Amazing, exciting and surprising Bordeaux is the gateway to our irresistible vineyard… all that’s missing is you. Beautiful Bordeaux is an urban and architectural UNESCO World Heritage site that will enthral you with its 18th century buildings, medieval lanes, pretty squares, bustling terraces… We could go on forever there’s so much to see and do, let’s just get going!
Wherever you are in Bordeaux, you have every opportunity to drink in fabulous views. Sunset on the right bank, 360° views of Bordeaux rooftops from a rooftop or views overlooking Port de la Lune from La Cité du Vin’s belvedere. It’s impossible for us to choose, we love them all and never get bored with them!
The Bassins de Lumières was the biggest opening in 2020. A jaw-dropping visual spectacle in the heart of the World War II submarine base that has now been regenerated to become the world’s biggest digital art centre. The 12000m² concrete and steel structure and its 4 pools play host to a breath-taking sound and light show screening pieces by Gustave Klimt and Paul Klee.
And that’s not all: how do you fancy setting sail for a cruise on the Garonne? Whether it be a dinner cruise, an afternoon with friends, a great night out or quality family time, we highly recommend a trip on one of the beautiful boats from Bordeaux. A magical getaway taking you from one bridge to the next, gliding by majestic buildings towards the vineyard or the pretty islands in the Gironde Estuary!
Cinéma Utopia is tucked away on Place Camille-Jullian deep in Bordeaux’s old town. The arthouse cinema in a gothic church sets the scene for indie films, meet & greets, parties, debates and conferences. The editorial team’s top tip: visit the Café Utopia terrace in the morning, it’s so peaceful!
A little further away, a manor houses the Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design, an intimate museum and permanent exhibition that takes you on an adventure through furniture and objets d’art. Design takes pride of place in ever-original one-off exhibitions in what was once a prison: you could call it “arresting”!
Since we’re talking quirky, we can’t miss out Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. It’s the only château to be in the city… The one-of-a-kind cellar opened in 2016 and is a modern little gem designed by Philippe Starck. It’s part ship hull and part knife blade: a blend of sharp and sleek lines in a pastoral setting.
We love going with the flow here but what we love most of all is letting the good times roll. Get-togethers in the vineyard are more than a lifestyle; they’re an institution and Bordeaux is no different. There’s a whole host of them and something to suit everyone. From the city’s show-stopping Bordeaux Fête le Vin on the docks to the Fête des Vendanges, Fête du Vin Nouveau et de la Brocante (harvest festival, vin nouveau festival and flea market) and Week-end des Grands Crus… celebrations in the Gironde capital are a year-round event!
Markets, local producers, Michelin-starred restaurants, bistros and open-air bars, Bordeaux is so diverse that it’s the unrivalled foodie capital of the South West.
Fancy a tapas platter with views? Les Halles de Bacalan is the ultimate go-to among locals. A social hub where you can get together and enjoy unobstructed views of La Cité du Vin. And guess what, Les Halles stay open until 11pm from Thursday nights so you can make the most of your evening.
Did you say cheese cellar? If you love cheese then you’ll adore Baud & Millet. This little restaurant specialises in cheese and hasn’t changed since Gérard Baud opened it in 1986. It went onto become the first Bordeaux eatery devoted to wine and cheese pairings. It’s simply brie-lliant, well, that’s what we thought when we encountered this incredible cellar with no fewer than 100 different types of cheese…
A very good year! If you fancy a classic Bordeaux lunch then we recommend Le Bordeaux Brasserie by Gordon Ramsay. A Belle Époque interior, incredible views of the Opera House and local seasonal dishes: the perfect place to get a tasty introduction to our region’s gems…
Isn’t Bordeaux one of the greatest capitals of French gastronomy too? We certainly think so!
It’s time for some me-time! So let’s head to Les Bains de Léa Guerlain Spa at the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux. A rooftop jacuzzi gazes out over the rooftops opposite the Grand Théâtre’s caryatids. Inside you’ll find a timeless wellness haven heavily inspired by Roman baths. Experience the benefits of an Eastern scrub or hydromassage bath before swimming in the outdoor counter-current pool. You just have to end the day with a rooftop cocktail and drink in views of Place de la Comédie and Bordeaux’s rooftops.
Speaking of Place de la Comédie, one of the city’s most iconic squares, we highly recommend the CIVB’s Bar à Vins. A breathtaking building with a classic Bordeaux style and wine bar that will introduce you to Bordeaux wine in all its glory!
Bordeaux is a must-visit and the ultimate starting point for your vineyard getaway: prepare to make memories!
