Bordeaux & Arcachon: A 7-Day Wine & Beach Getaway in Southwest France

After landing at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport or arriving via train at Gare Saint-Jean station, you'll find yourself right in the heart of one of the world's most famous wine regions. Kick things off by dropping your bags at your hotel and heading into Bordeaux's beautifully preserved historic city center - a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore Bordeaux's Wine Culture
For your first afternoon, why not dive headfirst into the local wine culture? Head to one of Bordeaux's fantastic wine bars, like Bar à Vin, a relaxed local favorite pouring over 30 wines by the glass from small family vineyards across the region. The super knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through a tasting flight based on your preferences.

As the evening rolls around, indulge in an amazing French dinner at the beloved La Tupina, a Michelin Guide restaurant. Their impeccable southwestern cuisine is best explored through the tasting menu with wine pairings (but book well in advance - this place is always packed!). The cozy, underground dining room oozes intimacy and ambiance.

After dinner, stroll through the illuminated Place de la Bourse before calling it a night. You'll quickly see why they call Bordeaux the "Sleeping Beauty" - this city masterfully blends history with modern touches.

After fueling up on breakfast at your hotel, it's time to delve deeper into Bordeaux's rich wine heritage. Start your day at the La Cité du Vin museum - an architectural stunner shaped like a swirling decanter. This innovative museum brings the centuries-old story of winemaking to life through immersive exhibits and tastings. Don't miss the sensory wine tour that'll have you sniffing aroma samples like a professional oenologist!

In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through the city's golden triangle - the ornately designed neoclassical buildings where legendary negociants (wine merchants) hosted lavish tasting rooms and gala events in their heyday. Your expert local guide will regale you with stories of Bordeaux's illustrious winegrowing past.

As evening falls, cross the Garonne River into La Bastide, one of Bordeaux's trendiest neighborhoods filled with hip wine bars. Enjoy seafood and wine on the rooftop at L'Estacade - a unique restaurant on stilts facing the Place de la Bourse and the promenades along the Garonne!

Before heading back, stroll along the riverfront promenade to see the city's 18th-century architecture lit up at night.

After experiencing Bordeaux's urban wine culture, it's time to venture into the legendary vineyards that have made this region world-famous. Your destination for daay three is the medieval village and wine appellation of Saint-Émilion, about a 40-minute drive from the city center.

Start your day bright and early with a guided wine tour through the vine-covered countryside. Hire a private local guide or join a group tour to provide the backstories as you wind through the renowned appellations of Pomerol, Fronsac, and Saint-Émilion itself. Stop at family-run wineries to tour the aging cellars and vineyards, learning the traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques passed down for generations. Of course, you'll taste a breadth of their finest vintages along the way.

Be sure to stop in charming medieval town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend a few hours wandering the cobblestone lanes and marveling at the beautifully preserved churches, monasteries, and timber-framed houses dating back to the 11th century. Don't miss a peek inside the vast monolithic church, carved directly into the limestone rock.

Enjoy lunch at one of Saint-Émilion's several Michelin Guide-featured eateries.

Before heading back to Bordeaux, stop at your favorite vineyard to pick up a case (or two!) of their limited production wines to enjoy back home. An afternoon in Saint-Émilion offers the perfect vine-to-table experience.

Insider Tip: Many of the wineries offer limited visitor appointments, so be sure your guide secures reservations well in advance.

After indulging in Bordeaux's wine culture for a few days, it's time to experience another side of this region - the beautiful Atlantic coast and Bay of Arcachon. But before reaching the seaside, you'll stop to experience a few more delightful gems en route.

After checking out of your Bordeaux hotel, your private driver and guide will whisk you about an hour south through the rolling vineyards toward Arcachon. Your first stop is the charming village of Sauternes, renowned for its silky-sweet dessert wines and dry whites. Wander the quiet lanes lined with picturesque chateaux before enjoying a tasting at one of the prestigious estates like Château d'Arche or Château Guiraud.

Continue on to Château de Cazeneuve, a magnificent 14th-century castle set among the vines.

In the afternoon, you'll arrive in the coastal town of Arcachon situated along the gorgeous azure waters of the Arcachon Bay. After checking into your luxury hotel, spend some time strolling along the picturesque Boulevard de la Plage promenade or relax on the wide sandy beach.

For dinner, head to the waterfront and visit Diego

Indulge in fresh-caught seafood and crisp white Bordeaux wines as you watch the sunset. This first taste of Arcachon's laidback seaside bliss is just the beginning!

Insider Tip: If traveling in summer, beat the crowds by arriving at the popular beaches early. The bay waters can also get quite cool, so you may want to pack a light jacket.

After experiencing the wine culture of Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, it's time to embrace total relaxation mode in the beautiful coastal town of Arcachon. These next two days are all about soaking up the laid-back seaside vibes.

Wake up early to beat the crowds and head straight to the beach. Rent loungers and umbrellas to spend the full day unwinding by the bay's gentle waves and soaking up the sunshine. Around midday, stroll over to the lively Moulleau district to explore the casual restaurants and bars along this beachy village's promenades.

Take a short ferry ride across the bay to Cap Ferret (known as the Cape Cod of France)- a slender peninsula with endless stretches of pristine sandy beaches on the Atlantic side. Rent bikes and cruise down to the Dune de Pyla, the tallest sand dune in Europe, offering breathtaking panoramas from its peak. You can even try your hand at sand sledding!

As sunsets, join the locals in a cherished Cap Ferret tradition - sipping pastis cocktails along the shore while watching the day's last light. Grab a table at a charming beach bar and linger over fresh seafood, fries and chilled white wine as the stars come out.

Treat yourself to a spa day and indulge in a signature massage incorporating therapeutic mineral mud and salts from the nearby coastal inlets. Spend the rest of your day truly unplugging by the pool with a good book and refreshing cocktails.

For your final evening, make reservations at Michelin-starred Le Skiff Club for a celebratory farewell dinner. This elegant beachfront restaurant specializes in elevated French seafood dishes using the freshest catches from the bay's waters. Complement exquisite dishes like seared scallops or turbot with selections from their deep Bordeaux wine cellar. It's the perfect refined ending to your seaside escape.

Savor your final morning in Arcachon with a leisurely breakfast and stroll along the beach before checking out of your hotel. Your private driver will then transfer you back to Bordeaux, about an hour's journey.

If you have an afternoon or evening flight departure, take advantage of a few final hours exploring more of Bordeaux's charms before leaving. Wander through the picturesque Old Town district of Saint-Pierre, a neighborhood of narrow cobblestone lanes filled with artisan shops, antique stores and cafes set within centuries-old buildings. Pick up some unique souvenirs like hand-made soaps, linens or chocolates.