3-day itinerary in Bordeaux

3-day itinerary in Bordeaux

Here we go for a 3-day itinerary in Bordeaux. This city is famous for wine, but there is much more to it than that. I will show you the highlights of visiting Bordeaux and its surroundings.

Prepare yourself to fall in love with this city full of charm, just 2 hours from Paris.

3 days in Bordeaux: What to see? What to do?

I go to Bordeaux regularly. As someone who lives in Capbreton, it's barely 1h30 from the Landes coast. I like this city because the architecture of the quays has been preserved and there are many good addresses. Whether you come to Bordeaux to shop, discover the gastronomy of this city centered around wine or discover its heritage, Bordeaux never disappoints.

This article is a sort of road book for your 3-day stay in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux offers a wide choice of activities to do as a family with young children or with friends. I will try to give you the ideal route if I had to stay in Bordeaux for 3 days.

10 things to do in Bordeaux and its surroundings

Immerse yourself in the world of wine at the Cité du vin

Explore Darwin, old disused barracks now eco-rehabilitated

Taste a glass of wine in a château in the Bordeaux vineyard.

Stroll through the Chartrons and Saint Michel districts

Go see the reflecting pool and eat canelés

Dive behind the scenes of Bordeaux's most beautiful monuments, during a guided tour in the city center

Go up to the big bell

Shopping on Rue Sainte Catherine

Attend a show at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

Daydreaming in the public garden of Bordeaux

Where to eat the best canelés in Bordeaux?

Some people don't like them too golden, others like them really caramelized. To answer the question, what are the best canelé, I believe that the most popular come from Toque Cuivrée. The most gourmets come out of the ovens of the Dorin or San Nicolas patisseries. Only one way to answer this question is to taste it. My favorites are the little ones from Toque Cuivrée.

Bordeaux is the capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the largest region in France.

This vast territory is home to cities like Poitiers, fairytale regions like the Dordogne valley, seaside towns like Biarritz and islands like the Île de Ré. Ideally located if you want to spend 2/3 weeks in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Where to stay for 3 days in Bordeaux?

The best is to sleep in the city center, between Place Saint Michel and Place des Quiquonces. For 3 nights you can stay in a hotel or rent an Airbnb for an even more local experience.

3 days in Bordeaux: Day 1

After a good night's sleep, I start my 3 days in Bordeaux with a private guided walking tour of the city.

My guide, Bruno, is from Bordeaux. He shows me both the big attractions and the secret places he loves. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to riverside terraces and bakeries selling the city's iconic caneles. There is no shortage of anecdotes and that's what I like when I visit a city.

I booked my walking tour of Bordeaux on this link.

Bordeaux was once a hub for international trade, in fact its proximity to the Garonne gives it a particular geographical location.

The guided tour allows me to see the main buildings of Bordeaux such as the cathedral, the town hall, the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe.

We also stop at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, a superb building with an 18th century façade. The walk continues towards the CAPC which is currently the city's contemporary art museum but which was formerly a warehouse for goods imported from the Americas.

We continue passing by the quays of the Garonne to discover the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'Eau.

After the tour of Bordeaux on foot, you should have lunch on the quays. The place is nice, don't forget to have a glass of wine, and yes you are in a city of wine enthusiasts.

Photo Media Marmalade

You are very close to the Saint Michel district. Saint-Michel is a district of the old center of Bordeaux built around the imposing Gothic-style basilica of the same name.

Don't miss the large flea market “Les Hangars St Michel” on Place Saint Michel. This large hangar is a real Ali Baba's cave.

If you feel like it, climb to the top of the 15th century Saint Michel bell tower. This autonomous monument is nicknamed “La Flèche”.

The first day in Bordeaux is soon coming to an end. But if you are feeling a little hungry, return to the left bank and have a snack at Michel Ma Belle. One of the best pastries in my opinion. Sit down to enjoy pastries and coffee in the sun.

For this first evening in Bordeaux, I advise you to go and have a drink, of wine obviously, in the award-winning wine bar called Le Métropolitain. Order a plate of cheeses (Manchego, Comte, Brebis) then let your server choose a mystery wine for you.

If you have been reasonable, you are still hungry and I invite you to take a seat in the Frida restaurant. 4 different atmospheres for this restaurant full of surprises. Don’t hesitate to extend the evening and have a cocktail at the bar.

3 days in Bordeaux: Day 2

The next morning, the second of your 3 days in Bordeaux, start by going for a walk in the Chartrons district. It's the slightly bohemian district of Bordeaux, there are lots of pretty independent shops. I love walking down rue Notre Dame. A real neighborhood atmosphere.

Les Chartrons is now home to antique shops, open-air markets and cafés.

Walk to the water basin and have lunch at the halles de bacalan. This food court is great and you can find something for all tastes.

photo Lust in her world

La Cité du Vin, cultural center dedicated to the universal living heritage of wine.

After this well-deserved break, I suggest you visit the Cité du vin. You are right in front, if you can anticipate and get tickets online that's great, otherwise you will queue ;)

Installed in a superb contemporary building on the banks of the river, we discover the world of wine and its history in an interactive way. There are also panoramic views from the top floor with tasting of a glass of wine included in the entrance ticket.

I loved this visit, we learned a lot and even if we don't like wine, we are immersed in this fascinating world. The visit is very interactive, children aged 6 and over will not be bored.

If you are with young children, you must go to Cap Sciences. Hangar 20 is the meeting place for curious people of all ages, looking for scientific, cultural and fun outings with children. The exhibitions are varied and there is something for all ages. Do not hesitate to book your ticket in advance.

If you have time after visiting the Cité du Vin, head to the Bassins de Lumières. This digital art center strong> is installed in a former submarine base. The exhibitions vary very regularly. It’s a spectacular sensory experience.

I suggest you take the tram to reach the old Saint Pierre district of Bordeaux. Wander along rue du Parlement Saint Pierre and sit down as soon as you find a place.

3 days in Bordeaux: Day 3

Cross the stone bridge, and arrive on the right bank of the Garonne.

Feel how much more modern the atmosphere is here! The artists and architects have appropriated the place and it shows.

Follow the banks of the Garonne, on the left leaving the stone bridge to arrive at the unique district of Darwin.

A former military barracks, Darwin now houses restaurants, shops, a covered skateboard shed and art exhibitions. Across the street, the trendy Chantiers de la Garonne bar has its own beach with river views. If you are here in summer, this is the place to come for a drink in the evening.

Take the time to tour this incredible place, full of life. Have lunch at the Magasin Général, to leave feeling reenergized. if you prefer to have brunch in town I'll let you take a look at my best Bordeaux brunch addresses.

Guided tour of the Bordeaux vineyards

Your Bordeaux experience would not be complete if you do not take a little tour through the vineyards.

Spend the afternoon at a smallfamily wine estate called Château Haut Breton. A guided tour of approximately 3 hours in a small group of 8 people maximum.

The guided tour is called « An afternoon in Margaux », he takes you to 2 wine estates for tours and tastings.

You can also do a electric bike ride in the vineyards of Saint Emilion, near Bordeaux. For this you will have to leave for the day. A discovery of the Saint Emilion wine route in complete autonomy. This day excursion includes helmet and bike, picnic, 4 tastings.

This 3-day itinerary in Bordeaux is finished. I hope it has met all your expectations for discovering Bordeaux. This city is an incredible city of history but also of modernity and the arts.