48 Hours in Bordeaux

A cobbled classic One of Bordeaux’s winding streets; (right) take a cruise of the Bassin d’Arcachon

48 Hours in...

BORDEAUX

From a wine-blending workshop to lazy coastal cruises, our specialist helps you squeeze every last drop of pleasure out of two days in Bordeaux

WORDS BY LEANNE PROCTOR

DAY 1

7am

Wake up in your room at L’Hôtel Particulier, an imposing 19th-century townhouse in the central pedestrianized area of Bordeaux, and make your way to the breakfast room, where your food is made to order.

8am

Meet your driver in the lobby and depart for Cap Ferret, a coastal town southwest of Bordeaux. With your private skipper, you’ll take a cruise of the Bassin d’Arcachon in a traditional pinasse boat (pictured below), originally used by local fishermen to collect oysters in the bay.

11:30am

Stop at one of the many waterfront wooden cabanes and enjoy a light meal of oysters, freshly caught in the bay that morning, accompanied by local wine, bread and pâté. Afterwards, sail around Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), best known for its postcard-worthy stilted houses.

2pm

After returning to your hotel, take a short stroll to the nearby Saint-André Cathedral to explore its wealth of history. Alternatively, you could follow the pedestrianized roads to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, where you can admire its stately neoclassical façade.

5pm

Attend a wine cruise on the Garonne River. Sip on local vintages as you sail past some of Bordeaux’s best-known landmarks, including the fountains at Place de la Bourse.

7pm

Disembark and walk along the quai (dock), stopping for a leisurely dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants – my favorite is La Brasserie Bordelaise on Rue Saint-Rémi.

SPECIALISTS’ TOP TIPS

Make sure to explore both the

Médoc and Saint-Émilion wine regions for a more well-rounded understanding of Bordeaux wines. Aislyn Emerson

Wander through the warren of streets in the pedestrians-only area of the city, where you’ll find several tucked-away squares that boast boutique shops, cafes, and art shops. Careese Peters

Have lunch outside in the small square by Saint-André for the best views of the cathedral. Samantha Sutherland

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Vive la Bordeaux! (clockwise from top left) Bordeaux Cathedral; grape harvest; a vineyard in the region; pedestrian street in the Old City

BORDEAUX

DAY 2

9am

Sleep in late today, but be sure not to fill up too much on breakfast – you’ll be enjoying a number of food tastings during the day.

11am

Meet your private driver in the lobby of your hotel and embark on a walking tour focused around the city’s food. You’ll taste many of the region’s best delicacies, including the Bordeaux canelé, a small custard-filled pastry that’s spiked with rum and vanilla and boasts a richly caramelized crust. Your guide will also take you into the cave of a 15th-century convent-turned-affinage (a cheese ager and purveyor), where you can sample a variety of local cheeses.

5pm

After taking some time to digest, make your way to the Place aux Quinconces for a wine-blending workshop. Held

A fisherman’s dozen (clockwise from top right) Dine on oysters fresh from the Bassin d’Arcachon; a room in L’Hôtel Particulier and its courtyard

in a reclaimed townhouse, it begins with an introduction to the particularities of Bordeaux wines before you learn how to taste them like a professional sommelier, with a focus on identifying the unique aromas in each variety. Finally, you become the winemaker and create your own vintage, blending cabernet sauvignon and merlot to your personal taste.

7:30pm

Make your way to Mama Shelter, where you can enjoy a cocktail on its eclectic rooftop bar. If you’re hungry, head out for a bite to eat at Le Carreau on Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges for traditional southwestern French fare. I recommend the duck confit – it’s the house specialty.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Flight information: Flight time from New York City to Bordeaux is ten hours, likely with a layover in Paris. When to go: Bordeaux is a year-round destination, though June to August brings pleasant weather and the wine region is at the height of its growing season. Get me there: A ten-day tailor-made trip to southwestern France, including time in Bordeaux, starts from $4,455pp. For more information, please call Leanne or one of our France specialists at 1-855-593-2104

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