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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

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.

What to try

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.

The dining scene

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

People sit at a table with glasses of wine ready for tasting in front of them
Experience

Bordeaux Wine & Trade Museum

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

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Chartrons Quay Food Market

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

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Exterior view of the building, with slatted wooden roof and the Wine City Tower behind
Experience

Halles de Bacalan

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

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Close up of a branded sign
Experience

La Toque Cuivree

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 selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Gourmet tour of Bordeaux and its sweet specialties

Gourmet tour of Bordeaux and its sweet specialties

Bordeaux

Visit Bordeaux tasting delicious local specialties! During these two hours of guided tour, you will discover the historic center of Bordeau...

€22 | Rating 5 / 5 [13 ratings]

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Bordeaux Cheese & Wine Tasting Experience

Bordeaux Cheese & Wine Tasting Experience

Bordeaux

Enjoy a unique cheese & wine tasting experience during your stay in Bordeaux. In one of the most uncommon restaurant in town, discover the a...

€44 | Rating 4.41 / 5 [48 ratings]

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NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !

NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !

Bordeaux

Hello ! We are Claudia and Anthony, two day-one food fanatics :) After 3 small years since it’s launch, the No Diet Club has already filled...

€59 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [55 ratings]

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Bordeaux Historic and Gourmet Food Walking Tour

Bordeaux Historic and Gourmet Food Walking Tour

Bordeaux

Discover the rich history of Bordeaux and taste many delights on this 3-hour historic and gourmet food tour. Exploring the city on foot with...

€76 | Rating 4.65 / 5 [78 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

L’Hotel Particulier Bordeaux

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.

Official star rating:

Le Burdigala Hotel

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

This comfy, chic boutique hotel is within walking distance of the city’s historic centre, with excellent food and drink.

Official star rating:

Hotel de Seze

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.

Official star rating:

Hotel de Tourny

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bordeaux

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

A vintage wine and culture destination with delicious tastings, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and a glorious coastline. 

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