We plan to be in Bordeaux for five days at the end of May - beginning of June and would love recommendations for things to do in Bordeaux or day trips to take from there. We will have just finished a ten day bike trip in the Dordogne and will go to Paris for a few days after we leave Bordeaux. We've spent time in France but do not know Bordeaux. We like art, being active, and of course wine. Thank you in advance for sharing your ideas.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
If you will have a car, a drive to Arcachon with a stop at the Dune du Pilat on the way would be fun. St Emilion is not too far, either, and is a very pretty town. You might also google St Emilion Tourism and see what is suggested.
Posted by
New York
142 posts
In Bordeaux, it's all about the food and wine. Here are some places we enjoyed when we were there last month:
Go to Marche des Quais early in the day. The food is beautiful. Put together a picnic and enjoy it at the Jardin Public. If they are still available, have a plate of fresh oysters and a glass of wine at the market for about 8 euros. Another market is Capuchins. Very traditional.
Go to Entre Deux Vin (193 Rue Fondaudege) for unique local wines. The owner is a lovely women and the wines are delicious and reasonable.
Try out one of the restaurants recently opened by wonderful young chefs. We had a great lunch at Garopapilles. (Prices are very reasonable for lunch in gourmet restaurants.)
The TI (Tourist Information) office can hook you up with guides. There are bike trips, but we opted for a shuttle to a vineyard because it was too chilly to bike.
Wander around. Bordeaux has lots of little undiscovered nooks and crannies. Talk to the residents ... They really want to practice their English and appreciate you trying to speak French to them.
We loved Bordeaux and cannot wait to return.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
24 posts
Thank you Susan and Norma for your great ideas!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Saint Emilion is very attractive - make sure if possible that you get a tour of the underground cave church there. You can get to Saint Emilion by train without a car, but there is about a twenty minute walk from the station to the village on a road with no sidewalk, so be careful.
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
307 posts
Shopping in Bordeaux should include - Cadiot Badie, a chocolate shop since 1826. They are famous for their Diamant Noire, ganache filled truffles with macerated raisons & Kirsch - infused cherries dipped in chocolate. Chocolaterie Saunion is also a classic.
Jean D'Alos for cheese and La Toque Cuivree for caneles. The beautiful wine shop across from the opera, L'Intendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux, is a must! All these shops are near each other in the Golden Triangle area of central Bordeaux.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
A great place to pick up cheese and other food items is the Capuchins Marche. I believe there are at least 2 great cheese stalls there. And any other food item you might need.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
24 posts
Thank you Gail and Robert,
I'm hungry just thinking about it :)
And may I say what a great forum this is for current and specific information?
Thanks all and I would love any ideas for day trips (including wine tours) from Bordeaux- I know there are many options. We will already be in St Emilion at the end of the bike trip.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
24 posts
And thank you Philip too
Posted by
Canada
9 posts
I would highly recommend a visit to the Cite du Vin (wine museum) in Bordeaux! Plan to spend at least two hours there. After you view the interactive exhibits, head to the top floor for a glass of wine (included with your ticket) and spectacular views of the city! I would also agree with a visit to St. Emilion. It's a beautifully preserved medieval town - not to be missed if you have the time!