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!
Nestled in the southwest of France, the Médoc region is home to some of the world’s most famous and prestigious chateaux, making it a bucket-list destination for wine lovers. Located on the legendary “Left Bank” of Bordeaux, the Médoc is renowned for its high-quality red wines, crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Stretching roughly 50 miles from Bordeaux, and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gironde estuary on the other, the Médoc provides a scenic backdrop for your wine-tasting adventure.
For those seeking an authentic Bordeaux wine experience, visiting a Medoc Chateau is a must. Whether you’re sampling bold, structured reds or touring historic wine estates, this region offers an immersive insight into centuries-old wine traditions. The Médoc's rich viticultural history and status as a key player in Bordeaux's wine industry make it a perfect destination for both casual tourists and serious oenophiles. With a variety of chateaux ranging from small, family-run wineries to grand estates like Château Margaux and Château Latour, the Médoc offers something for every type of visitor.
The Médoc region is divided into several distinct areas or appellations: Haut-Médoc and Médoc being the two regional appellations. In fact the Medoc appellation was once called Bas-Médoc but that term was thrown out being slightly derogatory. (Bas means lower) The others are communal appellations or named after the towns they encompas. Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint Estephe, Listrac-Medoc and Moulis en Medoc. The whole peninsula is called Médoc wine region. All of the appellations boast impressive Médoc chateaux and world-class wines, but they offer slightly different experiences for wine tourists.
The southern portion of the Médoc peninsula, is home to some of the most prestigious wine appellations in Bordeaux.
These include world-famous appellations such as :
- Margaux
- Pauillac
- Saint-Julien
- and Saint-Estèphe
Each commune produces wines that are celebrated for their complexity, structure, and ageing potential. Visiting a Médoc chateau offers the opportunity to explore legendary estates and taste wines that frequently feature in international auctions. Iconic names like Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Margaux are part of this distinguished region, making the Médoc a magnet for serious wine enthusiasts.
In contrast, the Médoc appelation, located in the northern part of the region, offers a more relaxed and intimate wine-tasting experience. While it may not have as many classified growths, the Médoc is home to charming, family-run wineries and smaller estates that produce excellent wines with great value. A visit to a Médoc appellation chateau often includes personal, guided tours where winemakers share their passion for viticulture. The wines from Médoc tend to be more fruit-forward being predominately Merlot grapes and approachable, providing a different yet equally rewarding experience of the Médoc terroir.
Whether you choose to explore the prestigious estates of southern Medoc area or the hidden gems of the Medoc appellation, both regions offer rich history, beautiful landscapes, and, of course, extraordinary wines that will make your private Medoc wine tour unforgettable.
Medoc chateaux are not only revered for the exceptional wines they produce but also for their historical significance and unique terroir. Many of the most renowned estates were ranked in the 1855 Bordeaux Official Wine Classification, which still holds considerable influence today. Legendary names like Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Margaux, and Château Latour are recognized worldwide, attracting wine enthusiasts eager to experience the heritage behind these iconic labels.
What truly sets Medoc chateaux apart is their ability to craft wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Médoc region. The area’s gravelly soils, coupled with the moderating influence of the Gironde estuary, create ideal conditions for producing robust, long-lived red wines dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors to these chateaux not only get the chance to taste world-class wines but also witness the meticulous processes behind their production—from vineyard management to cellar aging.
Beyond the wines, the Medoc chateaux experience is a cultural journey. Many estates feature stunning 17th and 18th-century architecture, sprawling vineyards, and centuries-old family legacies. Whether it’s a small, family-run estate or one of the prestigious Classified Growth Chateaux, visiting a Medoc chateau allows you to dive deep into the region’s viticultural heritage and craftsmanship that have defined Bordeaux wine for generations.
Timing your visit to a Medoc Chateau can greatly enhance your private Medoc wine tour experience, as each season brings something different to the table. From the vibrant energy of the harvest in autumn to the peaceful quiet of winter, each time of year offers unique opportunities for visitors.
No matter the season, our detailed guide will help you choose the perfect time to explore the Medoc region’s famous chateaux and immerse yourself in Bordeaux's wine culture.
Autumn in the Medoc region is a dynamic and captivating time, as vineyards are busy with the annual grape harvest. From September to November, winemakers are hard at work, gathering grapes and preparing for vinification. This is the best time to visit a Medoc Chateau if you want to experience the behind-the-scenes excitement of Bordeaux winemaking.
September is especially busy, as many of the famous chateaux, such as Château Margaux and Château Latour, are deeply engaged in harvest activities. With all hands on deck, larger estates may limit public access or reduce the number of tours available. Advance booking—6 to 9 months beforehand for the most popular chateaux—is crucial during this high-demand period. October sees the tail end of the harvest, with more opportunities for visitors to get a glimpse of the process without the heavy crowds.
By November, things start to quiet down as the tourist season winds down, but it’s still possible to visit many chateaux, especially smaller, family-run estates. The changing autumn colors across the vineyards also offer a picturesque backdrop, making this one of the most visually stunning times of the year to visit a Medoc Chateau.
Winter in the Medoc wine region offers a more peaceful, intimate experience compared to the busier seasons. While the vineyards are dormant and the harvest has long passed, this is the perfect time for those who prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace. Many Medoc chateaux scale back their visitor hours, with some closing entirely during the Christmas holidays and weekends. However, for those looking to explore a Medoc chateau during the quieter months, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy private Medoc wine tastings and behind-the-scenes tours during the week.
One thing to note is that the weather in winter can be quite cold and wet, so be prepared for indoor activities like cellar tours or fireside tastings. While the landscape may not be as vibrant as in summer or autumn, winter provides a unique charm as the vines rest and the winemakers focus on barrel aging their latest vintages.
Winter is also an excellent time to visit if you're looking for a more intimate connection with the winemaking process. With fewer tourists, winemakers often have more time to engage with visitors, offering deeper insights into the artistry behind Medoc wines. If you're after a quieter, more reflective experience, winter in the Medoc may be the perfect time for your visit.
Spring in the Medoc region marks the start of renewed activity, both in the vineyards and for visitors. From March to May, the vines awaken from their winter dormancy, and the Medoc chateaux begin preparing for the new season of wine production and tourism. It’s a time of transition, as pruning in the vineyards is well underway, and in the cellars, newly fermented wines are moved into barrels for aging.
In March, while the weather may still be cool, you can enjoy the early signs of spring, with vines starting to bud. This is an ideal time for visitors who want to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy more personal tours. Chateaux still have limited hours in March, often sticking to weekday schedules, but this quieter period allows for a more intimate experience of the Medoc chateaux.
April brings increased activity, especially during the annual en primeur (or futures) tastings. This important event draws thousands of wine professionals from around the world to sample the latest vintage. While en primeur tastings are typically reserved for the trade, the surrounding weeks are filled with events, making April a busy time in the region. Some of the most famous estates may limit or close public access during this period, prioritizing industry visitors.
By May, the weather is warmer, and the vineyards are lush and green. The tourist season is in full swing, but there are still fewer visitors compared to the summer months, making it a great time to explore without the crowds. Be mindful of the many French bank holidays in May, as chateaux may be closed for visits during these long weekends. However, by the end of the month, many Medoc chateaux extend their visiting hours and open on weekends, making it easier to plan your tour.
Summer is arguably the best time to visit a Medoc Chateau, as the warm weather and long days create the perfect conditions for exploring the vineyards. From June to August, the Medoc region is at its most vibrant, with lush, green vines stretching as far as the eye can see, and many chateaux offering extended visiting hours to accommodate the influx of tourists.
In June, the vineyards are in full bloom, and the weather is generally mild, making it an ideal time for wine lovers who want to enjoy the scenery while avoiding the peak summer heat. Many chateaux host events, tastings, and tours, and it's a great time to take advantage of Bordeaux’s lively cultural calendar.
July continues this trend, with long, sunny days that make vineyard tours and outdoor tastings a delight. Chateaux are typically fully operational, offering tours throughout the week and even on weekends. Some estates also stay open during lunch hours, a rare treat in France, and a few boutique chateaux may open on Sundays. With vineyards at their most photogenic, it’s an ideal time for capturing beautiful images of Medoc’s lush vineyards and grand estates.
By August, Bordeaux quiets down slightly as many locals take their summer vacations. However, this is still a prime time for tourists, with chateaux offering full opening hours and plenty of tasting opportunities. The vineyards are nearing the late stages of grape ripening, providing a unique glimpse into the winemaking process before the harvest begins. Keep in mind that some of the larger and more prestigious estates may close towards the end of August, as winemakers prepare for the busy harvest season.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a beautiful summer day in the vineyards, summer in the Medoc offers the perfect conditions for a memorable chateau visit. Just be sure to book ahead, as popular chateaux fill up quickly during the peak tourist season.
When planning your visit to a Medoc Chateau, especially renowned estates like Château Margaux or Château Mouton Rothschild, advance booking is essential. We recommend reserving your tour 6 to 9 months in advance for these prestigious chateaux, as they often have limited availability and strict schedules, particularly during peak seasons. Smaller, family-run estates may offer more flexibility, but their availability can also be restricted, especially during busy periods.
Many famous chateaux prioritize trade visitors or industry professionals, making timing crucial for securing a spot. To ensure a smooth and exclusive experience, Decanter Tours can handle all the arrangements for you. From accessing the most sought-after chateaux to providing personalized tours, we’ll ensure your private Medoc wine tour visit is perfectly tailored to your preferences and offers deep insights into Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage.
