Bucket list experience:
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Caneles cakes
Bordeaux is where all the famous specialities of southwest France come together accompany: tender lamb from Pauillac, beef from Bazas, ceps (boletus mushrooms) from the Landes, duck, geese, foie gras and truffles from the Dordogne, oysters and other seafood from Arcachon and the increasingly acclaimed Aquitaine caviar from the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
The traditional cuisine of the city is very bourgeoise and a bit heavy; food was meant to go with a bottle of wine rather than vice versa.
People here like a good steak, an entrecote bordelaise, with a sauce made from shallots and red wine. The southwest’s duck and goose appear in foie gras, confits and magrets (steak-like breasts). One odd speciality here is lamprey, in a sauce made of its blood with a touch of chocolate.
Along with its fabulous wines, the true symbol of Bordeaux may be the tiny, toque-shaped pastries called caneles.
Also see our round-up of traditional French foods to try in France.
Bordeaux has its grand bourgeois restaurants with mind-blowing wine cellars, but you’ll also find wine bars where you can educate your palate with wines by the glass while nibbling on platters of charcuterie, cheeses, or a light meal. Bistros are popular for less formal dining, and good places to find creative, informal bistronomique cuisine.
It’s a great city for markets, with pride of place going to Marche des Capucins.
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Destination Guide >Conveniently, both the sights and best places to eat are concentrated in the historic centre. You’ll find convivial spots with outdoor dining around Place du Parlement and nearby Rue St-Remi, and rather smarter restaurants and wine bars in the Golden Triangle. Many of the best restaurants are in four- or five-star hotels.
The Michelin guide is always useful for locating good restaurants, with an online site that allows you to book them as well.
On Sunday mornings, enjoy the favourite Bordelais pastime of slurping fresh oysters with a glass of white wine at the open-air Marche des Quais, on the Quai des Chartrons. Gourmet Sunday brunches, often in fancy hotel restaurants, are also popular.
Every July Bordeaux celebrates its wine and food with a huge party, alternating between wine festival, the Fete le Vin or the river festival Fete de le Fleuve.
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
This small museum is a must for those interested in the long history of wine-making in France. Guided visits take you to the wine cellars to see exhibits of wine-making equipment dating from the present back 2,000 years. The tours explain the different grape varieties, how they make Bordeaux’s famous ‘Grand Vins’, and end with a wine tasting.
Best for ages: 18+ | £35 | 2 hours 30 mins
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Every Sunday morning, join the local Bordelais at this lively, gourmet outdoor market along the Quais des Chartrons – with particularly good seafood and wine.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Although it only opened in 2017, this vast new food hall by Wine City has become one of the most popular foodie hangouts in the city, with a mix of stalls run by farmers, chefs and producers.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
This pastry shop makes cracking versions of Bordeaux’s famous cinnamon and orange canele pastries; they also do rum-soaked caneles in jars and savoury versions with chorizo, now available in several locations in the city.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Once a cardinal’s luxurious townhouse in the heart of Bordeaux, now a charming little hotel with characterful guestrooms and apartments. An excellent base for first-time visitors.
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Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
This comfy, chic boutique hotel is within walking distance of the city’s historic centre, with excellent food and drink.
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Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
An historic, elegant 18th-century hotel ideally located in Bordeaux’s swish Golden Triangle, with a locally-rated spa and restaurant.
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Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine , France
This stylish but friendly and unfussy boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Bordeaux. Perfect as a base for sightseeing, and great value for the location too.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
A vintage wine and culture destination with delicious tastings, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and a glorious coastline.
