Things to Do in Bordeaux

About Bordeaux

Where the Garonne River curves through southwest France, Bordeaux unfolds like a vintage wine revealing its complexity with each sip. The golden limestone façades of 18th-century mansions catch the late afternoon light, casting long shadows across cobblestone squares where café terraces hum with gentle conversation. This UNESCO World Heritage city breathes with an intoxicating rhythm—morning mist rising from ancient vineyards just beyond the urban sprawl, the melodic clinking of glasses in candlelit wine bars, and the gentle splash of the Miroir d'Eau reflecting centuries of architectural grandeur. Here, tradition and innovation dance together like old lovers; futuristic wine museums stand proudly beside Gothic spires, while Michelin-starred chefs reimagine rustic Gascon recipes with artistic flair. Bordeaux doesn't rush to impress—it seduces slowly, inviting you to linger over long lunches, lose yourself in the maze of medieval streets, and discover that true luxury lies not in opulence, but in the simple pleasure of a perfect moment savored without haste.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use the efficient TramBordeaux system with three lines connecting major districts for €1.70 per trip. Buy a day pass (€4.90) or weekly pass (€16.50) at machines accepting contactless payment. Rent VCub bikes from 174 stations citywide—perfect for exploring the flat riverside districts and reaching vineyards in suburban communes.

Money: Bordeaux uses euros with widespread card acceptance, though carry cash for small wine bars and market vendors. Tipping isn't obligatory but round up bills or leave 5-10% for exceptional service. ATMs charge €2-5 fees for foreign cards; withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize costs.

Cultural Respect: Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour/Bonsoir' before browsing and say 'Au revoir/Bonne soirée' when leaving—it's considered rude not to. Dress smartly for wine tastings and upscale restaurants. Keep voices low in public spaces and avoid discussing personal finances or making direct comparisons between French and foreign wines.

Food Safety: Bordeaux maintains excellent food safety standards. Enjoy raw oysters from reputable vendors at covered markets like Marché des Capucins. Tap water is safe and high-quality. Book restaurant reservations 2-3 days ahead, especially for acclaimed bistros. Try regional specialties like cannelés, entrecôte bordelaise, and Saint-Émilion macarons from established patisseries.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May) offers Bordeaux at its most enchanting, with temperatures ranging 12-20°C and moderate rainfall (60-80mm monthly). Cherry blossoms bloom along the Garonne while wine cellars begin stirring with new vintages. Accommodation prices increase 15-25% from winter lows. Summer (June-August) brings warm, dry weather (18-26°C, 40-50mm rainfall) perfect for riverside strolls and outdoor dining, though hotel rates peak 40-50% above off-season. The Bordeaux Wine Festival (mid-June, even years only) transforms the riverfront into a spectacular celebration. Autumn (September-November) is harvest season—temperatures drop from 22°C to 10°C with increasing rainfall (70-90mm), but vineyard tours become magical as leaves turn golden. Prices drop 20-30% after September. Winter (December-February) sees cooler temperatures (5-12°C) and higher rainfall (80-100mm), but offers intimate wine tastings, 50% lower accommodation costs, and the charm of Christmas markets. Wine enthusiasts should visit during harvest (September-October), culture lovers during the mild spring months, and budget travelers in January-February when the city reveals its authentic, unhurried character away from tourist crowds.