Ultimate Three Day Guide to Bordeaux France
Bordeaux France is known for its rich history and premium wine production, and I believe that this city is an excellent destination for solo travelers who are seasoned and even beginners. It’s safe and walkable, the locals are hospitable.
The biggest reason why I wanted to travel to Bordeaux is while we lived in Poland I had the opportunity to learn more about Bordeaux through our French NATO counterparts, who generously shared their knowledge of various French wine regions—Bordeaux being a standout. Of course long before I met them I had this beautiful city on my list. Their insights only fueled my desire to visit!
Fortunately, I had an upcoming trip to San Sebastian, Spain, which is conveniently just three hours away from Bordeaux by train and bus. Additionally, there are economical flights available from Milan to Bordeaux, making it an accessible destination. My goal here is to provide a comprehensive guide that highlights both activities within Bordeaux and those just outside the city. And the pinnacle of this trip? An exhilarating E-Bike Tour through St. Emilion!
Read on for the Ultimate Guide to Bordeaux France
Table of contents
- How to Get to Bordeaux France
- How to Get Around Bordeaux France
- Staying Safe in Bordeaux
- Where To Stay in Bordeaux
- Guide to Bordeaux: Day 1
- Guide to Bordeaux France: Day 2 Discovering St. Emilion
- Guide to Bordeaux: Day 3 No Diet Food Club Tour
- Guide to Bordeaux: If You Have More Time
- What to Bring to France and Important Information
- Conclusion
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.
How to Get to Bordeaux France
No guide is complete without talking about how to get to Bordeaux! Bordeaux has an international airport, the code is BOD. Airlines like RyanAir, Lufthansa, KLM, Vueling, Turkish Airlines, and Delta fly in and out of Bordeaux. The airport is small and about an hour away from the city center. I use sights like Google Flights to explore options.
Gare Saint-Jean is the main train station in Bordeaux, France. It connects the city to the rest of France via the SNCF train network. It’s fairly easy to navigate, and for the Americans who love Starbucks, they even have a location onsite (I prefer local coffee shops) You can purchase train tickets here SNCF
How to Get Around Bordeaux France
Transportation in Bordeaux is a convenient and efficient way to explore the city. I found it easy to use the tram system for getting around. If you need to purchase tickets, the conveniently located kiosks are user-friendly and offer an English-language option. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel for assistance. Alternatively, the tourism office can provide helpful guidance as well.
TAXIS, TRAMS AND UBERS
They have a taxi bay outside of the arrivals door of the airport, Travel time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. The standard fare is between 30 and 40 euros. The TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) tram network is excellent. It covers over 65 kilometers of track, with 117 stops across three tramlines, and it’s not confusing at all. Keep in mind, while it is inexpensive, it takes a while to get to the city center. If you are a fan of Uber and Bolt, you can use this transportation method as well.
Staying Safe in Bordeaux
When I was creating this guide to Bordeaux, I wanted to touch on safety. What I loved about Bordeaux is that I felt safe enough to walk around everywhere within the city center. I was able to discover interesting alleyways and beautiful plazas. If this isn’t for you, or you need more accessible options there is a wide variety of transportation methods.
If you’re walking around the city, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings. Additionally, I highly recommend exercising caution, especially at night. Consider keeping your purse close to you or opting for a cross-body bag. Speaking of which, here’s my favorite (not affiliated or sponsored)
Baggallini Take Two RFID Bryant Crossbody
Caden Mirrorless Waterproof Compartment Backpack
We all come from different backgrounds and these shape our perspectives on solo travel. If you are new to the Solo Travel world and YOU feel confident enough to pursue solo traveling to Bordeaux, then do it!
Where To Stay in Bordeaux
I chose to stay at Hotel Du Theatre, which is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Bordeaux France. It’s a fantastic choice for Solo Female Travelers because:
Hotel Du Theatre (Mid-Range)
- Central Location: Nestled near the Grand Théâtre and Rue Sainte-Catherine (the famous shopping street), the hotel provides seamless access to Bordeaux’s main attractions. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or treating yourself to retail therapy, everything lies within walking distance.
- Unique Rooms: Hotel du Théâtre boasts 23 individually and creatively decorated rooms. Each room features its own theme, such as Hawaii, Africa, or Namaste. Prepare for delightful surprises around every corner!
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Transformed by passionate travelers, the hotel exudes a cozy and inviting vibe. Notably, the staff was incredibly helpful when I needed information about getting around. They even facilitated my tram ticket purchase at the front desk, offering various options. As an extra touch, they provided earplugs in case the nearby café became too noisy at night.
Of course, here is an interactive map where you can search for hotels that meet your needs **Affiliate Link**
Guide to Bordeaux: Day 1
Breakfast
I embarked on my day at the beautiful coffee shop, The Books and Coffee. The brunch was simply amazing, serving as a perfect way to kick off my day of exploring the city. Conveniently located by the old 18th-century clock tower, the café was blissfully quiet in the early morning hours when it first opened. With my pick of seating, I naturally chose the patio, allowing me to savor my brunch with a view of the Bell Tower.
I opted for their Formule Brunch, a delightful way to start the day. For a mere USD 30, they served me three courses that left me utterly impressed. The meal included yogurt with muesli topped with fresh strawberries and granola, a hashbrown crowned with an over-easy egg, bacon, and cheese sauce, and finally, a delectable stack of pancakes adorned with chantilly, pistachios, strawberries, and caramel sauce. This indulgence felt justified, especially considering I was about to walk 20,000 steps.
Free Walking Tour of Bordeaux
Next, I went on a Free Walking Tour of Bordeaux. As a solo female traveler, I adore taking free walking tours (or any tour, for that matter). Not only was I able to explore the city, but it also provided an opportunity to connect with fellow visitors. Plus, supporting the local economy feels rewarding. On this tour, you’ll visit the main sights, including the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, and the stunning neoclassical theatre. But that’s not all—you’ll also discover hidden and lesser-known gems!
Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
I made my way over to the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts the largest fine arts collection in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, featuring over 8,200 works of art. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in art within a beautiful setting. Therefore, I highly recommend a visit
Night One Dinner
To top off the evening, I decided visit to Le Bar à Vin. Le Bar A Vin is in a very central location and has a comprehensive list of wines from the region. I was able to enjoy a few glasses of wine and a charcuterie board full of local cheese and meats.
I wanted to eat at L’Entrecote, however, I watched as people lined up to get into the restaurant, the line being long I decided it wasn’t for me. Every time I walked by it, the line detracted from my need to actually eat there. I instead wandered over to a Korean restaurant called Yum Yum. Where I had some of the best Kimchi and Bibimbap outside of Korea. If you’d like to check it out: Yum Yum
Guide to Bordeaux France: Day 2 Discovering St. Emilion
If you have ever wanted to see the wine country in St. Emilion and Pomerol this is the perfect guided tour!
I found this tour on Viator The Ultimate Ebike Tour of St. Emilion with Picnic Lunch **affiliate link**
Our amazing guide picked us up at the Tourism Office conveniently just a two-minute walk from Hotel du Theatre and we settled in for the 30-minute ride to St. Emilion. When we got to the region I was STUNNED at how beautiful this area is, with rolling hills and chateaus everywhere. Everything was green from recent rains, and it was beautiful.
Our E-bikes awaited us at Chateau Grangey. After a brief fitting session, we were ready to hit the road! We toured the countryside that was flanked by vineyards and made a few brief stops to talk about different chateaus. At our first stop, we had a tasting of wine and a tour of their facilities and then sat down for a picnic which consisted of a quiche, charcuterie, and dessert!
Moreover, this comprehensive bike tour allowed us to explore not only the charming medieval town of St. Emilion but also its remarkable monolithic church Carved out of limestone in the early 12th century, this underground church was created as a single block—a grand reliquary church for pilgrims visiting the tomb of the patron saint, St. Emilion. And don’t miss the bell tower! Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it stands as the pinnacle of Saint-Emilion. Climbing its 196 steps rewards you with a breathtaking view of the city and its surrounding landscape. Remember, special reservations are required through the tourist office in St. Emilion!
St. Emilion is full of former washhouses that are now beautiful resting spots within the town. You’ll find a mix of everything here, from cheese shops to historical bits.
How Long Is the Tour of St.Emilion
The tour is about 8 hours and worth every penny because you get to have conversations with the producers and they teach you a lot about the work that goes into cultivating the wine in the region. St. Emilion is known for it’s Grand Cru Classe A and B.
Grand Cru wine production in St. Emilion involves meticulous vineyard selection, emphasizing exceptional terroir. Producers cultivate grape varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Franc, hand-harvesting at optimal ripeness. After destemming, grapes undergo fermentation and maceration. The resulting wine ages in oak barrels, where it blends and matures. The final product reflects the unique St. Emilion terroir.
Regarding labeling and classification, St. Emilion has its own system. Premier Grand Cru Classe A and B designate top estates, while Grand Cru Classe includes 71 others. Additionally, wines labeled as St. Emilion Grand Cru adhere to appellation rules. However, climate change poses challenges. Rising temperatures, extreme events, and vintage variations impact wine quality. Producers adapt by changing practices and exploring new terroirs. Despite these challenges, St. Emilion remains a beacon of exceptional winemaking
Dinner
There are a plethora of places to eat but I chose to eat at Le Michel’s after hearing about it from someone on our tour. They mentioned trying the Croq Monsieur because it was so delicious. I am here to tell you that they were not wrong! This bad boy was one of the heartiest meals I had in a while.
Guide to Bordeaux: Day 3 No Diet Food Club Tour
For my last full day in Bordeaux, I chose to take a food tour. Not just any food tour, but The No Diet Food Club Tour. This day was completely devoted to getting food in my belly—after all, why not? The No Diet Club offers a unique food tour in Bordeaux, introducing you to the city’s culinary gems. Led by passionate guides, this small-group tasting tour takes you through the charming Chartrons neighborhood. Prepare to indulge your taste buds with an array of flavors, from savory cheese and burgers to sweet canelés.
The highlight of this food tour? The curry mussels and fries. Holy moly, it was delicious! I came into this tour having never tried mussels, and I left a total fan! You can find this tour on Get Your Guide (affiliate link)
That evening I kept it simple for dinner and Checked out TigerMilk. Tigermilk is a delicious Mexican fusion restaurant and to be completely honest it was on the mark. I ate their pulled pork tacos, which were cooked and seasoned to perfection and the perfect portion sizes for one person.
The waitstaff was extremely nice to me, they had zero issues with seating a solo diner. Often it can be hard for restaurants to fulfill seating for one, but they had no problems.
Guide to Bordeaux: If You Have More Time
If you have more time in the Bordeaux area here is what I would recommend:
- Day trip to Dune of Pilat – The Dune of Pilat, also known as the Great Dune of Pilat, stands as Europe’s tallest sand dune. Located in La Teste-de-Buch, France, it stretches 2.7 kilometers from north to south and reaches a height of 106.6 meters above sea level. This dynamic dune constantly shifts, moving about 5 meters eastward each year due to prevailing winds. Its unique location near the Arcachon basin offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, pine forests, and the Banc d’Arguin.
- Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings from Bordeaux – Enjoy the idyllic scenery and world-class wines on a half-day wine tour of the Médoc region from Bordeaux. Visit two classified growth chateaux wine estates for guided wine tastings. Admire the spectacular scenery surrounding them and along the drives. Pass other famous chateaux, such as Palmer and Chateaux Margaux.
What to Bring to France and Important Information
- Travel plug adapter, France there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins, and plug type E is the plug that has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz
- Getting a Rental Car? Don’t forget your International Drivers Permit is required, you can get this from AAA. AAA INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE
- Pack accordingly, pay attention to the weather, and leave extra space for all the wine you’ll want to bring back.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at various drinking fountains.
- It can be easy to get by in Bordeaux with a bit of French, it doesn’t hurt to try and speak a bit of the language. Merci and Bonjour go a long, long way!
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide to Bordeaux France helps you plan your trip! Leave a comment below if you are headed there or have any questions!
Curious about other destinations in France? I’ve got you!
Discovering Menton: A Franco-Italian Gem on the French Riveria
Want to Explore San Sebastian?
From Beaches to Basque Cusine: How to Spend a Week in San Sebastian
