Bordeaux might be best known for the largest wine region in France. With more than 250,000 acres of wine vines planted throughout the region. But else is this wine city known for? Escape with us to Bordeaux to find out how to plan your best trip to this beautiful city in France!
Top Tips for Planning Your Trip
Our first recommendation on planning your escape to visit Bordeaux is to visit Saint Pierre District. This is the historic heart of Bordeaux or known in the history books as the birthplace of Bordeaux. After the Roman town of Burdigala ceased to exist, the inhabitants moved away from the river, and the new city center became what is now the Saint-Pierre district. You need to walk around this district – you will love it!
While you’re there you absolutely need to visit Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux. This is one of the oldest belfries in the region. This is a free sight to see that was built in 1775. Don’t forget to check out both sides of the clock tower because it has two different faces on the tower.
If you are reading this blog, your goal is to see the local side, you have to visit Darwin Eco-Systeme. This is a huge project the for arts and culture that has really put Bordeaux on the map outside of just in the wine world. It has turned what is called a friche Industrielle.
A complex of abandoned warehouses and barracks that was turned into a hub for the arts, eco-sustainable start-ups, and an urban farm! Darwin is heaven for graffiti artists, art studios for schools, with skateboard parks, and locations for live music showing the world that old industrial areas can be revitalized, not just destroyed.
Roll call for all my foodies out there! When you are starting to get hungry, because the smell of bread, cheese, and meats floats in the air 24/7 here (no lie), you need to visit Au Bistrot. Some of the best food in Bordeaux is made here. This Bistrot rests between two of the best food markets in the city.
This has been a popular neighborhood eatery for over a century, the family chef is known for creating old-fashioned dishes like boeuf braisé which simmers for hours in front of diners sitting around the bar – plus, of course, they have a fantastic wine list too.
Now that we are on the subject, you should probably enjoy some of the local products while you are here…wine! There are THOUSANDS of options for exploring yourself or joining in on a wine tour. But don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity of tasting one of the world’s largest wine regions.
Biggest tip: MAKE RESERVATIONS!
Even if it is for one person. On the phone or online because on a Saturday afternoon and I wasn’t able to get into more than two wineries, something was seriously wrong. Take a hard lesson learned – make reservations no matter what!
If you aren’t able to make it out to the full wine region of Bordeaux (because it is MASSIVE) but still want to taste the succulent grapes of the land, your other option is to visit the only winery within city limits.
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is just half an hour away from the city center by tram. Built-in 1855 the design of the building, the surrounding gardens, and of course the vineyards will leave you standing in awe…and all that before you’ve even tasted the wine! The vineyards are beautiful but once again, make reservations.
During the last days of your trip, you could be wanting to slow down a little, to wander with no destination in mind. Well, we have the perfect place in mind for you to start! Place des Quinconces, this is one of the largest city squares in the world! Designed in 1820 on the same site as Château Trompette, a castle-fortress that once stood in the city. This is a perfect place for you to enjoy history, architecture, art, and being in the great outdoors at the same time!
Bordeaux is a star on the rise as a location for visitors to travel. Not just for wine either! Though that is still a predominant part of the history around this city.
Here the world gathers as lovers of art, architecture, history, nature, and so much more. Every one of your senses will be engaged when you take a trip to the beautiful and breathtaking city of Bordeaux France!
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