Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, is renowned for its exceptional wine production. With its rich history dating back to the Roman era, Bordeaux has become synonymous with fine wines and stunning landscapes. As a travel blogger, I’m excited to share with you the best day-trip excursions from Bordeaux that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Getting to Know Bordeaux
Located on the Atlantic coast of western France, Bordeaux is the sixth most populous city in France. With its international reputation linked to wine, the majority of the wealth of the city has come from its production over the centuries. From ancient times to the present day, Bordeaux has been a major hub for wine trade and tourism.
Bordeaux’s history dates back to the Roman era, when it was an important center for trade and commerce. The city’s strategic location on the Garonne River made it an attractive destination for merchants and traders. Over time, Bordeaux became known for its rich agricultural lands, particularly its vineyards, which produced some of the finest wines in Europe.
In the Middle Ages, Bordeaux flourished as a major port city, with trade links to England, Spain, and Italy. The city’s wealth grew rapidly during this period, and it became one of the most prosperous cities in France. However, the 14th century saw the devastating Black Death, which had a profound impact on Bordeaux’s economy and population.
In the centuries that followed, Bordeaux continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for trade and commerce. The city played a significant role in the development of wine production in France, with many vineyards and wineries established along the Garonne River.
Today, Bordeaux is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city’s stunning architecture, rich history, and exceptional wine production make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and culture of France.
1. Arcachon and Pilat Dunes
Located 65 kilometers away from Bordeaux, Arcachon is a coastal locality that faces the Atlantic Ocean. The town is divided into two main parts: the first on the coast, with all the characteristics of a coastal town, full of life in summer; the second in the countryside, more commercial and urban, with most of the buildings in Belle-Epoque style.
One of the main attractions of this area is the Pilat Dunes, the highest dune in Europe! In addition to its natural beauty and uniqueness, this site is one of the most beautiful and visited in all of France. A must-see if you find yourself in this part of the country.
To get to Arcachon and Pilat Dunes from Bordeaux, you can take a direct train or car journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Distance: 64.6 km
Getting there: 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or direct train from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Arcachon, journey time 53 minutes
Hours always available
Free ticket
2. Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is a French locality renowned for the wine produced there, located 47 kilometers east of Bordeaux. The only way to reach the destination is by car in about 45 minutes.
Saint-Émilion is a medieval town strongly linked to the countryside and wine culture: around it there are over 800 Châteaux, mostly wineries. Once inside the town, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will feel like you have taken a step back in time. In your itinerary, remember to include the Torre du Roy, a thirteenth-century tower that offers a beautiful view of the city and its vineyards from above, and the Monolithic Church, one of the largest in Europe of this type!
To get to Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux, you can take a direct train or car journey of approximately 44 minutes.
Distance: 47.4 km
Getting there: 44 minutes by car, 30 minutes by train (€5.00), or 45 minutes by bus (€8.00)
Hours always open
Torre du Roy is open from February to December from 11:00 to 18:00; Monolithic Church is open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:30, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 18:30
Ticket price Entrance to Torre du Roy costs €2.00; Entrance to Monolithic Church costs €9.00
3. Médoc
The Médoc is a winemaking region in southwestern France, 71 kilometers away from Bordeaux.
As for alternative options, you can also take part in one of the many tours organized daily from Bordeaux to explore the area. The Médoc Region is one of the most renowned wine regions in Bordelais and enjoys international fame. The area is rich in famous names like Château Margaux, Château Palmer, and Château Pichon Longueville.
To get to the Médoc from Bordeaux, you can take a direct train or car journey of approximately 50 minutes.
Distance: 71 km
Getting there: 50 minutes by car; only available way to reach the destination
Hours always open
Free ticket access
4. Margaux
Margaux is also a locality known for its wine, located north of Bordeaux, 30 kilometers away from it.
One of the main attractions of this town is the Château Margaux, originally a fortified castle built in the 12th century, today an important winery known worldwide. It’s possible to take part in a guided tour of the cellars only on appointment, from Monday to Friday, while the estate is closed on weekends, during holidays, in August and during grape harvest season.
To get to Margaux from Bordeaux, you can take a direct train or car journey of approximately 46 minutes.
Distance: 29.7 km
Getting there: 46 minutes by car or direct train from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Gare de Margaux, journey time one hour
Hours always open
Free ticket access
5. La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a coastal town in southwestern France, 200 kilometers away from Bordeaux.
With its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was the main French port on the Atlantic, La Rochelle has become synonymous with maritime culture and stunning architecture. This town is perfect for those looking for history and culture, good food, and relaxation.
To get to La Rochelle from Bordeaux, you can take a direct train or car journey of approximately two hours and twenty minutes.
Distance: 194 km
Getting there: Two hours by car or direct train from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Gare de La Rochelle, journey time two hours and twenty minutes
Hours always open; Torre di La Rochelle is open from October 1st to March 1st from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:15 to 17:30, April 1st to June 30th and September from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:15 to 18:30, July 1st to August 31st from 10:00 to 18:30
Ticket price Entrance to Torre di La Rochelle costs €6.00; audio guide costs an additional €3.00
6. Tolosa
Tolosa is a French city located in the south of France, not far from the Pyrenees National Park and the border with Spain.
This charming town is also known as the “pink city”, due to the color of the bricks with which most of its buildings are constructed. And, if the pink is the color that identifies the architecture, the purple is the one that identifies nature: indeed, Tolosa is called also “City of Violets”, thanks to the large presence of this flower in the countryside and in the cuisine, pastries, and perfumes.
To get to Tolosa from Bordeaux, you can take a direct train or car journey of approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes.
Distance: 245 km
Getting there: Two hours and thirty-five minutes by car or direct train from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Matabiau Train Station, journey time two hours and four minutes
Hours always open; Basilica of Saint Sernin is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 18:00, Sunday and holidays from 8:30 to 19:30; Convent of the Jacobins is open every day from 8:00 to 18:00
In conclusion, Bordeaux offers a wide range of day-trip excursions that cater to all interests and preferences. From the stunning Pilat Dunes to the charming towns of Saint-Émilion and Margaux, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
FAQs
- Q: How do I get to Arcachon and Pilat Dunes from Bordeaux?
A: You can reach Arcachon by car or direct train from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean, journey time 53 minutes. - Q: What is the best way to explore Médoc?
A: Take part in one of the many tours organized daily from Bordeaux to explore the area. - Q: Can I visit Château Margaux without a guide?
A: Yes, but it’s recommended to book well in advance and only visit on appointment, from Monday to Friday. - Q: How do I get to La Rochelle from Bordeaux?
A: You can reach La Rochelle by car or direct train from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean, journey time two hours and twenty minutes. - Q: What is the opening hour of Torre di La Rochelle?
A: It’s open from October 1st to March 1st from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:15 to 17:30. - Q: Can I visit Tolosa on a day-trip?
A: Yes, but it’s recommended to spend at least two days exploring this charming town. - Q: What is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
A: The best time to visit Bordeaux is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. - Q: Can I drink wine in Bordeaux on a day-trip?
A: Yes, but it’s recommended to check with your tour guide or local authorities for any restrictions or recommendations.