The Ultimate Weekend in Bordeaux - A Local's Guide
Friday Morning
Embark on your perfect Bordeaux weekend by starting in the heart of the city’s historical old town. To begin your day like a local Bordelais head to your nearest local bakery and indulge in a renowned chocolatine or croissant. Pair it with an authentic cappuccino from a nearby coffee shop before getting ready to explore the city.
Discover the enchanting historical centre, home to iconic Bordeaux landmarks such as
- Grosse Cloche
- Grand Theatre
- Place de la Bourse
- Mirror d’eau
- Porte Cailhau
- Place du Parlement
- St André Cathedral
- Château du Hâ
- Rue St-Catherine
- Rue St-James
- Place Camille Jullian.
If you prefer a private guided tour, get in touch via thebordelais.com and book with Sophia (me), a local guide of Bordeaux. (I like to call myself a professional holiday improver lol).
After absorbing the historical charm, recharge at a typical French bistro for mouthwatering French cuisine. If you’re a foodie and love to eat in the best local places check out my downloadable Bordeaux Food Guide of 2024 by Food Tour Club so you eat like a local throughout your stay in Bordeaux.
Friday Afternoon
Venture into the Chartrons area for your Friday afternoon. This quintessential French neighbourhood, characterised by the picturesque Rue Notre Dame, offers small independent shops, cafes, and an authentic French ambiance. Stroll around, savour a coffee, and explore the boutiques. Don’t miss the Musée de Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux, a small museum focused on the history of wine in Bordeaux and the Chartrons, concluding with a delightful wine tasting.
Saturday Morning
Awake to a vineyard adventure! Escape the city by using this excellent website ruedesvignerons.com, which is basically the Airbnb for châteaux visits. Book directly from a variety of châteaux in the Bordeaux region. If you have your own transport, explore numerous options, or opt for the accessible Château du Taillan, just a bus ride away from the city centre.
Saturday Afternoon
Return to the city and explore the up-and-coming Bacalan area, home to the renowned Bordeaux Wine Museum – La Cité du Vin. Spend an hour or two immersing yourself in the exhibits. If museums aren’t your thing, stroll along the port and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks (apéro) at Halles de Bacalan.
Sunday Morning
On a Sunday morning in Bordeaux, head to the St Michel neighborhood. From 10 am, explore two vibrant markets, one which is on Place Canteloup – a flea market with hidden treasures, and then just nearby is the food market, Marché des Capucins. Indulge in local delicacies like oysters, mussels, and Basque pintxos while absorbing the lively atmosphere of this gastronomic haven.
Sunday Afternoon
With satisfied stomachs, embrace your inner Bordelais with the famous two-bridge walk, crossing both the stone bridge and the iconic vertical lift bridge, Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, with a stop at Darwin in the La Bastide neighbourhood. Formerly a military barracks, Darwin is now an eco-rehabilitated space with Berlin-esque vibes. Grab a coffee or treat yourself to something from their excellent bakery.
Thanks for reading
This guide hopes to ensure you experience the best of Bordeaux – from historical wonders and château dreams, to flea market treasures and hipster vibes. I wish you a magical time in this captivating city. If you want restaurant recommendations from a local, so that you hit all the foodie hotspots check out for only €15 our Bordeaux Food Guide or if you’d like a private tour of Bordeaux, get in touch. Otherwise have a wonderful time in the most beautiful city of France.
Cafe · Resto · Bar
Follow @the.bordelais to see the day to day life of a local in Bordeaux and the beauty of this city.
About the bordelais
The bordelais is a private walking tour company in Bordeaux created by local Sophia. Her private tours focus on the historical city of Bordeaux. Each tour covers an in-depth narrative of the rich history of Bordeaux and how it impacts the modern day to day life of the Bordelais (locals of Bordeaux).
After years of living in the heart of Bordeaux city and going out alot, Sophia has discovered the best bars to dance the night away, the most delicious food and the quirky addresses you’d never discover without living here.
Check out her downloadable food guide – www.foodtourclub.com
For more information on the tours Sophia offers.
