Spend the day exploring the historic city of Bordeaux.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2007, Bordeaux is a jewel of 18th-century architecture with a rich past starting in the Gallo Roman period. In fact, Bordeaux has the second-largest patrimony of the 18th century after St. Petersburg.
Visit one of the iconic wine boutiques in the city housed in an hôtel particulier (townhouse) across from the Grand Théâtre. This boutique offers competitive prices on Grand Cru wines because everything is bought en primeur (“wine futures”). The inside of the building has been entirely hollowed out and reconstructed by French architect Jean Michel Rousseau: the most prestigious appellations of Bordeaux curl up alongside the walls of the 12-meter high spiral staircase. Climb the stairs to discover the first level where Haut Medoc, Margaux and Pauillac wines are kept. On the second level, Saint Émilion and Pomerol invade your senses. The third level reveals first growth magnums like Cheval Blanc, Haut Brion, Lafitte or Latour. Enter into a special room devoted to Pomerol classics, like the famous Petrus. On the next floor, Sauternes and white wines from Pessac Leognan estates such as Carbonnieux are at your fingertips. Over 15,000 bottles are prepared in an artistic way: a library of prestigious Bordeaux wines. To finish, enjoy a comparative tasting of 3 wines on the 4th floor.
Highlights
- Discover most of these treasures along the waterfront: Palais de la Bourse, the Triangle d’Or, the Grand Theatre and some private mansions
- Walk along the quais (“docks” in French), inhabited by wine merchant warehouses. The impressive 18th-century architecture and ultra-modern infrastructures create a unique cityscape
- Taste the best food specialties from the South West of France: charcuterie (ham, cheeses), canelés
- Visit one of the iconic wine boutiques in the city housed in an hôtel particulier (townhouse) across from the Grand Théâtre
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