Bordeaux in January?

Hi bnelson210,
January is a fine month to visit Bordeaux. The weather will be cool, wet and gray but there is still a lot to do. And, you will find the oysters that you seek! :-) Arcachon is typically where the oysters will be coming from, and it is a charming seaside town, but you might find a lot closed there in January. You should be able to find fresh oysters brought in daily from Archachon all over Bordeaux, though.

If the weather is rainy, you could visit La Cité du vin, Bassins des Lumières, Musée d'Aquitaine, Opéra, etc. For up-to-date information on the local Bordeaux activities, I'd suggest checking out www.lostinbordeaux.com. She has all the latest and greatest info (in English) on her website and blog.

There is also plenty of wine tasting to be done, rain or shine. Most of the big producers will be open in January though some smaller wineries may be closed. Typically you will need a reservation to taste though it is often more relaxed in January as it's not high tourist season. It is easy to access wineries in Pessac-Léognan and St. Émilion by transit (tram or train.) The greater Médoc (Paulliac, St. Estèphe, Margaux, etc.) is best visited with a car (or tour.)

We've taken EasyJet Bordeaux-Lisbon and is a good choice IMO. Quick and easy.

Thank you so much, Kimberly! That was a lot of info, well presented and concise! Bravo! Merci!

Get a car and take a ride over to the caves at Lascaux. Not only is that a good destination on it's own but the area around that is where some of the best goose pate comes from.

The scenery in January won't be much, you should expect rain and wind, but I like wine country no matter the weather.

Thanks, but have been to Lascaux before. Stayed several days in Sarlat-la-Canada and know what you mean about the pate (and the foie too)!
Focusing on Bordeaux this trip.

Hi Bnelson,

January is not the most ideal time for winery visits as many wine makers are blending at this time. However, wineries with established tourism programs will take visitors.

The best resource to use for winery visits is Sauvistication (www.sauvistication.com). It's genuine and was created by connoisseurs for this very purpose.

Safe Travels!

As a serious connoisseur, I don't prefer ‘Lost in Bordeaux’. The woman who runs it is registered in an affiliate program with Rue Des Vignerons. Most of the wineries she is recommending are ones that will pay her a commission if you book from her link. She is just trying to make a buck off of you. A lot of the wineries she is recommending are not ones worth visiting if you are travelling from overseas. Some of them aren’t even good wineries.

My favourite website to use is the Wine Cellar Insider. Sauvistication is ok, but not as detailed.

Re Lost in Bordeaux, I want to explain that it is a good resource for ALL things Bordeaux, not just wine. Locals and tourists alike use her site to see what's happening. It is her business, so of course there will be ads however, I have never, ever had to 'pay' an affiliate fee nor have I used the Rues des vignerons (I, too, feel the Rues des Vignerons app/site is unnecessary.) I will add, as a serious wine connoisseur myself who has worked in the wine industry for decades, Lost in Bordeaux offers some solid suggestions for those looking to experience a 'taste' of Bordeaux. I agree that if the whole purpose of your trip is to take a deep dive in to tasting and learning about the greater Bordeaux wine region, something such as the Wine Cellar Insider is a good guide.

I've made some light edits here. This is a reminder that you are to share your own advice without negatively juxtaposing it to that of others. There is plenty of space for differing recommendations here. Thanks, everyone.