Bordeaux Weekend Break

A recent trip back to the UK meant a great opportunity for a weekend break in Bordeaux. A lot of laughter, some beautiful sunsets and of course beaucoup de vin were enjoyed by all to celebrate one of my wonderful friends ahead of her wedding! 

Bordeaux is the perfect place for a weekend break from the UK, with the airport close to the centre of the city, the Garonne river providing a stunning setting and of course the world famous vineyards of the Bordeaux region. 

My recommendations for a wonderful weekend break include: 

Accommodation 

As we were a group we were able to rent the stunning Chalet Baron, an eight bedroom/ seven bathroom Château with views from the infinity pool out over the Garonne river. If it wasn’t for the delicious wine on our doorstep we really needn’t have left the property – so well equipped with everything you could need for a fabulous weekend away.

Le Vin

Of course we were in Bordeaux and we couldn’t miss visiting a vineyard. I chose Chateau du Taillan for this visit, a family run estate since 1896. They were happy to accommodate our group size (11) and given we were a Hen Party, girl power runs through the history of this estate which is today managed by the five sisters. Another great estate only 15 minutes from the city centre is the famous Chateau Haut-Brion a Premier Grand Cru Classe winery and one of the oldest in Bordeaux. Fabulous wines, visits are by appointment only.

There are also plenty of organised tours available in Bordeaux if you want to make a day of it. Bordeaux Wine Trails offer half or full day organised group tours with transport from the city centre. If you have more time I’d also thoroughly recommend a trip out to Saint-Émilion, it’s about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux. Beautiful scenery and with the vineyards more accessible by bike you can really earn that tasting (or just opt for the e-bike in my case!). Visit Rustic Vines Tours for a great day out cycling amongst the vines.

Where to eat, drink and what to do…

Le Bar à Vin….says it in the name really…but this is a must-go for anyone wanting to try a selection of wines from across the region. The Bar à Vin is located on the ground floor of the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux (CIVB), the Bordeaux Wine Council and is an architecturally stunning building. They offer a fantastic selection of wines with the best by-the-glass pricing in the city.

La Tupina…traditional, authentic, hearty and home to duck fat potatoes…need I say more!

And of course a wine trip to Bordeaux would be remiss without a visit to La Cité du Vin – an interactive and sensory museum of wines from around the world. A fantastic place to learn about the history of wine and regions around the world. It is also home to a beautiful rooftop restaurant with panoramic views over the City as well as a wine bar, of course.

This was a brief trip but a great trip, until next time Bordeaux…bisous x