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 charming city, just 2 hours from Paris.
3 days in Bordeaux: What to see? What to do?
I regularly go to Bordeaux. I live 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 go shopping, discover the gastronomy of this city focused on wine or discover its heritage, Bordeaux never disappoints.
This article is a kind of road book for your 3-day stay in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux offers a wide range of activities to do with family, young children or friends. I will try to give you the ideal itinerary 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, a former disused barracks now eco-rehabilitated
Enjoy a glass of wine in a château in the Bordeaux vineyards.
Stroll through the Chartrons and Saint Michel districts
Go see the water mirror and eat canelés
Dive behind the scenes of the most beautiful monuments in Bordeaux, during a guided tour of the city center
Climb 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 cannelés in Bordeaux?
Some people don't like them too golden, others really like them caramelized. To answer the question, what are the best canelés, I think the most popular ones come from Toque Cuivrée. The most gourmet ones come from the ovens of Dorin or San Nicolas pastry shops. The only way to answer this question is to taste them. My favorites are the very small 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 Ile 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 to live an even more local experience.
3 days in Bordeaux: Day 1
After a good night's sleep, I begin 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 likes. Sites from the UNESCO World Heritage Site to the riverside terraces and the bakeries selling the city's iconic caneles. There's no shortage of anecdotes and that's what I love when I visit a city.
I have booked my walking tour of Bordeaux on this link.
Bordeaux was once a hub of international trade, indeed 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 Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux , a superb building with an 18th century façade. The walk continues towards the CAPC which is currently the city's museum of contemporary art but was once a warehouse for goods imported from the Americas.
We continue along the banks of the Garonne to discover the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'Eau.
After the Bordeaux walking tour, you should have lunch on the quays. The place is nice, don't forget to take a glass of wine , and yes you are in a city of wine lovers.
Photo Media Marmalade
You are very close to the Saint Michel district. Saint-Michel is a district in the old center of Bordeaux built around the imposing Gothic-style basilica of the same name.
Don't miss the big flea market “The St Michel Hangars” on the Place Saint Michel. This large hangar is a real Ali Baba's cave.
If you feel like it, climb to the top of the Saint Michel bell tower from the 15th century. This freestanding monument is nicknamed “The Arrow”.
The first day in Bordeaux is almost over. But if you are feeling a bit peckish, head back 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 glass, of wine obviously, in the award-winning wine bar called The Metropolitan . Order a plate of cheeses (Manchego, Comte, Brebis) then let your server choose a mystery wine for you.
If you have been sensible 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. Do not 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 going down rue Notre Dame. A real neighborhood atmosphere.
Today, Chartrons is home to antique shops, open-air markets and cafés.
Walk to the floating dock and have lunch at the Halles de Bacalan. This food court is great and you can find food for all tastes.
photo Lust in her world
La Cité du Vin, a 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 opposite, if you can anticipate and buy tickets online it's great, otherwise you will queue ;)
Housed in a stunning contemporary building on the riverfront, the world of wine and its history are interactively explored. There are also panoramic views from the top floor with a glass of wine tasting included in the entrance ticket.
I loved this tour, you learn a lot of things and even if you don't like wine, you are immersed in this fascinating world. The tour is very interactive, children from 6 years old will not be bored.
If you are with young children, you must go to the 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. Don't hesitate to book your ticket in advance.
If you have time after visiting the Cité du Vin , head towards the Pools of Lights. This digital art center is housed in a former submarine base. The exhibitions vary very regularly. It is a spectacular sensory experience .
I suggest you take the tram to reach the old Saint Pierre district of Bordeaux. Stroll down the 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! Artists and architects have taken over the place and it shows.
Follow the banks of the Garonne, on the left when exiting the stone bridge to arrive at the unique district of Darwin.
A former military barracks, Darwin is now home to restaurants, shops, a covered skateboard shed and art exhibitions. Across the street, the trendy Chantiers de la Garonne bar has its own beach overlooking the river. If you’re here in the summer, this is the place to come for an evening drink.
Take the time to tour this incredible place, full of life. Have lunch at the Magasin Général, to leave re-energized. If you prefer to have brunch in town I let you take a look at my best brunch addresses in Bordeaux.
Guided tour of the Bordeaux vineyards
Your Bordeaux experience would not be complete if you do not take a little tour of the vineyards.
Spend the afternoon in a small family wine estate called Château Haut Breton. A guided tour of around 3 hours in a small group of 8 people max.
The guided tour is called " An afternoon in Margaux » , he takes you to 2 wine estates for visits and tastings.
You can also make 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 trip includes helmet and bike, picnic, 4 tastings.
This 3-day itinerary in Bordeaux is over. I hope it has fulfilled all your expectations to discover Bordeaux. This city is an incredible city of history but also of modernity and arts.
