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11 Essential Things to Do in Bordeaux, France

Red grapes in Bordeaux vineyard, France, perfect for wine lovers and travel enthusiasts

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I recently had the chance to visit the incredible city of Bordeaux. The lively restaurants, unique shops, and kind people blew me away. And the city is incredibly walkable. I spent a weekend touring the Bordeaux wine region at La Maison d’Estournel and a lovely day wandering around downtown Bordeaux at the end of my trip. These are the essential things to do in Bordeaux to make the most of your trip to this iconic city.

Known for its world-class wine, Bordeaux is blossoming into a younger hub for art, culture, and food beyond the traditional French style. From wine bars to boutiques and fine dining, this city has something new to try around every corner.

Red grapes in Bordeaux vineyard, France, perfect for wine lovers and travel enthusiasts
Red grapes in Bordeaux vineyard (Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers)

Here are some of the top places I visited in Bordeaux and why you should also visit them.

1. Visit a Vineyard in the Countryside

Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard estate, BordeauxChâteau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard estate, BordeauxChâteau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard estate, Bordeaux
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

The main reason I came to Bordeaux was to experience the wineries. I stayed at La Maison d’Estournel, about an hour’s drive from downtown Bordeaux. This boutique hotel is home to the Cos d’Estournel vineyard that boasts wonderful wines.

It’s no secret that Bordeaux city center has incredible wine bars. But you must take a day trip, or a weekend, to spend at the vineyards to try the impeccable Bordeaux wines from the source. You can choose between the right and left banks, or try both!

I visited Cos d’Estournel, Smith Haut LaFitte (pictured above), and Chateau Léoville-Poyferré. My favorite by far was Chateau Léoville-Poyferré. There are so many wonderful wineries in the region that you can’t go wrong. Make sure to book a tour of at least one so you can see multiple spots and try different types of wine.

Oak wine barrels in Bordeaux wine cellar, France, aging premium vintagesOak wine barrels in Bordeaux wine cellar, France, aging premium vintagesOak wine barrels in Bordeaux wine cellar, France, aging premium vintages
Bordeaux cellar oak barrels (Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers)

If you can, plan your trip around harvest season in late September. When you tour the vineyards, you can see how the wine is made in real-time. This is an absolute must when visiting Bordeaux!

2. Explore the Place de la Bourse & Mirror d’Eau

Musée National des Douanes, Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, France - Customs MuseumMusée National des Douanes, Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, France - Customs MuseumMusée National des Douanes, Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, France - Customs Museum
Customs Museum in Bordeaux (Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers)

Now, I will show you there’s more to visiting Bordeaux than just a…

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