Things to Do in Bordeaux: Wine, Cheese and a Little Bit of Jumping
Bordeaux is one of France’s most famous wine regions and a great destination for a mix of vineyards, food and city exploring. We stayed just outside Bordeaux in the quiet village of Tressé, which made it easy to be close to Saint-Émilion, Margaux and the historic city center.
Over a few days we explored Bordeaux’s historic squares, enjoyed wine tastings and found an unforgettable cheese experience that was worth the trip on its own. Bordeaux feels wide, elegant and relaxed, with cafés, architecture and open streets that are easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
To balance everyone’s interests, we booked a Margaux wine tour, visited Château La Croizille, tasted cheeses at La Caverne aux 100 Fromages and added Jump Arena for Dylan, who was 14 at the time. Somewhere between wine and cheese we spotted a Carl’s Jr., and ended up with burgers and milkshakes which still makes us laugh.
Margaux Wine Tour
One of the highlights of our trip was a half-day wine tour to Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s most famous wine regions. The drive along the Route des Châteaux was beautiful, lined with vineyards and grand estates.
The tour included guided visits to two different châteaux, where we learned about the region’s history and Margaux’s winemaking traditions. We tasted several vintages and stopped for photos at the famous Château Margaux. It was an easy and relaxing way to experience the Médoc without worrying about planning routes or driving after tastings.
Château Margaux: A Bucket List Wine
Even though we didn’t do a full tasting here, Château Margaux is one of those names that makes wine lovers stop in their tracks. The estate is part of Bordeaux’s First Growth classification, and its wines are considered some of the best in the world.
We’ve had Château Margaux on our bucket list for years, so just driving past the iconic façade felt special. Tours here book out months in advance and prices reflect the reputation, but if you’re serious about Bordeaux wines it’s worth planning ahead. Next time we’re hoping to book a tasting and see the cellar up close.
Tasting at Château La Croizille
Château La Croizille combines tradition and innovation in a way that feels effortless. Set high above the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, the sleek glass tasting room gives sweeping views of the rolling hills. It feels modern yet warm, designed to frame the landscape rather than compete with it.
We sampled several vintages from both La Croizille and the neighboring Château Tour Baladoz while enjoying a generous cheese plate in the panoramic room. The staff explained the differences between their classic and contemporary styles without making it overly technical. The wines were bold and elegant and the pairing with the cheeses made the experience even more memorable.
Cheese at La Caverne aux 100 Fromages
If you love cheese, La Caverne aux 100 Fromages inside Baud & Millet is a must. We booked their all-you-can-eat cheese cave experience, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The selection is incredible, with cheeses from all over France paired perfectly with Bordeaux wines.
The atmosphere is cozy, the service is warm and the choices feel endless. It’s the kind of place where you plan to taste a few cheeses and end up staying for hours.
Exploring Bordeaux’s Center
We spent an afternoon walking through Bordeaux’s historic center, and it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. The Place de la Bourse is just as stunning in person as it looks in photos, and we spent time at the Miroir d’Eau, which reflects the square perfectly when the pools are filled.
There are plenty of cafés and wine bars around the Grosse Cloche and Rue Sainte-Catherine, where you can grab a drink and people-watch for hours. Bordeaux has a mix of big open spaces and winding side streets, and you can easily fill a day just wandering without an agenda.
Canelés: A Bordeaux Classic
You can’t leave Bordeaux without trying canelés, the small caramelized cakes the city is famous for. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and just sweet enough to pair perfectly with coffee or wine.
We picked some up at Baillardran, one of the most popular spots in the city, and they were so good we went back for more the next day. If you’ve never tried them before, start here.
Jump Arena
Since Dylan was 14 at the time, we added something just for him, Jump Arena in Bègles. It’s a huge trampoline park with obstacle courses, climbing walls and dodgeball courts. He loved it and would have stayed all day if we let him.
A Surprise Burger Stop
One afternoon on the way back from the city, we spotted a Carl’s Jr. and had to stop. It felt strange to see an American fast-food chain in Bordeaux, but the burgers and milkshakes were exactly what we needed after a day of wine and cheese tastings.
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Know Before You Go
Getting There: Bordeaux is about a two-hour train ride or a five-hour drive from Paris
Parking: Street parking and garages are available in the city center
Where to Stay: Use Bordeaux as a base for exploring Margaux, Saint-Émilion and the surrounding wine regions
Best Time to Visit: April through October for wine tours, outdoor tastings and relaxed city walks
Planning More Travel in France?
Things to Do in Beaune – Burgundy’s wine capital with historic cellars and tastings
Things to Do in Champagne – Iconic houses, vineyard tours and sparkling wine
Things to Do in Provence – Lavender fields, rosé tastings and sunny hilltop villages