Six of the Best Things to Do in Bordeaux
A guide to experiencing Bordeaux's wine, food, history, and hospitality.
Bordeaux, a city renowned for its world-class wine and gastronomy, offers a rich blend of history, exceptional food, and warm hospitality.
Wine Tasting
A visit to Le Bar à Vin, run by the CIVB (Bordeaux Wine Council), is a recommended experience. The establishment offers 30 different Bordeaux wines by the glass at affordable prices, providing an opportunity to compare Cabernet Sauvignon-led Left Bank blends with Merlot-dominant Right Bank wines. The bar is noted for being unpretentious and showcasing the diversity of Bordeaux wines. To avoid crowds, it is advised to visit between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Accommodation
The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes, located in the Chartrons district, is a five-star hotel housed in a former 19th-century wine cellar, featuring interiors designed by Philippe Starck. Guests can retreat to the spa and indoor pool when not exploring the city's culinary offerings. The Chartrons area, a 20-minute walk from the city center, is known for its antique shops, boutiques, and riverside quays. For local drinks and snacks, Le Sobre Chartrons is suggested, while Symbiose is recommended for cocktails.
Museum Exploration
The Cité du Vin, a museum situated on the quayside, is described as a 3,000-square-meter wine utopia. Its distinctive twisting metallic structure is said to evoke the swirling of wine in a glass. Visitors are encouraged to allocate at least two hours for the permanent exhibition, which explores wine from Bordeaux and beyond through sensory experiences, including interactive smell displays. The entrance fee includes a glass of wine at the eighth-floor Belvédère bar, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Dining
OST Bordeaux, a restaurant located in a former wine cellar, features warm lighting and minimalist yet cozy interiors. The restaurant's menu is concise and seasonal, blending French techniques with Asian influences. Notable dishes include the red tuna sando and confit pork belly. The dining experience is complemented by freshly made madeleines served upon departure, and the option for drinks in the lively Place du Palais.
Historic Walks
Bordeaux's historic center is best explored on foot, with significant areas pedestrianized for pleasant wandering. Engaging in a history-and-gastronomy walking tour, such as one led by local guide Bruno Beurrier, allows for exploration of streets around Cathédrale Saint-André and uncovering the city's past. Such tours often include sampling local delicacies like canelés from Boulangerie Jocteur and cheeses from Fromagerie Deruelle, often concluding at the Marché des Capucins.