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The best distilleries to visit in Cognac France

Last updated on May 12, 2023 No Comments

Cognac is located about an hour and a half drive from Bordeaux and is one of the most interesting trips you can do in the SW of France. In this article, I will recommend the best distilleries to visit in Cognac (and the Cognac region). However, Cognac itself is also a beautiful little town, rich with history and unique architecture. If you have time to visit the city itself too, check out my article about the best things to do in Cognac.

the best things to do in Cognac — *Visit Cognac*

If you’re also interested in wine, you must dedicate some time to visiting wineries in the Bordeaux wine region. To help you do that, I have a detailed guide to the Bordeaux wine region, that will help you decide what chateaux you’d enjoy visiting.

A big shout out, to Marie, a fabulous guide in the Cognac region that took me to several of these distilleries. If you’re staying in Bordeaux and don’t want to drive to Cognac I highly recommend taking her as a private guide. There’s also a great semi-private tour from Bordeaux to Cognac that’s offered by Olala company – see all the details here. Finally, if you’re looking for a special activity in Cognac, join this masterclass and taste several different Cognacs.

How Cognac is made – some basic info before your visit

The eau-de-vie created in the cognac process has been called the “nectar of the gods” by Victor Hugo.

Cognac is a brandy made from white grapes, and is crafted in the region of… Cognac. 98% of the grapes used for making cognac are Ugni Blanc grapes. In fact, like with French wine and champagne, there are laws that control exactly how cognac is distilled. During the distillation process, the spirit must be distilled twice using copper alembic stills. The region even requires the cognac makers to distill their spirits before April 1st every year. Talk about pressure.

Then the cognac has to be matured in French oak barrels that are from Limousin or the Tronçais forests. Most cognacs have been mixed by a maître de chais. All of these rules ensure the quality of cognac, which has 63 different possible aromas.

French cognac-makers separate cognac into different vintages, or “crus” in French, which reflect their quality. The most revered is the “Grande Champagne”, widely known for its fine taste and wide range of aromas. Some might say it’s the “champagne of cognacs.”

A cognac of the “Petite Champagne” vintage is also prestigious but is grown in soil with less of a limestone layer, and therefore less prestigious. The “Borderies” and “Fins Bois” are two more high-quality cognacs, each with a distinct flavor. Borderies has a violet aroma and Fins Bois has a fruity flavor. There’s a fifth vintage, but nobody talks about that one.

Now that we have that covered, let’s dive into the best distilleries to visit in Cognac. I’ll start with distilleries located in the center of Cognac City and continue to other villages in the larger Cogan region.

The best Distilleries to visit in cognac city

Cognac Camus – traveler’s favorite!

The Camus Distillery has been in the Camus family for five generations. They use a special distilling method dubbed the “intensity” process. It allows them to find the most aromatic parts of the second distillation. This gives their cognacs a very fruity aroma and makes them 7 times more aromatic than the competition.

At the Camus distillery, there are tours offered in English with a tasting of their Horizontal Intense Classic cognac for 35 euros. You can also take a master class, during which you make your own cognac for 190 euros.

Where: 21 Rue Cagouillet, 16100 Cognac

Hennessy – the biggest Cognac house

Anyone that’s listened to U.S. or British rap in the past 20 years has heard of Hennessy. Fortunately, the actual spirit has nothing to do with fur coats or oversized gold rings.

We took the Hennessy tour and had a fabulous time. The company’s boat took us to the other side of the river to visit the cellars. Then we learned all about the processes of creating this luxurious spirit, from the terroir to the maturing and assembling processes. At the end of the tour, you get to taste two different Cognacs and a Cognac-based liqueur (which to be honest, I loved the most).

Cognac tasting - Hennessy — *Cognac tasting – Hennessy*

The price of the tour is 20 euros per person, you can book it here. Tours run from an introduction to a detailed look at the XO spirit of Hennessy.

Where: Quai Richard Hennessy, 16100 Cognac

Château Royal de Cognac

This is arguably the most historical château on my list. It dates back to the 10th century and creates both the Baron Otard and Ussé cognacs. Because of its rich history, visitors receive tours that are based both on history and on the craft of cognac making. Built along the river and meant to prevent invaders from Normandy from infringing upon the city walls, the château casts an impressive shadow over the water.

Starting in the 15th century, the château served as a royal residence, and King Francois I of France was born there. The Château offers two different kinds of visits: 1) At the heart of d’Ussé, which is 35 euros per person, and 2) At the heart of the Château, starting at 18 euros per person.

Where: 127 Bd Denfert Rochereau, 16100 Cognac

Cognac MEUKOW

The Meukow estate is a family-owned cognac property. Although it was started in 1850, the last building was not bought until 2012. Symbolized by a black panther, the property is unique in that it is also home to a restaurant, where you can take culinary courses with cognac pairings.

The château offers a tour with 3 cognac tastings, led by the cellar master of the property. Getting a tour from the cellar master herself is a rarity, but gems like this can be found on small properties like the Meukow estate.

Where: 7 Rue François Porche, 16100 Cognac

Martell – the oldest Cognac house

The Maison Martell has been producing cognac since 1715 and is known for its long history. It credits its 300 years of success to its founder, Jean Martell. At 21 years of age, he established the house and set its tone for innovation and reinvention. These aptitudes have allowed it to withstand the tests of time and modernity. As a grande maison de cognac, Maison Martell has a commitment to biodiversity.

The property offers three tours in English – one each of its XO (35 euros) and VSOP (25 euros) cognacs, and one on cognac-making craftsmanship (60 euros).

Where: 7 place edouard Martell 16100 Cognac

Best distilleries to visit in the larger Cognac region – the small producers

Domaine Pasquet

If you’re interested in visiting a small family-owned producer in Cognac, Domaine Pasquet is the château for you!

You will be welcomed by the lovely Amy, who is married to one of the owners and is managing the business with him. This is the most welcoming and cozy experience you can get in a Cognac, which is dominated by huge domains.

The estate produces organic cognac, a rarity, and is known for its ability to present a cozy experience while also being innovative with its product. Its commitment to producing small batches of cognac and to organic processes makes each bottle unique.
Domaine Pasquet offers a tour in English for 16 euros and includes a tasting.

Where: 27 Chez Ferchaud, 16120 Bellevigne, France France

Cognac Raby

Another great family-owned distillery to visit is Cognac Raby, located in the small village of Segonzac. The tours are free and run by the owner of the Cognac house, Cecile. The Raby family has owned the domain for 5 generations. The family did not start distilling until the 1970s, making Cecile a third-generation distiller. The family takes care of their land, and the estate has been certified as a High Environmental Value level 3.

The estate’s tours are one and a half hours long, and they are available in English. The estate’s shop on-site is open during general business hours without an appointment.

Where: 3 bis La Brée, 16130 Segonzac

Bourgoin Cognac

If you’re traveling through Angouleme (the capital of the Charentes department), this is the distillery you should visit.

The Bourgoin family thinks of its cognac as a winemaker’s cognac. Its website is reflective of the family’s irreverent sense of humor: “Receive the punch of the cognac like a gift. Whether the results are a light stupor or a razzle-dazzle, it promises not to leave you unscathed.”

The Domaine appreciates the people that work the land, names them on its site, and has their photos in its tour advertisements. It offers tours in English for 30 euros.

Where: 14 Rue du Puits, 16290 Saint-Saturnin

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to discover when planning your trip to Cognac:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente
The most beautiful villages in Ile de Ré

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Pin this article, for your next visit to the Cognac region

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Discover Bordeaux

The best outdoor bars in Bordeaux

Last updated on May 11, 2023 4 Comments

Bordeaux is a lively city throughout the year, with plenty of restaurants and wine bars which are perfect for a night out. However, summer is when Bordeaux truly shines with plenty of rooftops, terrace cafes, and open bars all over the city. Many of the outdoor bars in Bordeaux are open only during the summer season so you have a limited amount of time to enjoy them.

In this article, I included some of my favorite rooftops and terraces all over the Bordeaux metropole. Some are posh and chic and others are more simple and chill, there’s something here for everyone. You need to know that every district in Bordeaux has a different vibe to it so you need to visit a few to really enjoy the Bordeaux spirit 🙂

Mama shelter- one of the best rooftops in Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

If you’re about to spend the summer in Bordeaux be sure to also check my article about the best things to do in Bordeaux in the summer. If you’re interested in wine tastings in Bordeaux check out my article about the places for wine tasting in Bordeaux. For specific events and other ideas for things to do every weekend, I invite you to subscribe to my email list here.

Here’s a list of the outdoor bars and drinking terraces in Bordeaux for a perfect cocktail evening or an afternoon apero!

La guinguette chez Alriq – the best tavern in town

La Guinguette chez Alriq is one of my favorite places in Bordeaux and its opening event usually means that summer has officially started!

what to do in the summer in Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

The Guinguette is a big tavern located on the right banks of the Garonne in the Bastide neighborhood, hosting plenty of open-air concerts every summer. The performing bands and artists are coming from all over the world and create a laid-back party atmosphere.

There’s usually a small price to pay for the concerts taking place on Thu-Sat and on Sundays the entry is free. You can see their program here. The place is very popular so expect to see a line at the entrance.

Where: ZA Quai des Queyries, Port Bastide, 33100 Bordeaux / When: Thu-Sat from 19:00 to 1:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00

Les Chantiers de la Garonne

Just next door to La guinguette chez Alriq you can find one of Bordeaux’s best-hidden gems. Les Chantiers de la Garonne is an old hangar turned into a sailing club and a restaurant with one of the best outdoor spaces in Bordeaux.

The restaurant is located on the board of the Garonne River with an outdoor space that feels like a real beach. Low wooden tables are spread over the fine white sand adorned by fresh seafood and cold bottles of white wine. You can find more info about the restaurant and other activities proposed by the Chantiers de la Garonne here.

Where: 21 Quai de Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux / When: The bar is open from Wednsday to Sunday, see the hours here.

Mama Shelter – classic Bordeaux rooftop

Mama Shelter is probably the most popular summer rooftop bar in Bordeaux. It has a funky design and many original cocktails but I believe its location should also get a lot of credit for its popularity. It’s one of the only rooftops in the center of Bordeaux, located just next to the Cathedral Saint André, and has one of the best views of the city. If you come in the evening hours, booking in advance is recommended.

The most popular rooftop in Bordeaux - Mama shelter — *Mama Shelter- by Lost in Bordeaux*

Mama Shelter is also one of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Bordeaux.

Where: 19 Rue Poquelin Molière, 33000 Bordeaux / When: Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, see specific hours here.

Plage de L’IBOAT

The Iboat is a three-level ferry spanning 687m2, anchored to one of the docks of Bassins a flot and mostly known as a concert venue. During the summer they also open their “beach”, a fun outdoor space on the board of the Bassin a flot with a bar, comfy sofas, and different outdoor events. La Plage de L’IBOAT is definitely one of the best summer bars in Bordeaux for an afternoon drink! You can see the list of concerts and events here.

Iboat Bassin a Flot Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

For more cool places to visit in the Bassin a flot area check out my article about the Bacalan district.

Where: Bassin à Flot n°1, Cours Henri Brunet, 33300 Bordeaux / When: Every day, check out the list of events on their website

Le Bar de la Marine

Le Bar de la Marine is another hidden gem and like many places in this list, it’s also located in the Bacalan district. A few minutes walk from la Cité du Vin, you’ll pass by a little restaurant that doesn’t seem very impressive from the outside, but once you enter the door you’ll discover a magical universe.

La Bar de la Marine in Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

Since 2019, the Bar de la Marine belongs to chef Frederic Coiffe who not only makes great food but also knows how to create a perfect summer vibe. The restaurant has a secret garden in the back where you can enjoy lunch, meet friends for an afternoon drink or have a delicious family brunch on Sunday. See more details on their Facebook page.

Where: 28 Rue Achard, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily – see hours on their Facebook page

Les Planches Éphémères

Les Planches Éphémères opened its doors last year and quickly became one of the local’s favorites. A huge outdoor bar, located at the Hippodrome of Bordeaux in La Bouscat, the place offers two bars, a dj set, and a huge chill-out area under the trees. The place is open every day until September 30. Check out their site for more info.

Address: 8 Avenue de l’Hippodrome, 33110 Le Bouscat

Where: 8 Avenue de l’Hippodrome, 33110 Le Bouscat / When: open daily from May 17 to August 31, from 17:00, see the opening hours here.

Effet Mer

If you didn’t have enough reasons to go to Bassin a flot, here’s another one. Effet Mer is a fun summer bar, located just next to the Base Sous-Marine. This cool place is open seven days a week and offers daily life concerts and dj sets. For more details click here.

L’Effet Mer is located just next to Les Bassins des Lumières, one of the best art venues in Bordeaux. A perfect opportunity to combine art with afternoon drinks!

Where: 280 Boulevard Alfred Daney, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily starting May 12, see the opening hours here.

Gina

Another very popular summer place in Bordeaux is Gina, a rooftop bar and Italian restaurant located at the new Renaissance hotel in the Bassin a flot district. The place is open seven days a week and on weekends offers brunch as well. The restaurant requires a prior reservation, you can see more details and book here.

Where: Place des Millésimes, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily – see the hours here.

Domaine de Raba

The beautiful chateau of Demaine de Raba is well hidden in a residential neighborhood in Talence. This place is a bit hard to describe as it has everything from a spa to a fancy restaurant, a bar, and different events like cinema nights and morning yoga. The menu of the bar changes every week and it has many special evenings with Dj sets and concerts. Booking in advance is recommended, you can do it online here.

In case you’re also looking for a romantic weekend, you should check out their cute hotel – Hôtel Domaine de Raba Bordeaux Sud.

Where: 35 Rue Rémi Belleau, 33400 Talence

Les Halles de Talence

The Talence market is the little brother of the Bacalan market, built by Biltoki in December 2018. Inside the market, you can find a very good cheese stand, tapas, Moroccan food, sushi, oysters, and more. The prices are a bit high except for the bar, which has a great variety of wines at a good price. The best part, however, is the outdoor area! Plenty of tables are spread in the afternoon between the market and the other restaurants in the Forum and you can enjoy a really fun apero or dinner with a very local vibe.

Halles de Talence - chic market near Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

If you want to discover other markets in Bordeaux check out my articles about the best markets in and around Bordeaux.

Where: Place Alcala de Henares, 33400 Talence / When: Daily except for Mondays, the market closes for a break between 14:30 to 16:30 on weekdays

Canopee Café in Merignac

If you want to avoid going to the city center the Canopée Café is a great option! The Canopée Café in Merignac has both an indoor restaurant (open for lunch and dinner) and a very chic rooftop with a huge selection of cocktails and a petanque court, called the Bodega.

This rooftop is located in the industrial zone in Merignac and thus lacks the beautiful view in Bordeaux’s rooftop bars but the place itself is super chic and there’s plenty of parking 🙂 If you’re a group of 15pl, you must book a table- all the details are here.

Canopée Café Mérignac - chic rooftop near Bordeaux — by Lost in Bordeaux

Where: Face Mérignac Soleil, 1 Chemin de Pouchon, 33700 Mérignac / When: The rooftop (La Bodega) is open Mon to Sat from 17:30.

Eklo’s Guinguette

Eklo in the Bastide neighborhood is an eco-friendly hotel and also a fun bar/restaurant with a huge terrace. The atmosphere there is very chill and less posh than some of the other places on this list, and it’s definitely a positive thing. The menu mostly includes charcuterie, cheese, and some snacks so don’t expect a proper dinner. There’s usually a D.j set in the evening, see the program here.

Where: 10 Rue de la Gare d’Orléans, 33100 Bordeaux / When: Thu to Sat from 16:00 to 23:00

Moxy

A similar vibe of a light, fun, and unpretentious terrace bar you can find at Moxi, a 3-star hotel located next to the Bacalan market. The bar has a chic interior space (which is even kids-friendly) and a fun outdoor space. Like many other summer bars, they have quite a lot of live shows and dj sets. See the program here.

Where: 25 Quai du Maroc, 33000 Bordeaux, France

Le Café Utopia

This isn’t specifically a Bordeaux summer bar but it’s one of my favorite Terraces in Bordeaux all year long (when it’s not raining of course). For those who’re not familiar with the place, Utopia is an independent cinema theater, installed in an ancient church, l’église du Vieux Bordeaux. At the entrance to this beautiful building, you’ll find le Cafe Utopia, a nice bistro, and a good to take your laptop for a few hours of work.

However, the best part is the terrace which has plenty of tables on one of the liveliest squares in Bordeaux, Place Camille Jullian. If you’re looking for a nice, simple place for a drink in the center of the city, this one is recommended.

Cafe Utopia - one of the best terraces in Bordeaux — *Cafe Utopia – one of the best terraces in Bordeaux*

Where: 5 Place Camille Jullian, 33000 Bordeaux / When: Daily from 10:00 to 22:30

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Liked the article? Want to read it again when you’re in Bordeaux? Save it on your Pinterest board.

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux you may also like to read some of the following “intro to Bordeaux” articles I wrote:
The Ultimate Guide to Bordeaux
The best districts in Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
What to do in one day in Bordeaux
Things to do with kids in Bordeaux

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux Monthly

Best things to do in Bordeaux in May

Last updated on May 5, 2023 No Comments

What’s happening in Bordeaux in May? Our charming city feels very lively in May. All the outdoor places around Bordeaux are starting to open up with locals occupying every terrace café in town. The summer season in Bordeaux is officially on!

In this article, I made a list of all the best events and ideas for things to do in Bordeaux in May 2023. If it’s your first time here don’t forget to check my article about the 50 best things to do in Bordeaux as well as my Bordeaux district guide (especially helpful for those looking for accommodation in Bordeaux).

Now let’s see what’s waiting for us in Bordeaux and the Southwest of France in May 2023!

The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in May 2023

Open doors in Saint-Emilion

An open-door weekend will take place on April 29 – May 1st in Saint Emilion where tens of wine producers will open their chateaux to the public.

The weekend will include many activities such as wine tastings, visits to the chateaux, games for kids, and bike rides. Check out the full program for the participating châteaux, the activities, and the wine tasting proposed for that weekend – here. You can also plan your trip to this wine region with my detailed guide to Saint Emilion.

See all the other open-door events taking place in the Bordeaux wine region this year.

When: April 29- May 1st / Where: different locations around Saint Emilion

The opening of La Guinguette chez Alriq

The best place for sunny weekends in Bordeaux is about to reopen for its summer season. La Guinguette chez Alriq is a tavern in the Bastide neighborhood, on the rive droite of the Garonne. On a sunny day, you can enjoy a cold beer, nice food, and daily concerts with a magnificent view of the Garonne. The first concert will take place on May 4, see the full program for the month here.

Discover other summer bars in Bordeaux in my article.

When: Starting May 4 / Where: ZA Quai des Queyries, Port Bastide, 33100 Bordeaux

Tous À L’opéra

The Opera of Bordeaux invites you to its annual event on May 5-7. The program includes public rehearsals, performances, workshops for kids, and more. Some of the activities require prior reservation.

You can find all the info here.

When: May 5-7 / Where: Opere de Bordeaux

Search for beautiful antiques at the Brocante

The big brocante of Bordeaux is hosted twice a year at Place des Quinconces with 200 antique dealers, horticulturists, restaurants, and craftsmen. It’s the biggest brocante event in the area and the selection is huge, from vintage home decor to paintings, antique furniture, garden accessories, and more.

Brocante de Bordeaux - one of the best events in Bordeaux — *Brocante de Bordeaux – Lost in Bordeaux*

The market is taking place from April 21 to May 8. For more info and the list of exhibitors click here.

When: April 21 – May 8 / Where: Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux

Go on a wine trip in Medoc

May is probably one of the best months to do the Route des Chateaux in Medoc, a magnificent wine trail, that combines nature, history, and culture on one beautiful road.

You can do it as a day trip from Bordeaux and visit wineries located not far from the city. Here are a few I can recommend: Chateau d’Arsac, (book a visit here), the charming family-run Chateau Siran (book a visit here) and Chateau Kirwan (book a visit here).

If you prefer to go on a tour with a guide, here’s a great wine tour company that will take you on a half-day tour, with two winery visits – click here for all the details. However, if you have the time I recommend going there for at least 2 days and discovering the north part of Medoc. Read about my weekend in Medoc in this article.

Les Cogitations

Les Cogitations is a mocking art festival taking place in the L’entrepot in Lehaillan on May 9-14. Check out the full list of performers here.

When: May 9-14 / Where: 13 rue Georges Clémenceau – Le Haillan

Cathedral nights

The Cathedral of Saint André in Bordeaux invites you to the Cathedral Nights events that will include two nights of musical concerts (May 12-13). The beautiful lighting of the Cathedral at night will make this an unforgettable event. For more information click here.

When: May 12-13/ Where: Place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux

Open doors in the Côtes de Bourg appellation

Ô Chais is the annual open doors event taking place at the Côtes de Bourg appellation. It’s less known than the renowned Saint Emilion or Medoc appellations but it’s an excellent wine you should try when visiting the Bordeaux wine region.

This year the event is taking place on May 13-14. See more details here.

For other open doors events, check out my article about all the Portes Ouvertes in the wineries of Bordeaux.

When: May 13-14 / Where: wineries in Bourg

Sidéral Festival

Sideral is an electronic music festival that is about to take place in Bordeaux on May 12-13. The concerts will be hosted by three very cool music venues in Bordeaux: Les Vivres de l’Art, Iboat, and the Salle du Grand Parc. To see the full program and for the tickets, click here.

When: May 12-13/ Where: Different locations in Bordeaux

European Museums Night

On May 13 some of the best museums and cultural establishments in Bordeaux will open their doors to the public with free exhibitions and activities. Besides exhibitions, the museums will host lots of kid-friendly activities, concerts, and more. See the full list of museums and events here.

Discover the best museums to visit in Bordeaux in my article.

When: May 13 – 6 pm until midnight / Where: Different museums around the Metropole

Foire internationale de Bordeaux

The big fair of Bordeaux is about to take place on May 13-21 at the Parc des Expositions. The 100th edition of the fair will host many events and exhibitions related to gastronomy and art de vivre. See more details here.

When: May 13-21 / Where: Parc des Expositions, 33000 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Geek Festival

Comics, science fiction, video games, parallel worlds, creative industries – you’ll find all of these at the next Bordeaux Geek Festival (BGF), taking place May 19-21 at Parc des Expositions.

The goal of this festival is to experience geek culture and share knowledge on topics that are at the heart of the Geek community. The BGF brings together different players from these industries, among them: video artists, gamers, illustrators, designers, scientists, authors, comedians, and more. For more details and tickets click here.

When: May 19-21 / Where: Hall 3 and 1 – Parc des Expositions, 33000 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Tango Festival

The 7th edition of the Bordeaux Tango Festival will take place on May 16-21. This hot festival connects Bordeaux and the place where Tango was born, Buenos Aires. A variety of activities will be offered to celebrate the link between these two cities, such as dance, music, art, literature, and even food. See the program of the festival.

When: May 16-21 / Where: Different locations in Bordeaux

Visit the smallest village in France

Did you know that the smallest village in France is located in the Entre Deux Mers sub-region of Gironde, less than an hour’s drive from Bordeaux? Castermoron d’Albret has only a few streets but each one of them is so beautiful, you can spend half a day just wandering in and around the village. Read more about Castermoron d’Albret in my article. If you go there on a Saturday, pass by the great market of La Reole and buy some stuff for a picnic 🙂

Open doors at the châteaux of Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

The open door of Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux will take place on May 27-28. Cadillac is a small and less-known appellation in the Bordeaux wine region but is worth visiting if you’re here during that weekend.

See the list of participating Chateaux.

When there, don’t miss the beautiful Château de Cadillac, one of the most important historic monuments in Gironde. Check out other beautiful towns you can visit in that part of Gironde in my article about the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux.

When: May 27-28 / Where: Different locations around Cadillac (see the website)

Picnic in the vineyards

People in this region really love visiting wineries and doing picnics, so why not combine the two activities? Usually, the vineyards can only be visited as part of a guided tour at the Chateaux, but one weekend a year you’re invited to enjoy many of them for free. Just bring you picnic to the vineyards and enjoy a fun day with your family and friends surrounded by this majestic scenery. The chateaux will provide wine and entertainment 🙂

The event is called Pique nique chez les vignerons and more than 100 domais are participating in it around France (and Bordeaux obviously). This year the event will be taking place on May 27-29. The places are limited so reserving a spot is recommended. Take a look at the map.

When: May 27-29/ Where: Different locations in France (see map)

Millesime Electronic music festival

Festival Millesime will take place on May 26-27 in La Réole (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux).This is a great event for electronic music lovers who want to enjoy a good linup without leaving the region.

La Reole is a charming village located on the banks of the Garonne river, which is where the festival will take place. See more info here.

If you’re looking for something to do in the region, visit Castelmoron d’Albret, the smallest village in France, see more details in my article.

When: May 26-27 / Where: Hippodrome de La Réole, lieu dit Mijéma, 33190 La Réole

Fête de la Nature

Terres d’Oiseaux, the beautiful nature reserve, located on the board of the Gironde estuary invites you to a weekend of nature celebration. The event will take place on May 27-28, see more details here.

When: May 27-28 / Where: La Terre Promise, 33820 Braud-et-Saint-Louis

Saint Macaire Sort Le Grand Jeu

A big game festival will take place on May 27-28 in the charming village of Saint Macaire. The program includes plenty of different activities, escape games and workshops. For more info click here.

When: May 27 – 28 / Where: the center of Saint Macaire

Let your kids discover the art of circus at the Jubil’à Jongle festival

The 14th edition of the festival will start with an inauguration evening on May 26, which will include magic and fire shows and different activities for kids. On the second day of the festival (May 27), you will discover the art of circus and street entertainment through shows of Juggling, magic, games, and introductory workshops. The festival will take place at the Parc de Fongravey in Blanquefort. For more info click here.

When: May 26-27 / Where: 4 Parc de Fongravey in Blanquefort

Big events in other parts of the SW of France

Fête de la Fraise

The annual celebration of strawberries is going to take place on May 14 in the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. This region of France is known for amazing strawberries so they are right to celebrate it 🙂 For more details click here.

Les Floralies – Flowers weekend

On the weekend of May 13-14, you can also visit Saint-Jean-de-Cole, one of France’s most beautiful villages where a big flowers fair is about to take place. See more details here.

Année Du Dessin En Dordogne

This year the Dordogne is celebrating the Drawing year with an impressive amount of art exhibitions all over the department. The exhibitions and different art-related events will take place in famous chateaux, churches, libraries, and other art venues. See all the dates and locations in the program of the event.

When: February – December 2023 / Where: different towns in Dordogne

Exhibitions and concerts not to miss this month in Bordeaux

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin has renovated its permanent exhibition and added plenty of cool and immersive sections for you to learn about wine. You can buy tickets here.

If you’re not sure if it’s worth the price, you can check out my article about the Cite du Vin to see what to expect during your visit there. Visiting wineries is always a good option in the Bordeaux wine region. Check out my new article about the best wine tours in Bordeaux.

Dali and Gaudi – Les Bassins de Lumières

Les Bassins de Lumières is hosting a new amazing exhibition! This time the immersive exhibition is dedicated to Dali and Gaudi. Les Bassins de Lumières is a visual arts space, situated in an old submarine base, that is known for its immersive exhibitions.

You can see a video I took in their previous exhibitions just to get the vibe.

The new exhibition will be presented from February 3 to January 7, get your tickets here.

When: February 3 – January 7, 2024 / Where: Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux

Street are at L’institue Bernard Magrez

L’institue Bernard Magrez is a beautiful chateau in Bordeaux that regularly host street art exhibitions and events. Currently, there are three different street art exhibitions presented at the gallery. You can visit the chateau only on weekends. Buy tickets here.

street art in Bordeaux - L;institut Bernard Magrez — L’institut Bernard Magrez – by Lost in Bordeaux

Is it your first time in Bordeaux? If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a hotel I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.

If you need more tips for things to do in the SW of France I invite you to join my Facebook group ” Travel in the South West of France“. Also, every Friday I send a newsletter with plenty of additional events you can enjoy during the weekend, so hurry up and subscribe to my email list now 🙂

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

In Around Bordeaux

Where to stay in Arcachon, France

Last updated on April 14, 2023 No Comments

Arcachon is one the prettiest resort towns in the Southwest of France. You can make it a quick day trip and wholly enjoy it, but I highly recommend spending a few nights to fully absorb the Arcachon experience. In this article, I gathered a list of the best hotels in Arcachon as well as some tips regarding the best places to stay in Arcachon.

This list includes hotels only, so if you’re looking to stay on a camping website – check my article about the best camping sites in Arcachon and Cap Ferret.

If you have a few days to spend around Arcachon Bay, check out my article about the best places to visit in Arcachon.

Where to stay in Arcachon and some important tips

Where should you stay in Arcachon?

The city is divided into 4 parts, the most central one is Ville d’Ete (the summer town). That is where most of the restaurants, shops, and other attractions are located. So if you want to be close to everything within a short walking distance – that’s where you should stay.

However, other parts of the city are not less charming so if you’re traveling by car/ bike, you should consider them as well. Other parts of the city include the winter city with its amazing 19th-century villas, the port, the beaches, and the Le Moulleau neighborhood. In my Arcachon guide, I have a detailed explanation of what to expect in every neighborhood.

Ville d'hiver - one of the best neighborhoods in Arcachon — *Ville d’hiver*

A few important tips when booking your hotel

The southwest of France can get very hot in the summer, so be sure to book a place with AC if you are visiting during peak season around July-August. It has become a must in the last few years but not all places provide it so double-check.

Parking is not easy to find in Arcachon during the summer season and even if you do find one close to your hotel it can be rather expensive. So if you’re coming by car, try to look for a hotel that offers a parking option. These are not free but it’s usually cheaper per day than the ones offered outside.

Restaurants on the riverfront of Arcachon — *Coffee places in Arcachon*

Breakfast – most hotels offer that option. If you’re located in Ville d’Ete, just know that you have plenty of coffee places where you can have a light breakfast, so don’t feel obliged to have one at the hotel.

Best hotels in Arcachon

Le B d’Arcachon

If you’re looking to stay as close as possible to the main beach of Arcachon this is the hotel for you! Le B d’Arcachon is a popular 4-star hotel with direct access to the beach. The hotel is located in Ville d’Eté, a few minutes walk from the train station, the theater, and the market.

The rooms have a modern clean design to them, as well as other spaces such as the breakfast hall. Breakfast is not included in the normal price of the room but you can add one if you want a nice start to the day with a view of the beach.

Many of the rooms have a little balcony with a beautiful view, which I’m sure you’ll enjoy on the beautiful summer days of Arcachon. You can also rent bikes at the hotel and go on a ride along the beach.

Pets are welcomed upon request. There’s a private parking option at the hotel at an extra cost.

Book it here

Residhome Arcachon Plazza

People traveling with kids or for a longer period of time will probably prefer staying in an apartment. If that’s something you’re looking for, I have a great option for you – Residhome Arcachon Plazza.

This beautiful aparthotel building is located at the most central place in Arcachon in Ville d’Ete. It’s a short walking distance from the main beach, the market, the train station, the casino of Arcachon as well as other important facilities.

Every room has a small kitchen complete with a refrigerator so you can buy the best ingredients at the Arcachon market and cook in your apartment. The rooms come with air conditioning and Wifi.

Private parking is available on-site, however, it’s an extra cost.

Book your room here.

Where to stay with kids in Arcachon — *Arcachon – a family friendly vacation*

If you’re traveling with kids, learn about all the best kids-friendly activities Arcachon has to offer.

Hôtel Villa-Lamartine

Another great hotel in the center of Arcachon (Ville d’Ete) is Hôtel Villa-Lamartine. It’s a 3- stars boutique hotel situated in a beautiful Arcachon villa. Located within a few minutes walk from the main beach and the train station, and surrounded by plenty of boutiques and restaurants.

This small hotel offers only 20 rooms, which include a few simple rooms as well as larger family rooms and beautiful suites. The rooms are beautifully designed but in a more traditional way with darker colors and heavy wooden beds. It’s fully renovated and has some great facilities like terrace tables for breakfast and a spa.

The hotel has two conference rooms and is often rented to companies attending the events at the conference center of Arcachon.

The hotel provides private parking at an extra cost of 25 euros a day.

Their prices are very good considering their amazing location and great facilities.

Book your room here.

Victoria Boutique Hotel

Victoria Boutique Hotel is a great option for an affordable modern hotel. It’s the newest hotel on my list, opened in 2020 so all rooms are new and spotless.

The hotel is quite chic and would please people who love a more modern clean design. It’s a very small boutique hotel with only 3-4 rooms on every floor. Pro tip: If you choose the ground floor rooms they come with a small private garden 😉

The hotel also has a cool rooftop where you can have breakfast or a drink.

Victoria Boutique Hotel good value for money — *Victoria Boutique Hotel*

Victoria Hotel is not as central as the other hotels on this list but still located within a walking distance from the beach and the commercial center of Arcachon.

The gives is great value for money, as during the season you can find rooms at around 200 euros per night, which is quite rare for a 4-star hotel in Arcachon.

Book your room here.

Hôtel Ville d’Hiver

Now moving to one of my favorite parts of Arcachon City – Ville d’Hiver. The winter town, built on the hills of the city in the late 19th century, attracts many visitors thanks to its gorgeous architecture. While it’s a bit farther away from the beach and the restaurants, it offers a calm magical atmosphere.

If that sounds like a place you want to stay in this next hotel is for you!

Hôtel Ville d'Hiver - the best hotel in Ville D'Hiver in Arcachon — *Hôtel Ville d’Hiver*

Located in a beautiful complex with several separate villas for the guests. It has a beautiful garden inviting you to walk around and enjoy the scenery. The highlight of this hotel is the restaurant which offers a big menu of local specialties.

The hotel is located about 15 minutes walk from the main beach. But to compensate for that in the summer you can enjoy their pool as well as a small spa facility.

The only disadvantage is that the hotel can be a bit somber in the lobby and the rooms on the ground floor. Try to get a room with a terrace if you stay there.

Other than that it’s a very cool well kept hotel.

Book your room here.

Hotels close to Dune du Pilat

La Co(o)rniche

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, I would highly recommend going to La Co(o)rniche!

La Co(o)rniche is a 5-star hotel designed by Philippe Starck with the most amazing view of Dune du Pilat and the Bassin d’Arcachon. It has a very chic pastel-colored design and each room is unique. Every room has a balcony or a private terrace with a beautiful view.

The Co(o)rniche is located just a few minutes by car from the Dune du Pilat but you can also access the dune by foot from the beach.

*infinity swimming pool at La Co(o)rniche*

The highlight of this hotel is the infinity swimming pool with a view of the ocean, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery with a cocktail at their outdoor bar. The hotel is open all year long and when it’s too cold to use the outdoor pool, the hotel guests can use the indoor pool at their sister hotel Ha(a)ïtza.

Book your room here.

Ha(a)ïtza

As previously mentioned Ha(a)ïtza is the sister hotel of La Corniche and another project of Philippe Starck. It has a delicate style with warm white tones and touches of steel.

It’s yet another 5-star luxury hotel that hosts one of the best restaurants in Arcachon – the two-Michelin-starred Le Skiff Club. They also have a bistro with great food and more affordable prices.

Haaitza - one of the bets hotels near Dune du Pilat — *One of the restaurants at Ha(a)itza*

The highlight of the hotel is the covered swimming pool under a glass roof that’s open all year long. Ha(a)itza also offers other great facilities like a spa, a fitness room, and a hairdresser.

The hotel is located on the main street of Pyla sur Mer, the quiet town of Dune du Pilat. Within a few minutes walk from the hotel you can enjoy the calm beaches of Dune du Pilat which are the best ones to go to when the main beaches are getting too crowded.

Book your room here.

Hope this article will help you find the best place for your Arcachon vacation!

Don’t forget to check all my other Bordeaux-related articles before traveling to the region!

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Charente and Charente Maritime

How to spend a vacation with kids in Île de Ré

Last updated on April 19, 2023 No Comments

Ile de Ré is a perfect summer destination for families. Wide beaches, sports parks, and car-free cycling paths make this Island one of the best places for kids in France. In this article, I’m going to tell you about all the best things you can do with kids in Ile de Ré.

Some of the activities I’m going to offer are better fit for older kids and some are very fun to do with toddlers/ babies as well. And as it’s a summer destination, these are mostly outdoor activities. But just in case it rains, I added a few really fun indoor places you can take your kids to in and around Ile de Ré.

The best things to do with kids in Île de Ré

Discover the Island on bikes

This is the one activity on this list I consider a must!

Île de Ré is one of the most bicycle-friendly places in France and cycling is the best way to discover the Island. The Island is flat so it’s easy to cycle around even if you’re not in shape.

There is a cycling path in almost every part of the Island, connecting all its 10 villages so you don’t need a car to move around Île de Ré. Most of the paths around the villages and the salt marshes are car-free which makes it very safe for kids to cycle.

Cycling with kids in Ile de Re - one of the best activities to do with kids — *Cycling with kids in Ile de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

As it’s a family-friendly destination, most bike rental places have kids’ bikes, child bicycle trailers, bike seats, and more. This means you don’t have to bring anything with you. If your kids are too heavy to carry, try electric bikes, which you can rent in bike shops in Ile de Ré.

Keep in mind that Île de Ré is a very popular destination so in the summer the bicycle paths can get quite busy. If possible, try to start your day early or at least avoid very crowded town centers like Saint Martin de Re and Le Bois Plage en Ré.

Where to rent bikes in Île de Ré

There are rental bikes in every village, so just rent one from wherever you’re staying and start discovering the Island. We rented bikes from different places and we always got great service and equipment.

Here are two rental shops I used on my last two visits: Beach Bikes in the center of Saint Martin de Ré and Les Cycles N in Ars en Ré.

Here’s a good map of all the cycling paths on the Island, to help you plan your trip. You can get a physical copy of it at any tourist office in the Ile de Re as well as the rental bike shops.

cycling in Ile de Re - one of the most kids friendly vacations in France — *La Route du Sel with kids – Lost in Bordeaux*

Go to the beach

You didn’t think I would omit the beach from this list, right? It’s an island with more than 100km of coastline after all!

There are lots of amazing beaches in Ile de Ré, however, some are particularly safer for kids. When the tide is low you can collect shells, one of the activities kids seem to love the most.

Plage du Grouin in Loix - a kids friendly beach in Ile de Re — *Plage du Grouin in Loix – Lost in Bordeaux*

Here are some of my recommendations for kid-friendly beaches in Ile de Ré:

Plage du Grouin in Loix in the north part of the Island tucked in a calmer part of the Island, facing La Rochelle. This beach feels more like a lake than the ocean, which makes it a very fun beach for families.

Plage des Gollandières is a vast beautiful beach located in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Even on busy summer days, you can always find a place here. If your kids are a bit older, you have plenty of water activities to choose from on this beach. The beach is also supervised in the summer.

Plage de Gros Jonc is yet another family-friendly beach in Les Portes-en-Ré, the northwest of the Island. There are two sailing schools on the beach and plenty of water activities like surfing and bodyboarding. It’s particularly loved by small kids thanks to the rock pool on the side of the beach.

going to the beach - one of the best things to do with kids in Ile de Re — *Plage du Gros Jonc – Lost in Bordeaux*

Learn How to surf

A vacation in Ile de Ré is a great opportunity to take surfing lessons. The island is home to many surfing schools so you don’t have to go far from where you’re staying to take daily lessons.

Here are two recommended surf schools in Ile de Ré:

Swim and Surf is a surf school in le Bois Plage en Ré that’s open all year long.

In the summer the school offers a 5-day course for kids (over 6yo) as well as for adults. Outside the summer season, you can also take private surf classes.

See all the details here.

Re Surf is another great surfing school that is open from April to November.

You can find the school in two villages, le Bois Plage en Ré in the south of the island and Les Portes en Re in the northwest.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ré surf (@resurf_ecole)

Like the first school on the list, this school offers five-day courses in small groups or private surfing lessons. You can get a discount if several family members are enrolled in the school. The courses are offered during the summer and other French school vacations.

Private lessons are offered during the rest of the opening period as well.

If you already know how to surf you can rent surf equipment from them as well. See all the details here.

There are of course many other surf guides and schools you can find in Ile de Re, so try what’s closer to your camping site/hotel.

Keep your balance on the SUP

If surfing looks too hard, you can always enjoy a stand-up pedal (SUP) at the calmer beaches around the Island. Ile de Ré offers a variety of SUP activities from guided tours along the salt marshes to SUP lessons and yoga on a SUP.

If you’re interested in taking SUP lessons go to SUP Evasion, a school located in Couarde sur Mer. The school offers SUP classes to adults and kids over 8yo. If you already know how to handle your SUP, just rent the equipment and go explore the natural spaces of this magical Island. Here are all the details about the courses and renting.

If your kids are older than 12yo you can also enjoy a guided SUP tour. This is an amazing way to discover some hidden natural gems that are only accessible by SUP/boat.

Take your kids to la plage des Enfants

La Plage des Enfants is a kids club that offers plenty of fun activities for kids from 3 to 13 yo. The place consists of five different clubs offering plenty of activities for kids such as swimming, golf, and circus classes. One of the clubs is dedicated to little kids (3-3.5 yo) where they can enjoy soft play, crab fishing, and more.

The facility is located at the Plage du Gros Jonc in Les Portes en Ré, north of the Island. You can check out details about all the clubs and prices here.

La Plage des Enfants is going to open for the summer season on July 3rd. It’s a popular family activity, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Donkey riding

Donkey riding is one of the most popular activities in Saint Martin de Ré, the main village of Ile de Ré.

The donkey is a very symbolic animal here in Ile de Ré. In the past, donkeys were used to harvest salt and transfer it from one village to another. And while the locals have stopped using them for agriculture you can still see them grazing next to the citadel of Saint Martin de Ré.

Donkey riding at Saint Martin de Re - one of the best activities for kids in Ile de Re — *Donkey riding – Lost in Bordeaux*

You can enjoy donkey riding daily in the summer and during French school vacations. The activity starts at Parc de la Barbette (next to the Vaubin parking). See all details here.

La Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Lilleau des Niges

If the weather isn’t perfect for a beach day, you can take your kids bird-watching at the natural reserve of Lilleau des Niges. This beautiful reserve is located just next to the quiet village of Les Portes en Ré.

Ile de Ré is a paradise for bird watching, with more than 200 bird species observed on the Island. There are also more than 40 butterfly species to look for, so keep your eyes and cameras open. The best time for this activity is spring and autumn when many birds start to migrate. It’s best to come when the tide is high as it’s when you’re more likely to see plenty of birds.

Lilleau des Niges has plenty of paths to follow to explore the salt marshes while you’re looking for birds and butterflies.

Bird watching and salt marshes in Ile de Re — *The salt marshes of Ile de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Discover Île de Ré through a game – Terra Aventura

Exploring new places with kids can be a daunting task, especially when they get bored. Our region, Nouvelle Aquitaine, has come up with a perfect solution for that, a geocaching game called Terra Aventura.

Terra Aventura is an immersive activity that will help you get your kids engaged when discovering a new destination. Be it a natural reserve or a historic landmark, the game makes them discover the place playfully through a series of questions and clues.

Terra Aventura is a free app, all you need to do is download it on your phone. The games are offered in French and English. The app currently has two routes in Ile de Ré. One is in Loix and the other one is a route that should be done by bicycle in Le Bois Plage en Re.

See all the details about the games in Ile de Ré following this link.

Club de plage Les Dauphins

If you’re traveling with toddlers, Club de Plage Les Dauphins is perfect for you. The kids club, operating in the summer offers a variety of activities for kids starting from 2yo. The baby club that opens in the morning hours includes a program of games, swimming, storytelling, a trampoline, and more.

And while your kids play or learn how to swim you can enjoy a great selection of sportive activities for adults like aqua biking or aquagym.

The kids club is located on Peu Rago beach in La Couarde sur Mer. See more details here.

A Catamaran trip

Another way to enjoy the ocean and the beautiful landscape of Ile de Ré is by taking a Catamaran trip. Dream’on is a company that offers two hours trips on a catamaran that your kids will absolutely love!

The trip starts from the port of Saint Martin de Ré, the main village on the Island. You can take the trip daily from April to early November. See all the details and ticket prices here.

Go Skating

If you need a bit of a break from water activities you can take your kids skating.

The Skatepark of Les Portes en Ré is located in L’aire de loisirs de la Plaine du Gros Jonc. It’s a huge recreation area with plenty of facilities for kids like a playground, picnic tables, and a big skateboard park.
The park is free and open all year long, see more details here.

Learn how honey is made

Abeille de Ré is a honey farm located in the artisanal village of Loix. Apart from delicious honey they also offer different activities that will make your kids explore the world of bees.

Take their guided tour to discover the work of the beekeeper. If you come at the right time you can even attend a honey extraction and taste fresh honey.

The tours take palace from April to September at 16:30, see details here. From time to time the place also offers magic shows for little kids, see the dates here.

Le manège en… chanteur de Donin

Sometimes a good carousel is all children really need and Ile de Re has a special one to offer. Le Manège en Chanteur, located in the beautiful village of Ars en Re, was created in 1983 by Donin. While the vintage carousel has its charm, the real attraction here is Donin himself. A sweet singer who loves kids and amuses them with his funny songs while they ride the carousel.

The Carousel is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 from mid-April to early November.

See all the details here.

Kids-friendly day trips from Île de Ré

A day trip to La Rochelle

Anyone coming to this part of France must dedicate at least one day to the beautiful port city of La Rochelle. It’s one of the best destinations on the Atlantic coast, a lively city with plenty of monuments, restaurants, and charming streets.

La Rochelle a perfect day trip from Ile de Re — *La Rochelle with kids – Lost in Bordeaux*

It can also be a lovely day trip to do with your kids when staying in Ile de Ré. You can enjoy the many parks, restaurants, kids’ museums, and attractions this city has to offer. To get there you can take a car or a bus but one of the best ways to do it is by boat.

The sea shuttle leaves every morning from the port of Saint Martin de Ré to the lively port of La Rochelle. This trip allows you to observe the Island from the sea as well as the historic monument of fort boyard on the way. In the summer, there’s a shuttle several times a day.

See hours and ticket prices here.

A day trip to Sable d’Olonne

Sable d’Olonne is one of the most popular towns on the Atlantic coast famous for its beaches and long promenade. If you have a few days in Ile de Ré you can take the time to discover other treasures in the region like Sable d’Olonne.

The P’tit Natien boat leaves daily from the port of Saint Martin de Ré to the shores of Sable d’Olonne. The sail takes about 1.5 hours and usually leaves at 9:30 or 10:30, during the summer season.

See all the details here.

Go to the best Aquarium in the region

And last but not least, don’t miss a chance to take your kids to one of the best aquariums in France!

La Rochelle is home to one of France’s biggest aquariums exhibiting more than 12,000 animals of 600 different species. Every floor of the Aquarium is dedicated to a different sea and shows you the different animals inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean sea, the carbines, and more.

La Rochelle Aquarium - one of the best things to do with kids near Ile de RE — *La Rochelle Aquarium – Lost in Bordeaux*

It’s one of the favorite kids’ attractions in the Southwest of France! Do it either as a day trip from Ile de Ré or on your way to or from the Island. The aquarium is open daily all year round, see the opening hours here.

Where to stay with kids in Île de Ré

Île de Ré is a family summer destination and as such it’s home to many camping sites, houses, and kids-friendly hotels.

Camping sites can vary from simple ones to 5-star sites that include mobile homes, pools, and activities for kids. So you have a huge variety to choose from according to your taste and budget.

Also, one important tip from a local, the southwest of France can get very hot in the summer! If 35C+ is not your cup of tea make sure there’s AC in your accommodation before booking it!

Most French vacation from July 15 to August 15 so prices will be at their peak during that period. If you have the option, try to schedule your vacation towards the end of August.

If you’re interested in renting a mobile house on a camping site Sunêlia – Interl u de in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is a great option. It’s a 5-star camping site with a big pool, a babysitting service, a spa, and a restaurant.

For more simple and affordable options you can check Camping Le Suroit and Camp du Soleil

which are both very kids-friendly campings.

`If you’re traveling with a big family (or several families together) you have this great villa with 5 separate bedrooms. It’s very close to the center of Saint Martin de Re so you’ll be located in the center of things.

Or this house in Le Bois Plage en Re if you want to stay closer to one of the most family-friendly beaches in Ile de Ré.

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to read when planning your trip to Ile de Re:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux Monthly

What to do in Bordeaux in July

Last updated on May 22, 2023 2 Comments

I’m writing this article in May because I’m just too excited about all the events taking place in Bordeaux in July to keep this info to myself! So what’s happening in the Bordeaux region in July 2023, you ask? Events like Bordeaux Open Air, Dansons sur les Quais, and La Bataille de Castillon are only part of the long list you’ll find in this article.

As usual, most of this list includes specific events, so if you want to see fun places to visit during the summer, check out the article about the best things to do during summer in Bordeaux. Also, every Friday I give updates about other events taking place in Bordeaux in my newsletter, so don’t forget to subscribe to my email list if you’re not on it yet.

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux and you want to get more tips about traveling in Bordeaux and the Southwest of France feel free to join my Travel in the Southwest of France group on Facebook or follow me on my Facebook/ Instagram accounts. This time the list is long so I divided the list into things to do in Bordeaux and things to do in Gironde and other parts of SW in July 2023. Let’s start!

The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in July 2023

Go for a drink in one of Bordeaux’s summer bars

Plenty of rooftops, terrace cafes, and open bars are surging all over the city starting at the end of May/beginning of June. Some are more posh and chic, others simple and chill but they are all super fun to hang out in during the summer in Bordeaux. Check out the list of the best summer bars in Bordeaux.

Summer of Music in Medoc

Les Estivales de Musique en Medoc is the only music festival in France dedicated exclusively to young laureates of international competitions.

The festival was created in 2003 to discover new talents in classical music. The concerts are hosted in some of the most prestigious châteaux in the Medoc area and are followed by wine tastings. The festival is taking place from June 29 to July 12. See the full program here.

When: June 29 – July 12 / Where: Different locations, see program above

Before going check out my guide to the Medoc region to discover other places that are worth a visit on the way to your concert 🙂

Le Festival des Hauts de Garonne

This is an annual music festival taking place on the rive droite of the Garonne. On June 30 and July 1,6,7, plenty of music concerts will take place in different parks in four towns in Bordeaux Metropole (Floirac, Lormont, Bassens, and Cenon). See all the details here.

When: June 30 and July 1,6,7 / Where: Rions

Les Escapades Musicales

Les Escapades Musicales is a big classical music festival taking place in different natural and historic sites around the Bassin d’Arcachon. During five weeks (from June 22 – to July 22) plenty of international musicians will take part in this festival, aiming to concert the unique sites of Arcachon with the elegance of classical music. See the program here.

When: June 22 – July 22 / Where: Different locations around Arcachon

La Co(o)rniche - luxury hotel in Arcacachon — The infinity swimming pool at La Co(o)rniche

Don’t miss all the other amazing places to visit in Arcachon – it is the perfect summer destination.

Baroque Festival

Festes Baroques is a Baroque music festival taking place at different wine chateaux in South Gironde. So if you want to enjoy wine, beautiful music, and some of the most interesting patrimony in this region, this event is for you. The event will take place from June 27 to July 6. See the full program of concerts here.

When: June 27- July 6 / Where: Different chateaux in South Gironde

Festival Rues et Vous

This is the 16th edition of Festival Rue et Vous, a performance art festival taking place every year in the charming medieval town of Rions. This year the festival will take place on July 7-9 and will include a rich program of theater, dance, circus, and music shows for both adults and kids. For tickets and the full program check out the website of the festival.

Rions is one of the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux and is totally worth a visit.

When: July 7-9 / Where: Rions

Jalles House Rock

Le Jalles House Rock is one of the biggest rock festivals in Gironde that annually proposes a rich program of local and international acts. The goal of the festival is to share the love for rock music with as many people as possible and that’s why the entrance is free. They do however encourage you to donate to the Estran association that organizes the event.

This year the festival in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles takes place on July 7-8. For more details check out the website of the festival.

When: July 7-8 / Where: 1, chemin de Cantelaude, 33160 Saint-Médard-en-Jalles

Les 24h du Swing

This is the 33rd edition of ‘les 24h du Swing’, a swing festival taking place this weekend (July 7-9) in Monségur. More than 40 concerts will take place at different locations like Bastide Monséguraise, des Tilleuls à la Halle, and different bars and restaurants in Monségur. For more info and tickets click here.

When: July 7-9 / Where: several locations in Monségur

Les Nouvelles Saisons – music festival

Les Nouvelles Saisons is a classic music festival taking place in Bordeaux on July 9-19 at Cour Mably, la Cathédrale de Bordeaux, and the main library of Bordeaux. The festival was created by the violoncellist Jeremy Genet and the composer Christian Lauba offering a great variety of musical styles (baroque, romantic, modern, and more). For more details and tickets click here.

When: July 9-19 / Where: Different location in Bordeaux

Summer sales

Summer sales are a great opportunity to enjoy good deals on clothes, shoes, electronics, toys, and more. This summer Les Soldes d’été will take place from June 28 to July 25.

Celebrate the French National Day

July 14th is the French national day which is celebrated in every city in France. Like every year, Bordeaux will hold a series of popular events and parties. Apart from the traditional national day events, plenty of other parties will take place on July 13-14 in many parts of Gironde to celebrate this day. I will update you about specific events taking place in Bordeaux during the long weekend of July 14 in my newsletter. Subscribe here if you’re not on my list yet!

Dance on the Quai

Dansons sur les Quais is a series of dancing classes and events where people gather to dance together and learn a variety of dancing genres like Tango, Salsa, Bollywood, Forro, Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Zumba, and more.

All the dance classes will be guided by professional dancers from different dance schools in Bordeaux. The classes are completely free, so this is a great opportunity you don’t want to miss. The event will take place on the quai almost daily on July 12-30. Many of the lessons and events this year require prior reservation, for more details and the full program see here.

When: July 12-30 / Where: Quai Louis XVIII, 33000 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Metropolitan Summer

Like every year Bordeaux Metropolitan invites you to discover the city and the area around it through a series of cultural events and activities. Between July 17 and August 27, more than 100 activities of music, dance, public reading, theater, circus, and gastronomy will take place around the metropole. Check out the full program of events here (the program will be updated soon).

When: Daily from July 17 to August 27/ Where: Bordeaux Metropolitan – check out the exact location of every event in the program.

Bordeaux Open Air

Bordeaux Open Air is a series of free summer electronic music events, all set in different locations and with a great city vibe to them. The program of all the summer events will be published here.

When: Sundays in July, August, and September / Where: Follow the website for the exact location

La Bataille de Castillon

La Bataille de Castillon is a spectacle taking place during the course of several weeks in the summer, replicating the famous fight from 1453. Castillon-la-Bataille, the town where the show takes place also hosts many activities and events revolving around the big show: tours of the city, exhibitions, workshops of medieval art, and more. For more info and tickets click here.

When: July 20 – August 19 / Where: Association 1453, Mairie de Castillon, 33350 CASTILLON-LA-BATAILLE

Andernos Jazz Festival

One of the best Jazz festivals in the Gironde region is taking place this weekend (July 28-30) in Andernos les Bains. This is the 50th edition of the festival so it’ll be bigger and happier than ever. For more details about the Andernos Jazz Festival click here.

Andernos les Bains is one of the best destinations to visit in Arcachon.

When: July 28-30 / Where: the center of Andernos les Bains

Nuits Atypiques Festival

This multidisciplinary festival in south Gironde has been taking place every summer since 1992. From June 4 to July 22, plenty of events will take place in 12 towns in the Gironde department. The program includes a variety of activities such as concerts, theater, films, debates, tours to discover the towns, and more. Check out the full program here.

When: June 4- July 22 / Where: South Gironde- check out the exact location of every event in the program.

Big events in other parts of the SW of France – July 2023

Festival Garorock

Let’s start the list with one of the biggest music festivals in our region, the Garorock! The popular festival is about to take place from June 29 to July 2 in Marmande (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). Garorock is an international festival with 5 big stages that usually hosts more than 50 French and international artists. Click here for more info.

When: June 29- July 2 / Where: Plaine de la Filhole 47200 Marmand

If you want to discover other festivals taking place in the region, check out my post about the best music festivals around Bordeaux.

Blues Passions in Cognac

Every July, Cognac hosts one of the biggest music festivals in the region called the Cognac Blues Passion. The festival, which will take place on July 4-9, includes some of the biggest names in the Blues world in its program. See the full program here.

When: July 4-9 / Where: Boulevard Denfert-Rochereau, Cognac

Jazz in Marciac

Marciac is a nice little village in the Gers department (about 2 hours’ drive from Bordeaux) that hosts one of the biggest Jazz festivals in the region. The festival takes place for three weeks (from July 20 to August 6) and has a very impressive lineup of international Jazz artists. Check out the full program here.

When: July 20 to August 6 / Where: Marciac

Fêtes de la Madeleine

Fêtes de la Madeleine is the big festival of Mont de Marsan, in the Landes department, celebrating the Gascogne culture. The five days event transforms the city into a big carnival with plenty of concerts, traditional food, and activities for kids. The festival is taking place on July 19 – 23. Check out the long list of events here.

When: July 19-23 / Where: Mont-de-Marsan

Festival FreeMusic

Freemusic is a big music festival taking place this weekend (June 21-23) at Lac de Montendre (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). The festival includes a long lineup of artists that will take the stage on this beautiful beach in the Charente-Maritime department. For the full program and tickets click here.

When: July 22-24 / Where: Lac Baron Desqueyroux, 17130 Montendre

Jazz in Sanguinet

Another cool festival this weekend (July 20 -23) will take place in Sanguinet, just next to Biscarrosse Lake. This is a fun and free event with plenty of concerts and exhibitions. For more info click here.

When: July 20-23 / Where: Espace Gemme, Avenue du Born, 40460 SANGUINET

Festival Musicalarue

The Musicalarue is a big music festival taking place in Luxey (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux) on July 28-30. See the lineup and ticket prices here. More info here.

When: July 28-30 / Where: Les Cigales – 273 rue des écoles, 40430 Luxey, Aquitaine

Fête du Cognac

The Cognac festival celebrates the spirits of the region, the Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, and wines of the region. This is a fun and happy event with plenty of drinks and good music. And it’s an opportunity to discover one of the best destinations in the region, the town of Cognac.

The event will take place on July 27-29 in the center of Cognac. See the full program here.

When: July 27-29/ Where: the center of Cognac

Vesere Festival

The Vezere festival is a classical music festival taking place every summer in the Brive region. A long list of concerts will take place between July 5 and August 12 in the different theatres and chateaux in the region. See the program here.

Brive is located on the border between the Corezze and the Dordogne departments and is a great destination for anyone traveling in the region in the summer.

When: July 5- August 12 / Where: Different locations around Brive

Is it your first time in Bordeaux?

Be sure to check up my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.

If you’re looking for more ideas for day trips in the Bordeaux region here are a few other articles you might want to read:
The best beaches around Bordeaux
Day trips around Bordeaux – wine, beaches and villages
10 day trips from Bordeaux by Public transport
A weekend in Medoc – Bordeaux wine tours
What to do and eat in Saint Emilion

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

In Around Bordeaux

The most beautiful villages in Île de Ré

Last updated on May 4, 2023 No Comments

Ile de Re, a little piece of heaven on the French Atlantic coast is home to many beautiful villages. There are ten villages on the Island, each with a unique soul and character. Some of the villages on Île de Ré are lively with buzzing city centers while others are very peaceful with long sandy beaches.

Île de Ré is not a huge Island and if you have a few days, you can visit all ten villages and discover their uniqueness. However, some villages are more beautiful and interesting than others and in this article, I’ll make you discover them. So if you’re time limited and want to make sure you visit the top spots on the Island, follow my list of the most beautiful villages in Île de Ré.

*If you need more recommendations for places to visit in the SW of France, join my Traveling in the Southwest of France group.

Beautiful villages in Île de Ré you shouldn’t miss

La Flotte – an ancient port with the most beautiful market

Île de Ré prides itself on having three out of its ten villages formally labeled as “the most beautiful villages in France” (Les plus beaux villages de France). One of these three stunning villages is La Flotte.

La Flotte is located on the northern coast of the Island and it’s the first village you’ll pass by after crossing the bridge from La Rochelle. The charming village has a rich history dating back to the middle ages. It was a busy port during the 13th century playing an important role in the salt trade on the Island.

La Flote - one of the most beautiful villages in France — La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux

What’s not to miss in La Flotte:

The market

La Flotte is home to one of the best markets in Île de Ré. Built as a medieval-inspired market, it’s a perfect place to try some of the regional specialties just before you leave the Island. The market is located at Place du Marche and is open daily throughout the year.

The medieval market of La Flotte in Ile de Re — *The medieval market of La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux*

The historic center:

La Flotte has a bustling historic center with plenty of nice restaurants and beach fashion boutiques. Take a stroll through the narrow paved street and absorb the atmosphere and the architecture of this beautiful town. The village has a beautiful little church, L’église Sainte Catherine that’s also worth a visit.

The Port

From the old center, you can continue to the port with its beautiful green lighthouse. In the past, La Flotte was a commercial port and nowadays shelters many touristic boats. From the port, you can do a nice walk along the Promenade du Front du Mer.

If the weather’s getting hot, head to the small beach located right next to the city center, Plage de l’Arnerault

Recommended hotel in La Flotte:

Hôtel & SPA Le Richelieu is a great Spa hotel located within 10m from the beach. The hotel is perfectly located next to the port and the market.

Saint Martin de Ré – the main village of Ile de Re

Saint Martin de Ré is a lively port town with beautiful half-timbered houses and historic landmarks. Like its neighbor La Flotte, Saint Martin de Re is labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The village is considered the unofficial capital of Île de Ré thanks to its rich history and economic development. And while it’s not the biggest village on the Island, it’s definitely the most important and liveliest of them all. It’s not hard to see why this village is so loved by both locals and tourists.

Saint Martin de Re - the most beloved village in Ile de Re — *Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Saint Martin was an important military port and you can still see its star shape fortifications and its beautiful citadel. This historic monument was built by Vauban, a French military architect, at the end of the 17th century. It is one of the 12 famous Vauban fortified towns some of which are located in the Southwest of France.

Blaye in Gironde is another example of a Vauban fortified town, see more details about it my article about the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux.

In 2008, Saint Martin de Ré was classified as a Unesco world heritage.

What not to miss in Saint Martin de Ré

The old center

Saint Martin de Ré has a very busy center with lots of restaurants and boutiques, especially around the port where a lot of seafood restaurants and coffee places are located. It’s a perfect spot for lunch. Be sure to be there early to get a spot on one of the terrace cafés.

Saint Martin de Re - one of the most beautiful villages in Ile de Re — *The center of Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Many houses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. During that time the village saw great financial growth with many salt and wine merchants moving into the town center. Take a stroll in the historic center and discover the interesting mix of architectural styles. Don’t miss the colorful house and historic buildings such as Eglise Saint-Martin with its bell tower and panoramic terrace.

The beautiful houses in Saint Martin de Re — *The center of Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Springtime is particularly beautiful in Saint Martin de Ré with many houses decorated with typical flowers from Charentes Maritimes. The most prominent one is the stunning hollyhock flower which you can find in abundance in the region.

The port

This is the main port of the island and where most of the sea excursions are leaving from. If you’re staying on the island, taking a cruise is one of the best activities you can do here. You can take a cruise to the magical île d’Aix or just a boat trip with a tour around Fort Boyard.

A boat trip to Fort Boyard from Ile de Re — *Fort Boyard – Lost in Bordeaux*

You can book your tickets online.

Eat Ice Cream

Another thing this town is known for is ice cream! One of the best ice cream shops here is called La Martinière. It was established in 1970 and is still considered the best ice cream on the Island La Martinière closes during the winter season.

Recommended hotel in Saint Martin de Ré:
La Martinoise Garden is a charming 4-star guest house in the center of Saint Martin de Re. Book here.

If you’re traveling with a big family, here’s a great villa with 5 rooms close to the center of Saint Martin de Ré.

Ars en Ré – the best place to discover the salt marshes

The third village in Île de Ré to be labeled as one of the “Plus beaux villages de France” is Ars en Ré. It’s a very tranquil village, especially in comparison to Saint Martin de Re and La Flotte.Ars en Ré is located on the South-west coast of the Island, about 30 minutes drive from the Pont de l’île de Ré. However, the village (as well as the route there) is remarkably beautiful and well worth the drive.

La Route du Sel - Ile de Re — *The salt route next to Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Ars en Ré is perfectly situated between the ocean and the salt marshes of Fier d’Ars. If you’re interested to discover how salt is being produced in Ile de Re, this is the perfect place to start your discovery tour.

Cycle paths are spread along the salt marshes and the port so biking is the best way to discover it. You can also do it walking but I’m a friend that the monotonic scenery might get boring at some point.

If you have a few days on the Island, Ars en Re is a great point to start discovering the western part of the Ile de Re.

What’s not to miss in Ars en Ré

The church

The most famous monument in Ars en Ré is its church, Église Saint-Étienne built in the 15th century. The church has a black and white bell tower that is seen from every corner of the village. In the past, the belltower used to guide boats sailing toward the Island. Hence its unique colors.

*Église Saint-Étienne in Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

The port and the little center

Ars en Re has a very cute little town center and port with a few nice restaurants. It’s a great place to stop for lunch.

The port of Ars en Re - a perfect spot for Lunch — *The port of Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

After you finish eating, the center is also where you can rent a bike for your trip. We rented our at Beach Bikes in the center, but there are several shops that all seem good. Most bike rental shops are open from April to November.

Here’s a map of all the cycling routes on the Island.

The market

Ars en Ré is also home to one of the best markets in Ile de Ré. In the summer, the market takes place in the town center every day, whereas the rest of the year it takes place only on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

If you’re visiting in the winter, market days are the better days to visit this lovely village.

Loix – an Island with in an Island

Look closely at the map of Île de Ré and you’ll notice that Loix is actually an Island within an Island. Most of the village is surrounded by the ocean, making it a 14km coast in total. The southern part of Loix is surrounded by the salt marshes of Île de Ré.

salt marshes of Île de Ré near Loix — *Salt marshes near Loix – Lost in Bordeaux*

The peninsula is connected to the rest of the Island by two main cycling paths. One path takes you along the coast from the east side, which is one of the most beautiful paths on the Island.

The second path is called “La Route du Sel”. This one goes through the salt marshes and leads to the salt eco-museum.

What’s not to miss in Loix:

Pointe du Grouin – a calm beach on the northeastern part of the peninsula. If you’re looking for a calm, kids-friendly beach, this is a great option.

Pointe du Grouin - a calm beach in Loix — *Pointe du Grouin in Loix – Lost in Bordeaux*

Loix has a cute town center with a few coffee places. It also hosts a cute little market that takes place daily during school break and the summer.

One of the most interesting parts of Loix is the village artisanal. Plenty of merchants and craftsmen open their workshops and boutiques for people to visit. Among the most interesting ones to visit in the soap producer (savonerie Atisanae de re) and l’Abeille en Ré (honey farm).

La Couarde sur Mer – a calm village in a prime location

La Couarde sur Mer is another charming village on the southern coast of Île de Ré. It’s one of the more prosperous villages on the Island thanks to a variety of economic activities like oyster, salt, and wine production.

Couarde sur Mer - a great stop for a drink — *Couarde sur Mer – Lost in Bordeaux*

The village has a very cute center with restaurants, bars, and a big carousel for kids. It’s not as lively as other villages on this list but it has one of the best markets on the Islands.

What’s not to miss in La Couarde sur Mer

La Couarde sur Mer has one of the best coastlines on the Island – a strip of more than 5km of sandy beaches. You can enjoy a variety of water activities such as surfing, jet skiing, SUP, and more.

Another perfect activity offered here is yoga on the beach. The classes take place on Plage des Anneries in July and August. See all the details here.

Recommended hotel in la Couarde sur mer

This beautiful B&B with its beautiful garden is located within a few minutes walk from the beach of la Couarde sur Mer. It’s a perfect place for those looking for a calm vacation.

Le Bois Plage en Ré – the village with the best beaches

Le Bois Plage en Ré is the most popular village in the southern part of Ile de Re, mostly thanks to its amazing beaches. The village has a long 6km of sandy beaches which are perfect for families.

The beach at Le Bois Plage en Ré - Ile de Re — *Plage des Gollandières – Lost in Bordeaux*

Le Bois Plage en Ré is known for its summer market taking place in the center of the town. It’s a perfect place to equip yourself with local delicacies before going to the beach.

What’s not to miss in Le Bois Plage en Ré

The town center is not as beautiful as in other villages on this list but it’s a very lively and kids-friendly village with plenty of restaurants. The market is definitely a must.

The market of Le Bois Plage en Ré — *The martket of Le Bois Plage en Ré – Lost in Bordeaux*

From inland, the village is surrounded by woods and vineyards. That’s where the Cooperative wine cellar is located. The cooperative includes about 60 wine producers, whose vineyards cover around 600 hectares (7% of the total territory of the Island). You can visit the cooperative in July and August. See details here.

Where to stay in Le Bois Plage en Ré

If you like camping sites, Interlude located next to the Gros Jonc beach is a great one. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Les Bois Flottais is a very cozy hotel located between the beach and the city center.

How to get to Ile De Ré

To get to Ile de Re you first need to get to the main city nearby, La Rochelle. La Rochelle has an airport and one of the biggest train stations in the region so you have quite a few ways to get here.

You can find all the ways to get to La Rochelle here.

From La Rochelle, you can take a bus ( 3/3E), which stops at the train station and the city center. This is the cheapest way to get here, the ticket price is only 2.5 euros.

See the timetable here.

If you’re traveling by car you’ll have to pay the environmental tax to cross the bridge. The fee is 16 euros in the high season (mid-June to mid-September) and 8 euros in the low season.

You can also take a boat from the port of La Rochelle to get to the Ile de Ré- see all the details here.

Take a boat from La Rochelle to Ile de Re — *The port of La Rochelle – Lost in Bordeaux*

How to get from village to village in Ile de Ré

Even if you decide to come to Ile de Re by car, you can easily leave it in the parking. The best way to move around the Island is by bike. There are bike rental shops in every village and in many camping sites as well.

Some of the shops will even bring the bikes to your hotel.

The second option is the free shuttle that circulates around the Island. From April the subtle serves three villages: La Flotte, Loix, and Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. In the high season, July- August, the shuttle goes through all 10 villages of Ile de Re. See all the details here.

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to read when planning your trip to Ile de Re:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Toulouse

The Best coffee shops in Toulouse, France

Last updated on March 7, 2023 No Comments

Toulouse is the capital of good coffee in the South of France, here I said it! Every time I visit the pink city, I’m quite amazed by the amount of specialty coffee shops in the center. Most of them are located in the Carmes district which is the hipster area of Toulouse. To complement the good coffee vibes, these places also have great cakes and brunch menus on weekends.

Most of the coffee shops in Toulouse are also designed in a cute and cozy way, which upgrades the whole coffee experience. I’m a coffee addict so finding good coffee places is very important to me 🙂

In this article, I want to help you discover the best coffee places in Toulouse. Save this list for your next weekend there!

If it’s your first time in Toulouse you should also check these two articles about Toulouse:

A weekend guide to Toulouse – all the best things to do
The best areas to stay in Toulouse
The best markets in Toulouse

Let’s dive in!

Coffee places in the center of Toulouse

In this part of the article, you’ll discover the best coffee places around Place du Capitole, the most central part of Toulouse.

Allegory Coffee Bar

Allegory coffee bar is located on the chic street Rue Peyras, about five minutes walk from the famous place de la Capitol. As you’ll discover in this article, most of the chic specialty coffee shops in Toulouse are located in the Carmes district. So if you’re looking for one in a more central location, Allegory is probably one of your best options in the Capitol district.

Decorated with gentle green and pink objects, Allegory Coffee Bar has a very romantic feel to it. The café offers an impressive pastry selection to accompany the great coffee. If you want to eat you have a nice savory menu to select from with more brunch-like options like pancakes, eggs, and savory waffles.

*Allegory Coffee Bar in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

The service is excellent and they even gave us some recommendations about their favorite boulangerie in the city. The place gets busy on the weekend and you can’t book a table so be there early.

Opening days: Allegory coffee bar is open every day except Wednesday
Address: 9 Rue Peyras, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.allegorycoffeebar.com/

Café Boutique Chapelle des Carmélites

This is one of the best-hidden gems in Toulouse, a coffee shop nestled in the garden of Chapelle des Carmélites.

The Chapelle features the most amazing 17th-century murals and ceiling paintings, that were inspired by the works of art at the Sistine Chapel. This is a real treasure worth visiting, regardless of the coffee shop.

But we’re here to talk about the best coffee shops in Toulouse and this is definitely one of them.

The café itself is tiny and most of the chairs are outside in the garden, so it’s definitely a place for sunny days. The coffee belongs to Hayuco, a famous coffee roaster in Bordeaux, whose coffee you can also find in other spots in the city.

*Chapelle des Carmélites – Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening days: Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 18:00
Address: 12 Rue de Périgord, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://hello.hayuco.coffee/

Le Café Cerise

Le Café Cerise has two coffee shops, both located just next to the Garonne river.

The first one is situated on Quai de la Daurade and it’s their main café, where you can find both indoor and outdoor sitting. They have a great menu if you’re hungry for a big breakfast.

Their second place is an outdoor coffee shop on the other side of Pont Neuf in the Saint Cyprien neighborhood. It’s located in the garden of Le Château d’Eau, which is a cute photography gallery.

Le Café Cerise - good coffee in a great setting — *Le Café Cerise in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

Here you’ll find mainly sweet pastry and amazing coffee, of course.

Café 1- Daurade:
Opening days: Monday to Saturday
Address: 4 Quai de la Daurade, 31000 Toulouse

Café 2-Cote Jardin- Café éphémère
Opening days: Saturdays and Sundays only
Address: 1 place Laganne, Jardin du Chateau d’Eau

Check out their website: https://lecafecerise.fr/

Coffee places in the Carmes and Saint Etienne districts

Now let’s move south to the hippest part of Toulouse, the Carmes neighborhood where most of my favorite coffee shops are located.

Canopée Coffee House

Canopée Coffee House is a very popular place and arguably serves the best coffee in Toulouse. It has a more rustic design that calms you down the minute you step into the door.

On their menu, you can find quite a lot of juices and more healthy food options.

Canopée Coffee House in Toulouse - great brunch menu — *Canopée Coffee House in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

Every Saturday the place gets very busy so be sure to come early. My favorite spot there is the sofa next to the window, where you can see both the cafe but also feel the vibe of this hip neighborhood.

Opening days: Monday to Saturday
Address: 28 Rue des Couteliers, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://canopee.coffee/

La Belle Brune

This coffee was recommended to me by some of my Lost in Bordeaux followers who know that I’m a coffee addict and they didn’t disappoint. It’s one of my favorite coffee shops in Toulouse.

Just a warning, La Belle Brune (and many other good places in Toulouse) have a brunch menu on Sundays. So if you’re visiting the city on Sunday, going there only for a cup of coffee is not the best plan (unless you come early). Having said that, a Sunday brunch is a very trendy thing in France now, so you can do that too for the full experience 🙂

La Belle Brune - the best coffee in Toulouse — *The best coffee in Toulouse- La Belle Brune – Lost in Bordeaux*

On other days of the week, la Belle Brune offers another menu with a huge variety of cakes. They have a few tables indoors but also a fun terrace space on one of the chic streets of the Carmes district.

Opening days: Closed on Wednsday and Thursday
Address: 31 Rue Pharaon, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://labellebrune.fr/

Café Papiche

We are staying on the same street for yet another amazing coffee: Café Papiche!

A cute little place, serving one of the best cafes you can get in Toulouse. They have a really nice selection of homemade pastries, but their babka is something you shouldn’t miss.

Adored by coffee professionals - Café Papiche in Toulouse — *Café Papiche in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening days: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Address: 44 Rue Pharaon, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.facebook.com/CafePapiche/

Kopi Coffee shop

Kopi Coffee shop is located at Place du Salin, one of the liveliest squares in Les Carmes. It’s a perfect place to stop on the way to the main park of Toulouse and grab a coffee.

Thibault the owner, is a coffee enthusiast that decided to open this place to share his love of coffee. He’s joined by his dad who serves as the chef of Kopi Café. Like other coffee shops on this list, they also have an amazing selection of sweet pastries.

Kopi Coffee shop - one of the best coffee shops in Toulouse — *Kopi Coffee shop -Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening days: Open Tuesday to Saturday
Address: 20 Pl. du Salin, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.instagram.com/kopicoffeeshop/?hl=en

Neroli Coffee Society

Neroli cafe is a holistic cafe, a concept I wasn’t aware of before coming here. You can order all the regular hot beverages but that’s not why most of their clients come here.

The specialty of Neroli is their whole foods, colorful coffee, mixed with ingredients that you would never imagine combining with hot milk. Their pink Latte for example has beetroot in it, while the golden latte is mixed with vanilla and turmeric.

*Neroli Coffee Society – Lost in Bordeaux*

I’m not sure I’d replace my caffeine intake with these on a daily basis, but it was definitely a nice experience.

Opening days: Open Tuesday to Saturday
Address: Neroli Coffee Society, 11 Rue Théodore Ozenne, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.nerolicoffeesociety.com/toulouse-coffee-shop

If you’re visiting Toulouse for the first time there are a few articles you should check:
My detailed guide to a weekend in Toulouse
Where to stay in Toulouse – the best districts
The best events taking place in Toulouse
The best things to do in Toulouse with kids

If you’re visiting during Christmas you might want to check my article about the best Christmas markets around Toulouse.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Pin this article, for your next visit to Toulouse

In Bordeaux wine region

Wine Tastings in Bordeaux

Last updated on March 3, 2023 No Comments

As you can imagine, wine tasting is one of the best attractions the Bordeaux wine region has to offer. In Bordeaux, you don’t really have to leave the city in order to taste some of the best wines in the world. There are quite a few places in the city center where you can enjoy a variety of wine-tasting experiences.

In this article, I gathered a list of the wine bars, boutiques, and guides that offer the best wine tastings in Bordeaux. So if you don’t have time to visit wineries or you just want to taste many different wines in one place, this article is for you!

How to do wine tasting in Bordeaux — ***Wine tasting in Bordeaux***

If you want to visit a winery in Bordeaux and do your wine tasting there, I highly recommend Chateau Pope Clement. The winery is located in Pessac, one of Bordeaux’s suburbs, and is reachable by public transport.

If you’re looking for more information on visiting wineries in the Bordeaux wine region, I’ve written extensively about my favorite chateaux to visit.

See other wine-related articles here:

Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion
A guide to the Bordeaux wine region
The best wine tours from Bordeaux
A day trip to Saint Emilion
How to visit wineries in the Bordeaux wine region without a car
A weekend in the Medoc wine region
Best wineries to visit in Sauternes
Best wineries in Bordeaux to visit with kids

Now let’s dive into wine tasting in Bordeaux!

Wine-tasting workshops in Bordeaux

Wine Tasting Experience in Bordeaux with Snacks – by Olala

Olala is a wine tour company that offers private and group tours to Saint Emilion and Medoc. Additionally, the company also hosts great wine-tasting workshops in Bordeaux to help you learn about Bordeaux wine without ever leaving the city.

This beginners’ workshop aims to introduce the participants to concepts of terroir, grape varieties, and wine appellations. It includes a tasting of three Bordeaux wines (one white and two reds), one of which is a Grand Cru (great growth). Throughout the tasting, you will learn about the different tasting techniques and get wine pairing tips. Charcuterie and cheese boards are also included so you won’t drink on an empty stomach.

Olala Bordeaux - wine tours and tastings — *Olala wine tasting in Bordeaux*

Olala Bordeaux is located on rue Mably, two minutes walk from the Opera building of Bordeaux.

The wine-tasting workshop takes place daily in the afternoon and the price is 29€/per person.

You can book their tasting session at this link.

Discover Bordeaux vineyard: special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers

This wine-tasting workshop is taking place at a very chic wine boutique, Le Pied à Terre. The wine cellar and tasting workshop is run by two brothers, Pierre and Geoffroy, who love drinking, talking, and educating about wine.

During the atelier, you will taste three Bordeaux traditional grape varieties and learn about winemaking in the region. The tasting also includes a platter of Basque cheese and ham and practical tips for wine tasting.

Wine tasting in Bordeaux - learn about Bordeaux wine from two brothers — **Le Pied à Terre – by Lost in Bordeaux**

The workshops are offered from Wednsday to Saturday. They tend to be full quite fast so be sure to book in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the weekend.

Book your wine tasting here.

The shop is located on rue Judaique, one of the most foodie streets in Bordeaux.

Where: 22 Rue Judaïque, 33000 Bordeaux

Wine-tasting workshops at La Cite Du Vin

La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s famous wine museum hosts daily wine-tasting workshops in French, English, and Spanish. All their workshops and wine-tasting events take place in their stunning modern tasting rooms.

The English workshops are mainly dedicated to Bordeaux wines while those in French are varied. You can choose workshops about specific wine regions or learn how to match wine with cheese or chocolate. One of the workshops I had the chance to attend was red wine and chocolate tasting.

Check out what are the next tasting workshops to take place at the Cité du Vin.

Read my article about my latest visit to La Cité du Vin.

wine tasting at the modern tasting room of La Cite du Vin in Bordeaux — ***Tasting wine at La Cite du Vin -by Lost in Bordeaux***

Wine and cheese pairing at Château Bouscaut

Château Bouscaut is located in Cadaujac, a little town about 20 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux. The winery, which is ranked as Grand Cru Classé de Graves produces both red and white wines.

Château Bouscaut offers several wine experiences, however, one of the more special ones is their wine and cheese pairing atelier. The cheese they choose every season changes according to the color and vintage of their wine. If you’re looking for a special experience while in Bordeaux, this wine tasting is for you.

You can enjoy the wine tasting from Tuesday to Saturday, the price is 25 € p/p.

You can book the wine tasting here.

Where: 1477 Av. de Toulouse, 33140 Cadaujac

Wine tasing in bars in Bordeaux

Deep Dive Bordeaux Wine Organic and Biodynamic

A two-hour tasting of organic and biodynamic Bordeaux wines at the TchinTchin Wine Bar. This wine bar, located just next to the Place de la Bourse, is specialized in organic wines. It’s run by two wine enthusiasts Anthony And Yuanjun.

During the tasting session, you will touch upon topics like Bordeaux terroir, the wine history of the region, natural wines, and more. You’ll learn how to properly taste wine while trying five different organic wines: whites, reds, and sweet wine.

Organic wine tasting in Bordeaux — **TchinTchin Wine Bar – by Lost in Bordeaux**

This tasting session is suitable for wine amateurs and not for total beginners.

The tasting is offered from Tuesday to Sunday and costs 65 €/per person.

Book the organic wine-tasting experience.

Bordeaux wine tasting by Les Trois Pinardiers

Les Trois Pinardiers is a chic wine bar and shop located a few steps from Place Gambetta in Bordeaux.

During a 1.5 hours session, you will taste four Grand Cru Bordeaux wines: three reds and one white. You’ll learn about the blending and appellation of each wine. The experience also includes a charcuterie and cheese plate. If you’re a beginner and are looking for a lighter experience, this is a great one to try.

The tasting experiences are offered from Wednsday to Friday, the price is € 40/ person.

You can book your Bordeaux wine-tasting experience here.

Le Bar à Vin

Located in the 18th-century residence of the Bordeaux Wine Council, le Bar à Vin is an established Bordeaux institution.

Nevertheless, don’t let the fancy decor fool you, it’s more affordable than you think. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest places for drinking Bordeaux wine in the city center.

At le Bar à Vin their goal is to expose their clients to the widest variety of Bordeaux wines. Here you can order half glasses and taste many different types of wines without breaking the bank.

The menu offers a selection of Bordeaux wines, from famous appellations like Medoc and Pomerol to less-known ones like Blaye and Cadillac. To that, you can add delicious snacks like cheese, charcuterie, and local chocolates.

This is not a formal tasting experience, meaning that nobody accompanies you. But all their waiters and bartenders are very knowledgeable in wine and will be happy to answer all of your questions.

This is one of my favorite things to do in Bordeaux.

wine tastings in Bordeaux — **photo by lost in Bordeaux**

Le Bar a Vin is open daily except Sundays.

Address: 3 Cours du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux

Wine shops in Bordeaux that offer wine tasting

Vintage Wine Tasting with Charcuterie Board -Cousin et Compagnie

Cousin et Compagnie is a beautiful wine shop located just next to Place du Parlement offering a large selection of Bordeaux wines. They also offer a variety of tasting experiences at their shops and other parts of town.

wine tasting in the historic center of Bordeaux — *vintage tasting in Bordeaux*

The most popular is Vintage Wine Tasting, an experience that includes tasting four Grands crus wines paired with local charcuterie and cheese. All the vintages presented are at least 10 years old, French wines from the 70s, 80’s, and 90’s decades.

The tasting session is guided by one of their wine professionals the price is 80 € p/p.

You can book your Vintage tasting here.

*If you speak French you can enjoy a very similar workshop in their shop every Saturday (12:00 – 14:00). The price of this tasting is 49 € p/p – check out the details here.

Croisière Dégustation : Bordeaux Au Naturel

During the summer months, you can also take their tasting on a boat experience. Croisière Dégustation takes place in the afternoon two days a week. You go on a two hours boat trip where you get to taste three wines, accompanied by cheese and charcuterie.

wine tasting on a boat by Cousin et Compagnie — Cousin et Compagnie – by Lost in Bordeaux

It’s limited to 12 people so book in advance to ensure a spot. See all the details here.

Address: 2 Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges, 33000 Bordeaux

Self-service and workshops at – Max Bordeaux

Max Bordeaux is a wine shop with a neat concept – The Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux is within everyone’s reach! A visit to this special bar allows you to autonomously taste prestigious Bordeaux wines without paying for the whole bottle.

At the bar, you’ll discover huge wine columns with built-in Oenomatic machines containing more than 45 Great Bordeaux Wines. Latour, Margaux, Haut Brion, Cheval Blanc, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, and Angélus are just a few examples. You can choose between two glass sized 2.5cl and 10cl and the prices range from 2euros to tens of euros for more expensive wines.

Max Bordeaux wine tastings — ***photo by Lost in Bordeaux***

Even though it’s not a guided experience, the advantage is that it allows you to discover Bordeaux wines at your own pace and budget.

Wine tasting workshops

The other option is to join one of their wine-tasting workshops. This is a unique opportunity to discover the most representative appelations in Bordeaux and learn their characteristics. Among the wines, you’ll taste are red wines from AOC Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, and Graves or/and white wines from AOC Graves, Pessac-Léognan, and Entre-deux-mers.

Book your workshops here.

Address: 14 Cours de l’Intendance, 33000 Bordeaux

Wine Tasting at La Vinotheque

La Vinotheque is one of the most emblematic wine cellars of Bordeaux. Their wine experience starts with a presentation of the different appellations of Bordeaux and a visit to their vintage collection.

You then proceed to wine tasting (2-3 wines) and learn about the wines you chose to taste. The wine tasting is offered on Saturday, the price is From € 35.

Book your wine tasting here.

Where: 8 Cr du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux

Emile & Marguerite

This article is about wine tastings in Bordeaux but I had to add one place where you can taste other spirits that this region is famous for.

Emile & Marguerite is a charming shop in the heart of the center of Bordeaux specializing in made-in-France alcohol. They have everything from Whisky to Gin, vodka and a huge selection of local beers.

But what’s more interesting is their large selection of Cognac and Armagnac brandies originating from the Southwest of France. If you don’t have an extra day to go to Cognac or Armagnac this can be an opportunity to taste and gain more knowledge about these two exceptional French spirits.

Emile & Marguerite Bordeaux — ***photo by Lost in Bordeaux***

You don’t have to make reservations, just pass by and you’ll be welcome anytime. The shop is open daily, check out their facebook page for more info.

Address: 13 Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre, 33000 Bordeaux

Pin this article, so you can use it on your visit to the Bordeaux wine region!

First time visiting Bordeaux?

If you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time, be sure to check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux wine region

The best wine tours in Bordeaux

Last updated on February 28, 2023 No Comments

If you’re looking for amazing wine tours and wine-related experiences, Bordeaux is your city! This shouldn’t come as a surprise in a region that is considered by many as the world wine capital.

If you’re confused and don’t know what are the best wine tours to take in the Bordeaux wine region, I’m here to help. After years of traveling and trying different tours, guides, and winery visits I gathered a list of the best experiences the Bordeaux region has to offer.

If you’re a wine lover or just interested to visit several wineries on your trip to Bordeaux, keep reading as there’s a lot of important information here for you.

Self-guided tours in the wineries of Bordeaux

In the last few years, I wrote many articles about visiting wineries in the Bordeaux wine region. So if you want to go on a self-organized tour, you can find all the info on this site.

Here are a few wineries that I recommend for English speakers: Château de Pressac in Saint Emilion, Château Pape Clément in Pessac Leognan, and Château du Taillan in Medoc.

Discover wineries in Bordeaux on self guided tours in the Bordeaux wine region — *Discover wineries in the Bordeaux wine region – by Lost in Bordeaux*

And this is a full list of all Bordeaux wine-related articles with more winery recommendations, that will help you plan your Bordeaux self-guided wine tour:

Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion
A guide to the Bordeaux wine region
A day trip to Saint Emilion
How to visit wineries in the Bordeaux wine region without a car
A weekend in the Medoc wine region
Best wineries to visit in Sauternes
Best wineries in Bordeaux to visit with kids

If you’re planning on a wine road trip with several winery visits, I highly recommend renting a car. You can find good prices for rental cars in Bordeaux here.

If you’ve already decided what chateaux you’re planning to visit and you just want a driver to take you there, you can find one here.

In this article, however, I want to help those who don’t want the hassle of organizing a wine tour. Even though self-organized tours are fun, there are a few big advantages to taking a guide.

First, you get a lot of knowledge about the history of the Bordeaux wine region and about winemaking in Bordeaux. But also, it enables you to drink a lot of wine without worrying about driving back to Bordeaux.

*The best wine tours in Bordeaux – by Lost in Bordeaux*

How to take a wine tour in Bordeaux

Wine tours are probably the main attraction Bordeaux has to offer. So as you can imagine, there’s no shortage of guides and tour operators offering wine tours in the region. Some of them are very professional and knowledgeable and others less so. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re booking.

best wine tours in Bordeaux — *Wine tour in Pomerol – by Lost in Bordeaux*

There are several types of wine tours you can find in Bordeaux.

A private wine tour with a guide who takes you straight from the doorsteps of your hotel to visit several wineries in one day. A more popular option is the semi-private wine you, where a small group is going to visit 2-4 wineries in one or two wine regions in Bordeaux.

Then you have the big group tours with 10 to 50 participants. These are less recommended in my opinion but they are very well-priced. And lastly, you have more unique experiences that include food tasting, cycling, and more.

In this article, I summarized the best wine tours and experiences in each of these categories. All the tours on my list leave from Bordeaux which is great for anyone staying in a hotel in the city center.

Wine tours with kids

Most of these companies do not welcome kids on the tour, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Bordeaux wine region with your kids. All you have to do is choose a château from my article about the most kids-friendly wineries in Bordeaux.

I also added a few recommendations for guides that offer kids-friendly tours – continue reading.

A semi-private wine tour to Saint Emilion

Semi-private tours are small group tours of 6-8 people. These tours feel quite intimate even though they are not private. They’re usually not too expensive, considering the fact that it saves you transportation costs. So all in all, that’s the tour I recommend taking if you’re not into self-guided tours.

take a semi private tour in Saint Emilion — *A semi-private tour in Saint Emilion*

There are quite a few companies offering private and semi-private tours from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion or Medoc. Here are a few I recommend.

St. Emilion Village Half-Day Wine Tour

This semi-private tour is offered by the Ophorus travel company. You first get to visit the most important landmarks of Saint Emilion and learn the history of this magical village.

The tour then takes you to a classified growth winery in Saint Emilion where you get to taste wine and learn about the wine-making process.

The company offers daily tours in the morning and the afternoon.

Book it here.

Take a tour in Saint Emilion — *A small group tour in Saint Emilion – by Lost in Bordeaux*

*See recommended wineries to visit in Saint Emilion.

Saint-Émilion Food and Wine Tour

If you want a full-day trip to Saint Emilion I recommend taking the one offered by Olala Bordeaux. Their tour lasts about six hours and includes a visit to three châteaux in Saint Emilion as well as a fun picnic. Book it here.

Afternoon Wine Tasting in the Medoc Region

This is a great option if you rather take a wine tour of the Medoc region. An afternoon trip taking you from Bordeaux to discover two very different wineries located on the stunning Medoc Chateaux route. One is a small family-owned winery and the other is one of Bordeaux’s more prestigious Great Classified Growth wine estates.

The tour is offered by Bordovino which is a very reputable tour company here in Bordeaux. Book the tour here.

semi private Wine tours in Medoc - the Bordeaux wine region — *Wine tours in Medoc – Bordeaux wine region – by Lost in Bordeaux*

From Bordeaux: Afternoon Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Trip

If you want to start the morning in Bordeaux and get to Saint Emilion later in the day, this tour might be perfect for you. The afternoon wine tour offered by Bordovino includes a visit to two wineries and a tasting of four Saint Emilion wines.

As you get to visit one small family estate and a big Grand Cru winery, you have the chance to compare their wines and see the differences in their wine-making techniques. You’ll finish the day with an early evening tour of the medieval town.

You can book the tour here.

Discovering wineries by bike – biking wine tours in Bordeaux

There are a few companies offering biking tours in Saint Emilion.

Cycling from one winery to another while enjoying the landscape of Saint Emilion’s lush vineyards is a beautiful experience you don’t want to miss.

Both companies I mention here offer only electric bike tours and that’s because Saint Emilion is a very hilly wine region which makes cycling hard.

E-bike wine tours in Bordeaux — *E-bike wine tours in Saint Emilion – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Bordeaux: St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour with Wine & Lunch

This Saint Emilion full-day bike trip is offered by Bordovino. You start the day in Bordeaux and the company takes you to Saint Emilion where you’ll get the e-bikes.

You then get a bit of time to tour the beautiful medieval town before you head on your cycling journey.

The unique part of the tour starts once you get out of the center of Saint Emilion. You’ll cycle on the beautiful chateaux route, passing by famous estates like Petrus or Château Cheval Blanc.

On this tour, you get to visit two Saint Emilion wineries and taste their wines. The visit to the first château also includes a light lunch in their garden.

Their bike tours are offered only during the tourist season, starting in April.

Book your bike wine tour here.

Rustic vines – e-bikes tours

This is another recommended wine e-bike tour, offered by Rustic vines, a company that specializes in biking tours.

In this small tour, you get to visit two wineries and taste delicious local specialties during your lunch. You get a short walking tour of Saint Emilion at the end of the day and even have an extra wine tasting at a wine boutique.

Like in the previous tour I described, here too you start your tour in Bordeaux and the company takes you to Saint Emilion.

If you’re already in Saint Emilion you can start straight from there, and get a reduced price.

Book your tour here.

Group tours in the Bordeaux wine region

While I highly recommend taking a semi-private wine tour, their prices range from 90 to 160 euros p/p. It’s not extremely expensive for a wine tour, however, it’s not an affordable price for a lot of travelers to the Bordeaux region.

That’s where the group wine tours come in handy.

group wine tours in the Bordeaux wine region — *Group wine tours in the Bordeaux wine region – by Lost in Bordeaux*

The Bordeaux tourism office offers tours to most wine appellations around Bordeaux, including the less-known ones. You can choose between a day trip to Saint Emilion with a visit to one winery and a wine tour to areas like Medoc, Blaye, Graves, and Sauternes where you get to visit two wine properties.

These tours are guided by professional guides who are generally quite charismatic 🙂 The main advantage of taking a group tour is the price which is usually under 50 euros p/p.

If you have the Bordeaux city pass, you get another discount of 15% – you can purchase the city pass here.

The downside of these group tours is the number of people allowed on a tour which can easily get to around 40.

Here’s the schedule of the group wine tours in Bordeaux:

Monday: Saint Emilion or Fronsac
Tuesday: Medoc
Wednesday: Graves and Sauternes
Thursday: Bourg and Blaye
Friday: Entre Deux Mers (the white wine region of Bordeaux)
Saturday: Medoc
Sunday: Saint Emilion or Fronsac

Some useful information:

All the tours start at the Tourist office of Bordeaux at 13:30 and last for five hours.
During the winter the tours are offered only on weekends
Kids under the age of 5yo cannot join their tours

You can book your tours directly on their website.

Private wine Tours from Bordeaux

Another option is private wine tours from Bordeaux. These tend to be quite expensive as you hire a person to accompany you the whole day. But if you find the right guide, a private tour can be an unforgettable experience.

The best guides in this region are personally familiar with many wine markers and can take you to unique places.

Here are a few of my recommendations for private guides in Bordeaux.

If you’re looking for a tour in Saint Emilion, I highly recommend Nicolle from Sip. Her tour focuses on small independent producers in Saint Emilion. She also wrote a great book about Bordeaux wine which I highly recommend.

Nicolle from SIP wine private tours in the Bordeaux wine region — *Nicolle from SIP wine tours – by Lost in Bordeaux*

As she has been working as a wine guide for more than two decades she can organize tours to Medoc, Pessac Leognan, and other parts of the Bordeaux wine region. This is her Medoc private tour, for example.

If you’re interested to discover the Sauternes world, I highly recommend Anne from Aquitaine travel guide.

*Aquitaine Travel Guide – wine and food tours in Gironde*

If you’re looking for kid-friendly experiences, Anne is great at that too.

Drop her an email with all your questions: aquitaineguide@gmail.com

Two other great English-speaking wine tour guides in the region are Malgorzata Balaban-Delcros and Marie Hallier who also offers amazing tours to Cognac.

Wine activity in Bordeaux

Finally, if you’re in Bordeaux for a very short stay and have absolutely no time for a wine tour you have a few other wine-related activities in the city.

Cité du Vin – visit the world’s biggest wine museum

La Cite du Vin is a unique cultural center, dedicated to the discovery of wine. Through its interactive exhibition, it offers a journey to both French and global wine history.

Read about what to expect when visiting the museum in my article about my visit to the Cité du Vin. You can avoid the lines at the entrance by booking the tickets online – here.

The ticket to the museum is quite pricy but you can enter the museum for free with the Bordeaux CityPass. To enjoy the free entrance you must enter the museum before noon.

Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting class

You can also take a morning wine-tasting class with a Professional sommelier guide. This is a two hours workshop where you’ll learn about and taste wines from different wine regions in France.

Book the class here.

Pin this article, so you can use it on your visit to the Bordeaux wine region!

First time visiting Bordeaux?

If you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time, be sure to check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂