Four Days in Bordeaux: A Journey Through Vineyards, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Bordeaux, a city renowned for its wine and rich cultural heritage, offered an unforgettable four-day adventure filled with vineyard tours, beach outings, and culinary delights.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Bordeaux
We flew with Ryanair from Birmingham Airport and arrived in Bordeaux ready for an exciting adventure. Our accommodation was at the Mercure Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean, conveniently located opposite the Gare Saint Jean, making it an ideal base for our excursions both in and around the region.
Lunch at Sushi Zen
After settling in, we headed to Sushi Zen, a fantastic spot for lunch. The sushi was fresh and beautifully presented, providing a perfect start to our first day in Bordeaux.
Post-lunch, we took a leisurely walk through the city centre. Bordeaux’s architecture is a blend of classical and contemporary styles, with highlights like the Place de la Bourse and the stunning Water Mirror. We strolled along the Garonne River, enjoying the scenic views and vibrant atmosphere.
In the evening, (after a nap) we explored the nightlife, enjoying a glass of wine at a bar overlooking the Garonne River before heading to bed.
Budget-Friendly Attractions in Bordeaux
- Place de la Bourse: Iconic square with the Water Mirror. Free to visit.
- Jardin Public: Beautiful public garden. Free entry.
- Saint-André Cathedral: Historic cathedral. Free to enter.
- Les Bassins de Lumières: Immersive digital art museum. Entrance: €10-€13.
- Grosse Cloche: Historic bell tower. Free to view from outside.
High Budget Attractions in Bordeaux
- Cité du Vin: Wine Museum. Entrance: €20.
- Château Pape Clément: Luxury vineyard tours. Tours: €20-€50.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: Fine arts museum. Entrance: €7.
- Opéra National de Bordeaux: Catch a performance. Ticket prices vary.
- Le Pont Chaban Delmas: Lift bridge with panoramic views. Free to view, guided tours available.
Day 2: Arcachon and Beach Adventure
We started the day with breakfast at Michel Mabelle, an exquisite vegan bakery offering a plethora of cakes and pastries as well as incredible coffees. We ordered the Golden Turmeric Latte and the Dirty Chai to go with our breakfasts.
After breakfast, we climbed the Pey Berland Tower, a separate bell tower that is a part of the Bordeaux Cathedral. The climb is steep, but the view at the top is more than worth the effort!
We then took a train to Arcachon, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches. The journey was pleasant and offered lovely views of the French countryside. Arcachon’s beach was perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. For dinner, we dined at Maison Gambetta, enjoying fresh seafood and local specialties.
Budget-Friendly Attractions in Arcachon
- Dune du Pilat: Europe’s tallest sand dune. Free to climb.
- Parc Mauresque: A beautiful park with great views. Free entry.
- Basilique Notre-Dame: Historic basilica. Free to enter.
- Le Phare du Cap Ferret: Lighthouse with panoramic views. Entrance: €6.
- La Jetée Thiers: A scenic pier. Free to visit.
High Budget Attractions in Arcachon
- Vineyard Tours in Saint-Émilion: Premium wine tasting tours. Tours: €75-€150.
- Catamaran Cruise: Sail along the Arcachon Bay. Cruise: €40-€80.
- Arcachon Casino: Try your luck at the tables. Free entry; gaming costs vary.
- Watersports at the Beach: Surfing, jet skiing, and more. Prices vary.
- La Teste Market: Explore the local market. Costs vary by purchase.
Day 3: Vineyard Tour in Saint-Émilion
After a delightful breakfast at Books & Coffee, we joined Rustic Vines for an all-day vineyard tour in Saint-Émilion. The tour was an incredible experience, exploring different châteaux and tasting some of the best wines the region has to offer.
Châteaux and Wines Visited
- Château La Croizille: Known for its modern facilities and exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Château Tour Saint Christophe: Renowned for its rich, full-bodied red wines.
- Château Soutard: Offers a blend of tradition and innovation with its high-quality Bordeaux wines.
Tour Costs with Rustic Vines
- Bike and Wine Tour: Approximately €75 per person. Includes bike rental, guide, and wine tastings.
- Electric Bike Tour: Around €95 per person. A more relaxed ride with the same inclusions.
- Saint-Émilion Wine Lovers Tour: About €150 per person. An in-depth tour with visits to multiple châteaux and a gourmet lunch.
For dinner, we visited Dis Leur, a vegan tapas-inspired restaurant. The creative dishes were packed with flavour, and the friendly atmosphere made it a great spot to end the day.
Budget-Friendly Attractions in Saint-Émilion
- Monolithic Church: Historic underground church. Entrance: €9.
- Saint-Émilion Bell Tower: Climb for views. Entrance: €2.
- Tourist Train: Scenic train ride. Entrance: €7.
- Collegiate Church and Cloister: Historic site. Free entry.
- Les Cordeliers Cloisters: Beautiful ruins. Entrance: €6.
High Budget Attractions in Saint-Émilion
- Château Troplong Mondot: Luxury vineyard tours. Tours: €25-€50.
- Château Soutard: Premium wine tasting. Tours: €20-€45.
- Les Grandes Murailles: Historic walls. Free to visit, guided tours available.
- Château La Croizille: Modern vineyard. Tours: €15-€30.
- Château Guadet: Family-owned vineyard. Tours: €20-€40Day 4: Bordeaux and St. Émilion
We began our day with a coffee from Starbucks, before taking the train back to Saint-Émilion for further exploration. This time, we ventured beneath the chapels to the Monolithic Church, an awe-inspiring underground church carved out of limestone. The intricate architecture and historical significance made it a must-see attraction.
Back in Bordeaux, we had lunch at Rest’O, before heading to the airport to begin the journey home. Our four days in Bordeaux were filled with rich cultural experiences, exquisite wines, and delicious vegan cuisine. From the vibrant city streets and historic sites to the serene vineyards of Saint-Émilion and the beautiful beach at Arcachon, Bordeaux has something for everyone. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, this city will captivate you with its charm and elegance. We booked our trip through lastminute.com, and I highly recommend it for its convenience and value.
Budget-Friendly Attractions in Bordeaux
Books & Coffee: Cosy café and bakery. Affordable pastries and coffee.
Marché des Capucins: Vibrant market. Free to explore.
Rue Sainte-Catherine: One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. Free to walk through.
Place des Quinconces: One of the largest squares in Europe. Free to visit.
Bordeaux Botanical Garden: Beautiful garden. Free entry.
High Budget Attractions in Bordeaux
Château La Dominique: Vineyard with art installations. Entrance: €20.
Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum: Explore Bordeaux’s wine history. Entrance: €10.
Le Bar à Vin: Upscale wine bar. Tasting prices vary.
Darwin Ecosystem: Urban space with shops and restaurants. Costs vary by activity.
Cap Sciences: Interactive science museum. Entrance: €9.
Useful Links
Mercure Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
Bordeaux is a destination that promises delightful surprises and memorable experiences. I look forward to returning and discovering even more of what this enchanting city has to offer. Safe travels!