Bordeaux

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is Bordeaux located in France?

  Bordeaux is situated in southwestern France along the banks of the Garonne River. It is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and lies approximately 500 km (310 miles) southwest of Paris. The city is a key cultural and economic hub, renowned for its rich history and vibrant wine culture.

• How do you get from Paris to Bordeaux?

  The most convenient way to travel from Paris to Bordeaux is by high-speed train (TGV), taking about 2 hours. Flights are also available from Paris airports to Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, a short drive from the city center. Driving by car along the A10 motorway takes roughly 6 hours, passing through scenic French countryside.

• What is there to see & do in Bordeaux?

  With a history dating back to the 8th century and capital moving more or less 14.5 billion euros each year, it comes as no surprise that Bordeaux is famed as the world’s major wine industry. Home to the world’s main wine fair, Vinexpo, as well as a wine museum, Cité du Vin, this city attracts wine professionals from around the world and can easily be described as the wine capital of the world. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007 as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of the 18th century. The city is celebrated for its Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th- to 19th-century mansions and notable art museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux. Our small group Bordeaux sightseeing day tours offer a personalised tour which will lead you to all the major wine producing regions that surround the beautiful city of Bordeaux.

• Why is Bordeaux ideal for wine lovers?

  Bordeaux is THE destination for wine lovers! As one of the largest vineyards of France with more than 50 different appellations, you will certainly find the wine that appeals to your taste buds. From full bodied wines of the Médoc to lighter red wines of Saint Emilion, succulent whites from the Graves region or sweet white wines from Sauternes there are many options and tastings that can be done. The destination is also ideal for a honeymoon as it is possible to combine stunning acommodation with unique winery visits that will remain as the best souvenirs of a lifetime.

• What is the difference between left bank and right bank Bordeaux Wines?

  To make things easy, we often speak about left bank and right bank wines of Bordeaux. By 'banks' we refer to the areas located on one side or the other of the River Garonne that divides the Bordeaux wine region into two distinct areas. To the south of the River Garonne is where the Left Bank is located and the most famous wine regions include the Médoc, Pessac-Léognan and Graves. To the north of the River Garonne the most famous wine producing appellations include Saint Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac or Blaye. Due to a difference in the type of soils that can be found in each region, the wines produced in each area are also very different. On the left bank, the soil is rockier, made up of gravel and deep limestone whereas on the right bank the soil is made up of pure limestone sometimes mixed with sand or clay. Because the soils are different, the main grape varieties used in the blend are also different since the choice of the dominant grape variety depends on the type of soil that can be found on an estate. Remember, in France it not permitted to import some grapes from another wine producing region which means each property must grow the grapes needed to make the wine on-site. In general (there are always exceptions in France) left bank wines will use Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety of the blend while right bank wines will use Merlot. As such, left bank wines tend to be more full bodied type of wines, higher in tannin and that require a certain ageing so that these tannins become smoother with time. On the other hand, right bank wines are generally more elegant and fruity type wines that have less powerful tannins.

• Where to stay in Bordeaux for wine tasting?

  Bordeaux is a world-famous wine region in southwestern France, known for producing some of the best wines in the world. If you're planning a trip to Bordeaux for wine tasting, you'll want to choose the right place to stay to make the most of your experience. The best area to stay in Bordeaux for wine tasting is the city center, as it offers easy access to the region's top vineyards and wineries. There are plenty of hotels and accommodations to choose from in the city center, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels. Some of the best neighborhoods to stay in for wine tasting in Bordeaux include the Chartrons, which is known for its wine merchants and wine bars, and the Saint-Pierre district, which is home to some of the city's oldest and most traditional wine bars. Another popular area is the Triangle d'Or, which is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to many of Bordeaux's top attractions, including the Grand Théâtre and the Place des Quinconces.

• What are the flavor profiles of Bordeaux wines?

  Bordeaux wine is world-renowned for its rich flavor profile and complexity. It is made from a blend of several grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which gives it a unique taste that is hard to replicate. Bordeaux red wines are typically full-bodied, with rich flavors of black currant, plum, and tobacco. They also have a high tannin content, which gives them a dry and slightly bitter finish. The tannins in Bordeaux wines are what give them their aging potential, allowing them to develop complex and nuanced flavors over time. Bordeaux white wines, on the other hand, are crisp and refreshing, with notes of citrus, green apple, and pear. They are typically made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes and are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them a rich and creamy texture. When it comes to Bordeaux wine, there is a wide range of styles and flavors to choose from, depending on the specific region, grape variety, and vintage. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just starting out, there is a Bordeaux wine out there that is sure to please your palate.

• Where to wine taste in Bordeaux?

  Bordeaux is home to some of the world's most famous wine regions, and wine tasting is a popular activity for visitors. There are many places in Bordeaux where you can taste wine, from vineyards and châteaux to wine bars and tasting rooms. One of the best places to taste wine in Bordeaux is in the Médoc region, which is known for its famous châteaux and prestigious red wines. Some of the most popular châteaux to visit for wine tastings include Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Mouton Rothschild. These châteaux often require advance reservations, so be sure to plan ahead. Another great place to taste wine in Bordeaux is in the Saint-Émilion region, which is known for its world-class red wines and picturesque vineyards. The village of Saint-Émilion itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many wine shops and tasting rooms. If you're looking for a more casual wine tasting experience, there are also many wine bars and tasting rooms in Bordeaux where you can sample a variety of wines from the region. Some popular options include Le Wine Bar, Aux Quatre Coins du Vin, and Bar à Vin by La Cité du Vin.