Bordeaux is a paradise for drink lovers and an incredibly beautiful city. I was there for the first time in 2010 and have been a big fan ever since. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the XVIII century, and the whole city is full of upscale drink bars, excellent restaurants and good upscale shops. It’s a super nice city (my favorite country road is here).
Bordeaux is a paradise for drink lovers and an incredibly beautiful city. I was there for the first time in 2010 and have been a big fan ever since. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the XVIII century, and the whole city is full of upscale drink bars, excellent restaurants and good upscale shops. It’s a super nice city (my favorite country road is here).
Although these are the best free and paid tours in the city, Bordeaux has much more to offer. Here are five more insightful and instructive tour operators:
1. Bordeaux Tourist Office
The official tourist office offers a handful of tours, although its guided hike is the most popular choice for first-time visitors. This is a great two-hour introduction led by an experienced local guide who can help you think outside the box, show you the highlights of the landscape and shed some light on the city’s past.
You can also join a half-day vineyard tour, stopping at one or two drinkries (depending on the day) to learn more about the importance of drink for the region and culture. You will also get acquainted with the drinkmaking process and also receive samples. It is an affordable and fun introduction to the Bordeaux drinkry.
2. France as a native
If you have a sweet tooth, France Like a Local offers a delicious tour of pastry shops and bakeries, perfect for travelers who want to be pampered. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes stops at more than half a dozen shops where you can taste fresh bread, pastries and chocolate, including favorites such as Pain au Chocolat, White Dunes and canelés.
In addition to many sweet treats, you will also see many highlights as you explore the historic city center. And since the tours are limited to only 10 people, you will have plenty of time to chat with the guide, ask questions and chat with the bakers and business owners whose shop you will be visiting.
In addition to many sweet treats, you will also see many highlights as you explore the historic city center. And since the tours are limited to only 10 people, you will have plenty of time to chat with the guide, ask questions and chat with the bakers and business owners whose shop you will be visiting.
If art is not your thing, there is a secret walk (also in French) that highlights the myths, legends and haunting ghost stories of the medieval city. It’s an interesting mix of history and secret that lasts for 90 minutes.
4. La Croizille and Tour de Baladoz castles
If you want to get out of town, this drink and picnic tour is the perfect getaway. And with only 48 , it won’t break the bank either. The hotel is located in Saint-Emilion, a picturesque area, less than an hour from Bordeaux.Here you can enjoy the breathtaking view during the picnic, enjoy drink and a delicious meal before your visit. After your picnic, explore two vineyards (one traditional, one modern) and learn about their history and production methods, including growing and harvesting grapes and bottling drinks. Of course, there will also be more rehearsals!
Just note that transportation to the departure of the tour is not included, so you will have to arrange yours from Bordeaux.
5. Hiking trails
If you are a night owl, Wanderer Footsteps offers fun evening tours that revive the city and its past. Firstly, there is a ghost tour that explores the scary side of things. You will hear about tragic lovers, ghosts and much more as you stem through the historic downtown. It is an entertaining mix of history and legend and a perfect complement to all the standard hikes mentioned above.
