How to spend a long weekend in Bordeaux
The name Bordeaux conjures the image of fields of vineyards and bottles of ruby red vintages; no surprise, then, that it's home to the Cité du Vin museum, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year.
Yet, among the Grand Crus and wine cellars is a lacework of cobblestone streets lined with elegant 18th-century classical and neoclassical architecture, lining the bank of the crescent-shaped Garonne River, which gave Bordeaux a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
I like Bordeaux, mainly because I am a wine drinker. Although non-drinkers will be glad to know that not everything in Bordeaux is wine-related. This is a city that embraces its history and encourages its progressive culture.
The historical monuments, grand chateaux, great museums and public nature spaces are just a few things that don't revolve around wine, and those seeking trends will be delighted by the former warehouse spaces that are now fashionable hangouts for the hip and young at heart. Here's how to spend a weekend in Aquitaine's capital, whether you drink wine or not.
Where to stay: find a comfortable home from home in Bordeaux with Pierre & Vacances*, which has different properties located in and around the city.
Friday afternoon
Once you've settled into your accommodation, it's time to explore. Join a walking tour of the Old Town to learn about the city's history and architecture.
You'll have a chance to see all the major sights such as Gross Cloche, Girondins Monument, Port Cailhau and the buildings of the national opera and the Parliament. There's also the Place de la Bourse and its famous Miroir d'eau, the mirror fountain.
The walking tour is also a great way to orient yourself and spot any wine bars, cafés and restaurants you'd like to dine in during the weekend.
Once you've familiarised yourself with the city on land, see it from the river that made its fortune a long time ago. Bordeaux was once a thriving commercial port, known as the 'Port of the Moon' for its location at the bend of the river.
Friday evening
Board a sunset aperitif and wine tasting cruise with Les Bateaux Bordelais and spend just over an hour seeing the city from a different perspective, while sipping on the wines that are synonymous with its name.
Later, have dinner in one of Bordeaux's fine dining restaurants, for the city is home to more than 10 Michelin-starred restaurants ranging from traditional dishes to more contemporary culinary creations.
Saturday morning
It isn't always the best advice to give, but visit Cité du Vin in the morning before noon to take advantage of the CityPass entry.
The futuristic landmark is the temple of worship for Bordeaux's most famous export, where the art of winemaking is so celebrated here that you'd be forgiven for thinking wine pours out of its public fountains.
Best of all, it is a fun museum to visit even if you don't like wine, as the multi-media, immersive elements of the exhibits make it enjoyable for everyone.
You can easily spend a couple of hours getting through the exhibits, learning about soil habitats, world wine regions and their specialities, getting hands-on with the aromas and characteristics of wine and play a game or two, like finding out your wine personality.
At the end of the visit, head up to the degustation bar to claim your tasting glass of wine. For non-drinkers, there are non-alcoholic options on offer to make sure no one feels left out.
Top tip: buy a Bordeaux CityPass online to get unlimited public transport (including the tram to and from the airport) for the duration you purchase, as well as entry to museums including Cité du Vin and discounts on guided tours.
Saturday afternoon & evening
Depending on how long you spend at Cité du Vin, it might be time for a light lunch before visiting some of the great arts and cultural museums in the Old Town.
Other than the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is always a popular choice, the Musée d'art Contemporain de Bordeaux is known for its eclectic selection of artworks housed in a former warehouse.
The Bassins de Lumières dedicates itself to the digitally animated art movement. If you're interested in the history of the Aquitaine region, visit Musée d'Aquitaine and the Musée National des Douanes to learn about French customs and how the country managed its commercial imports.
If it's a sunny, warm day, nature lovers might like to consider spending the afternoon at the beach. No, not the Atlantic as it's quite a distance to get there, but at the sandy beach of Lac de Bordeaux, to the north of the city.
This pretty little lake has a designated swimming area that is open in summer, and is surrounded by walking trails and a few entertainment options.
Sunday morning
Join the locals for a Sunday brunch at the city's coolest hangout. On the right bank near the Botanical Gardens, you'll find Darwin Eco-système, a social space converted from disused military barracks, which is the place to hang out. In high contrast to the elegant Old Town, there is a youthful edge here.
There is a skatepark in an old hangar, and the complex is alive with an artisan bakery and deli, a wine bar and tap rooms, alternative retail, café, grocers and a space for artists and exhibitions.
Sunday afternoon
Still have some time to spare in Bordeaux? Stroll along the Garonne on the right bank after visiting Darwin. The right bank of the river once received little attention, but the development of the tram finally made it easier for both locals and visitors to visit.
The gardens along the riverfront are lovely for a stroll, as well as the Botanic Gardens and its varied sections of plants. There is an old, sheltered well serving as a monumental library, with works displayed that warn humanity against the rise of technology.
This is also one of the best vantage locations for a panoramic view of the Old Town across the river, a postcard moment for your last hours in this historic city.
Climate in Bordeaux
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  10 |
11 |
 14 |
 17 |
 20 |
 23 |
 26 |
26 |
 24 |
19 |
13 |
10 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  17 |
 15 |
15 |
15 |
16 |
 12 |
10 |
12 |
12 |
13 |
15 |
16 |
The above guide shows the climate in Bordeaux. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in France.
Ready to discover Bordeaux? Check out the latest offers on escapes with Pierre & Vacances, which has properties for all budgets across France.
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