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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