Bordeaux Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

February 5, 2024

Bordeaux, an incredible tourist location is famously known as the wine capital of France. As one of the most popular destinations in the country, Bordeaux offers visitors a charming mix of world-famous vineyards, a vibrant food scene, fascinating history and architecture, and an atmosphere that merges small-town charm with big-city sophistication. From wine tasting adventures to must-see landmarks, restaurants, day trip ideas, packing tips, and more, use this guide to plan your perfect London to Bordeaux holiday!

Top Things to Do in Bordeaux on Your French Holiday

1. Sip on Bordeaux Wine: No trip here is complete without tasting iconic regional wines, like premier grand cru classe from Médoc and sweet Sauternes. Many tasting rooms line the Quai des Chartrons, where wine was historically traded. Or you can visit nearby vineyards in the Médoc countryside too!

2. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Foodies flock to Bordeaux to enjoy incredible French fare made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Specialties include beef, lamprey, oysters, duck, and of course, cheese and wine pairings. Must-try dishes include entrecôte bordelaise steak and canelés cakes!

3. Wander Old Town Bordeaux: Getting lost wandering the cobblestone streets of historic center is one of the best things to do in France Bordeaux. Admire sights like the Grosse Cloche bell tower, Saint-André Cathedral, and the Palais Rohan mansion.

4. Take a River Cruise: See top attractions like the Pont de Pierre bridge, Place de la Bourse and riverside facades from a different perspective via a Garonne River sightseeing cruise. Most boats have open upper decks for unobstructed photo-taking.

5. Bike Through City Parks: Over 110 miles of cycling paths like through green spaces like Jardin Public and Parc Bordelais. Rent bikes and wheel past fountains, sculptures, botanical gardens and small farms within the city.

6. Day Trip to Saint-Émilion: Just 30 minutes outside of Bordeaux, this exceptionally preserved medieval village built atop subterranean limestone caves is surrounded by vineyards. Schedule wine tastings and tours after exploring highlights like the Monolithic Church.

So, why wait? Grab your TLS French Visa today to get started on your French vacation!

Why Should You Choose London to Bordeaux, France, for Your Trip?

Known as “La Belle Endormie”, Bordeaux is located in the southwest of France along the Garonne River. As the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it’s a port city that has been an important hub of wine production and trade for centuries.

Bordeaux’s urban area has around 1.2 million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in France. The historic part of the city was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Bordeaux is very walkable and easy to navigate. Many attractions are concentrated in and around the historical center and scenic riverfront. The excellent public transportation system makes getting around efficient as well. All you need is a French visa!

Incredible London to Bordeaux Holidays Destinations You Must Visit!

1. La Cité du Vin: This one-of-a-kind cultural center is designed to resemble wine sloshing in a glass. Through interactive exhibits and workshops, visitors can explore winemaking history and culture from around the world. It’s entertaining and educational for all ages.

2. Miroir d’Eau: This giant “water mirror” installed across from the Place de la Bourse creates an eye-catching optical illusion. When the fountain is on, the thin layer of water perfectly reflects the 18th-century buildings lining the quay.

3. Basilique Saint-Michel: The gothic towers and intricate carvings of Bordeaux’s largest church are a must-see. Climb the bell tower for gorgeous city views. Don’t miss the giant rosette window either – it’s the largest in France!

4. Marché des Capuchins: One of the best gastronomic markets in France, this indoor food lover’s paradise has over 80 stands selling regional specialties. It’s a perfect place to grab cheese, oysters, macarons and other tasty treats for a picnic.

5. Rue Sainte-Catherine: This busy pedestrian shopping street is lined with shops, restaurants and cafés. It’s also the longest shopping walkway in Europe. Browse for souvenirs or simply people watch from one of the bustling sidewalk cafés.

6. Pont de Pierre: Napoleon commissioned this bridge in 1810 to commemorate his victories. Take a leisurely stroll across while enjoying lovely views over the Garonne River and Bordeaux’s architecture.

Best Restaurants in Bordeaux for a Fine Dining Experience

1. Le Pressoir d’Argent: Enjoy Michelin star dining in a contemporary setting housed within the Grand Hotel. The prix fixe menu serves creative French haute cuisine made with superb local ingredients. Reservations are essential, so plan accordingly!

2. Garopapilles: Tiny neighborhood bistro renowned for market-driven daily specials that fuse French fundamentals with international influences. Their signature lamb tagine is heavenly. Come early to snag a table!

3. La Tupina: Enjoy hearty, home-style regional cooking served in a rustic dining room. House specialities include duck confit, foie gras and scrumptious Gateau Basque for dessert!

4. L’Entrecôte Bordeaux: It’s an iconic steakhouse chain specializing in thin slices of buttery entrecôte drizzled in their secret housemade sauce. Other dishes are also available but their signature dish is the way to go!

5. Chez Dupont: It’s a charming crêperie overlooking the cathedral, dishing out sweet and savory authentic Breton-style galettes. Wash it down with bowls of chilled cider and finish with artisanal ice cream.

Popular Bordeaux Wine Tours You Shouldn’t Miss

• Médoc Châteaux Route: Visit aristocratic wine estates that have supplied Bordeaux to royalty since the 1600s. Most provide tours and tastings at iconic châteaux like Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux and more.

• Saint-Émilion Vineyard Cycling Tour: Pedal between prestigious vineyards around hilltop Saint-Émilion to learn winemaking techniques first-hand. This also includes tastings paired with local snacks at several stops!

• Grape Escape Day Trip from London to Bordeaux: Enjoy small group day tour travels to family-run wineries in Entre-deux-Mers for vineyard walks with the winemakers themselves. This tour also includes a scrumptious cheese platter lunch!

• Sauternes Sweet Wine Half-Day Trip: The lusciously sweet white wine made here is a cherished rarity. Visit Sauternes châteaux that’s not open to the public to sample and purchase the nectar-like liquor.

• Bordeaux River Cruise with Lunch: Combine sightseeing along the Garonne River with a gourmet meal aboard a luxury boat. Free time after allows you to explore attractions dockside in central Bordeaux!

The best Bordeaux wines you should try when traveling to Bordeaux from London!

1. Château Haut-Brion: One of the most renowned producers of complex, full-bodied reds located within the city limits – a rarity in Bordeaux. Their opulent grand cru classe is crafted predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

2. Château d’Yquem: The only sauternes ranked premier cru supérieur, made with painstakingly harvested botrytised Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The ambrosia-like sweet wine is balanced by bright acidity with an exceptionally long finish.

3. Château Margaux: A delicate, aromatic cabernet blend produced on the Medoc peninsula. Subtly perfumed with violets and mocha, Margaux delivers silky tannins with a lingering herbal note.

4. Château Pontet-Canet: This biodynamic Pauillac estate produces exceptional cabernet-driven blends with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Bold and full-flavored yet refined, with cedar and graphite notes.

5. Château La Mission Haut-Brion: Sharing vineyard sites with Haut-Brion, this esteemed Pessac-Léognan creates age-worthy reds by blending equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Classic structure with deep layers of concentrated black fruits.

Simply fill out the French Visa application to kickstart the France Visa process. Get your visa in a matter of days. Then, you can easily jet off to France to relish these lip-smacking wines!

Eurostar to Bordeaux – A Quick Guide

The high-speed Eurostar train connects major France cities to London. However, to visit Bordeaux, you’ll need to take an additional TGV. Here are some tips for planning your Eurostar trip to Bordeaux:

• Direct trains from London to Paris take just over 5 hours. Then take a TGV to head over to Bordeaux. Book well in advance for best rates!
• Choose “Standard Premier” fare for roomy seats, light meal service and access to a lounge. Upgrade bundles with hotel discounts are also available.
• Pack light as luggage allowance varies by ticket.

Got all the details you need for your Eurostar trip? Then simply grab a France Visa UK. Experience Bordeaux at its finest with your loved ones!

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What to Pack While Visiting France Bordeaux?

Bordeaux enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, allowing for comfortable sightseeing most of the year. But the weather varies from hot summers to cool, wet winters so pack layers and rain gear. Other essentials include:

• Walking shoes: Bordeaux is very pedestrian friendly. Sturdy, comfortable shoes will make exploring cobblestones and vineyard trails much more enjoyable

• Light jackets & sweaters: Even summers can get a bit cool at night. Scarves, hats and gloves might be needed in winter.

• Phrasebook/translator: Not many locals speak fluent English outside the city center. Brush up on (or learn a few) handy French phrases to help get around.

• Corkscrew/bottle opener: Must-haves for impromptu picnic stops! Keep one handy to sample wines at tasting rooms or specialty food shops too.

• Daypack: Hands-free bags are ideal for carrying picnic provisions, souvenir wine, and purchases made while wandering around shops and markets on foot.

• Electrical adapter & charger: France uses Type C or Type E plugs and 220V electricity, so a converter is needed for American devices

• Sun protection: Hats, UV-blocking clothes and sunglasses can help prevent sunburn, especially if partaking in extended outdoor wine tastings.
  
  So, what are you waiting for? Plan your London to Bordeaux today and get started with packing!

France City Breaks from Bordeaux to Try

Thanks to an extensive rail network, Bordeaux from London serves as the ideal home base for taking many easy day trips around southern France. Here are some of the top places to add to your Bordeaux vacation itinerary:

• Biarritz: Known as the seaside playground for European royalty and celebrities, this elegant beach town boasts belle époque architecture, high-end boutiques, seaside promenades and legendary surfing waves.

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Historic Basque fishing port with a picturesque old quarter dotted with half-timbered buildings, small shops and lively pintxo bars. Nearby Bay of Biscay beaches are perfect for relaxing or water sports.

• Bayonne: Wander streets lined with tall, narrow houses in the compact Grand Bayonne old town, sample jambon de Bayonne (regionally cured ham), then walk across the impressive Pont Saint-Esprit suspension bridge spanning the Adour River.

Conclusion

From world-famous vineyards to delicious cuisine, fascinating history and breathtaking views, London to Bordeaux offers an unforgettable taste of quintessential French culture. Use this guide to top attractions, restaurants, tours, day trips, flights, trains, and packing pointers to help make planning your Bordeaux vacation easy and enjoyable.

With leisurely walks past medieval architecture, bike rides through city gardens and lazily navigating vineyard trails, London to Bordeaux’s balanced blend of big city offerings and small town ambience make it the perfect place to slow down awhile. Whether traveling solo, en famille or looking for a romantic escape, visiting this corner of France is sure to delight all who adore art de vivre. So, get ready to fall in love with laid-back, beautiful Bordeaux. Simply book your France Visa Appointment today to get started!

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