Why Bordeaux has to be on your Bucket List

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bordeaux offers UNESCO-listed architecture, vibrant squares, and world-famous vineyards.
• Free walking tours showcase history, hidden gems, and cultural highlights.
• The city boasts one of France’s highest restaurant densities.
• Saint-Émilion wine tours blend history, culture, and world-class tastings.

France remains one of the world’s leading travel destinations, attracting over 79 million international visitors in 2022, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. 

Bordeaux is one of those cities that combines history, gastronomic adventure, and world-class wines. With its UNESCO World Heritage architecture, burgeoning food scene, and gateway to some incredible landscapes, there’s plenty to remember from this southwestern jewel. 

In this article, we we will explore what makes Bordeaux a must-see destination, from its walking tours, and wine culture, to its culinary treasures, and outside adventures.

Why Bordeaux Should Be Your Next Travel Destination 

 Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is an idyllic place to visit for lovers of culture, history and fine wine. Bordeaux has an international reputation for its vineyards, but in addition offers incredible architecture in the form of its 18th-century structures, fun squares and the UNESCO guided Port of the Moon.

As you wander along the banks of the Garonne River, you’ll encounter a lively atmosphere full of street culture, as well as museums that highlight the moments and influences that shaped Bordeaux. Whether you are into arts, gastronomy or wine, Bordeaux will give you memories that are sure to find their way to the list of experiences that you will never forget. Below, you can see what makes Bordeaux the best.

Explore Bordeaux on Foot with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours 

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Bordeaux is to walk around the city, and the free walking tours make such a wonderful first impression. Walking tours take you through the city’ ornate cobbled streets, beautiful first squares, and incredible monuments such as the iconic Place de la Bourse and the stunning Grand Théâtre.

With local guides, you hear about some of the best-kept secrets of Bordeaux, from interesting details about the city’s culture to the fascinating wine-making history. Walking tours can also help travelers find hidden gems like unique cafes or quaint boutiques that would otherwise be missed.\

Traveling on a budget? Walking tours offer a great combination of sightseeing and local experiences. When it comes to getting to know Bordeaux’s rich character, walking tours are a great place to start!

Bordeaux’s Culinary Scene and High Restaurant Density 

While Bordeaux is often recognized for its wine, its food scene can be just as attractive. The city has one of the highest densities of restaurants in France, so there’s no shortage of options. 

Within the city, you will find everything from Michelin-star fine dining through to casual bistros that serve local specialties and delicacies. Notable dishes to try when in Bordeaux are duck confit, oysters from the nearby Arcachon bay, and the canelé, a caramelized, custard. 

Food markets such as Marché des Capucins also give travelers the chance to see the local produce firsthand. The busy food scene certainly gives Bordeaux a food culture to hang your soggy hat on, and a must-see for travel junkies who love to travel through taste.

Bordeaux Wine Tours and Tastings in Saint-Émilion 

Bordeaux would not be Bordeaux without a love for the wine of the region, and there is no better place to enjoy that than Saint-Émilion, a medieval village surrounded by rolling vineyards with a worldwide reputation. 

There are a number of guided tours that will feature traditional cellars, historic châteaux, and vineyards where the craftsmanship of wine and viticulture has taken place for centurie like Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim s.Tastings will provide travelers with opportunities to experience bold, flavor-packed wines while gaining a better understanding of the influence of terroir for wine from this region.

Besides wine, Saint-Émilion features cobbled streets, underground churches, and some fabulous views. A wine tour in Saint-Émilion encompasses culture, history, and unmatched flavour, making it an experience that has to happen for any wine lover.

Discover Bordeaux’s Best Wine Bars. 

Bordeaux is not only recognized as the wine capital of the world, but its character comes alive through the city’s many stylish wine bars. The wine bar scene caters to both wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers. Many Bordeaux wine bars take great pride in their wine list selections, offering everything from local vintages to rare bottles. 

Sommelier assistance is available if needed, and even recommendations for wines to go with the cheese, charcuterie, or small bites will be provided. Popular destinations such as Bar à Vin provide a good overview of the diversity abounds in Bordeaux in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Coffee Culture and the Grand Théâtre

 Famous for wine, this city also has a growing coffee culture. Cafés are everywhere in Bordeaux, each offering you a place to sit down and enjoy an espresso, pastry, or even to have a longer lunch on an afternoon without any intention of rushing things.

The coffee scene here is very diverse, from traditional French cafés to trendy specialty coffee houses providing drips and pours that showcase the finest artisanal methods. If you are enjoying your coffee, why not also make an event of it, by enjoying the renowned Grand Théâtre, too?

The Grand Théâtre is an 18th-century neoclassical masterpiece, complete with immense following columns, and an incredible interior design. It is one of the most awe-inspiring architectural spectacles in all of Bordeaux.

Plan a Day Trip to the Dune of Pilat 

For an unforgettable adventure just outside of town, you should consider a day trip to the Dune of Pilat (Dune du Pilat), the highest sand dune in Europe. About 1 hour from Bordeaux, the Dune of Pilat is a natural landmark that rises to heights over 100 m and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with the stunning Landes forest behind it.

Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy the incredible scenery or participate in a one-of-a-kind experience by paragliding off the dune. The surrounding Arcachon Bay area also has fresh seafood restaurants and cute little seaside towns. 

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