Bordeaux is a wine-lover’s paradise and an incredibly beautiful city. I first went there in 2010 and have been a huge fan ever since. Its 18th-century mainstay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the whole town is full of upscale wine bars, excellent restaurants and some good upscale shopping. It is an incredibly beautiful city (my favorite street in the country is here).
The city has a lot of history and, as elsewhere, one of the best ways to experience this is on a walking tour of the city. There are many wine and food tours in Bordeaux that can enrich your visit.
But, since not all are created equal, I want to share a few of my favorites. Here is my list of the best walking tours in Bordeaux:
Best overall tour
take a walk
Tech Walks is my go-to tour company in Europe, offering access to places no other company can. Their tours have incredibly knowledgeable guides. their The Ultimate Food Tour Lasts three hours and includes three regional wine tastings led by a local sommelier. You’ll sample nine different things over six stops while learning about the city, its history, and how Bordeaux became a world-famous wine region.
The best free tour
Free walking tour Bordeaux
Offered daily, this is one of the best (and most popular) free tours in the city and a great introduction to Bordeaux. It lasts two hours and covers all the highlights including the Gothic Cathedral, the Neoclassical Grand Theater and the Water Mirror. It’s a perfect primer for first-time visitors. Guides are also full of great recommendations for where to eat and drink, so be sure to ask for their suggestions. Just remember to tip at the end!
While it may have the best free and paid tours in the city, Bordeaux has much more to offer. Here are five other insightful and educational tour companies:
1. Office de Tourisme de Bordeaux
The official tourism office runs a handful of tours, though its Guided walking tour It is the most popular choice for first time visitors. It’s a great two-hour primer led by an expert local guide who can help you get off the beaten path, show you scenic highlights and illuminate the city’s past.
You can also hop on them Half day winery tour, on which you will stop at one or two wineries (depending on the day) to learn about the importance of wine to the region and culture. You will also learn about the wine making process and get a few samples. It’s an affordable and fun introduction to the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Tours start at 15 EUR.
2. France Like a Local
If you have a sweet tooth, France Like a Local is mouth-watering Pastry and bakery tours It is perfect for travelers who want to indulge. The 2.5-hour tour includes stops at more than half a dozen shops where you can try fresh breads, pastries and chocolates, among other favorites. Pain or chocolate, dunes blanchesAnd Kennels.
In addition to the many sweets to try, you’ll also find many highlights as you explore the historic city center. And because tours are limited to 10 people, you’ll have plenty of time to interact with the guide, ask questions, and chat with the bakers and business owners you’re visiting.
Tours start at 76 EUR.
3. My urban experience
If you’re a French speaker and have seen the main highlights (and enjoyed your food and wine), get off the beaten path and explore Bordeaux’s art scene. My urban experience offers a great opportunity 90-minute street art tour in French which crosses the city from the harbor to the north and is full of neat anecdotes and great art. It’s a fun cultural exploration and a nice addition to what you’d see and learn on a more “normal” tour.
If art isn’t your thing, there is Mysterious Walking Tour (also in French) which highlights the myths, legends and haunting ghost stories of the medieval city. It’s an interesting mix of history and mystery, running a brisk 90 minutes.
Tours start at 15 EUR.
4. Châteaux La Croizille & Tour Baladoz
If you want to go out of town, this Winery tour and picnic There is a perfect short escape. And at just 48 EUR, it won’t break the bank. Located in Saint-Émilion, a picturesque region less than an hour from Bordeaux, you can enjoy some wine and a delicious meal before your trip while you go on a picnic. After your picnic, you’ll 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 too!
Just note that transportation to the start of the tour is not included, so you need to make your own arrangements from Bordeaux.
Tours start at 48 EUR.
5. Wanderer Footsteps
If you’re a night owl, Wanderer Footsteps offers some fun evening tours that bring the city and its past to life. First, it runs ghost tour One that explores the ugly side of things. You’ll hear about tragic lovers, ghosts and more as you wander through the historic city center. It’s a fun mix of history and legend and the perfect addition to any of the more standard walking tours above.
They also have regular offers Highlight tour, but in the evening. What I love about this is that it frees up your day, so you can tour a winery while the sun is out and then soak up the highlights of Bordeaux in the evening.
Tours start at 25 EUR.
Bordeaux is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting France. Even if you don’t love wine as much as I do, there’s plenty of history to enjoy, amazing food to eat, and some fun day trips nearby. I always love my time here. And, if you take one of the above tours, you will definitely visit more than otherwise!
(And, while these are my favorite tours here, the website GetYourGuide (There are plenty of options if you want to check out something else.)
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Book your trip to Bordeaux: logistical tips and tricks
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