Backroads of France - Bordeaux Wine Country
The city of Bordeaux and the surrounding region has become synonymous with the best French wines that one can taste and buy. And while that is absolutely the case, the region also offers some hidden gems of France – such as the incredibly scenic Arcachon Bay, the artsy Bassin à Flots neighborhood, the romantic Patiras island and so on. And within a short drive from this world urban heritage city are some of the most interesting backroads of France, waiting to be discovered.
Trip Highlights
- With over 350 historic buildings, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bordeaux is one of the most romantic in France – explore its myriad landmarks like the 12th century Cathedral of Saint Andrew, the iconic Le Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse, Basilique Saint-Michel and so on
- For the wine connoisseurs, the two very important wine regions of France – Médoc and St-Emilion are just a day trip away – visit chateaus, their vineyards and learn how to taste wine the French way!
- Head west to the fascinating Arcachon Bay – best known for its oysters, and the highest sand dunes in Europe
- Admire the 20,000 year old Palaeolithic cave paintings in Lascaux cave complex and continue on to La Roque-Gageac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, or Saint-Amand-de-Coly – often cited as France’s most beautiful villages
- Head south to the French Basque country. Spend a day in gorgeous Biarritz, visit the chocolate houses in Bayonne, serving everything from sophisticated pralines and truffles to divine ganaches, kanouga caramels, and rich, foamy chocolat chaud. Or take a walk in the postcard-perfect Espellete – famous for its hot pepper (Piment d’Espelette)
- Drive up to Cognac, the town that gave its name to one of the world’s best-known brandies
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require Schengen Visa for visiting France. It is processed by VFS and issued by the Consulates of France in all the Indian metro cities.
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 5-6 days for this itinerary. You may want to add a few nights at the beginning or end of the trip to spend in Paris
Best time to visit
This region is best visited before the grapes harvest season in October, while the winter months of November-January tend to be cold, with short days, and many attractions are closed, or work on limited hours.
art & architecture, vineyards & wine tasting, gastronomy, sand dunes, scenic drives
Did you know
- First official record of Bordeaux wine-making dates to 4th century AD. The Latin poet, Ausonius (310-393 A.D.), is the first to mention Bordeaux wine in his poetry.
- The Merlot is the most common grape varietal in Bordeaux, with ~60% of all plantings. It is preferred by the grape growers because it’s easier to grow and ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s also becomes drinkable earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon.ajority of Bordeaux wine is Merlot-based
- The Place des Quinconces is one of the largest city squares in all of Europe. In fact, it is about 63 acres total! In all actuality, it was laid out in 1820 as a way to prevent rebellion against the city. The guns were actually turned towards the city center!
- The sculptures in the Place des Quinconces are the most iconic part of the square. Their main monument was built between 1894 to 1902 in honor of the Girondists. The Girondists were victims of the Reign of Terror that occurred during the French Revolution. What is most curious about this monument is that below each main statue the word “Ugugu” has been inscribed. What is Ugugu? It is a Cambodian battle cry. Why Ugugu? Because the Great Khmer brough wine varietals from Cambodia to Bordeaux, namely Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
- Rue Saint Catherine is known to be the longest shopping strip in Europe, clocking in at 1.2 kilometers long!
