Things to Do in Bordeaux in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Bordeaux
Long-run averages for December
51°F (11°C)
High Temp
39°F (4°C)
Low Temp
4.2 inches (107 mm)
Rainfall
88%
Humidity
1
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Near-freezing temperatures: pack warm layers
⚠ Very high humidity: stay hydrated and pace yourself
Making the most of December in Bordeaux? Browse tours and activities in Bordeaux on GetYourGuide.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The Christmas Market on the Allées de Tourny transforms the city's grandest avenue into a fairy-lit village of wooden chalets. Vin chaud (mulled wine), roasting chestnuts, and melted raclette cheese fill the air. The scent alone justifies the trip.
- + Wine-tasting in the châteaux of Saint-Émilion or the Médoc is a quiet, unhurried affair. You'll have the sommelier's full attention in cellars that echo with the sound of your own footsteps. The silence is part of the experience.
- + The low, pearlescent winter light that filters through the bare plane trees along the Garonne River turns the 18th-century stone facades of the Place de la Bourse a soft, golden grey. This light is good for photography without the summer haze. December delivers clarity.
- + Hotel rates in Bordeaux tend to dip significantly compared to the summer crush. Stays in the elegant Saint-Pierre district or a historic hotel near the Grand Théâtre become surprisingly affordable. Winter rewards the flexible traveler.
Considerations
- − The damp chill, a humid 39°F (4°C) that seeps through wool coats, is Bordeaux's signature winter weather. It's the kind of cold that makes your joints ache after an hour of admiring architecture outdoors. Pack layers. Pack patience.
- − Daylight is brutally short, with the sun setting by 5:15 PM. Sightseeing compresses into a narrow window, leaving long, dark evenings that can feel confining if you're not prepared with cozy indoor plans. Plan accordingly.
- − Some smaller vineyards and châteaux in the surrounding countryside close entirely for the winter months or operate on drastically reduced hours. Spontaneous touring options shrink. Call ahead.
Settled on December? Compare hotel prices in Bordeaux for your dates on Trip.com.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Bordeaux in December wears a quiet, serious mood. Its limestone facades and wide quays take on a pale, silvery light under low winter clouds. The air carries a damp chill, often around four degrees Celsius at dawn. The scent of roasting chestnuts mingles with the wet stone smell of the Garonne River's embankments. This is the month when the city's rhythm turns inward. Locals gather in the warm glow of cafés and wine bars, their conversations a soft murmur against the patter of rain, which is more frequent now than in the dry summer. You will not find the sunny terraces of July. Instead, you get a chance to experience Bordeaux as a place of contemplation and cellar-deep pleasures, where the focus shifts entirely to the rich, complex wines being tasted in châteaux and the strong, slow-cooked dishes served in traditional bistros. The days are short. The light is thin. The city feels profoundly settled into its own history. Visiting Bordeaux in December requires embracing the maritime climate. With average highs of eleven degrees Celsius, you will feel the need for a wool coat and scarf when walking along the curving riverfront. The rainfall is at its annual peak. The sound of your footsteps on wet cobblestones will be a constant companion. The sight of rain-beaded vines in the surrounding countryside is a common one. This weather makes the experience different from a visit in the warmer, drier months. It dictates a pace that is slower, more deliberate, and centered on indoor discoveries. The search for things to do in Bordeaux naturally leads to its celebrated culinary scene and world-well-known wine tours, which offer a sheltered, immersive escape from the elements. While the beaches of the Atlantic coast are a summer pursuit, December in Bordeaux is for those who find warmth in a glass of colored Saint-Émilion, the feel of a leather banquette in a historic brasserie, and the sight of mist rising from the river at dusk.
Traditional Gourmet Food & Wine Tour in Bordeaux
foodThe Traditional Gourmet Food & Wine Tour in Bordeaux winds through the narrow lanes of the Saint-Pierre district, where you will taste buttery canelés with a crisp caramelized shell straight from a local bakery and sample slices of cured Bayonne ham from a charcuterie whose windows are fogged with steam. The tour pauses in a wine merchant's cave to hear the pop of a cork and taste a glass of left-bank red, its aroma of blackcurrant and cedar filling the cool, earthy air.
It connects the classic flavors of Bordeaux directly to the artisans who craft them in the shadow of the city's 18th-century architecture.
Insider tip: Book a late-morning start to experience the tour when the food shops are fully stocked and the morning bakery scents are still strong.
Bordeaux Médoc Region Private Wine Lovers Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings
guided_experienceThe Bordeaux Médoc Region Private Wine Lovers Tour transports you along the famed Route des Châteaux, where you will see the grand, manicured estates stark against the grey winter sky and feel the chill of a historic barrel cellar on your skin. Visits include tasting structured Cabernet-based blends that leave a taste of dark plum and tobacco on the palate, guided by experts who explain the gravelly terroir you can see from the château windows.
It offers an intimate, unhurried examination of the classified growth estates that define this legendary wine region.
Insider tip: Request a vehicle with a panoramic roof to better appreciate the vast, dormant vineyards during the short daylight hours.
Half-day private tour in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar
private_tourThe Half-day private tour in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar provides a thrilling, open-air perspective, where you will feel the cool rush of air as you zip past ancient limestone quarries and see the monolithic church rise from the hilltop town. You will hear the distinct rumble of the engine echoing off medieval walls and stop to walk through quiet, cobbled streets that smell of damp moss and old stone.
It combines the freedom of a motorcycle adventure with the deep historical immersion of a guided tour.
Insider tip: Dress in fully windproof layers, including gloves, as the open ride can feel much colder than the ambient temperature in December.
Saint-Émilion & Pomerol Wine Tour: Tastings, Lunch & WSET Guide
foodThe Saint-Émilion & Pomerol Wine Tour includes a guided walk through the cloisters of the town's underground church, where you will hear the guide's voice echo off the cool, carved rock, followed by tastings of opulent Merlot-based wines that taste of ripe cherry and truffle. A lunch at a local restaurant provides a taste of hearty confit de canaire and the feel of warmth returning to your hands beside a stone fireplace.
It delivers a complete education in the prestigious right-bank appellations, paired with a substantial meal that reflects the season.
Insider tip: The tour involves a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes for the medieval town's slippery cobbles.
Tasting of Bordeaux White Wines Wine and Cheese Pairing
otherThe Tasting of Bordeaux White Wines Wine and Cheese Pairing takes place in a cozy tasting room, where you will smell the distinct aromas of aged goat cheese and freshly sliced baguette. An expert guides you through the crisp, citrus notes of a Pessac-Léognan and the richer, honeyed taste of a Sauternes, explaining how each sip cuts through the creamy feel of the fromage.
It focuses on the region's often-overlooked white wines, revealing their perfect affinity for local cheeses.
Insider tip: This shorter, focused tasting is an ideal late-afternoon activity before dinner, as it concludes within the hour.
Wine Creation Workshop and Wine and Trade Museum Tour
culturalThe Wine Creation Workshop and Wine and Trade Museum Tour begins among the old bottling machines and cooper's tools of the museum, where you can feel the rough grain of an oak barrel stave. The workshop then lets you blend your own wine from different varietals, tasting the sharp, acidic components before finding a balanced, personal creation.
It transforms you from a passive taster into an active participant in the art of the Bordeaux blend.
Insider tip: The museum is located in the Chartrons district, a historic wine merchants' quarter. Allow time after the tour to examine its quiet, elegant streets.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
★★★★★
Luxury
InterContinental Hotels BORDEAUX - LE GRAND HOTEL by IHG
From $315 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Noël
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Noël
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Noël
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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View Bordeaux Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best vin chaud isn't always at the most central market stall. Walk toward the edges. Look for smaller stands. They sometimes have a more interesting, less sugary recipe, perhaps with a dash of cognac or a different spice blend.
Locals don't hibernate. They migrate to traditional wine bars, like those in the Saint-Pierre district. These become incredibly cozy in winter. The sound of a dozen conversations in French. The clink of glasses. The smell of old wood and wine. This is the real December nightlife.
If a morning dawns clear and bright, drop everything. Head outdoors immediately. That could be your only window of sun for the day. A walk across the Pont de Pierre bridge for views back toward the Place de la Bourse is impressive in sharp winter light.
Many bakeries and patisseries sell seasonal treats only in December. Look for the 'bûche de Noël' (Yule log) in all its creative forms. Try the 'pains d'épices' (spice bread). It tastes of honey, cinnamon, and anise.
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't underestimate the cold. Don't dress for a 'mild' 11°C (51°F) high. The high is brief, often around midday. The damp, low temperatures in the morning and evening dominate the experience.
Don't try a spontaneous day-trip to multiple remote châteaux without confirmed appointments. Many are closed or by appointment only in winter. Always call. Always book a tour.
Don't assume everything shuts down early. Smaller shops may close. Bordeaux's restaurant scene stays lively. The dinner hour gets later in winter. Many places don't fill up until 8:30 or 9 PM.
Short on time? See day trips around Bordeaux on GetYourGuide.
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