Bordeaux A wine lover’s paradise and a beautiful city. I first went there in 2010 and have been a big fan ever since. Its 18th century core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the entire city is filled with fancy bars, great restaurants and some nice upscale shopping. It’s a super beautiful city (my favorite street is here).
The city is rich in history and, like everywhere else, one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. There are many wine and food tours in Bordeaux to enrich your visit.
However, since not all hikes are created equal, I wanted to share some of my favorites. Here is my list of the best hikes in Bordeaux:
Best Overall Tour
walk
Take Walks is my preferred tour company in Europe, providing access to places that other companies cannot reach. Their tours have knowledgeable guides. Their The Ultimate Food Tour The tour lasts three hours and includes three tastings of regional wines hosted by a local sommelier. You will taste nine different wines at six stops while learning about the city and its history and how Bordeaux became a world-renowned wine region.
Best Free Tours
Free Walking Tour of Bordeaux
This is the best (and most popular) free tour in town and a great introduction to a visit to Bordeaux. It lasts two hours and covers all the highlights, including the Gothic Cathedral, the neoclassical Grand Theatre, and the Water Mirror. It’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors. The guides also have lots of great suggestions for places to eat and drink, so be sure to ask for their recommendations. Remember to tip at the end!
While these are probably the best free and paid tours in town, Bordeaux has a lot more to offer. Here are five other insightful and educational tour companies:
1. Bordeaux Tourism Office
The official tourist board organizes some tours, although Walking tour A popular choice for first-time visitors, this is a fantastic two-hour introductory tour led by an expert local guide who will help you break free of the tourist trap, take you to the sights and learn about the city’s past.
You can also take their Half Day Winery Touryou will stop at 1 or 2 wineries (depending on availability that day) to learn about the importance of wine to the region and culture. You will also learn about the wine making process and get some samples. This is an affordable and fun introduction to the Bordeaux vineyards.
Tours start from 15 EUR.
2. Visit France like a local
If you have a sweet tooth, France Like a Local has a mouth-watering Pastry and Bakery Tours Perfect for those who want to indulge. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes stops at six shops where you can sample fresh bread, pastries and chocolates, including Chocolate Bread, Dunes Blanchesand Canales.
In addition to sampling a variety of desserts, you’ll get to see plenty of highlights as you explore the historic city center. Since the tour is limited to 10 people, you’ll have plenty of time to talk to your guide, ask questions, and chat with the bakers and business owners you’ll be visiting.
Tours start from 76 EUR.
3. My Urban Experience
If you speak French and have seen the main sights (and tasted the food and wine), get off the beaten path and explore Bordeaux’s art scene. 90-Minute Street Art Tour in French This route traverses the city, running from the port to the north side, and is filled with interesting anecdotes and cool art. It’s a fun cultural exploration and a great addition to what you see and learn on a “normal” tour.
If you don’t like art, then Mystery Walking Tour (Also available in French) tells the myths, legends and haunting ghost stories of a medieval city. This is an interesting combination of history and mystery, all in a very short 90 minutes.
Tours start from 15 EUR.
4. La Croisier Castle and Baradoz Castle
If you want to go out of town, Winery Tour and Picnic is the perfect short getaway. And at just €48, it won’t break the bank, either. Located in the picturesque Saint-Emilion region less than an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, you can take a picnic with sweeping views, enjoy some wine and a delicious meal before your tour. After your picnic, you’ll explore two wineries (one traditional, one modern) and learn about their history and production methods, including how the grapes are grown and harvested, and how the wine is bottled. And of course, there will be more samples!
Please note that transportation to the tour starting point is not included, so you will need to arrange this yourself from Bordeaux.
Tours start from 48 EUR.
5. The Wanderer’s Footsteps
If you’re a night owl, Wanderer’s Trail offers some fun nighttime tours that let you revisit the city and its past. First, it runs Ghost Tours Explore the spooky side of things. Wander through the historic city center and you’ll hear stories of star-crossed lovers, ghosts and more. It’s a fun mix of history and legend, and the perfect addition to any of the standard walking tours listed above.
They also offer regular Highlights TourThe reason I like to do this is that it allows you to free up the day so you can visit the wineries when the sun is shining and then enjoy the beauty of Bordeaux in the evening.
Tours start from 25 EUR.
Bordeaux A must for anyone visiting France. Even if you’re not a wine fan like me, there’s plenty of history to enjoy, great food to eat, and some fun day trips nearby. I always enjoy my time here. And, if you take one of the above tours, you’ll definitely have a better trip than you otherwise would!
(While these are my favorite tours, the website Get your guide If you want to see other content, there are more options.)
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Booking a trip to Bordeaux: logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search sites and airlines worldwide so you always know no details are missed.
Book your stay
You can book a hostel via the following methods Hostel World Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they consistently bring the cheapest prices for guest houses and budget hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will cover you for illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It provides you with comprehensive protection if anything goes wrong. I always travel without it because I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
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