Bordeaux introduces itself with its eponymous wine.
It’s renowned. It’s robust. It’s rightfully worth planning a trip to France for it.
Whether you’ve got bottles of Bordeaux in your personal wine cooler or if you just want to come over and see why these grapes are better than other grapes, we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Bordeaux for wine.
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Uncorking Bordeaux: how to get there
Where is Bordeaux located?
Bordeaux is located in southwestern France where the Garonne River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Paris to Bordeaux is more or less the same distance from New Orleans to Houston.
How can I get to Bordeaux from Paris?
The train connects Paris to Bordeaux in 2 hours. We’d say it’s faster than the process of flying, but France squished short-haul domestic flights that can be replaced by fast train travel, so going on the ground is your best option either way out.
What is the main train station in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux’s main train station is Bordeaux St-Jean, about one-mile south of the historic center. Public transport and rideshares are available, though walking along the riverfront is a great way to see the city.
Is it easy to get around Bordeaux without a car?
Depends on how many drinks you’ve had, we suppose. Bordeaux is a very walkable city with a sizable pedestrian zone so you can wander all rosy-cheeked safely. If your legs are a bit wobbly, the tram lines, buses, and river shuttles will get you where you want to go.
Let it breathe: Bordeaux’s famous French wine
So what exactly is Bordeaux wine? The majority of wines from Bordeaux are red blends that include local Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Bordeaux white wines, though not as prevalent as the reds, utilize mostly Sémillon and Sauvignon blanc grapes.
Before you start drinking, get the lay of the land. Bordeaux’s natural geographical divide (the Gironde Estuary) creates its wine divide:
- The Right Bank area is more fruity, with Merlot-based blends dominating the bottles.
- The Left Bank area has bolder and spicier wines, influenced by the prominent Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
- The Left Bank is also home to the Médoc region, the most prestigious in Bordeaux that produces the most superior grade of wine.
- If you’re searching for a well-balanced wine, the Entre-Deux-Mers region sits between the two rivers and produces dry and crispy wines from Sauvignon, Sémillon, and Merlot.
- Prefer a sweeter wine? Sauternes is a village on the Left Bank that lets the highest quality white wines flow (they’ve got reds, too, don’t worry).
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Fill your cup: where to drink wine in Bordeaux
We have faith that you’ll find the best places to drink wine in Bordeaux on your own. But if you’re thirsty for suggestions, allow us to pour you a few:
Maison du Vin de Bordeaux
It’s called Bordeaux’s House of Wine: you couldn’t go wrong if you tried. Tasting sessions at the wine bar are uncorked almost every day, whereas their Ecole du Vin classes offer a selection of courses to help you better understand Bordeaux’s different flavor profiles.
La Cité du Vin
Most museums wouldn’t want you to roam around their exhibits with a bottle in a brown bag, but La Cité du Vin is a bit different. As a museum dedicated to viniculture, you’ll learn about and taste wines from around Bordeaux and around the world.
Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery & Cellar
Trying to taste one of the best Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux available? This is the place. It’s a ‘by the glass’ affair hosting accessible tastings and events. You might not be the only tourist in the joint, but you will get the prestigious local taste that you desire.
Thirsty for more?
Interested in everything this French city offers besides wine? Check out our guide on things to do in Bordeaux. Want to visit on an easy day trip from Paris? Let us help. Download the Trainline app and purchase etickets from Paris to Bordeaux and beyond.
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