Bordeaux in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Bordeaux

15°C (59°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

64 mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Pruning season in vineyards creates intimate winery experiences - March is when vignerons prepare vines for the growing season, offering behind-the-scenes access typically unavailable during harvest crowds
Significantly lower accommodation costs - March rates are 30-40% below peak season, with luxury châteaux hotels offering their best value before spring tourism begins
Perfect weather for exploring on foot - temperatures between 6-15°C (42-59°F) make long vineyard walks comfortable without summer heat exhaustion, ideal for the 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) hiking trails through Médoc and Saint-Émilion
Oyster season finale in Arcachon Bay - March marks the end of the optimal 'R month' season for Marennes-Oléron oysters, with producers offering final tastings before summer break

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning - March transitions between winter and spring create dramatic daily variations, with morning frost possible even when afternoons reach 15°C (59°F)
Limited daylight for vineyard visits - sunset around 7:30pm means shorter touring windows, particularly affecting cycling itineraries through the 60 km (37 mile) Route des Châteaux
Many wine estates operate reduced schedules - smaller family wineries may only open weekends or by appointment, requiring advance planning that summer visitors don't need

Best Activities in March

Saint-Émilion Village Wine Walks

March's cool temperatures make the steep limestone streets of this UNESCO village perfect for exploring. Vignerons are pruning vines and happy to explain techniques without harvest season pressure. The medieval underground cellars maintain 12°C (54°F) year-round, providing warmth during cooler March days.

Booking Tip: Reserve tastings 5-7 days ahead as many châteaux operate weekend-only schedules in March. Group tours typically cost €45-75 including 4-5 tastings. Look for operators offering indoor alternatives during the 10 rainy days expected this month.

Médoc Château Cycling Tours

Perfect cycling weather without summer heat - March temperatures rarely exceed 15°C (59°F), ideal for the 25-40 km (15-25 mile) routes between famous estates. Vineyard workers are visible preparing vines, creating authentic photo opportunities unavailable during tourist season.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 days ahead for bike rentals and guided options. Self-guided routes cost €25-35/day for quality bikes, guided tours €85-120. Choose operators providing rain gear and indoor château visits for weather backup.

Arcachon Bay Oyster Farm Experiences

March represents the final month of prime oyster season before summer spawning. Water temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F) keep shellfish at peak flavor. Ostréiculteurs offer boat trips to working farms with tastings paired with Entre-Deux-Mers wines.

Booking Tip: Reserve weekend spots 7-10 days ahead as many farms close mid-week in March. Half-day experiences typically cost €55-80 including boat transport and dozen oysters. Afternoon tours (2-5pm) avoid morning fog common in March.

Bordeaux City Food Market Tours

March brings early spring vegetables and last winter specialties to covered markets like Marché des Capucins. Indoor venues provide shelter during the month's 10 rainy days, while cool morning temperatures keep produce fresh for afternoon visits.

Booking Tip: Weekend morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best selection before vendors sell out. Guided tastings cost €40-65 including samples. Book 2-3 days ahead for small group experiences, same-day booking often available for larger groups.

Dune du Pilat Sunset Climbs

Europe's tallest sand dune at 110 m (361 ft) becomes manageable in March's cool weather - summer temperatures make the climb exhausting. March sunsets around 7:30pm provide golden hour photography without extreme crowds, though bring layers as coastal winds amplify the chill.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent visits, parking €4-6. Guided nature walks cost €15-25 and help identify March wildlife activity. Check wind forecasts - Atlantic gusts above 30 km/h (19 mph) make climbing difficult.

Bordeaux River Cruise Experiences

Garonne River cruises offer heated indoor salons perfect for March's variable weather. Commentary covers vineyard landscapes visible from water, while climate-controlled environments provide comfort during cool 6°C (42°F) mornings and potential afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Book 2-4 days ahead for weekend afternoon departures (2-4pm optimal for weather). Standard cruises €25-40, wine-focused options €50-75. Choose operators with covered decks and indoor seating for March conditions.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Bordeaux Wine Festival preparation events

Late March sees preview tastings and professional events leading up to the biennial wine festival. Local wine bars host special March tastings featuring new releases and upcoming festival wines, offering insider access before crowds arrive.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots - vineyard soils become muddy after March's 64mm (2.5 inches) of rainfall, especially on clay terroir of Right Bank estates

Layering system including light wool sweater - temperature swings from 6-15°C (42-59°F) daily require easy adjustment options

Compact umbrella and lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers typically last 30-45 minutes but can be intense

Warm scarf and light gloves - early morning vineyard visits and riverside walks feel colder due to 70% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones - Saint-Émilion's limestone streets become slippery when wet

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight means more reliance on maps and translation apps during extended touring

Light backpack for wine purchases - many estates offer March discounts but require carrying bottles between tastings

Sunglasses despite variable weather - reflection off limestone buildings and water in Arcachon Bay intensifies available light

Cash in small bills - many smaller wine producers and market vendors prefer €10-20 notes for tastings and purchases

Insider Knowledge

Visit château cellars during midday hours (11am-3pm) when underground temperatures of 12-14°C (54-57°F) feel warmest compared to cool March air - opposite of summer visiting patterns

March is pruning season - ask vignerons to explain their pruning philosophy as they're actively working and passionate about sharing techniques during this crucial period

Book restaurant reservations for 7:30-8pm - many establishments reduce March hours but offer prix fixe menus at 20-30% below peak season rates

Local wine shops offer 'March madness' sales clearing winter inventory before spring arrivals - genuine savings of 15-25% on premium bottles available through month-end

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all châteaux maintain summer hours - many prestigious estates operate appointment-only or weekend-only schedules in March, causing disappointment for walk-in visitors

Underdressing for morning tastings - cellars feel warm initially but extended underground visits in 12°C (54°F) temperatures require layers many visitors forget

Booking outdoor-only activities - March's 10 rainy days make flexible itineraries essential, yet tourists often schedule vineyard picnics and cycling without indoor backup plans