Morning: Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’Eau

Begin your Bordeaux adventure at the city’s most iconic location: Place de la Bourse. This magnificent 18th-century square, designed by royal architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, perfectly exemplifies classical French architecture. The square’s symmetrical buildings, with their elegant facades and ornamental details, reflect in the world’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’Eau, creating a stunning visual effect that’s particularly magical at sunset.

The Miroir d’Eau covers 3,450 square meters and creates alternating mirror and fog effects. Children love playing in the mist, while photographers capture endless reflections of the grand buildings. Arrive early in the morning to experience it in relative peace before the crowds arrive. The nearby Porte Cailhau, a 15th-century city gate, offers excellent views if you climb its 35-meter tower.

Afternoon: The Golden Triangle

Walk toward Bordeaux’s luxury shopping district, known as the Triangle d’Or (Golden Triangle). This area, bounded by Cours de l’Intendance, Cours Clemenceau, and Allées de Tourny, features high-end boutiques, elegant cafés, and beautiful architecture. Even if shopping isn’t your priority, the area’s architectural beauty and atmosphere make it worth exploring.

Make your way to the Grand Théâtre, one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. Built in 1780, this neoclassical masterpiece features twelve Corinthian columns and is topped by twelve statues representing muses and goddesses. The interior, with its grand staircase, inspired Charles Garnier when he designed the Paris Opera. While you can admire the exterior anytime, consider booking a guided tour to see the magnificent interior.

Evening: Saint-Pierre District

End your first day in the charming Saint-Pierre neighborhood, Bordeaux’s oldest district. Its narrow medieval streets, lined with wine bars, restaurants, and antique shops, create an intimate atmosphere. The area comes alive in the evening when locals gather at outdoor terraces. Try a traditional Bordeaux dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants—entrecôte bordelaise with French fries is a local favorite, paired naturally with a glass of local wine.

Morning: Musée d’Aquitaine

Start your second day at the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times to the present. The museum’s collections are remarkably comprehensive, covering prehistoric artifacts, Roman antiquities, medieval sculptures, and exhibitions on Bordeaux’s role in the transatlantic slave trade—a difficult but important chapter in the city’s history. The museum offers excellent context for understanding the city you’re exploring.

Late Morning: Cathedral Saint-André

Walk to the Cathédrale Saint-André, a Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed royal weddings, including that of Eleanor of Aquitaine to the future King Louis VII in 1137. The cathedral’s soaring nave and beautiful stained glass windows exemplify Gothic architecture at its finest. The separate bell tower, Tour Pey-Berland, stands 66 meters tall and offers panoramic views of Bordeaux for those willing to climb its 231 steps.

Afternoon: Musée des Beaux-Arts

Spend your afternoon at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, located in two wings flanking the Town Hall gardens. This fine arts museum houses an impressive collection spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including works by Rubens, Delacroix, Matisse, and Picasso. The museum’s collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings is particularly noteworthy. The beautiful setting in the Jardin de la Mairie makes this museum visit even more pleasant.

Evening: Quai des Marques

Head to the right bank of the Garonne to explore the Quai des Marques, a former industrial area transformed into a trendy dining and shopping destination. The renovated warehouses now house restaurants, bars, and shops with a more contemporary feel than the historic center. The views across the river to the illuminated city center are spectacular, especially at dusk.

Morning and Afternoon: Cité du Vin

Dedicate most of your third day to the Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s spectacular wine museum. This contemporary building, whose curved design evokes wine swirling in a glass, is an architectural landmark visible from across the city. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

The permanent exhibition uses interactive displays, immersive installations, and multimedia presentations to explore wine culture across civilizations and continents. You’ll journey through the history of wine, learn about viticulture and winemaking techniques, discover wine regions worldwide, and understand wine’s cultural significance. The exhibition is engaging for both wine novices and connoisseurs.

Your ticket includes a glass of wine at the panoramic tasting room on the eighth floor, called the Belvedere. Here, you can enjoy a selected wine while taking in 360-degree views of Bordeaux and the surrounding wine regions. The sommelier on duty can answer questions and provide recommendations.

Evening: Bassins à Flot

The Cité du Vin is located in the Bassins à Flot district, a former industrial dock area being transformed into a vibrant new neighborhood. Explore this area in the evening, visiting contemporary art galleries, trendy restaurants, and the impressive submarine base that now houses cultural exhibitions. The contrast between old industrial structures and new developments creates a fascinating urban landscape.

Full Day: Medieval Village and World-Class Wines

Take a day trip to Saint-Émilion, a picturesque medieval village perched on a hillside about 40 kilometers east of Bordeaux. The entire village and its surrounding vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it one of only five such wine regions in the world.

The village itself is enchanting, with narrow cobblestone streets, Romanesque churches, and ancient buildings built from local limestone. The most remarkable site is the Monolithic Church, carved entirely from limestone in the 12th century. This extraordinary underground church, with its vast carved chambers and bell tower rising above ground, is unlike anything else in France.

Saint-Émilion produces some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines, predominantly made from Merlot grapes. The small appellation boasts several Grands Crus Classés estates. Spend the afternoon visiting châteaux for wine tastings. Many estates offer tours that explain the winemaking process from vine to bottle. Châteaux like Figeac, Angélus, and Canon have excellent visitor facilities, though reservations are usually required.

Enjoy lunch at one of the village’s excellent restaurants, where local cuisine perfectly complements the wines. Specialties include lamprey à la bordelaise (in season), foie gras, and canelés for dessert. The village has numerous wine shops where you can purchase bottles to take home.

Saint-Émilion is accessible by train from Bordeaux (approximately 40 minutes), or you can join an organized tour that includes transportation, visits to wineries, and a guide who provides context and expertise.

Morning: Arcachon Bay

Venture west to Arcachon, an elegant seaside resort town about an hour from Bordeaux. The town developed in the 19th century when Bordeaux’s wealthy residents built villas here as summer retreats. The result is a charming collection of elaborate Victorian-era houses, many featuring whimsical architectural details and surrounded by pine forests.

Explore the different quarters of Arcachon, each named after a season. The Winter Quarter (Ville d’Hiver) sits on a hillside and features the most spectacular villas, connected by peaceful paths through the pine trees. The Summer Quarter lies along the beach and harbor, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and the beautiful sandy beach.

Afternoon: Dune du Pilat

Just south of Arcachon lies one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural phenomena: the Dune du Pilat. This massive sand dune stretches 500 meters wide, 2.7 kilometers long, and rises up to 110 meters high—the tallest sand dune in Europe. The dune continues to grow and migrate inland by several meters each year, slowly burying the pine forest behind it.

Climb the wooden staircase (or scramble up the sand) to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. On one side, you’ll see the blue Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon; on the other, an endless sea of green pine forest. The contrast is stunning. The descent on the ocean side is popular for running, rolling, or sandboarding. The dune is particularly beautiful at sunset when the light creates dramatic shadows in the sand.

Dining: Oysters and Seafood

Arcachon Bay is famous for oyster cultivation. Before returning to Bordeaux, enjoy fresh oysters at one of the waterfront oyster shacks or restaurants. The local oysters, raised in the bay’s nutrient-rich waters, are considered among France’s finest. They’re typically served with shallot vinegar, lemon, and fresh bread, accompanied by a crisp white wine.

Morning: Chartrons Neighborhood

Spend your sixth day exploring the Chartrons district, historically the heart of Bordeaux’s wine trade. For centuries, wine merchants established their businesses here, storing and selling wine to markets worldwide. Today, the neighborhood retains its wine heritage while evolving into one of Bordeaux’s trendiest areas, filled with antique shops, galleries, and wine bars.

Visit the Musée du Vin et du Négoce in the Chartrons district. Located in the cellars of a former wine merchant’s house, this museum provides insight into the wine trade’s history and the merchant families who built Bordeaux’s wine reputation. You’ll learn about cooperage, shipping, and the commercial side of wine production, with a tasting included.

Stroll down Rue Notre-Dame, the neighborhood’s main street, lined with antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and design boutiques. The Sunday morning market along the quai is one of Bordeaux’s best, featuring organic produce, artisanal foods, and vintage items.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting Tours

Take a half-day wine tour to nearby châteaux. The Médoc region, north of Bordeaux, produces powerful, age-worthy wines dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. This region includes famous appellations like Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien, home to many First Growth estates.

Many tour operators offer afternoon excursions that visit two or three châteaux, ranging from prestigious classified growths to smaller family estates. You’ll tour the vineyards, learn about terroir and winemaking philosophy, visit the cellars and barrel rooms, and taste several wines. Most tours include transportation from Bordeaux, making logistics simple.

Evening: Dining in Chartrons

Return to Chartrons for dinner at one of its excellent restaurants. The neighborhood offers everything from traditional bistros serving regional cuisine to contemporary restaurants with innovative menus. Many restaurants have extensive wine lists featuring bottles from the surrounding estates, often at more reasonable prices than you’d find in prestigious wine shops.

Morning: Marché des Capucins

Start your final day at the Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s largest and most vibrant market. This covered market, open every morning, is where locals shop for fresh produce, cheese, seafood, meat, and prepared foods. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with vendors calling out their specialties and shoppers examining goods with discerning eyes.

Within the market, stop at one of the small eateries for a classic Bordeaux breakfast or lunch experience. Try oysters at one of the oyster stands, or order a plate of grilled meat at Chez Jean-Mi, a beloved institution where huge portions of perfectly grilled steak and sausages are served with mountains of golden fries.

Late Morning: Botanical Gardens

Walk to the Jardin Public, Bordeaux’s oldest public garden, created in the 18th century. This peaceful park offers a welcome retreat from urban bustle, with mature trees, a pond, statuary, and formal gardens. The adjoining Jardin Botanique features themed gardens showcasing plants from different climates and an impressive collection of medicinal plants.

Afternoon: Personal Discoveries

Use your final afternoon to revisit favorite spots or explore areas you haven’t yet discovered. Consider these options:

• Darwin Ecosystem: An alternative cultural space in a former military barracks, featuring street art, organic restaurants, a skate park, and eco-friendly shops.
• Grosse Cloche: One of the oldest belfries in France, this 15th-century gate once served as the city’s bell tower.
• Shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine: One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, lined with major retailers and local boutiques.
• Cruise on the Garonne: Take a river cruise to see Bordeaux from a different perspective, passing historic bridges and waterfront architecture.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

Conclude your week in Bordeaux with a memorable farewell dinner. The city offers exceptional dining at every level, from Michelin-starred establishments like Le Pressoir d’Argent to beloved bistros serving time-honored regional specialties. Wherever you choose, pair your meal with a fine Bordeaux wine and raise a glass to your week in this magnificent city.