Wine lovers tend to get obsessed with Bordeaux, the world’s capital of wine, and its renowned wine-producing regions: the Médoc, Graves and Sauternes, Blaye and Bourg, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac, and Entre-Deux-Mers. In fact, many believe the region is solely about wine, like there’s nothing else to see or do beyond Bordeaux.
We love wine as much as the next geek, but if you believe Bordeaux is solely about wine, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Located in the Gironde department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a stone’s throw away from some exquisite destinations that feed the soul–for their breathtaking beauty–and feed the belly, bien sûr! Offering everything from exquisite gastronomy, rich history, stunning natural beauty, sunny beaches, and yes, more wine but a wide array, including distilled wines, Bordeaux is surrounded by a variety of attractions that cater to just about everyone, appealing to all tastes.
If you’re planning a day trip (or two!) from Bordeaux, here are some excursions for things to see and do:
Arcachon Bay, known as "Bassin d'Arcachon" in French, located on the Atlantic coast about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Bordeaux, is a stunning natural site renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and oysters! There’s so much to see and do (and eat!), making it the perfect spot for beach bums and gourmands.
Most famous for the Dune of Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dunes, reaching over 100 meters in height, visitors can climb the dune to take in the breathtaking scenery and panoramic views of the bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding pine forests.
The Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), a small island in the middle of the bay, is famous for its stilted wooden cabins, known as "Cabanes tchanquées," and is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of bird species nesting in the area.
All this landscape certainly makes one hungry and there’s nothing better than stopping at one of the many traditional huts to eat fresh oysters. Considered a delicacy and a significant part of the region's culture and economy, visitors can tour oyster farms and taste fresh oysters in the local markets and restaurants.
And of course, there’s Cap Ferret. The Cap is the setting for the hit movies Les Petits Mouchoirs (Little White Lies) and then its sequel, Nous Finirons Ensemble (We’ll End Up Together), two films that show just how important Cap Ferret is for the French psyche, particularly the Parisians. Facing Arcachon, Cap Ferret is more local, more laid back, with plenty of small seaside towns along the peninsula. Don’t forget to visit the Cap Ferret Lighthouse for panoramic views.
The maritime city of La Rochelle, just a two-hour drive north of Bordeaux, is a picturesque port town located on the Atlantic coast. Steeped in history that stretches back to antiquity, La Rochelle flourished during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, becoming one of France's most significant maritime centers.
Over the centuries, La Rochelle has retained its seafaring heritage and importance. The city's historic harbor is famously guarded by its iconic towers—the Tour de la Chaîne and Tour Saint-Nicolas—standing as proud reminders of its fortified past. These remarkable structures not only protected the port but also symbolize the city's enduring maritime legacy.
La Rochelle offers a delightful blend of history and modern attractions. Visitors can wander through the Old Port ("Vieux Port"), lined with bustling cafés, seafood restaurants, and sailboats, capturing the quintessential charm of this coastal gem.
A must-see is the renowned La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, where you can explore the wonders of the ocean and discover a mesmerizing array of marine life.
One hour’s drive north from Bordeaux, Cognac is a charming medieval town renowned worldwide for its production of the luxurious brandy also called Cognac. It lies along the Charente River, and is home to some of the most prestigious Cognac houses in the world, including Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, and Camus, to name just a few. The small town regularly receives VIP visitors, such as Alicia Keys or Lebron James just this week! These legendary maisons (houses) have been producing Cognac for generations, each with its own unique techniques and closely guarded secrets that contribute to the distinct flavors and quality that have made Cognac a symbol of luxury and sophistication worldwide.
Visitors to Cognac have the opportunity to explore these grand houses, many of which offer guided tours that delve into the fascinating process of Cognac production, from grape harvesting and distillation to aging in oak barrels. These tours often conclude with tastings, allowing guests to savor some of the finest and most sought-after Cognacs, ranging from VS (Very Special) to the coveted XO (Extra Old) varieties.
Northwest of Bordeaux lies the Dordogne region. With its deep historical legacy, from prehistoric times to the medieval period, marked by the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the region is dotted with châteaux, fortified towns, and charming medieval villages. A quick train ride from Bordeaux’s Gare Saint Jean train station will take adventurous visitors to the delightful towns of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Beynac-et-Cazenac, or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
Also known for its rich gastronomic traditions, bustling village markets offer visitors a chance to experience the region’s delicious culinary heritage, such as foie gras, truffles, walnuts, and cheeses.
For nature lovers, the Dordogne offers breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. The Dordogne River winds its way through the region, carving out a valley that offers some of the most picturesque scenery in France. The river is bordered by steep limestone cliffs, rolling green hills, and villages perched high above the water. The Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is particularly famous for its prehistoric sites and striking rock formations, with caves such as Lascaux and Font-de-Gaume nestled within this remarkable landscape.
The French Basque Country south of Bordeaux offers an extraordinary mix of coastal beauty, charming villages, rolling hills, and a vibrant, deeply rooted culture. Whether you're strolling along the elegant beaches of Biarritz, sampling pintxos in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, hiking the lush mountain trails, or immersing yourself in traditional Basque music and sports, this region is a captivating destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Curious to include these day excursions into a comprehensive Bordeaux wine tour? Take a look at our "Bordeaux in 4 Days with hotel" tour or get in touch to create a tailor-made tour just for you!
So you want to come to Bordeaux. And because you’re a wine lover, you’re thinking of hitting up a few wineries in the Medoc, Saint Emilion, and why not, Sauternes. You’ve got a few minutes to kill and head over to ChatGPT. At the touch of a button, you’ve got your trip planned out.
In an era where technology permeates every part of our lives, it's no surprise then that Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms for travel planning have entered the equation. Fast, free and full of promise, these platforms are able to spit out a wealth of options for your next dream vacation.
We love technology as much as the next person–after all, it has made travel much easier and accessible to all–but we were curious to try some of these platforms ourselves, wondering if it was time to close our office. On one of the most widely-used travel platforms, we entered our prompt:
“My wife and I will be in Bordeaux on September 7 and 8th. We would like to arrange a guided tour with a driver/guide to visit the left bank on one day and the right bank on another. Can you please suggest an itinerary for these days. We love and enjoy the top first and second growths but understand that they are often not available or are visited at a premium.”
In a matter of nanoseconds, our wine tours were ready. Our bot was friendly, efficient and created an itinerary that would’ve made Robert Parker jealous. Margaux, Latour, Figeac, Angelus, Cheval Blanc, it seemed that nothing was out of bound, as if all these properties were available even during one of the busiest times of the year: harvest. It was, dare we say, too good to be true.
As Bordeaux travel experts, with more than 20 years experience, we know better. Amidst all the convenience that AI provides, it's imperative to recognize its limitations, and understand the indispensable value of a human touch. Particularly in the domain of wine tours in France, the limitiations are immense. Sure AI platforms can suggest the top properties, but actually securing a spot in one of these esteemed venues is a feat which often requires tact, persuasion and years of relationship-building. None of which the AI bots are equipped to handle.
Several AI itinerary planning platforms have gained prominence in recent years, revolutionising the way we plan and experience travel. Platforms such as Copilot2trip, Google Trips, Guide Geek, Expedia, and Curiosio are able to pull data from all corners of the internet and provide customized itineraries. With impressive features and functionalities, from AI-powered travel advisors, fully integrated comprehensive booking systems, real-time recommendations, and travel experiences tailored to your personal preferences and interests, we’ve got to hand it to Silicon Valley, it’s a job well-done.
Yet, even with all this sophistication and high-tech, in wine regions like Bordeaux, where the slower life, traditional country values and local customs dictate the rules of the game, relying on AI platforms for your travel plans can lead to massive disappointments.
AI chatbots like ChatGPT, while capable of providing basic travel assistance, lack the nuanced understanding and real-world experience required for complex itinerary planning and booking.
To go back to our “conversation” (if we can even call it that) with our bot, the options didn’t take into consideration that September 7th and 8th fall on a weekend, when all (save Yquem) of the Bordeaux First Growths are closed. And it’s not just a lack of information from the sources where AI is getting its data, not all First Growths are open to the public, and many filter the visitors they receive with an initial screening.
Beyond the famous chateau, the smaller, boutique wineries aren't always on top of their game, often burdened by the day to day of running a winery. Scheduling visits then requires numerous follow up emails, calls and coordination. We don’t want to brag, but what we do is practically an art form. Jokes aside, the reality is that AI has massive blind spots, including:
We’ll all bite the dust eventually but when it comes to booking your wine tours, partnering with a reputable agency like Decanter Tours, with over 20 years of experience in the field of wine tours, offers distinct advantages:
The proof is in the pudding: our customer reviews continuously highlight these points, which you can read here. Perhaps the most important point is that our personalized attention builds trust, an intangible attribute that is so very important in tourism.
All this to say, we’re not closing our office just yet. Yes, AI platforms have revolutionized the way we plan and book travel, but they cannot replace the value of human expertise, personalized service, and insider connections offered by reputable wine tour agencies like Decanter Tours.
We believe that by combining the efficiency of AI with the human touch of experienced professionals, travelers can enjoy the best of both worlds—a seamless planning process and unforgettable experiences that exceed their expectations. Now, which Medoc First Growth chateau was it that you wanted to visit? Contact us to talk about it... in person!
Home to some of the world’s most famous and prestigious chateaus, the Médoc is a region in southwest France, just at the doorstep of the capital of wine, Bordeaux. Situated on the legendary “Left Bank”, referring to its geographical position in relation to the Gironde estuary, Médoc is known for its high-quality red wines, particularly those made from grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
A stone’s throw away from Bordeaux, the Medoc is a vast area that stretches some 50 miles (80 kms) in length and 9 miles at its widest point (15 kms). Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Gironde estuary to the east, it takes roughly one hour and 45 minutes to reach the peninsula’s most westerly point, the Pointe de Grave, from Bordeaux.
The Médoc itself is divided into several smaller appellations, including:
The Médoc region is home to many of the classified growths (crus classés) from the Bordeaux Official Wine Classification of 1855, which ranks the top châteaux in Bordeaux. Some of the most famous estates include Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild.
With the prestige and reputation of the region, it’s no wonder that people want to visit and taste the very best. There’s a wide range of chateaux to choose from, ranging from small family-run wineries to boutique wineries to the grandiose 1855 Classified Growth Chateaus.
Historically, chateaus were only open to wine professionals and those in the trade, but wine tourism has grown considerably over the years. According to Agora Tourisme Bordeaux, part of Bordeaux Métropole Tourism and Convention Office (OTCBM), there were an estimated 2 million wine tourists in the Bordeaux wine region in 2018.
With such high volume, to avoid disappointment, we always recommend booking months in advance. Particularly for the most famous chateaus, that are often overwhelmed with requests, it's best to plan 6-9 months earlier. For smaller chateaus, it’s still possible to book a week or two before but you shouldn't wait too long as due to their own daily demands of running a winery, they may not have much flexibility. Finally, while not as common as in other parts of the wine world, there are a few chateaus that have tasting rooms where you can drop in, but keep in mind the hours of service as French chateaus generally close during lunch hours, from 12pm to 2pm.
Harvest is a magical time, when grapes are juicy and sweet, and the landscape reveals a myriad of colors, indicating that a change of season. With the onset of harvest, the region wakes up and the action begins. This is perhaps the best time to visit, but paradoxically also the worst, particularly if planning to visit the most famous properties, like Chateau Margaux or Mouton Rothschild. With all hands on deck, chateaus are preoccupied with ensuring the grapes are in the cellar before early autumn rains roll in or unexpected warmer temperatures, both which change the grape’s–and thus, the final wine’s–quality.
SEPTEMBER is one of the most visited month of the year so don't be surprised if it's super packed with visitors, making last-minute bookings almost impossible and country roads sluggish. As noted above, considering booking well in advance if you plan on visiting at this time. OCTOBER is the tail end of high season and harvest, so still quite a lot of movement, but slightly less busy. More chateau options become available and it's probably the right time to get a glimpse of a Bordeaux harvest. NOVEMBER is the end of tourist season and many chateaus are slowing things down, such as closing on the weekends and less flexible as staff may be limited.
Following the stresses and demands of harvest, chateaus go back to a lower gear. While there are still options for visits, in DECEMBER most chateaus will close on the weekend, only offering visits and tours during the week, usually from 9-12pm, 2-5pm. Christmas is vitally important, as a Catholic country, and so chateaus are closed during the holidays. Some may even close for longer, taking advantage of low demands in tourism and the little work required in the cellar.
JANUARY and FEBRUARY are the slowest months, with limited visiting hours and touring/tasting experiences. In addition, the vineyards aren’t at their prettiest, as the vines are dormant during the wet and cold winter months.
Things begin to pick up in MARCH, with spring just around the corner. In the vineyards, pruning has already begun and there’s some action taking place in the cellar, moving newly fermented wine into barrels for ageing. Chateaus will be gearing up for the start of the tourist season, but hours will still be limited to office hours, Monday to Friday (expect lunch hours to be closed).
APRIL is a particularly important time for Medoc wineries as the en primeurs (or ‘futures’) "draws 5 000 to 6,000 wine professionals from all over the world," according to the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) , to taste the new wines. While en primeurs is technically only one week long, the weeks before and after are especially busy, with tastings, dinners and events happening throughout the month, as such, chateaus prioritise professional visits over general visits, and many of the most famous names will close for the entire month.
MAY, in general, is a good month with the caveat that there are quite a few French bank holidays (namely the 1st, 8th, 9th and 20th) and chateaus will be closed for visits. By the end of the month, however, chateaus are in full-swing with visiting hours extending into the weekend (some may even open on Sundays!).
JUNE and JULY are the sweet spot months for visiting Medoc chateaus. This is the ideal time to come as the weather is fine, Bordeaux is buzzing with events and tasting, and chateaus are fully operational. Visiting hours are extended to include weekends, with a few chateaus open during lunch/siesta hours and Sundays. If it hasn't been too hot, the vineyards are green and lush, making it ideal for amateur photographer or those that want to capture the perfect image.
In AUGUST, with higher temperatures and schools closed, most Bordelaise are on vacation. The vibe is slower and sleepier in Bordeaux, except for the many tourists strolling through the cobble stone streets. In the Medoc, things tend to get quieter, but it's a great time to visit if you don’t mind the heat. You’ll see the grapes in their late ripening stage, perhaps even getting to sample one or two. Most chateaus have full opening hours, with a few boutique wineries open on Sundays and during lunch. At the end of August, some of the bigger and well-known properties will close for a few weeks, to get a much needed rest before harvest begins.
It’s always a good idea to do preliminary research, particularly when it comes to visiting the most famous chateaus. Some may accept visitors, some may not, or some may be more willing during particular moments of the year. You may get lucky on your first shot or you may need to be persistent (with grace and humility, bien sûr). Check visiting hours and remember to think about French bank holidays. If your emails go unanswered, try calling. If your calls aren't returned, then consider leaving things in the hands of trusted professionals, i.e. Decanter Tours.
While it’s certainly possible to plan and book your visits on your own, to ensure you actually get what you want, when you want it, get in touch.