Situated in southwestern France, Bordeaux is often regarded as the "posh" counterpart to Paris — stylish locals, stunning architecture, and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. But Bordeaux isn’t just about wine; it’s a place where food and culture come together beautifully.
Follow us as we take you through a 3-day itinerary exploring Bordeaux’s must-see wine regions, delightful cuisine, and hidden gems.
Day 1: Bordeaux Wineries – A Deep Dive into the World of Wine
Bordeaux is globally known for its wine, and no trip to this region is complete without immersing yourself in its world-renowned vineyards.
Château Margaux
Your journey begins with a visit to Château Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s most famous wine estates.
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Known for producing some of the world’s best wines, this château offers a glimpse into the intricacies of wine production, from grape selection to fermentation and aging. The elegant grounds and the magnificent chateau itself are worth a visit even if you’re not a wine expert.
Château Mouton-Rothschild
Next, head to Château Mouton-Rothschild, another iconic Bordeaux winery.
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Beyond the stunning wines, this château is famous for its art collection, with wine labels designed by renowned artists like Picasso and Dalí. As you tour the estate, you’ll learn how wine and art have been intertwined here for centuries.
Saint-Émilion
A visit to Bordeaux would be incomplete without experiencing the charming Saint-Émilion - a UNESCO World Heritage town.
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This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by vineyards producing some of the finest Merlot-based wines in the world. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets, explore the stunning churches, and taste the rich red wines of the region.
Day 2: Bassin d'Arcachon – Coastal Charm and Oysters
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On your second day, make your way to Bassin d'Arcachon. Located just 50km from Bordeaux, Bassin d'Arcachon it’s a stunning bay along the Atlantic coast known for its picturesque beauty and fresh seafood.
Dune du Pilat
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Begin your day with a visit to Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, standing at 110 meters. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding pine forests and the ocean. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view or just enjoy the tranquility of this natural wonder.
Oysters of Arcachon
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The Oysters of Arcachon are world-famous, and no trip to the region is complete without tasting them. The oysters here are famous for their sweet, briny flavour, thanks to the unique combination of saltwater and freshwater in the bay. You can enjoy them fresh with lemon or a mignonette sauce made from shallots and vinegar, allowing their delicate taste to shine. For an even more indulgent treat, try them grilled with garlic butter and fresh herbs, a popular preparation in the region.
Day 3: Biarritz – Surf & Style
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Take a scenic high-speed train ride for just under 2 hours from Bordeaux and you will arrive in Biarritz, a coastal gem known for its surfing culture, laid-back vibe, and Basque-influenced cuisine.
Surfing in Biarritz
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Biarritz is considered the surfing capital of France. Whether you're an avid surfer or just love to watch the waves, Biarritz offers some of the best surf breaks in Europe. The surf culture here is a big part of the town’s charm, and you’ll find plenty of surf schools if you want to give it a go yourself.
Explore Biarritz
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Take some time to wander the stylish streets of Biarritz, where you'll find boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. The town's elegant architecture, combined with its coastal setting, gives it a distinct vibe that’s hard to beat.
Bordeaux’s Culinary Delights
While Bordeaux is best known for its wine, its cuisine is just as impressive, and many dishes here have become staples throughout France.
Canelés
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You can’t visit Bordeaux without trying Canelés, the city’s signature dessert. These small, caramelised cakes have a rich, custardy centre and a crunchy exterior, flavoured with rum and vanilla. They’re the perfect treat to accompany a coffee and make for a sweet souvenir to take home.
Entrecôte Bordelaise
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A classic Bordeaux dish, Entrecôte Bordelaise features a perfectly grilled steak served with a rich, red wine-based sauce made with shallots, butter, and marrow. It’s the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a good steak, and it’s often paired with a glass of Bordeaux red.
Agneau de Pauillac
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Another iconic dish in Bordeaux is Agneau de Pauillac, a tender lamb dish that comes from the Pauillac region. The lamb is typically slow-cooked with garlic, herbs, and wine from the surrounding vineyards, resulting in a rich, aromatic flavour that is a true reflection of the land.
Recipe for Piperade – A Taste of Bordeaux Summer
Piperade, a dish that perfectly encapsulates Bordeaux's love for fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a simple yet flavourful dish made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and eggs, often served with Bayonne ham or chorizo. Piperade is traditionally a summer dish—light, comforting, and full of vibrant flavours. It’s the kind of dish that’s passed down through families and often cooked up by mothers who just throw it together using whatever is fresh in the kitchen.
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Piperade Recipe (Serves 4)
Here’s how to make Piperade, a dish beloved across southwestern France:
Ingredients:
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4 Eggs
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3 Tomatoes
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3 Red Peppers
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2 Onions
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2 Garlic Cloves
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8 slices of Chorizo (½ cm thick)
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3 slices of Bayonne Ham
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3 tablespoons of Olive Oil
Method:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the tomatoes into cubes, peel and slice the red peppers, and finely chop the garlic.
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Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened.
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Cook the Peppers: Add the sliced peppers to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing them to soften and caramelise a little.
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Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the Eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs and pour them into the pan. Cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
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Finish with Chorizo and Ham: Add the chorizo and Bayonne ham, letting them warm through for another minute before serving.
This dish is perfect with fresh crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine from the region. It’s an authentic taste of southwestern France—simple, vibrant, and utterly delicious.
Caudalie: A Brand with Bordeaux Roots
Have some spare time to relax? Caudalie Boutique Spas needs to be on your list. No visit to Bordeaux would be complete without mentioning Caudalie, a luxury skincare brand born from the region’s vineyards.
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Caudalie was born in Bordeaux, founded in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. Inspired by the antioxidant power of grapevine polyphenols, Caudalie combines the benefits of natural ingredients with luxury skincare. Their products are designed to protect, rejuvenate, and enhance the skin, all while drawing on the rich winemaking tradition of the region.
Popular Caudalie Products
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Beauty Elixir – A cult-favourite mist that refreshes, tones, and hydrates the skin, leaving it with a subtle glow.
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Vinoperfect Radiance Serum – A brightening serum that targets dark spots and uneven skin tone, offering a more radiant complexion.
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Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum – Powered by resveratrol, this serum firms and smooths the skin while reducing fine lines.
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Caudalie’s Serene Spa Experience
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Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spas, set within Bordeaux’s vineyards, offer luxurious treatments that combine grapevine polyphenols with serene surroundings, providing a full sensory experience.
Bordeaux offers a sensory feast that extends far beyond its world-class wines. Whether you're sipping wine at a grand château, enjoying fresh oysters by the Arcachon bay, or tucking into a comforting dish of Piperade, Bordeaux is a destination that showcases the best of French architecture, food, culture, and natural beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Bordeaux’s incredible cultural and culinary scenes — it's a journey you won’t forget.
A bientôt in the next edition!
