I didn't see this discussed in the past two years. For a 5-6 day trip to the Bordeaux area, do people suggest staying in different towns, or setting up in Bordeaux (or somewhere else) and doing day trips. We tend to try to avoid packing and unpacking but both Margeaux and St Emilion look like nice towns to stay in.
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
322 posts
Hi etilles,
My opinion is that it depends on what you'd like to most do during your visit. If it is more about wine, I'd divide your time equally between the 3 (2 days Margaux, 2 days St. Émilion, 2 days Bordeaux.) But if you'd like to do more than wine, I'd suggest staying in Bordeaux for the majority, taking a day trip to St. Émilion, perhaps a night in Margaux then you could also take a day trip to Arcachon, or Dune de Pilat. Bordeaux is a beautiful city to meander around with a lot to see and do aside from wine. Whatever you choose, enjoy your visit
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1888 posts
If you are renting a car I would not stay in Bordeaux. I would agree to pick one base and day trip. The region is easy to drive.
Posted by
30 posts
Hi Etilles,
If you are planning on visiting wineries on both the left and right bank it may make sense to stay in Bordeaux as it's in between the two banks. If you don't want to be in the city, than I would recommend staying in Saint-Emilion for right bank winery visits. There is a good selection of restaurants and hotels in the area. On the left bank, maybe take a look at Pauillac or St. Estephe, there are a few accommodation options and a few good restaurants. There are some amazing Chateaux to visit in the area as well. The Left and Right Banks are about a 90 minute drive from each other.
I would recommend that you take a look at this website: https://sauvistication.com/ it's a guide to navigating Bordeaux's wine scene. It was created by a true wine connoisseur.
Safe Travels!
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4597 posts
We recently visited the area, but our focus was more on the Dordogne Region east of Bordeaux. We did stay overnight in St. Emilion and loved it. It's an easy drive from Bordeaux. Bordeaux is worthy of 2-3 days but unless you're also interested in it I wouldn't stay there just to do day trips.