Is Bordeaux Worth Visting?
Bordeaux may be famous around the world for its wine, but there’s so much more to discover in this beautiful French city. With elegant architecture, markets, riverside walks, and incredible food, Bordeaux offers a rich blend of culture and charm. And did I mention the vineyards? Beautiful! If you’re planning a short visit, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the historic city center and experience the surrounding countryside. I’m sharing the highlights of what to see, eat, and enjoy in Bordeaux and the nearby area, so you can make the most of your trip!
You may find it helpful to read through my tips and opinions on “Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?” as we took this trip back in September. Of course I say, YES! It’s worth every minute spent, as we rented a car and made the drive from La Roche Posay. If you’re planning a trip to this area, there are a lot of things you need to know, so keep reading! We traveled with our friends Brian and Lori (RecipeGirl) – and it’s even more fun when you go with friends!
Bordeaux, France is a beautiful city to explore, especially if you have just three days to wander its historic streets. You can taste the famous wines, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of this southwestern city. Bordeaux is the capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the largest region in France!
With elegant architecture, lively markets, charming cafés, and world-class vineyards, Bordeaux offers the perfect mix of culture, food, and scenery. In three days, you can stroll along the Garonne River, explore the old town’s stone buildings, and visit the wine museums. My favorite? Savor the simple pleasure of a long French meal on a sunny terrace. You can also take a quick day-trip out to St. Emillion which we are so glad that we did.
A Charming 3-Day Guide to Bordeaux, France – What I loved!
- If you love wine tasting, the best time of year to visit Bordeaux is between May and November. From late August through early October, you can attend a grape harvest.
- And if you are visiting Paris, taking the train down to Bordeaux is easy!
- Our drive from La Roche Posay took about 3 hours. Easy driving!
- Walking the streets, I felt a sense of ease, and peace, unlike other places I have visited, unlike bigger cities like Paris. I would rank it among one of the most walkable cities I have visited.
- Bordeaux is also more affordable than Paris, with a friendlier atmosphere.
- There are a lot of pedestrian-only squares in Bordeaux, which I love. Plus great food!
- The city has a well-connected public transportation system, subways, buses, and trams. We did rent a car and drove from the Chateau, but once we got to Bordeaux, we turned our car in. We mostly walked everywhere!
- There are many acclaimed restaurants and hip hotels, and great Air B&Bs.
Where is Bordeaux Located?
Bordeaux is located in southwestern France, in the beautiful Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This historic city sits along the Garonne River and has long been an important hub for trade, culture, and of course, wine. Positioned about 310 miles from Paris, it’s not far from the Spanish border to the south. This makes it a wonderful gateway to exploring this vibrant corner of France.
Traveling from Paris to Bordeaux is quick and easy, taking about two hours on the high-speed train (TGV). While flights between the two cities were once common, recent changes have made rail the preferred way to travel—offering a fast, comfortable journey through the beautiful French countryside.
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Bordeaux
If you’re visiting Bordeaux for three days, staying in or near the historic center makes it easy to explore the city on foot, enjoy the cafés, and walk along the Garonne River. Here are five wonderful places to stay in Bordeaux, offering a mix of luxury, charm, and great locations.
1. InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel
Located right across from the Grand Théâtre, this elegant five-star hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay in the city. The rooftop terrace, spa, and beautiful rooms make it a luxurious base for exploring Bordeaux.
2. Yndo Hotel
For something more intimate, Yndo Hotel is a boutique stay in a restored 19th-century mansion. The rooms are stylish and unique, and the quiet courtyard makes it feel like a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.
3. Hôtel de Tourny
This charming boutique hotel sits between the historic center and the Jardin Public. It’s smaller, cozy, and beautifully designed—perfect if you want something elegant but relaxed.
4. Villas Foch
A newer luxury boutique hotel near the public garden and riverfront, Villas Foch is known for its refined design and exceptional service. It’s a lovely option for travelers who want a quiet, sophisticated stay.
5. Mama Shelter Bordeaux
If you prefer a fun, lively atmosphere, Mama Shelter offers modern rooms and one of the best rooftop restaurants in Bordeaux. It’s centrally located and a great place to stay if you enjoy a social vibe.
TIP: For a short trip, choosing a hotel near the historic center (Saint-Pierre or Golden Triangle areas) makes it easy to see the major sights, enjoy Bordeaux’s restaurants, and soak in the city’s beautiful atmosphere.
Please note: We chose to stay in an Air B&B this time, but we mostly stay in hotels when we travel to France.
What to do in Bordeaux while you are visting for 3 days
A great place to begin exploring Bordeaux is Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André), a stunning Gothic landmark dating back to the 12th century. Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral has witnessed centuries of Bordeaux’s history, including the royal wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1137.
From the cathedral, continue on to nearby highlights like the 18th-century Hôtel de Ville and Place des Quinconces, one of the largest city squares in Europe.
We also stopped at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, an elegant 18th-century building crowned with classical sculptures, and step inside to admire its sweeping staircases and historic atmosphere.
The CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC Musée d’Art Contemporain) is one of Bordeaux’s main modern art museums. CAPC is a great stop in Bordeaux if you enjoy modern art, architecture, and cultural exhibits.
We also stepped into the 17th-century Église Notre-Dame and admire the stunning Place de la Bourse and its adjacent Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool.
Bordeaux was one of the host cities for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, welcoming fans from around the world to the city’s Stade de Bordeaux (Matmut Atlantique Stadium). Several exciting pool matches were played here, bringing an energetic international atmosphere to the city as visitors filled Bordeaux’s cafés, squares, and wine bars to celebrate the tournament.
More things to not miss out on in this great city
- Visit the Primatial Cathedral of St. Andrew (Bordeaux Cathedral)
- Climb the free-standing Pey-Berland Bell Tower next to the cathedral
- See the Monument aux Girondins at Place des Quinconces
- Shop and stroll along Rue Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux’s famous pedestrian street
- Explore the peaceful Jardin Public
- Take a river cruise on the Garonne River
- Climb the 15th-century Saint-Michel Bell Tower, known as La Flèche (The Spire)
Where to eat in Bordeaux
Here are 10 wonderful places to eat in Bordeaux, ranging from classic French bistros to modern restaurants and local favorites:
- Le Petit Commerce – A beloved spot for fresh seafood and classic Bordeaux dishes. 🦪
- Eat lunch at L’Entrecôte – Famous for its steak-frites served with their signature secret sauce. 🥩
- La Tupina – A traditional restaurant known for rustic southwestern French cooking.
- Restaurant Influences – A refined Michelin-starred restaurant with creative seasonal cuisine.
- Le Chien de Pavlov – A stylish bistro offering inventive, modern French dishes.
- Mama Shelter Rooftop Restaurant – Great food with one of the best rooftop views in Bordeaux. 🌇
- Miles Restaurant – A small, innovative restaurant with an ever-changing tasting menu.
- We loved dinner at Nama – Popular for contemporary Japanese cuisine and beautifully presented dishes. 🍣
- Berthus – A cozy neighborhood restaurant serving classic French comfort food.
- Enjoy tea at the La Diplomate – A charming café perfect for tea, pastries, or a relaxed brunch. ☕
Bordeaux is truly a food lover’s city, where you can enjoy everything from casual cafés and wine bars to Michelin-starred dining—all within the walkable historic center.
St. Emilion Wine Tasting and Day Trip
On your final day in Bordeaux, take a day trip to one of the most picturesque villages in France—Saint-Émilion. This charming medieval town, surrounded by rolling vineyards, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Joining a guided day tour is a wonderful way to explore the area without worrying about the planning. During the day, enjoy wine tastings at a Grand Cru winery, stroll the cobblestone streets of Saint-Émilion, and admire the beautiful châteaux and vineyards throughout the region. For lunch, we stopped at a classic French bistro featuring charming décor and a delicious spread of caprese, grilled prawns, and an assortment of desserts. Between tastings, we even passed iconic estates like Château Margaux. After returning to Bordeaux, end the evening with dinner at Restaurant Influences, a perfect finale to three memorable days in the region.
Back in Bordeaux, our last night dinner we head to dinner at Le 1925. This restaurant has a great Parisian brasserie feel that’s reminiscent of the 1920s. All blue and gold, it’s an atmospheric place to dine on seared tuna and enjoy more of Bordeaux’s good wine.
Guess who was also eating at this restaurant? The Rugby Team! Fun for us!
Because Bordeaux is such a charming and vibrant city, there’s truly no bad time to visit. Each season offers something special—from lively spring markets and warm summer evenings along the river to the excitement of the fall grape harvest and the cozy atmosphere of winter cafés.
What’s it like to drive in France?
Driving in France is a wonderful way to see the countryside, with well-maintained highways, clear signs, and scenic landscapes along the way. From Paris, the drive to Bordeaux takes about five to six hours, passing through beautiful farmland and small towns. We arrived from La Roche-Posay, which was an easy and pleasant drive of about three hours, winding through the quiet countryside before reaching the lively city of Bordeaux. Once there, it’s best to park the car and explore the historic center on foot.
Where to travel to after Bordeaux …
If you’d like to extend your travels after Bordeaux, consider continuing on to Paris, Marseille, or other beautiful destinations in the south of France, each offering its own unique charm, culture, and cuisine.
This post is not sponsored and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I love to travel – and share my stories and tips with my readers!
More trips to check out if you love France
- Visit Chateau de Valcreuse in France
- Viking River Cruise from Switzerland to Paris
- This 12 day itinerary goes through France: Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
