Bordeaux

At a glance

Bordeaux is the capital of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region located in the southwest corner of France, bordered by Spain to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It’s also the name given to the wine produced in this region. In 1152, when Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine married Henri Plantagenet, the king of England, the Bordeaux territory was brought under English rule for three centuries. Bordeaux wine was becoming increasingly popular, and the wine trade grew thanks to the wineries being close to the Garonne River and the British interest for this beverage!

The region’s natural topography is as beautiful as it is diverse. In Garonne County, you can find the tallest sand dune in Europe, called “Dune du Pyla”. If you have the stamina to make it to the top of the dune, you will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramas of the Sand Banks of Arguin, Bird Island, and the tip of Cap Ferret — considered by many non-French and French alike as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

The Essentials

Wines

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the size of the largest wine region in France— Not to mention the size of its wine output. On average, the region produces around 65 million cases of wine every year! The Nouvelle Aquitaine region primarily produces red wines, with only 5 million cases of white compared to 60 million red.

Bordeaux produces both red and white wine. Bordeaux is known primarily for its reds which are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. It also produces a small quantity of white wines which are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Visitors to the region will find that there are two distinct styles of Bordeaux red wine:

On the left bank of the Garonne River, you will find a powerful red wine with aging ability, and strong tannins thanks to a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Some popular examples of left-bank Bordeaux wines are Médoc, Graves, and Sauternes.
The left bank produces sweet whites, such as Sauternes and Barsac.

On the right bank, a higher percentage of Merlot lends their red Bordeaux a more fruit-forward, elegant flavor. Popular examples on this side of the river are Saint Emilion, Pomerol, and Blaye.

If you still aren’t sure what to pick, look to the date: Some of the best vintages include wines made in the years 2000, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020.

As for where we can take you, we like to choose a mix of iconic wineries, like Margaux, Pavie, and Beychevelle, along with some smaller family wineries. Just give us a few ideas about what you like, and we will create your perfect itinerary.

Gastronomy

Thanks to its rivers and proximity to the ocean, the local cuisine includes many products from both sea and land. The blending of the two makes for dishes that are as delicious as they are varied.

Cap Ferret Oysters

One fantastic local product is the cap ferret oyster, a native species to the Bassin d’Arcachon (Bay of Arcachon) since the 19th century. Perfect with buttered rye bread and a glass of white wine, the best spot to try these local oysters is in one of the oyster shacks in the town of Cap Ferret, or in the Marché des Capucins in Bordeaux.

Canelé

The best-known Bordeaux pastry is the fabulous canelé. This name comes from the fluted molds they bake them in. Canelés are flavored with vanilla and rum, and their soft, custard-like center is surrounded by a darkly caramelized exterior. Try them with a coffee after lunch, or as an afternoon treat!

Bazas Beef

For savory dishes, try Bazas beef from the local breed of Bazadaise cow. The meat is grass-fed, tender, and full of flavor.

Foie Gras

This rich spread comes from the Périgord county in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region east of Bordeaux— and with a sweet Sauterne from Bordeaux, it’s heaven. You’ll find the locals spreading slices of foie gras on hunks of fresh bread and eating it as an afternoon snack.

Caviar

Originally introduced to the region by a Russian visitor, Bordeaux has developed a deep love for these briny sturgeon eggs. In fact, the city is France’s biggest producer of French-farmed caviar. Although sturgeon finishing has been banned since 1982 to help repopulate sturgeon, ethical sturgeon farms do exist — and are well worth the visit!

Heritage & Culture

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a port city that sits on the northernmost part of the Garonne River, and it is the capital city of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Bordeaux is all about art and architecture and with 350 monuments it is the second city after Paris to have the most registered monuments in France. Every building is a monument, every cobbled street an invitation to relax in one of the city’s many cafés or restaurants.

Stroll through the Saint Pierre district, also known as the “Old Bordeaux”. This part of the city is where you will find those charming cobblestone streets. Some of the buildings here date back to the Middle Ages, and the area is usually abuzz with people.

Passing along the narrow streets, you’ll discover Bordeaux’s numerous food markets and dozens of famous squares, or “Places”. Head over to Place de la Comédie for drinks and entertainment or stop by Place du Vieux Marché to catch a view of the latest fashions.

You won’t want to miss Place de la Bourse, one of the most visited squares in all of France. This square holds the city’s iconic 18th-century government building, built around an enormous reflection pool referred to as the “water mirror”.

Saint Emilion

Only 45 minutes from Bordeaux, the town of Saint Emilion was named after a Breton monk called Emilion who chose to retire in a cave near the village and devote his life to prayer. Through his miracles and generosity, he attracted many disciples to join him and evangelized the population creating a large monastical city which his followers would later name after him. After his death in 767 he became a Saint.

Saint Emilion’s unique charm and character, historical monuments (including an underground church) and famous vineyards helped it to become a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999.

Things to know

Bordeaux is only two hours from Paris by TGV (fast) train, making it an excellent choice for those who are visiting Paris but want to ditch the big city for a while.

We’d recommend visiting in the spring or summer to enjoy al fresco dining and the best local produce in the city’s many cafes and restaurants. However, if you are just coming for the wine, the season doesn’t matter so much! Still, you may want to avoid the week around June 20th, as that is when the Vinexpo Wine Conference takes place. Hotels around this time are either fully booked or very expensive.

When packing for your trip, consider the local weather. Although seldom cold, it rains quite often in Bordeaux. Toting along an umbrella and/or a waterproof jacket will be helpful should you get caught in a surprise shower.

If you are hoping to stay fit during your visit to Bordeaux, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of jogging and cycling trails traversing the city’s parks, as well as along the river.

A word about restaurants: If you are looking to dine in the “Old Bordeaux” area, we can provide you with recommendations. Use caution when choosing a restaurant here — they are not all good value-for-money!

There are many great places to stay in Bordeaux and the surrounding villages. When in the city of Bordeaux, we recommend you stay in the Hotel Des Quinconces or Le palais Gallien.
Our favorites in Saint Emilion are Chateau & Spa Grand Barail and the Hotel de Pavie.

If you’re more comfortable with the bigger hotel groups, the Grand Hotel Intercontinental is a perfect choice.

Other experiences

Champagne

Champagne; the universal drink of celebration and love. Over 300 million bottles are sold around the world, each one produced from grape to bottle in this small grape-growing region located only 100 miles outside of Paris.

Here you’ll discover a trail of manicured vineyards draped over the rolling hillsides, shouldering tiny villages, and inevitably leading to the cities Epernay and Reims, where the iconic Bollinger, Veuve Cliquot, and Ruinart house their glorious champagnes. Pay a visit to one of the family-owned producers in a nearby village, or explore the tunnels carved out beneath the city of Reims by its ancient Roman inhabitants.

No wine region in France exists without its gastronomy, and Champagne is no exception. White sausage (Retherl Boudin Blanc), Joute vegetable stew, and Chaource cheese are delectable local specialties that incidentally all pair perfectly with champagne!

Burgundy

One of France’s best-kept secrets, Burgundy is home to some of the most iconic and expensive wines in the world. Sleepy yet prestigious villages: Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Musigny, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, to name just a few, lay idle between the prestigious vineyards like diamonds on a necklace.

The Burgundy countryside is a renowned landscape of grassy hills and pine forests. But visit the ancient city of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy and former home to the Dukes of Burgundy and you’ll uncover a perfect blend of architectural beauty and French history as you walk along the paths trodden by the Dukes of Burgundy and enter the market designed by the illustrious Gustav Eiffel.

Discover cheeses that are truly exceptional, like the pungent Epoisses, the briochy Citeaux, the creamy Brillat Savarin, and salty/nutty Comté. For heavier fare, head to a brasserie around the famous covered market area (designed by Gustav Eiffel) or the Place de la Liberation opposite the ducal palace to sample the famous Escargots, Beef Bourguignon, Poulet de Bresse (considered as the best chicken in France) and much more.

Loire Valley

The natural beauty of this aptly called “Garden of France” is truly unparalleled. Following the Loire River as it carves its bed through hills and forests, you will uncover an endless string of breath-taking Chateaux. The region stretches 600 miles from the center of France to the Atlantic coast, making the Loire the third biggest wine region in France. Its cities burst with legends, with Orléans, the official capital of the Loire, the birthplace of Joan of Arc!

Here, you’ll find the famous Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, as well as Chenin Blanc from Touraine and Anjou.

There are many gourmet delights, particularly in the city of Tours. Pop into one of the city’s many fabulous restaurants to sample some Rillettes, as this local pork spread is known to be the best in France. And we highly recommend you order the fish, as the region specializes in many dishes featuring some of the local varieties of river fish.

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