We're planning a Sept 2025 trip to the Bordeaux area to primarily enjoy exploring and tasting the wines of the region. Looking for recommendations on where to stay for a couple of nights. I'm torn between the city of Bordeaux or staying in a smaller, quaint, village like Saint-Emilion, or is there someplace else that you'd recommend based on your travel experience in the area? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! We will have a car. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
375 posts
Hi rgstricker,
Some questions for you: How many nights will you be in the Bordeaux area? Is this your first trip to Bordeaux?
If you have multiple nights, I'd suggest 2-3 nights in the city of Bordeaux itself. There is so much to see and do in the city. Along with incredible wine and food, it is steeped in history with beautiful architecture all around. Some attractions include: Cité du Vin, Musée du Vin et du Négoce, Bar à Vin, Marché des Capucins, Les Halles de Bacalan, Chartrons neighborhood, St. Pierre neighborhood, etc. You can also take the tram to some large, stately wineries within the city limits (Château Pape Clément is one such winery.)
You could then spend 1-2 nights in St. Émilion. The town itself is charming! And, of course, lots of great wine to be had. You will need to make reservations ahead of time for both restaurants and wineries. One of the fun things about visiting in September is that you can see (sometimes participate!) in les Vendanges. There is so much activity happening around the wineries in September that it does make it feel a bit more special. You are able to see the beginning of the wine making process. In St. Émilion, all grapes are hand picked so you will see the vineyards filled with people harvesting the grapes. There are so many fantastic wineries in the greater St. Émilion but some suggestions would be Château Guadet, Château Montlabert (more for the architecture than the wine-the building is incredible!), Château Cadet-Bon, Clos de Jacobines (but there are so many more!)
We live part time in the area so I'm happy to offer additional suggestions. I also suggest that you check out the blog Lost in Bordeaux. She sends out a monthly newsletter with upcoming local events for the whole of Gironde (the greater Bordeaux area.) You do not need to sign up for the newsletter (or buy anything), you can simply check out her website about a month before you head out to see what events are going to be happening during your dates.
I hope you have a great visit!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1860 posts
Another attraction in Bordeaux is the Basssins des Lumieres, a fascinating light show/installation.
Posted by
Canada 1st, not 51st.
4944 posts
St Emilion is fantastic and well worth an overnight stay so you can avoid the tour buses that show up during the day. I can't advise on wine tours in the area as our interest was the town and not the wine. If you also like Sorbet and Gelato, stop by Glacier des Vignobles, the Basil Sorbet and the lemon meringue gelato were incredible.