A mecca for wine lovers, Bordeaux is an excellent destination for a luxury trip. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or as part of a road trip, Bordeaux is a glamorous French city in Southwestern France with numerous things to see and do. While many would come here for the wine, it’s not the only thing the city has to offer. Below, check out our list of the best places to visit in Bordeaux on a luxury trip.
1. Saint-Émilion
Saint Emilion is the go-to place for wine enthusiasts heading to Bordeaux. The charming medieval village has a longstanding reputation for producing some of the world’s most exquisite wines. It’s no wonder it attracts millions of tourists each year.
Beyond the wine, Saint Emilion boasts many other things to delight visitors. It has a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC when Romans planted the first vines in the region. A stroll through the city centre will take you to some of the most significant religious buildings that have become a stopping point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago to Spain.
Like most of Southwest France, Saint Emilion has bustling markets that are a joy to explore. Visit Libourne Market, a fun place for anyone, with stalls selling local cheeses, oysters, and locally produced wine.
If you’re here for the wine, your best bet is to rent a car and drive around Saint Emilion to visit some of the most luxurious wineries. Many of them will be happy to welcome you into the chateau and let you sample their wine selections.
2. Aquitaine
Aquitaine is one of the most beautiful areas of Bordeaux and an ideal destination for a luxury trip to France. Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, it’s a fantastic place to stop by. There’s a wealth of stunning villa rentals in Bordeaux, making Aquitaine a great choice as the centre for your sumptuous French getaway.
In addition, there are plenty of stunning rental villas to enjoy in Aquitaine, making it an ideal base for your luxury holiday in Bordeaux.
Aquitaine may not be as famous as the other regions in the South of France, but you’d be surprised to know that it has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore medieval French villages, vibrant cities, or Atlantic beaches, it has everything you need for a holiday. The chateau-dotted countryside exudes a sophisticated atmosphere, with vineyards aplenty luring those who want to travel in luxury.
Nestled along the coast of La Rochelle, Ile-de-Ré is one of the most beautiful places in Aquitaine. It’s a popular summer destination among the locals, boasting a lively atmosphere. Cycling is the best way to explore Ile-de-Ré. Rent a bike and paddle along the narrow cobblestone streets, stopping by beautiful beaches and scenic vineyards. Another place worth a visit is Dune du Pilat, Europe’s largest dune. Hugging the Atlantic Coast, it’s an impressive sight boasting panoramic views of Landes Forest.
3. Place de la Bourse
If you’re fascinated by medieval architecture, Place de la Bourse is the place to be. Facing the scenic Garonne River, it has a vast open plaza with a beautiful fountain and pool. The plaza is one of the best places to visit in Bordeaux, especially for those fond of architecture and history.
Designed by famous French architect Jacques Gabriel, Place de la Bourse was established in 1749. One of the plaza’s most significant features is the central fountain originally featured at the statue of King Louis XV. Nowadays, you will find “Three Graces” in the central fountain, which Gumery, a Parisian sculptor, installed in 1869. It represents the mythological figures of the three daughters of Zeus.
Place de la Bourse is now an event venue boasting stately rooms and state-of-the-art facilities. One of the most significant attractions in the plaza is the water mirror installation, installed in 2006. It occupies a large surface area, giving an elegant vibe to the whole plaza.
4. The Médoc
For wine enthusiasts, the Medoc peninsula is one of those places you should include in your bucket list. It’s ideal for wine-tasting breaks in Bordeaux, the perfect activity for a luxury break in France. A stunning area of coastal lagoons, lush pine forests, and majestic dunes, it is a global wine powerhouse, home to some of the world’s most prestigious wine villages, including Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien.
There are about 16,000 hectares of vineyards within the Medoc region, producing some of the world’s most expensive bottles of wine. Nestled between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Coastline, the Medoc peninsula consists of three sections – Haut-Médoc, Bas-Médoc, and Landes du Médoc.
Of the three sections, the Haut-Médoc is the most prestigious. It’s home to the wine villages of Saint-Estephe, Saint-Julien, and Margaux. These villages have been France’s most famous wine districts since the 18th Century. More fine wines are produced per acre in the region than anywhere else in the world!
5. Rue Sainte-Catherine
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the city’s main shopping street, stretching 1.2 kilometres through the city centre. It’s one of Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping streets with four-story townhouses, high-street shops, and fancy boutiques. Your luxury trip to Bordeaux won’t be complete without a visit to this famous shopping district.
Rue Sainte-Catherine is also home to the branch of the glamorous Galleries Lafayette of Paris, where you’ll find everything, from high-end designer fashion to exquisite bottles of wine and gourmet olive oils. Another place to check out is the glass-roofed Galerie Bordelaise, which has chic cafes and independent boutiques.
While you can explore Rue Sainte-Catherine independently, you can also visit it as part of a sightseeing tour in Bordeaux, where you learn about the famous shopping street’s history from a local guide.
The area is bustling with locals and tourists daily but gets even more crowded on Saturday.
The busiest time in Rue Sainte-Catherine is during the clearance sales, which happen twice a year. Merchants and traders set up stalls along the street at these times, and shoppers come in droves to hunt for a bargain.
Published by HOLR Magazine.