Summary of Tours in Bordeaux:
- 3½ Hour Old Town and Market Food Tour
- Sightseeing by Sidecar
- River Cruise with Guide
- 3-Hour Bike Ride
- Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting in Saint Emilion
- Bordeaux Metropole City Pass
- Bordeaux Lunch Cruise
- La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket with Wine Tasting
- Bordeaux City Discovery Game
- Private Welcome to Bordeaux Walking Tour with a Local
- Wine and Food Tasting at St. Emilion’s Chateau Terrace
- Bordeaux: Full-Day Countryside Tour
- Bordeaux by Night Private Citroën 2CV Tour
- Winery and Wine Bar Tour
- Craft Distilleries and Cognac Vineyards Private Tour
Although the port city of Bordeaux has just over 250,000 inhabitants, when including the adjacent suburbs, this number approaches nearly 800,000.
This makes it one of France’s largest urban areas, as well as a celebrated region for agriculture, history, and viticulture.
Its southern placement ensures a relatively temperate climate throughout the year. In addition to its cultural, artistic, culinary, and viticultural attractions, Bordeaux is also distinguished by its natural beauty.
Featuring rivers, marshlands, a flourishing urban landscape, and extensive vineyards, it is indeed a distinctive locale.
Below are 15 exceptional tours to experience in Bordeaux.
1. 3½ Hour Old Town and Market Food Tour
Similar to many of France’s tourist spots, Bordeaux offers a sensory delight, particularly for those with refined palates.
The historical Old Town area boasts a lively market that serves as the region’s culinary hub.
This walking tour includes the expertise of a local guide who provides insights into the history and culture of the city, particularly as it pertains to its culinary and vinous heritage.
Participants will engage with locals, sample products such as chocolate, cheese, and charcuterie, and discover what makes Bordeaux exceptional.
Please note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided; however, the tours commence from a centrally located and easily accessible point.
2. Sightseeing by Sidecar
What could be more romantic and thrilling than cruising through Bordeaux in the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle?
According to previous participants, there are few things more exhilarating.
During the ride, guests will encounter many of the city’s major landmarks, including Place des Quinconces, St. Michael’s Basilica, the Grosse Cloche Bell Tower, and Grand Opera.
While navigating, your guide will describe the sights as well as recommend locations for further exploration post-tour.
Itineraries may vary based on the season, weather, and traffic conditions, with multiple sidecars available for group bookings.
3. River Cruise with Guide
River cruises offer an enjoyable means to gain a unique perspective of remarkable cities, including Bordeaux.
Guided river cruises endure for 90 minutes, commencing in the afternoon, and are wheelchair accessible.
Along the cruise, participants will observe a multitude of the city’s notable sites, such as the stunning Place de la Bourse and the remarkable Chaban-Delmas drawbridge, all explained by their guide.
The tours encompass art and architecture, history and culture, coupled with the quintessential elements of food and wine.
Onboard food and beverages are available for an additional cost, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
4. 3-Hour Bike Ride
For those who have recently spent extensive hours in cramped airplanes or on compact cruise ships, bike tours provide an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and gain insights into the area being explored.
Tours depart from the city center, conveniently located near the magnificent Saint-Andre Cathedral.
All necessary equipment is provided, allowing participants to explore the city’s attractions easily.
It becomes evident quite quickly why Bordeaux is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consistently ranks among Europe’s premier destinations.
Bike tours accommodate individuals of various ages and physical capabilities.
5. Guided Winery Tour & Wine Tasting in Saint Emilion
France stands as one of the world’s foremost wine-producing nations, with many of its wineries having rich histories.
This guided winery tour in Saint Emilion Grand Cru allows visitors to explore both historic and modern wine estates.
Participants will receive detailed tours of each facility, learning how grapes are transformed into exquisite and intoxicating beverages, while sampling a variety of wines with differing colors and flavor profiles.
Tourists are often particularly impressed by the traditional architecture and craftsmanship present in older facilities, as well as the advanced technology found in more contemporary ones.
6. Bordeaux Metropole City Pass
Interested in complimentary access to several principal museums in the city?
Looking for discounts on meals, cruises, wine tastings, and river excursions?
If you answered affirmatively to any of these questions, the Bordeaux Metropole City Pass might be the ideal option for you.
Depending on the selected package, passes are valid for either 48 or 72 hours, allowing flexibility to explore at your leisure.
As a self-guided tour, participants will receive a guidebook that contains essential information to maximize their experience.
Alternative options encompass transportation by bus or train, along with the opportunity for a live guide for those who seek further insights.
7. Bordeaux Lunch Cruise
Observing Bordeaux from the deck of a leisurely moving boat represents a distinctive experience that often leaves a lasting impression on first-time visitors.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is replete with historical, architectural, and cultural sites that are worthy of exploration.
While gliding along the River Garonne, guests will receive commentary about the landmarks observed, and likely discover new aspects they wish to investigate further after the tour concludes.
A three-course meal, comprising an appetizer, main dish, and dessert, is included in the tour price.
8. La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket with Wine Tasting
Although Bordeaux is renowned as one of the world’s leading wine capitals, it also features an attraction named La Cité du Vin, which includes nearly two dozen exhibits centered around regional viticulture.
La Cité du Vin is an impressive venue with both interior and exterior features. This attraction is particularly beneficial for visitors unfamiliar with the region, as it encompasses aspects of history, culture, and lore, in addition to its wine focus.
This skip-the-line ticket coupled with a wine tasting is an excellent opportunity for independent travelers. Guests typically spend approximately three hours at the site before venturing on to other attractions.
Audio guides in eight languages are provided for a comprehensive experience.
9. Bordeaux City Discovery Game
For many active travelers, conventional guided tours can occasionally prove to be somewhat mundane.
Fortunately, alternative options exist that allow participants to engage with both their companions and their surroundings; the City Discovery Game is one such option.
Utilizing their cellphones, participants will employ their problem-solving abilities to answer riddles, guiding them from one attraction to another.
With a total of 12 stops, each location uncovers intriguing facets of the city’s history that might otherwise go unnoticed.
This interactive tour is particularly well-suited for families with children as well as groups of friends seeking a memorable adventure.
10. Private Welcome to Bordeaux Walking Tour with a Local
Simply don a decent hat, carry a couple of water bottles, and wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy Bordeaux during this private walking tour with a local guide.
Unlike larger tours that rely on buses and vans, walking tours offer a close-up perspective that leads to more intimate and memorable experiences.
Guests will meet their guide at their hotel, familiarize themselves with their neighborhood, and then venture out to explore many of Bordeaux’s most significant landmarks.
Short walking tours serve as excellent introductory activities for individuals eager to quickly acclimate to the city.
11. Wine and Food Tasting at St. Emilion’s Chateau Terrace
From chateaus and bistros to vineyards and cafes, the culinary landscape in Bordeaux is rich with offerings for food enthusiasts.
While hurried travelers frequently devote considerable time moving from one site to another, ample opportunities exist for those wishing to relax, savor, and indulge in the pleasures of life for a few hours.
This wine and food tasting experience occurs at St. Emilion’s Chateau Terrace wine bar, which overlooks picturesque vineyards.
Participants will taste three distinct wines from various regions whilst enjoying soothing music and a selection of delicious tapas dishes.
12. Bordeaux: Full-Day Countryside Tour
The Bordeaux countryside showcases stunning natural beauty, expansive vineyards, award-winning wineries, and a plethora of historical sites.
Although it may seem overwhelming to experience so much in one day, it is quite manageable.
This ten-hour excursion begins early and includes round-trip transportation alongside the service of a knowledgeable local guide.
Stops include the breathtaking sand dunes of Pilat, the scenic Arcachon Bay, and the renowned Medoc wine region.
Guests will have opportunities to pause, appreciate the beauty, and learn about the locations visited.
The tour also includes guided wine tastings, a picnic-style lunch featuring fresh oysters, and entry fees for two chateaus.
13. Bordeaux by Night Private Citroën 2CV Tour
If you have never experienced riding in a vintage Citroën 2CV, you are in for a remarkable experience on this night tour of Bordeaux.
Old Citroëns are typically compact, noisy, and have limited space.
However, they are also quintessentially French, providing a unique and romantic means to explore one of the country’s iconic cities.
Tour durations are available for either 45 or 90 minutes and will take guests past notable sites like the Place des Quinconces, the Grand Theater, the Quays of the Garonne, and St. Michael’s Basilica.
By night, many attractions are beautifully illuminated, creating an extraordinary perspective that is exceptionally appealing to photographers.
14. Winery and Wine Bar Tour
For genuine wine enthusiasts, there is perhaps no more enticing destination than Bordeaux, France.
In contrast to other wine tours that tend to concentrate solely on tastings, this comprehensive winery and wine bar tour provides participants with profound insights into the entire winemaking process.
Lasting approximately four hours, the tours begin in mid-morning and include bus transportation, an English-speaking guide, and visits to both a winery and a wine bar.
Multiple tastings are included, along with light snacks that complement the wines, such as fresh bread, olives, cheese, and assorted deli meats.
Though the tours conclude shortly after 1:00 PM, guests are welcome to remain at the wine bar for additional leisure.
15. Craft Distilleries and Cognac Vineyards Private Tour
The grape-growing regions surrounding Bordeaux are responsible for producing some of the world’s most desired wines; additionally, cognac is another beloved product of the region.
This tour includes excursions to two cognac estates operated by local families.
Visitors will tour the distillation facility, discover the intricacies of barrel aging, understand why the area is ideally suited for cognac production, and sample a range of the estates’ finest vintages.
Tours are conducted exclusively from Monday to Friday and include lunch and refreshments at a quaint village restaurant before making the scenic journey back to Bordeaux.
