Our private and tailor-made tours offer far more freedom and flexibility to each traveller.
Private Walking Tour
Choose between a two or three hour private walking tour of Bordeaux. These tours are a great introduction to the city and will help you gather your bearings. Not only will you learn about the rich history of Bordeaux and its stunning architecture but also an insight into the real life of the Bordelais. We will visit the main historical monuments as well as different neighbourhoods which give Bordeaux its undeniable character.I can show you the best places for coffee, cocktails, food, you name it. Each tour is tailor-made to suit your personal needs so that you can relax and truly experience the extraordinary city that is Bordeaux.
This tour is similar to that of our Private Walking Tour in that you will get a great understanding of the rich history that Bordeaux has to offer. However this tour will also include tasting some of the famous local treats and ends in one of the most fabulous wine bars of Bordeaux for a private wine tasting. Come along as we wander through Bordeaux’s gorgeous cobbled streets whilst we stop off at places you can’t leave Bordeaux without trying.
We had a great walking tour with Sophia. It was our first trip to Bordeaux so we wanted to have a solid introduction to the city and its history. Sophia catered the tour to what we wanted to see and learn about. She also showed us where to get the "real" best dessert treat in Bordeaux. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because she leads you all around the city.
Trish Healy
27 October 2023
A group of us recently did a walking tour of Bordeaux with Sophia. Really interesting tour, Sophia had great knowledge. It was fun, & lively . We thoroughly enjoyed our time spent in Sophia's company. Also a lovely way to enjoy the city of Bordeaux. Would highly recommend you do a walking tour with Sophia.
Elaine
8 October 2023
WOW this was one of the best tours we've ever had! Me and my husband travel a lot and love doing walking / food tours to learn the history, eat local treats and see the architecture. Sophia was SO friendly, with a bubbly personality and super sweet! She was extremely knowledgeable about Bordeaux and even took us to great stops to eat some delicious local sweets :) We learned so much about Bordeaux thanks to Sophia. She also gave us GREAT restaurant recommendations (thanks to her brochure - highly recommend getting it)! All in all, don't hesitate and book this tour!!
Chip Grimes
24 August 2023
My Wife and I were recommend Sophia by a friend that had taken a tour early in the year. Sophia was amazing. Growing up in England and moving to Bordeaux many years ago had a great opportunity to learn what is like living in the city and all she knew about the people, history and lifestyle. Sophia has great energy and attitude. We had an perfect time and would recommend Sophia 100%!! Thank You Sophia!!
Scott Smerud
16 July 2023
Sophia was so friendly and kind--it felt more like a member of the family giving us an insider's tour! My daughter especially connected with Sophia. She customized our visit to add in her favorite food stops that we otherwise would have missed. Sophia was also very generous before the tour, helping us understand public transportation and learn of great restaurants. When our train was cancelled, Sophia was able to adjust our schedule. I can't say enough great things about Sophia. Our trip to Bordeaux was much more fun enriching because of Sophia!
Sumeet Vohra
27 June 2023
Bordeaux is a beautiful city with much to offer.
Sophia's bespoke tour was a perfect welcome to the city.
Excellent communications prior to the tour, and a surprising amount of flexibility to accommodate our changing schedule.
Sophia was personable, charming and engaging.
She imparted to us her knowledge and local insights with enthusiasm and in an accessible manner.
Our tour had the feeling of a meeting with a friend, rather than a commercial exercise.
My family and I thought that Sophia was fabulous, and we would love to come back to Bordeaux and have another lovely experience.
Eoin Hanlon
27 June 2023
Sophia gave us a brilliant private tour and made it feel like it was a friend showing us around Bordeaux! Would recommend Sophia to any friends and family heading to Bordeaux.
We got some great food and drink recommendations throughout the tour we tried out after also - 5 stars!
M Klotz
27 June 2023
Sophia is the best! What a great tour. She is extremely knowledgeable and incredibly personable as well. You can't go wrong taking this tour with Sophia!
david langley-bates
4 June 2023
A wonderful walking tour of Bordeaux. Sophia manages to weave much information about the history, the people, and the food of Bordeaux. She shares relevant information of herself and her journey to Bordeaux. We even went to a flea market and the city food market. Would definitely recommend this tour. Such a beautiful person full of knowledge of Bordeaux
Narelle Allen
2 June 2023
We did a two hour walking tour of beautiful Bordeaux with the delightful Sophia. She totally brought Bordeaux to life, sharing a mixture of history and current day information to create a truly intriguing and enjoyable walk around this historic city. Our only regret was that we didn't do this on day one, and book another tour with Sophia during our stay. Sophia kindly shared so many tips for our stay - which made for a wonderful experience. If you are looking for an English speaking guide, I cannot rate her highly enough.
BackPacker114519
23 April 2024
Verified
Best tour I ever had
Sophia shares with you her love to the city. She makes you fill comfortable and enjoy the city at your own pace. When she shows you the hidden gems of the city and tells the stories about its secrets you feel like walking with an old friend. What could be better?
Curious29361209527
29 October 2023
Verified
Sophia is your guide!
Sophia is utterly charming and gives an excellent tour that is both historically and culturally satisfying. Do not hesitate to book her!
Voyage58317306837
18 October 2023
Verified
Excellent tour
We had a fabulous walking tour of Bordeaux with Sophia. An excellent guide, informative and fun. Would thoroughly recommend.
Marilyn E
12 October 2023
Verified
Stories from Bordeaux with Sophia: A highly recommended walking tour with this knowledgable, friendly guide!
On our first day in Bordeaux, we took the bus and a modern tram into the city center for a three-hour walking (English) tour with Sophia. (Bordeaux is a city of cyclists and pedestrians.) Sophia is a talented and well-informed story-teller and described the origins of Bordeaux and how, historically, it became a major port and a center of commerce. She told us about the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine who had been educated by her father and, in 1137 at the age of 14 when her father suddenly died walking the Camino, inherited a large region of modern day France which included Bordeaux. Married twice, first to Louis VII of France – they were married in the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux -- and later to Henry II of England, she was Queen of France, Queen of England, imprisoned for 20-some years and, upon her release, demanded to be recognized as Queen of England once more. She lived an extraordinary life filled with twists and turns and was 82 years when she died in 1204. Today, one can see many references to “Alienor” in the city. As we walked the city center, Sophia described the men whose visions and politics created the modern-day Bordeaux with its wide boulevard and other architectural features, its tramway system and its clean, limestone building façades. She told us about the origins of two of the pastries Bordeaux is famous for: cannelés and "dunes blanches chez Pascal." Of course, we had to sample them! Oh my! The three hours passed quickly and when we fondly said our “au revoir,” we felt that we not only had made a new friend but, as well, had acquired a basic knowledge of this bustling city and its history. A very enjoyable afternoon!
Kirk D
12 October 2023
Verified
Walking tour of Bordeaux.
The tour was delightful. Sophia was knowledgeable and engaging.also she took the time to make some excellent local excursion suggestions. She did a superb job!
Paula G
11 October 2023
Verified
Great
Top end tour, very informative, our group had great fun. Sophia struck the perfect balance of local history communcated in interesting way. Thank you Sophia.
Rubyjuly
28 September 2023
Verified
Best fun and informative tour of Bordeaux possible!
Extremely fun and very informative 3 hour tour of Bordeaux. Sophia was so personable and accommodating! I booked her for our first morning in Bordeaux so I could become more comfortable with the city. She knows so much about the history, the culture, the food and makes it all so interesting. I would love to always have her for my guide. She really becomes a friend! I couldn’t recommend Sophia more highly!
Marilyn M
27 September 2023
Verified
Expectations met and exceeded.
We had a great time. Sophia is so knowledgeable and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together.
nikki52016
17 September 2023
Verified
Fantastic tour, fun and informative
In short, an amazing experience! Sophia’s private walking tour was a fabulous way for us to get to know Bordeaux, from its past to present, including where to buy the best local cakes! We learned so much but in a very personalised, relaxed way, along with gaining insider tips for our time in this beautiful city, and having lots of fun along the way. Sophia obviously has a passion for history that she shared through stories that made the city’s history come alive. She took the time to understand our interests and prior knowledge, which meant she then adapted our tour in keeping with them. We highly recommend discovering Bordeaux with Sophia!
I cannot wait to take you around Bordeaux. This fabulous city is like a less frequented, mini Paris. If you’re a foodie then we will get on well – I know where to find the most delicious French pâtisseries, the freshest seafood and the venues only locals know about.
Each tour will include the history of Bordeaux but I’ll tell it in a way so that even my 14 year old self would have been interested.
Bordeaux has been my adopted home since 2017. I can’t wait to welcome you here and show you this extraordinary city through my eyes.
If so, feel free to ask any questions you may have on my Facebook group – Bordeaux City & Region – Travel Advice By a Local. Here I will give you my local tips and advice on anything you may need during your time in the region.