Bordeaux Holidays

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The wine capital of France

Nestled in southwest France – about a three-hour drive from the border with Spain – Bordeaux is brilliantly placed for a French holiday. With the River Garonne winding through the city, and grand 18th-century palaces perched on its banks, this picturesque destination makes for a great getaway.

Bordeaux is the biggest city in the country after Paris, so you can be sure it’s jam-packed with cool things to see and do. Even if you’ve got little ones in tow, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.

As one of the most prolific wine-growing regions in the world, Bordeaux is famed for its vintage reds. And the city is certainly proud of its sophisticated offerings. There’s no shortage of opportunities here to learn more about the art of winemaking, and sample the local produce.

Of course, Bordeaux may be renowned for its exceptional wines, but there’s much more to this enchanting city than you may think. With a well-preserved old town overflowing with museums and galleries, as well as lovely green spaces, designer shopping, and energetic nightlife, it’s got it all.

There’s an irresistible charm to Bordeaux holidays. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery – including sprawling vineyards, crystal-clear lakes, and sandy beaches – the city is just waiting to be explored.

Explore our map of Bordeaux

Cité du Vin
An absolute must for French wine enthusiasts, this interactive wine museum prides itself on offering multisensory experiences. Take a journey around the world of wine, and sample from local vineyards.
Botanical gardens
Stretching for 600 metres along the Garonne’s right bank, the botanical gardens offer six themed floral areas. Be sure to check out the Bordeaux garden, devoted to local flora native to the region.
UNESCO Old Town
Holidays in Bordeaux are centred around the UNESCO-recognised old town. Home to the highest number of protected historical buildings outside of Paris, it’s a vision of neoclassical excellence.

Average weather in Bordeaux
This shows you historical average daytime temperatures, not a real-time forecast. It’s a great way to check if a destination’s typical weather suits your holiday vibe.

Exciting tours and activities in Bordeaux

From priority access for attractions, to day trips to historic sites, here’s our must see activities in Bordeaux

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Your Bordeaux questions, answered

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Oddly, Bordeaux does have beaches! While the city is located around 60 kilometres from the coast, there are a number of urban beaches surrounding its lakes and river. Some are just a few tram stops away from the city.

Bordeaux comes to life when the sun goes down. The lights on the historic buildings are beautiful, making for nice evening strolls. And for something more lively, pubs and clubs are everywhere.

Short and sweet Bordeaux city breaks are great for seeing the main city centre sights. Allow yourself longer if you want to visit the local vineyards, or enjoy a few relaxing days at the beaches.

Wine, of course! Bordeaux’s wine-growing region is massive, and produces everything from everyday table wines to collectable vintages. If you’re a wine lover, be sure to sample a glass of the local produce.

Bordeaux and its surrounding countryside is famous for its regional food. Seafood is enjoyed regularly, with lamproite a la bordelaise, a stew cooked with eels, and freshly caught oysters being the most recognisable fish dishes. The region is also well known for its meat, in particular, entrecote a la Bordelaise. Sweet treats are very popular with the people of Bordeaux, with caneles, soaked rum cakes with a custard filling, famous for once being made by local nuns. Glazed pastries, known as gateau des rois, are known for being eaten during January to celebrate Epiphany Day.

To get the most out of a visit to Bordeaux, a seven-day stay should be enough. This allows for plenty of time to explore the city’s culture-packed streets and beloved beaches, as well as allowing for plenty of opportunities to try the region’s renowned food and wine. However, if you’re short on time, three days should be long enough to just about squeeze in Bordeaux’s best-known sights and attractions.

Travel to Bordeaux is straightforward. The Bordeaux-Merignac airport is the city’s closest, a 40-minute drive away. The airport offers both shuttle buses and car hire options, while there are also taxis and public transport, including trains and buses, running regularly to the city centre. Bordeaux is also well connected to the rest of France through its train network, with trains from the capital of Paris taking around three hours. The train station can be found close to the River Garonne and is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

Bordeaux is perhaps best known for its vineyards and is often considered to be the wine-growing capital of France. The region boasts a real mix of speciality foods, including freshly caught oysters and mussels, beef and cakes. The city is also famous for its historical landmarks, including the Place de la Bourse, Grand Theatre and Cathedral. Many also visit to enjoy the city centre’s many shopping streets that are home to luxurious French fashion labels and upmarket boutiques.

There’s plenty for kids, including the Bordeaux Zoo and the sprawling public garden. Even the city’s wine museum caters to little ones, with junior tours for 7-12 year olds, and family workshops.