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Bordeaux
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1
Explore La Cité du Vin
Bold, eco-friendly and in tune with its place (its shape evokes both vines and the flow of the river, and its colour harmonises with the city’s graceful limestone buildings), this unique cultural centre offers a state-of-the-art, immersive journey through the history and science of wine around the world. It includes the Via Sensoria tasting trail, family-friendly spaces, and tastings.
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/1f0HUyOoYW/place-du-palais-c-nicolas-duffaure-2800x1867.jpg)
Explore the many eateries around Place du Palais (Nicolas Duffaure)
Explore the many eateries around Place du Palais (Nicolas Duffaure)
3
Lace up your hiking boots for the GR footpath
Of this region’s fabulous network of walking trails and bike paths, perhaps the best is the Bordeaux GR (Grande Randonnée) footpath, which takes you through parks, forests, plains and preserved marshes, across hillsides and along rehabilitated riverbanks for a spectacular 160km hike. Do it all (in stages!) and you’ll encounter 17 towns and villages too, immersing you in local life.
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Bordeaux is home to 347 UNESCO protected buildings (Lezbroz)
Bordeaux is home to 347 UNESCO protected buildings (Lezbroz)
5
Visit the largest digital art centre in the world
Occupying a dramatic former submarine base from WWII by the Bassin à Flots, the city’s former wet docks, the Bassins des Lumières or ‘Pools of Light’ is a contemporary cultural venue where some of the most famous works in the history of art are projected onto concrete walls and pools of water. Its latest exhibition celebrates masters Vermeer and Van Gogh.
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Enjoy immersive installations at La Cité du Vin (ANAKA)
Enjoy immersive installations at La Cité du Vin (ANAKA)
2
Eat at charming squares and terraces
This elegant old river port with its mild temperatures and copious sunshine is a great place for alfresco drinking and dining on the terraces of enticing restaurants, cafés and wine bars lining its many lovely squares. Atmospheric spots are dotted all around the city; Place du Palais and Place Fernand Lafargue are just a couple of the squares to check out.
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The GR footpath runs for some 160km (David Remazeille)
The GR footpath runs for some 160km (David Remazeille)
4
Walk through UNESCO-listed Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s neoclassical and other architecture led to it being included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2007. With more than 350 protected monuments, visitors are spoiled for choice. Highlights include the Monument aux Girondins, complete with gushing fountains and topped with a statue of liberty breaking its chains. Elsewhere, don’t miss the Palais Rohan which was originally an archbishop’s residence before becoming Napoleon 1 imperial palace and then a royal residence under Louis XVIII.
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/dC1ulKJJec/de-vermeer-a-van-gogh-aux-bassins-des-lumie-res-c-culturespaces-vincent-pinson-950x633.jpg)
Discover the works of Van Gough in a whole new light at the Bassins des Lumières (Culturespaces)
Discover the works of Van Gough in a whole new light at the Bassins des Lumières (Culturespaces)
Terres de Montesquieu
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6
Tuck into lunch at Château Malartic-Lagravière
In its picture-postcard setting in Léognan just south of Bordeaux, this delicious estate focussed on biodiversity (as well as vines, it has hedges, woods, meadows, a vegetable garden, beehives, and a farm) also hosts lunches – either picnics, or chef’s workshops followed by a meal with wine pairings. Expect authentic, seasonal dishes adapted from the Bonnie family’s own recipe book.
7
Sip wine in the treetops
Exciting developments are afoot on the family estate of Château Lusseau in the Graves region. First the Quellien family who own it installed a treetop adventure course; now they’re introducing a high-altitude wine-tasting platform, so you can discover their vintages accompanied by gorgeous views over the vineyards themselves. Its seven organically cultivated hectares offer rare, intimate wines.
8
Go back in time at Montesquieu’s farm
A feudal Gothic castle once home to the philosopher Montesquieu, with eight buildings classified as historic monuments, the Château de La Brède within its pretty moat has transformed its old farmhouses, cowshed and stables into a vast complex for exhibitions and other events. You can also enjoy themed talks, candlelit evenings and other very special experiences.
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Indulge in lunch at Malartic-Lagravière (Latelierdestyle)
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Château de La Brède was once home to philosopher Montesquieu (Shutterstock)
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Indulge in lunch at Malartic-Lagravière (Latelierdestyle)
Indulge in lunch at Malartic-Lagravière (Latelierdestyle)
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/8iNGwQj6UZ/shutterstock_327047801-2800x1567.jpg)
Château de La Brède was once home to philosopher Montesquieu (Shutterstock)
Château de La Brède was once home to philosopher Montesquieu (Shutterstock)
Bassin d’Arcachon
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9
Embark on a gourmet cruise on the Bassin d’Arcachon
Among many fabulous foodie experiences to try out in the Bordeaux region are cruises aboard a traditional boat that include the chance to savour local oysters, prawns and other fresh-from-the-water seafood as you float past oyster beds, cabanes tchanquées (stilted cabins), the tiny villages of Cap-Ferret and the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune.
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Kitesurf at Pereire (Lycielh)
Kitesurf at Pereire (Lycielh)
11
Marvel at Arcachon’s Belle Époque architecture
A low-key seaside resort dating from the late 19th century, Arcachon has a unique architectural heritage in its Ville d’Hiver or Winter Town, overlooking its summer town. Built for convalescents in the 19th century, its Belle Epoque villas, Swiss chalets, Gothic manors and Moorish pavilions have quirky balconies, turrets, colonnades, neo-classical facades, extravagant roofs, staircases and verandas, and exotic gardens.
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Feast on fresh seafood aboard a traditional boat (Destination Côte Atlantique)
Feast on fresh seafood aboard a traditional boat (Destination Côte Atlantique)
10
Have an adventure on water
Long sandy beaches make Arcachon a mecca for kitesurfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, paddling, windsurfing and sailing – with tuition if you wish. Your fun on the water will be accompanied by views of the Bassin d’Arcachon and Cap Ferret peninsula. Alternatively, head to Hourtin-Carcans and hop aboard the pinnace Lou Pinassotte for a lake cruise including a picnic or aperitif and a swimming stop-off.
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Arcachon’s Winter Town is filled with beautiful buildings (Shutterstock)
Arcachon’s Winter Town is filled with beautiful buildings (Shutterstock)
Blaye & Bourg, terres d’estuaire
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12
Step into the shoes of a winemaker at Château Monconseil Gazin
As part of the Bordeaux Wine Trip, the Château Monconseil Gazin in Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opens its doors to allow visitors to learn what it is like to live life as a winemaker for the day. During this immersive and intimate experience, guests can tour the vineyards and the cellar before getting hands-on with harvesting the grapes. Your hard work will be rewarded with tastings of new wine and a beautiful lunch paired with the wines of the château.
13
Cruise to Patiras Island for lunch at the foot of the lighthouse
Sailings from Blaye to this majestic private island give you the chance to take in the immensity of the estuary – in part thanks to the onboard commentary by the passionate team. On arrival, you’ll dine either in the garden of the old lighthouse or in its reception rooms, feasting on authentic recipes made on site, combining local ingredients from land and sea.
14
Birdwatch at the ornithological park Terres d’oiseaux
One of the last reed beds on the Gironde Estuary, this protected marshland is a birdwatcher’s dream, with reed buzzards, herons, storks, snipe and more (110-plus species, in fact). There’s also insect, amphibian and mammal life galore. Climb its observation tower for free, and for a small fee follow three ornithological trails with lookout posts with telescopes. There’s also a panoramic restaurant.
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Get hands-on at the grape harvest at Château Monconseil Gazin David Remazeilles/Gironde tourisme)
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Terres d’oiseaux is home to more than 110 bird species includin heron (Shutterstock)
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Get hands-on at the grape harvest at Château Monconseil Gazin David Remazeilles/Gironde tourisme)
Get hands-on at the grape harvest at Château Monconseil Gazin David Remazeilles/Gironde tourisme)
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Terres d’oiseaux is home to more than 110 bird species includin heron (Shutterstock)
Terres d’oiseaux is home to more than 110 bird species includin heron (Shutterstock)
Entre-deux-Mers
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15
Learn to cook at Château Roquefort
This history-steeped, family-owned estate invites you to take a class in the kitchens of its orangery with chef Olivier Straehli, then share dishes around a convivial table, accompanied by the château’s wines. The 18th-century mansion also has one of Europe’s longest covered walkway (14m), beautiful outbuildings and a 19th-century dovecote, plus biodiverse forests, meadows and pastures.
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/E67iQrvKWn/atelier-fine-bordeaux-2-entre-deux-mers-tourisme-2800x1867.jpg)
Discover some of the secrets of winemaking (Entre-deux-Mers Tourisme)
Discover some of the secrets of winemaking (Entre-deux-Mers Tourisme)
17
Explore the Bastides of the Entre-deux-Mers
Constructed around a square with arcades, these fortified 13th- and 14th-century villages all have something unique to offer. Créon’s main square is particularly impressive, while Monségur overlooking the Dropt is the only high-altitude bastide in the Gironde, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne stands out for its four gates, Blasimon has a Benedictine abbey, and Cadillac is surrounded by walls and bordered by its castle.
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Château Roquefort is a 19th-century mansion (Chateau Roquefort)
Château Roquefort is a 19th-century mansion (Chateau Roquefort)
16
Create your own bottle of Fine Bordeaux
The winegrower couple presiding over Château Lartigue Cèdres run fascinating workshops teaching you how to blend Fines Bordeaux artisan spirit from several barrels of different ages, resulting in your own bottle to take home with you, with your name on the label. The estate also makes gin, and you can see a unique-in-the-region copper still in the tasting room.
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/LDppMiVHXb/bastides-de-l_entre-deux-mers2-david-remazeilles-gironde-tourisme-2047x1413.jpg)
These well-preserved houses have stood since the 13th century (David Remazeilles)
These well-preserved houses have stood since the 13th century (David Remazeilles)
Libourne
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18
Horseride through the vineyards of Château Prieuré Marquet
This elegant 15th-century charterhouse runs a whole array of wine-related activities and themed breaks (cultural, foodie, fitness, creative) to suit all tastes, including horseback rides from within the château walls through its magnificent 40-hectare parkland. Among other options are classic tours and tastings, picnics amidst the vines, biking or e-scootering, and vintage 1957 Jeep Willis rides.
19
Admire the Château de Vayres
The Château de Vayres is a beguiling mix of medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century architecture within superb grounds, overlooking the Dordogne river flowing peacefully by. Once owned by Henri IV, it has a monumental double spiral staircase over the moat, an exceptional collection of tapestries, and for families a riddle trail about the history of fortified castles.
20
Travel back in time on the Tourist Train de Guîtres
This journey back to the great era of the railways takes place in the lush green forest of the northern Gironde. Sitting on the wooden benches of an authentic train of yesteryear, in carriages built in 1900, you’ll depart to the sound of a whistle from the original station, holding a cardboard ticket that will be punched for you to take home as a souvenir.
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This historical château has stood here since the 15th century (Château Prieuré Marquet)
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Château de Vayres offers immersive experiences (Château de Vayres)
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The carriages of the Tourist Train de Guîtres date back to the 1900s (@JeanMichel Le Saux)
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This historical château has stood here since the 15th century (Château Prieuré Marquet)
This historical château has stood here since the 15th century (Château Prieuré Marquet)
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/CvmLY3mgd3/chateau-vayres-libourne-agence-les-conteurs-17-1500x1000.jpg)
Château de Vayres offers immersive experiences (Château de Vayres)
Château de Vayres offers immersive experiences (Château de Vayres)
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/bOYfHS2h5Q/train-touristique-gui-tres-jeanmichellesaux-2112x1869.jpg)
The carriages of the Tourist Train de Guîtres date back to the 1900s (@JeanMichel Le Saux)
The carriages of the Tourist Train de Guîtres date back to the 1900s (@JeanMichel Le Saux)
Saint-Emilion
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21
Pair wine with chocolate at Château Fleur de Lisse
This unique sensory experience elegantly combines two exquisite pleasures at a prestigious estate in an enchanting setting. You’ll explore the delicate aromas of Château Fleur de Lisse wines, learning to detect the subtle nuances that make them so rich, at the same time as discovering the art of marrying wine with chocolate in surprising and delicious combinations.
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/qzNJMF1kWB/eglise-monolithe-saint-emilion-tourisme-4096x2725.jpg)
Learn the history of the partly underground church on a tour of Saint-Emilion (Saint-Emilion Tourisme)
Learn the history of the partly underground church on a tour of Saint-Emilion (Saint-Emilion Tourisme)
23
Picnic on the banks of the Dordogne
There are many dedicated picnic areas on the banks of this world-famous river. Browse local markets, pick up some fresh local cheeses, breads, fruits and other ingredients, and enjoy a leisurely meal in unspoilt nature, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of the Dordogne. Among great spots are La Cale de Vignonet, a shady stretch of grass with info panels about local nature.
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Learn to marry wine with chocolate at Château Fleur de Lisse (François Blazquez)
Learn to marry wine with chocolate at Château Fleur de Lisse (François Blazquez)
22
Tour the Underground monuments of Saint-Emilion
As well as wine, World Heritage listed Saint-Emilion has unique attractions to discover: underground quarries dating from mines where sandstone was extracted for building the ancient village, plus a 12th-century part-subterranean church. A 45-minute tour takes you into the heart of the limestone to learn about the monk who founded the village and the excavation of the monolithic church.
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/JwMXStZga1/pique-nique-au-bord-de-la-dordogne-_-alanta_hd-3561x2384.jpg)
The Dordogne River is some 483km long (ALANTA)
The Dordogne River is some 483km long (ALANTA)
Médoc Atlantique
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24
Board the Loudenne II
Combine a cruise along the Gironde Estuary from Pauillac in a 12-seat boat with a tasting of Château Loudenne’s exceptional wines. Built in the 18th century, this ‘pink castle’ on the shore of the estuary is surrounded by 62 hectares of vineyards and includes a wine trail. You can also book picnic lunches and summer lunch pop-ups.
25
Bathe in the famous swimming pools at Arros beach
The natural pools between Verdon-sur-Mer and Soulac-sur-Mer near the tip of the Médoc were created as defences against marine erosion in the early 20th century but are now known as one of best places to go wild swimming in France. After being filled up by the high tide, they provide blissfully warm places to soak at low tide.
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Walk Lacanau’s environmental art trail
Terra Médoca is the result of a collaboration between the seaside resort of à Lacanau and Aléa (Art Littoral Environnement en Nouvelle-Aquitaine). It’s a new way of looking at the town, its lake and the Atlantic Ocean – a cultural journey taking in eight artworks (some permanent and some changing), including Surf by nature Lacanau-Océan JO by Jérémy Schiavo.
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Pair picnics with boat trips (Nocab)
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The natural pools have been here since the early 20th century (Jean Emmanuel Jay)
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Pair picnics with boat trips (Nocab)
Pair picnics with boat trips (Nocab)
![](https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shorthand/77185/idNFjJALeZ/assets/A9Q0DjzqQi/5.-les-_piscines_-jean-emmanuel-jay-3875x2176.jpg)
The natural pools have been here since the early 20th century (Jean Emmanuel Jay)
The natural pools have been here since the early 20th century (Jean Emmanuel Jay)
Inspired?
For more information, head over to the official Bordeaux website. And be sure to check out the official Bordeaux Wine Trip site, too.
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