There is one name in the world of fine wine that is hallowed the world over. This revered wine region has influenced almost the entirety of New World wines, and sets the standard for what is considered “fine wine”. It is, of course – Bordeaux.
Breathtakingly beautiful Bordeaux is the capital of Southwest France, and the largest urban area ever to receive UNESCO world heritage acclaim.
Bordeaux is a vibrant, stylish, and innovative wine capital, hemmed in by green, sun-drenched vineyards, and bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. This stunning region gifts you the most perfect venues and vistas for your Bordeaux wine tours; guaranteed to enhance your enjoyment and love of Bordeaux wine forever.
The City
Once you arrive in Bordeaux and start to explore, you will be left in no doubt why UNESCO blessed this world-class city. A perfect example of the blend of ancient and contemporary on offer in the city of Bordeaux is found in the elegant symmetry of the grand Place de la Bourse, which is gracefully juxtaposed and reflected within with the miroir-d’eau (water mirror) : a must visit. In Bordeaux you can visit absorbing museums, relax within charming squares and parks, and shop in high fashion boutiques. Or perhaps you might like to climb the 229 steps of the flamboyantly gothic Pey-Berland tower to enjoy glorious panoramic views of the city.
There are many ways to explore Bordeaux – each giving a different experience and unique memories for a lifetime:
– On foot – to take in every little exquisitely French detail, as you traverse the cobbles of the atmospheric historical centre;
– Via the historically important river Garonne – to meander past and take in the city from a different vantage point;
– Or perhaps zip around easily and efficiently using the modern tram system, to see as much of the city as possible.
However you choose to spend your time, Bordeaux will seduce you with its beauty and magnetic vibe.
Wine Tourism
“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.” – Keats
Bordeaux is a region of excellence, influence, and has been producing fine wine for centuries.
Prepare to be surprised and delighted on a vineyards tour, where you will learn about and taste many different Bordeaux wines. Cruises, tailor-made tours, and hands-on workshops will add that memorably magic touch to your trip. Within the city you will find the Cité du Vin museum – a true temple dedicated to wine which is an immersive museum experience, and not to be missed.
Most people also associate Bordeaux with its quintessentially French, and utterly exquisite, array of Chateaux. They are the pinnacle of wine romance and are absolutely not to be missed. The wine tours and tastings on offer in the Bordeaux Chateaux are experiences that will hold a special place in your memory. Memories that will be fondly recalled every time Bordeaux wines pass your lips over the many years to follow. When planning your wine tours, make sure you don’t miss our selection of the best wineries to visit, which you can find here.
Wine and Chateaux aside, there is plenty to keep you busy in Bordeaux and the Gironde region: 180 kilometres of beaches, thousands of hectares of woodland to roam, hundreds of rambling paths and beautiful spots to discover.
Some specific ideas to inspire your Bordeaux adventures are: the Gironde estuary and the Cordouan lighthouse in the Medoc area; the colourful seaside resorts along the ocean; the Bassin d’Arcachon and Cap Ferret, centres for oyster farming and natural home for birds; Blaye, on the right bank of the Gironde estuary (on the Unesco World Heritage list since 2008); Saint Emilion, an enchanting medieval town perched on a hillside, overlooking its reputed vineyards (also Unesco World Heritage listed); then, do not forget to make a stop by the beautiful wineries of the Sauternes appellation or to go cycling in the rolling hills of Entre-deux-Mers!
We cannot wait to welcome you in Bordeaux so come here to experience the “A la Bordelaise” lifestyle!
