Introduction to Bordeaux Tour

Discover Bordeaux on our 3-hour introductory city tour with a local expert or historian. Designed to provide a perfect introduction to Bordeaux for first-timers or reorient returning travelers to this unique region of France, the tour will explore Bordeaux’s viniculture and local history. We will explore Bordeaux’s historic center, discover the city’s treasures and discuss today's Bordeaux.  We'll conclude with a glass of local wine to toast our time together.

We’ll begin in the historic center of the city, right near the cathedral. Our guide will begin to introduce the historical narrative of Bordeaux, from the Medieval period to the Golden Age to the mid-1990s and beyond. Our route may vary according to our interests and our guide's background, however, we'll touch on a range of sites relevant to the city's story. Expanding our geographical scope, we will venture across the city to other notable sites, such as the grand square of Place du Palais and Place Saint Pierre. We may pop to admire the historic Grosse Cloche (the big bell) in St. James Quartier, stroll along the Quai and Garonne river. We'll stop to discuss and admire the water mirror at the historical Place du Parliament and Place de la Bourse before walking to another marvelous square: Place des Quinconces. Our route may take us along Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street (Rue Sainte-Catherine) as we soak up local Bordeaux life. As we wander Bordeaux’s charming streets, your expert may also introduce you to a local special pastry, canele, and learn about its regional significance.

We will finish our introductory tour with a more comprehensive understanding of Bordeaux’s growth into a major wine-trading city. We’ll have visited a number of important locations, immersing ourselves in Bordeaux’s grandiose history and viticulture.

At the end of the tour, we will have the opportunity to visit a local wine bar that specializes in regional wines by the glass, rotated on a monthly basis. While there, you can choose a glass of local wines, before we delve into the different wines of Bordeaux - red, white, sweet, dry and sparkling.

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

We meet at The Grosse Cloche, on the corner of Rue Saint-James and Cours Victor Hugo. The tour will usually end around the Place de la Comédie. Your route may differ according to your guide. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.

Yes. We can adapt the route of our private tours based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party. Please share any specifics about your group’s needs in the notes section of your order and we’ll adjust your itinerary accordingly.