Bordeaux, located in the heart of southwestern France, is a gateway to world-famous wine regions, popular beaches, some of France’s best food, and historic villages. Within just a few hours by car or train, you can find yourself in scenic coastal towns, picturesque countryside, or cultural hubs that are ideal for a weekend getaway. Whether you prefer a relaxing wine tour, a seaside escape, or a gastronomic adventure, here are ten fantastic destinations to explore from Bordeaux.
Those familiar with the region may notice that some of the most iconic places in Gironde (like Saint Emilion and Arcachon) were omitted from this list. But that’s just because they are located close to Bordeaux, and I have written extensively about them in my list of day trips from Bordeaux. They are, of course, great weekend options for those looking to stay close to Bordeaux.
1. The Médoc Region – Not Only Wine
The Médoc region, just 90 km northwest of Bordeaux, is famous for its prestigious wine estates. It consists of eight appellations (AOC) covering 16,500 hectares and is home to four magnificent premier cru classé wine estates – Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. But Médoc is also a destination for nature lovers. Beyond wine-tasting at iconic châteaux, visitors can explore the Atlantic coast, with its sandy beaches and surf spots. Soulac-sur-Mer is a charming seaside town worth visiting, offering laid-back beach vibes and historical architecture. Don’t miss the lively market at Vendays-Montalivet, where you can savor local specialties like oysters and cheeses.
Check out this article with a detailed itinerary for two days of wine tasting in Medoc.
Where to stay:
Château de Neyran – Elegant spa retreat with garden, terrace, and amenities in Soulac sur Mer.
La Maison d’Estournel – For a luxury stay in the vineyards of Medoc.
Un Matin D’été – Charming coastal retreat with pool and terrace in Lacanau.
2. La Rochelle
La Rochelle, located 190 km north of Bordeaux, is a beautiful coastal city known for its picturesque old harbor and maritime history. Wander through its charming streets lined with half-timbered houses and enjoy the lively outdoor cafés. The city also boasts a stunning aquarium and the nearby Île de Ré, perfect for day trips. Be sure to try fresh seafood, especially oysters, and mussels, in this vibrant port town. If you’re traveling with children, the aquarium is a must-see.
See my full La Rochelle guide here.
Where to stay:
Hôtel La Monnaie Arty & Spa – Elegant 17th-century hotel with harbor views.
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites – Harborfront boutique hotel near La Rochelle’s attractions
La Belle Amarre – Charming city-center bed and breakfast with solarium.
Novotel La Rochelle Centre, ideal for a family-friendly stay
3. Île de Ré
A little farther afield, 200 km from Bordeaux, lies the enchanting Île de Ré. This island is known for its charming villages, sandy beaches, and salt marshes. Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vibrant harbor and excellent seafood restaurants.
This island is a little piece of heaven on the French Atlantic coast and is home to ten beautiful villages, each with a unique soul and character. Cycling is the best way to explore the island, allowing you to discover its pristine beaches and vineyards at your own pace. I also have a comprehensive article about the most beautiful villages in Île de Ré!
Where to stay:
Hotel L’Océan – Coastal escape with pool, wellness, and garden in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré (one of my favorite villages in Ile de Ré ).
La Martinoise Garden – Charming guesthouse with gardens, pool, and modern amenities in Saint-Martin-de-Ré (the main village).
4. Cognac Tasting Weekend
Only 120 km north of Bordeaux, Cognac offers a refined weekend of distillery tours and tastings in the birthplace of this famous spirit. As a very occasional Cognac drinker, I was wondering if there’s anything to do there beyond distillery tours. But from my first visit, I quickly realized that there are plenty of things to do in Cognac!
Wander through the charming old town and visit renowned houses like Camus and Hennessy, where you can learn about the art of cognac production. Don’t miss a stroll along the Charente River and enjoy a meal in one of the town’s gourmet restaurants. You can read this article summing up the best distilleries to visit in Cognac to prepare for your visit.
Where to stay in Cognac:
Hotel Chais Monnet, a luxurious hotel and spa in the heart of Cognac
Château de L’Yeuse, offering stunning views of the Charente valley
5. Heritage and Wine in the Purple Périgord
The Purple Périgord, 100 km east of Bordeaux, is known for its rich wine culture and medieval villages. Bergerac is the perfect base for exploring the region’s wineries, offering tastings of local reds and whites. Here’s a whole article on what to do, eat, and drink in Bergerac.
Nearby, the magical villages of Monpazier, Eymet, and Issigeac are must-visits, with Issigeac hosting one of the region’s best markets. These villages are perfect for leisurely strolls and sampling local foie gras and truffles. In fact, there are so many stunning villages in this part of France that I had to write a guide – here it is.
Where to stay in Purple Perigord:
La Chartreuse du Bignac, a serene and historic hotel near Bergerac
Madeleine Bergerac – a stunning B&B with an outdoor pool near the center of Bergerac.
6. Sarlat and the Villages of Perigord Noir
Sarlat, about 2 hours’ drive from Bordeaux, is a medieval gem in the Périgord Noir, known for its narrow paved streets, bustling market, and stunning architecture. The surrounding villages, like Beynac and Domme, offer breathtaking views of the Dordogne River. This area is also a food lover’s dream, with local dishes featuring duck confit, foie gras, and walnuts. In summer, Sarlat and the surrounding villages come alive with night markets, music, canoes, and visitors. In winter, you’ll eat some of the best comfort food of your life. There’s never a bad time to visit the Perigord Noir!
I’ve visited this region so many times it feels like a second home and I’ve documented my travels extensively, all so that you can have reliable guides on what to see, what to eat, which villages to visit, and more. Check them out here.
Where to stay:
Les Cordeliers – a charming hotel in the center of Sarlat with spacious rooms.
Plaza Madeleine & Spa – a stylish hotel in the heart of Sarlat with a swimming pool and a spa.
La Perle de Domme – Refined 4-star hotel with pool, garden, terrace, sauna, modern rooms, and scenic Domme views
7. A Gastronomic Weekend in Bayonne and the Basque Villages
Just 190 km southwest of Bordeaux, Bayonne is the perfect destination for a food-filled weekend. Known for its chocolate, ham, and Basque cuisine, Bayonne is a delight for gastronomes. Explore the narrow streets of the old town and venture to nearby Basque villages like Espelette, famous for its peppers, or Ainhoa for its charming, traditional architecture. Check out this article for the best things to do in Bayonne or this one to guide you on a culinary journey through Espelette.
Where to stay in Bayonne:
Hôtel Villa Koegui – a boutique hotel in Bayonne’s old town.
Auberge Basque, a countryside retreat with a gourmet restaurant.
8. A Chic Weekend on the Basque Coast
The Basque coast, about 200 km from Bordeaux, is known for its stylish seaside towns like Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Spend the weekend enjoying beautiful beaches, luxury boutiques, and gourmet dining. Biarritz offers a glamorous mix of surfing and upscale culture, while Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a more relaxed, fishing-village charm. The Basque architecture will make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos and you’ll love the world-famous food scene in San Sebastian. Check out my detailed guide to a weekend in Biarrtiz to help you plan the perfect getaway.
Where to stay in Biarritz:
Hôtel de La Plage – Ocean-facing hotel with a peaceful atmosphere next to the old port of Biarrtiz.
Thalazur Saint Jean de Luz – Seaside hotel with thalassotherapy, rooftop, and ocean views in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
9. A Surfing Weekend in Hossegor
Hossegor, just 170 km from Bordeaux, is a world-renowned surfing destination. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, the waves here cater to all levels. The town has a laid-back, beachy atmosphere with plenty of surf shops, cafés, and bars. Don’t miss the lively markets and sunset views along the coast. The hot summers and consistent waves make this region an ideal destination.
Where to stay:
Les Hortensias du Lac, a luxury surf lodge with lake views
Hôtel 202, a modern hotel close to the beach and surf spots
10. A Fancy Weekend in Bordeaux’s Vineyards
For a luxurious getaway close to the city, head to the prestigious vineyards of Pessac-Léognan, just 20 km south of Bordeaux. Spend your weekend at Les Sources de Caudalie, a five-star hotel with a spa, surrounded by vineyards. Enjoy wine-tasting at some of the region’s finest wineries, including Château Smith Haut Lafitte, while indulging in the area’s gourmet cuisine.
Where to Stay: Les Sources de Caudalie, a luxury hotel and spa in the heart of the vineyards.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach weekend, a gourmet escape, or an adventure in the countryside, Bordeaux’s surrounding regions offer something for everyone. With easy access by car or train, these destinations make for perfect weekend getaways.
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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 a Weekend Bordeaux
The best districts in Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
What to do in one day in Bordeaux