Bordeaux It is a paradise for wine lovers and an extremely beautiful city. The first time I went there was in 2010 and I've been a big fan ever since. Its 18th-century core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the entire city is dotted with high-end bars, great restaurants, and some upscale shopping. This is a super beautiful city (my favorite street in the country is right here).
The city has a rich history, and like everywhere else, one of the best ways to experience history is to tour the city on foot. There are many wine and food tours in Bordeaux to enhance your visit.
However, since not all are created equal, I wanted to share some of my favorites. Here is my list of the best walking tours in Bordeaux:
Best Overall Tour
walk
Take Walks is my go-to tour company in Europe, offering places no other company can reach. Their tours have knowledgeable tour guides. their The ultimate food tour Lasts three hours and includes three regional wine tastings hosted by local sommeliers. You'll taste nine different products at six stops while learning about the city, its history and how Bordeaux became a world-famous wine region.
Best Free Tours
Free walking tour of Bordeaux
This is the best (and most popular) free tour in town, offered daily, and is a great introduction to Bordeaux. It's two hours long and covers all the highlights, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Neoclassical Grand Theater, and the Water Mirror. This is a perfect primer for first-time visitors. The guides also have lots of great advice on where to eat and drink, so be sure to ask for their recommendations. Remember to tip at the end!
While these are probably the best free and paid tours in town, Bordeaux has so much more to offer. Here are five more insightful and educational travel companies:
1. Bordeaux Tourist Office
The official tourist office operates some tours, although it Guided walking tour The most popular choice for first-time visitors. This is a great two-hour primer, led by a local professional guide who can help you get off the tourist trail, show you scenic sights, and shed light on the city's past.
You can also jump on their Half-day winery touryou will stop at one or two of the wineries (depending on the day) and learn about the importance of wine to the region and culture. You'll also learn about the winemaking process and get some samples. This is an affordable and interesting introduction to the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Tour costs start from 15 euros.
2. Experience France like a local
If you have a sweet tooth, France Like a Local runs a mouth-watering restaurant Pastry and bakery tour This is the perfect choice for travelers who want to indulge. The journey lasts 2.5 hours and stops at six shops where you can sample fresh breads, pastries and chocolates, including your favorites such as chocolate pain, white sand dunesand Caneles.
In addition to trying the many desserts, there are many highlights you can see while exploring the historic city center. Since tours are limited to 10 people, you'll have plenty of time to talk to the tour guide, ask questions, and chat with the bakers and business owners of the businesses you'll be visiting.
Tours start at €76.
3. My urban experience
If you speak French and have seen the main highlights (and enjoyed the food and wine), then get off the beaten track and explore Bordeaux's art scene. My City Experience offers a cool 90-Minute French Street Art Tour It runs across the city, from the harbor to the north side, and is filled with neat anecdotes and cool art. It's a fun cultural exploration and a great supplement to what you see and learn on more “general” tours.
If art isn’t your thing, there’s another Mystery Walking Tour (also in French) illuminates the myths, legends and haunting ghost stories of this medieval city. It's an interesting mix of history and mystery that lasts 90 minutes.
Tours start at €15.
4. Castle of Crozier and Baradostour
If you want to go out of town, you can choose here Winery tour and picnic It was the perfect short escape. And for only 48 euros, it won’t break the bank. Located in the picturesque Saint-Emilion region, less than an hour from Bordeaux, you can enjoy the sweeping views during your picnic here and enjoy some wine and delicious food before your trip. After your picnic, you will explore two wineries (one traditional, one modern) and learn about their history and production methods, including how the grapes are grown and harvested, and how the wine is bottled. Of course, there will be more samples!
Please note that transportation to the start of the tour is not included, so you will need to arrange your own transportation from Bordeaux.
Tours start at €48.
5. The footsteps of the wanderer
If you're a night owl, Wanderer Footsteps offers some fun nighttime tours that take you into the city and its past. First, it runs a ghost tour Explore the weirder side of things. As you stroll through the historic city center, you'll hear stories of tragic lovers, ghosts, and more. It's an interesting mix of history and legend, and a perfect addition to any of the more standard hikes mentioned above.
They also offer regular Highlights of the tripbut at night. What I love about this is that it frees up your day so you can visit the wineries when the sun is out and then enjoy the highlights of Bordeaux in the evening.
Tours start at €25.
Bordeaux It is a must-see for anyone traveling to France. Even if you’re not as passionate about wine as I am, there’s plenty of history, great food, and some fun day trips nearby. I've always loved my time here. And, if you go on one of the above tours, you’re guaranteed to have a better experience than any other!
(And, while these are my favorite trips, the site Get your guide If you want to see something else, there are more options. )
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Booking a Trip to Bordeaux: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn't travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Need a guide?
There are some very interesting tours in Bordeaux. My favorite company is walk. They have professional tour guides who can take you behind the scenes of the city’s best attractions. They are my preferred walking tour company.
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resource page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want to know more about Bordeaux?
Be sure to visit my A powerful destination guide to Bordeaux Learn more planning tips!
