Bordeaux, France

If you are looking for a smaller French city where you can get the full France experience but without the Parisian crowds or costs, then Bordeaux is a great destination. Not only do you get the French squares, food, and culture, but you are also in the heart of the French wine region, so there are many vineyards and charming châteaux to visit a short ride away or through organized tours.

Bordeaux is also great if you like to explore cities on foot because so many of the city's sights are within walking distance. Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, is in the heart of Bordeaux.

Where to Stay and Transportation

You can get to Bordeaux by train from Paris or even from across the border in Spain. If you fly to Bordeaux, the closest airport is Bordeaux Airport (BOD).

We traveled from San Sebastián, Spain, departing around 10am. We first took a local train to Hendaye, just across the French border, for 5.50 EUR ($5.95 USD) for two tickets. From Hendaye, we took a first-class train to Bordeaux for 66 EUR ($71.44 USD) for two tickets.

We stayed at Quality Choice Hotel for three nights, including breakfast for two people, for 606.60 EUR ($656.56 USD).

Our Three-Day Itinerary and Costs

Here is our full itinerary of what we did and the costs involved if you are interested in planning your own trip to Bordeaux! All prices reflect what we paid during our visit and may have changed since then.

Day 1: Arrival from Spain and Exploring Bordeaux

• Departure: Left San Sebastián around 10am.
• Train from San Sebastián to Hendaye: Two tickets for 5.50 EUR ($5.95 USD).
• Lunch at Le Kafe Ole in Hendaye: Two chorizo and goat cheese sandwiches and one espresso for 17.30 EUR ($18.70 USD).
• First-Class Train from Hendaye to Bordeaux: Two tickets for 66 EUR ($71.44 USD).
• Quality Choice Hotel: Three nights including breakfast for two people for 606.60 EUR ($656.56 USD).
• Dinner at Simeone Dell'Arte: Bottle of wine, salmon lasagna, octopus risotto, and chocolate sundae for 61.90 EUR ($67.00 USD).
• Drinks at Les Frères Cailloux near Porte Cailhau: Two beers for 10.50 EUR ($11.36 USD).

Day 2: Walking Tour, Local Markets, and French Cuisine

• Free Walking Tour of Bordeaux: Free tour plus a 25 EUR ($27.06 USD) tip.
• Lunch at Chez Jean-Mi in Marché des Capucins: Seafood for two and two glasses of white wine for 41.70 EUR ($45.10 USD).
• Drinks at Books & Coffee: Two beers for 8 EUR ($8.55 USD).
• Snack at Cadiot-Badie Chocolatier: Two chocolate-covered cherries for 3 EUR ($3.25 USD).
• Drinks at Oncle Bob's: Two beers for 8 EUR ($8.66 USD).
• Dinner at La Belle Époque: Duck confit, steak frites, and two beers for 50.80 EUR ($54.98 USD).
• Dessert at Grand Bar Castan: Banana chocolate crepe and two glasses of red wine for 16.60 EUR ($17.97 USD).

Day 3: Saint-Émilion Vineyards, Wine, and Local Dining

• Half-Day Saint-Émilion Village and Vineyard Tour: 192.36 EUR ($208.20 USD).
• Lunch at Wasabi Café: Two iced coffees and two set lunches with salad, miso soup, and shrimp udon for 40.70 EUR ($44.05 USD).
• Drinks at Space Factory: Flight of four beers for 12 EUR ($13.06 USD).
• Drinks at Totto: Bottle of rosé wine for 27 EUR ($29.22 USD).
• Dinner at Les Moules du Cabanon: Two beers, one order of mussels with fries, and one chocolate dessert for 31.50 EUR ($34.09 USD).

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