Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France, prized for its architecture, its wines and its exceptional gastronomy. All around lie varied landscapes, vineyards, dunes, ocean. Here is what makes a connoisseur's weekend: what to see, and where to set down your bags.
What to See1 The Dune du Pilat
A few kilometres from Bordeaux, Europe's highest dune stretches over three kilometres and rises more than a hundred metres, offering an immense view of the Arcachon basin. Here lie almost forty centuries of history and millions of cubic metres of ever-shifting sand. You climb it by steps, by paraglider, or on foot across the sand, and the summit rewards you with a spectacular panorama.
2 The Saint-Émilion Wine Route
Forty-five minutes from Bordeaux, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion delights lovers of great reds. Visit Château Mauvinon, wander the history-laden streets, discover the wine-and-cheese or wine-and-chocolate pairings at Château Ambe Tour Pourret, explore Château Fombrauge, the largest vineyard at 58 hectares, before ending at Château Clarisse, between soil care and barrel ageing.
3 Bordeaux, on Foot
The Place de la Bourse and its Miroir d'eau are among the city's most famous sights. The quays offer their green spaces, the Rue Sainte-Catherine its boutiques, and the Place des Quinconces its festivities. To dine, the Halles de Bacalan gather nearly twenty-four artisans, from foie gras to oysters, to pair with a glass of Bordeaux; on Friday evenings, gourmet aperitifs set to music.
4 Lège-Cap Ferret
This peninsula unfolds varied landscapes and pleasures. Cycle paths link the villages all the way to the Pointe du Ferret; the beaches line both the Arcachon basin and the ocean, between calm water and rolling waves. The Pointe aux Chevaux opens a privileged view of the Île aux Oiseaux, reachable by sea kayak or boat; and the charming village of Petit Piquey invites you to breathe the sea air.
1 Les Sources de CaudalieMartillac
In the heart of the vines, on the estate of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, this contemporary boutique hotel makes fine use of recycled materials. A vinotherapy spa, gym, yoga room, tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, and a two-star restaurant. The rooms are spread across six typical houses.
2 Yndo HôtelBordeaux
In the historic district, this design hotel offers spacious rooms of refined style with custom-made furniture, and 24-hour service. A sister address awaits at Cap Ferret, in a former oyster hut transformed into a small haven of peace.
3 Château Lafaurie-PeyragueyBommes
On the heights of the village, surrounded by the vines of Sauternes, this four-hundred-year-old estate cultivates French refinement and exceptional service. The Michelin-starred Lalique restaurant serves a seven-course menu by chef Jérôme Schilling.
4 Le Domaine des ÉtangsMassignac
Over a thousand hectares of forests and meadows in the Charente, this estate offers three kinds of accommodation: a château with seven suites named after stars, a farmhouse with seasonal suites, and métairies with rooms named after mythical creatures. On the programme: boating and spa treatments.
5 Château de FerrandSaint-Émilion
This three-hundred-year-old estate has ten hectares of vines overlooking the Dordogne valley. There, admire a fresco running across every wall, drawn with a black Bic Cristal pen, and repainted every three years.
A weekend in Bordeaux is savoured like a fine vintage: unhurried, between a private tasting, a starred table and a room among the vines. We arrange every detail.
Dreaming of a connoisseur's weekend in Bordeaux, between châteaux and private tastings? Let's talk it through with our specialists.
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