, which may include the dry white Entre-Deux-Mers, the elegant red Saint-Emilion, a full-bodied red Médoc, and the sweet and fruity Sauternes. Along the way, see the Place de Quinconces, the Chartrons district, the Place Pey Berland, the Place de la Bourse and its massive reflection pool, and the docks.
Top-off the day with an apéritif cruise. Enjoy views of Bordeaux’s wide quays and 18th-century façades from the magical Gironde River. Pass under the Jacques Chaban Delmas lift and the Pont d’Aquitaine bridge before turning around at the village of Lormont. Take in the sights while enjoying charcuterie, amuse-bouches, and local specialties paired with wine.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
Maison Bord’eaux
Built around an Italian-style garden in downtown Bordeaux, this intimate space masterfully combines contemporary and old architecture. Decoration is simple and comfortable.
This boutique property features just 14 rooms ensuring an intimate experience. The spacious rooms all have private bathrooms with bathrobes and complimentary Hermès toiletries.
The building was originally a post office when it was built in the 18th century. Enjoy a privileged location that is just a 10-minute walk to the Gallien Palace and Basilica of Saint Severinus. The Place des Quinconces and the Musee des Beaux-Arts are just 15 minutes away.
The hotel features a bar and lounge.
Day Two: Private Full-Day Tour to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
Spend a day tasting grands crus and exploring the prestigious domains of the Saint-Émilion, Fronsac, and the Pomerol appellations. Enjoy the scenic drive from Bordeaux as you make your way through the rolling hill and enchanting vineyards of the Saint-Émilion region.
Your first visit in Saint-Émilion is to a grand cru classé producer. The family-run château is located on a prime position on a clay and limestone plateau. Their grands crus wines rank among the very best in the world, earning the Premier Grand Cru Classé B label. Take a private tour of the property and learn about the terroir, the vineyard, the history of the family, the technical facilities, and the underground cellars. Next, enjoy a lively tasting led by a sommelier in a stunning room with a terrace overlooking the vineyard. Each wine’s flavors will be enhanced through a food pairing.
Next, visit a Saint-Émilion grand cru producer. Discover the secrets of their wines, grape varieties, and wine assembly process with a technical tour followed by Grand Cru Classé Rive Droite themed tastings in a private tasting room at La Cave Dourthe. Explore different terroirs, aromas, and try two Saint-Émilion grands crus, two reds from Pomerol, and one white confidential cuvée.
Stop for lunch in central Saint-Émilion overlooking a sea of vineyards and the Dordogne valley. After lunch is an exclusive visit of one of the most prestigious producers in the famed Pomerol appellation, responsible for some of the world’s greatest merlots. Tour the vineyard and cellars and learn about Pomerol wines from an expert. End your day with free time for a stroll through medieval Saint-Émilion where you can visit its charming boutiques.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel
This upscale 5-star hotel is in an 18th-century neoclassical-inspired building facing the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. It is in the city’s historic center with the Place de Quinconces and the Saint André Cathedral just a short stroll away.
Chic rooms feature ornate furnishings and rich palettes, plus free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee machines. Suites add sitting areas, some with wine bars. Family suites have pull-out sofas and two bathrooms.
Amenities include two upscale restaurants, a stylish cocktail bar, and an indoor courtyard serving afternoon tea. Relax at the indoor pool, the fitness center, the spa, or the outdoor hot tub.
When booking with French Side Travel, enjoy special amenities including a guaranteed late check-out, daily breakfast, $100 hotel credit, upgrade to the next room category upon availability, and a special welcome in your room.
Thanks to the high speed train, a weekend getaway to Bordeaux is the perfect addition to a Paris trip. French Side Travel would love to help you plan a dream trip to France with a custom, completely tailor-made itinerary. Some of our favorite destinations in France include Paris, the South of France, Normandy, and Paris. Get in touch with a travel designer today to start the planning process.