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City of Bordeaux

Posted by (Twin Cities of MN) on

I am spending a day (9/1) in the City of Bordeaux. The next day we will set out on a road trip starting with a bit of the Bordeaux wine region (Blaye, Margaux, Medoc, and St. Emilion)

As I look at what we want to do in the city, I'm finding a lot of interest and I'm looking for help narrowing it down. I blame Rick Steves! (KIDDING) he has always made Bordeaux seem uninteresting!

  1. In terms of towers for views, There is Saint-Andre, Grosse Cloche, and La Fleche Saint-Michel. I can pick one, anyone have any thoughts on this?
  2. Palais Rohan. Who has visited here? For how long? Worthwhile?
  3. Center National Jean Moulin (resitance museum). Excited about this. How long should I plan on spending here?
  4. We'll do the UNESCO Heritage walking tour, stopping at Notre-Dame, Cathedrale Saint-Andre, St-Pierre and walk down to see Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas.
  5. We decided to not do La Cite du Vin. In terms of a short wine experience to introduce us to Bordeaux (we do know a fair amount about wine and Bordeaux wine, have watched the Great Courses CDs for French wine, etc.) would anyone recommend stopping at the bar at Ecole du vin Bordeaux? or tasting at Chateaux Haut-Brion?

In terms of the wine region, we will do a short drive to see sights (especially Blaye and St-Emilion) For winery stops, we are thinking of the following, Chateau Monconseil near Blaye, In Margaux, Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudiere and Chateau d'Arsac. In St-Emilion, Maison du Vin and the Vineyard Loop Drive. Between St-Emilion and Bergerac, Chateau Lestevenie.

Can anyone recommend a specific driving route that would be more scenic. We plan to leave Bordeaux city by driving the right bank up to Blaye, cross the river and drive through Margaux and Medoc and then back to Bordeaux city.

Posted by
136 posts

Jules, you seem well prepared. Too bad you only have one day in the city. There is plenty to see and do. I can only add a couple of comments:
1. Bordeaux has a great tram system. Consider buying a day pass. You have a busy day planned and the tram could save you some time.
2. Agree on skipping the Cite du Vin. It's rather superficial and kind of expensive. You seem to be familiar enough with the wines already.
3. If you have the time and are in the area the Ecole du Vin Bordeaux is an excellent lunch or snack stop. There charcuterie plates are excellent, the wine selection is pretty good and the servers are very knowledgeable.
4. Before you go read up on the history of the city. It's complex and fascinating. Did you know Bordeaux was an English city for 298 years?

Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
6481 posts

Yes, Robbie, there is so much history! If we had more time we'd go to Musee' D'Aquitaine, too! Fortunately, Bordeaux seems to be at a bit of a transportation hub so we could get back at some point.

I should make it more clear. We have one day to spend in the city. The next day, we pick up a car and will drive the Right and Left Banks of the wine region.

Posted by
6481 posts

Robbie! Decision made. Thank you. I looked at the wine list for the bar at Ecole du Vin Bordeaux. We can construct a nice tasting right there and we won't have to bus or uber (bolt) to a winery on the outskirts of town. Ecole du Vin is right on our walking tour. I don't suppose you did any of the towers for views??

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