10 Day Trips From Bordeaux To Add To Your French Vacation Itinerary (Wine Tasting, Cognac & Oysters All On the Menu)

While there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Bordeaux, there are also plenty of amazing day trips from Bordeaux within a 1-2 hour drive. From exploring the fabulous vineyards in the region to climbing Europe’s tallest sand dune, there is plenty to enjoy.

My Top 3 Picks: Private Tour Day Trips From Bordeaux

No. 1 Saint Émilion: A Taste of History and Viticulture  

Saint-Émilion is one of those places that takes your breath away, and it’s only 30 minutes from Bordeaux by train. 

This UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in the 8th century by the monk Émilion, is as famous for its picturesque vineyards as it is for its rich medieval past.

I’ve been several times now and just loved wandering around the old streets. I remember sitting in the quaint Place du Clocher, with a glass of rosé, as the sun set over the vineyards. 

I was also lucky enough to do a private tour of Chateau Ferrand, which has such a great story behind its wine journey.

If you decide one day isn’t enough, there are plenty of great places to stay in Saint Émilion.

Things to Do:

1. Guided Wine Tasting Tour: Dive into the essence of Saint Émilion with a wine-tasting tour at one of its prestigious châteaux. Learn about the wine-making process and sample fine wines.
2. Underground Monolithic Church Tour: Explore the largest underground church in Europe, carved entirely out of limestone.
3. Walk the Old Town: Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the historical architecture, from the King’s Tower to the old city walls.

No. 2 Arcachon Bay: A Seafood Sanctuary

If you love oysters, you’ll definitely want to go to Arcachon Bay, and it’s under an hour by train from Bordeaux. I grew up by the seaside in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, so it was top of my day trip list.

Once a simple fishing village, it transformed into a fashionable resort area in the 19th century, attracting visitors with its mild climate and beautiful landscapes.

The area’s history is closely linked to oyster farming, a tradition dating back to Roman times but becoming industrially significant in the 19th century, when methods from Lake Fusaro in Italy were introduced, revolutionizing local practices.

There are quite a few beaches in and around Bordeaux, but Arcachon has some of the best.

Things to Do:

1. Oyster Tasting Tour: Visit an oyster farm to learn about the cultivation process and enjoy fresh oysters straight from the sea—a must for seafood enthusiasts.
2. Dune du Pilat: Climb Europe’s tallest dune for breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding forest. It’s a physical activity, but absolutely worth the effort for the panoramic vistas.
3. Boat Tour of the Tchanquées Huts: Sail around the cabins on stilts in the bay, originally used by fishermen, which have become emblematic of the area’s oyster farming heritage.

No. 3 Cognac: A Legacy of Spirits and Heritage

Cognac is the jewel in the Charente’s crown and has helped to put this department on the map. I’m probably slightly biased as I live in the Charente and have spent many happy days in Cognac.

The origins of Cognac date back to the 9th century, but it was in the 16th century that the distillation techniques were refined, largely due to the influence of Dutch traders seeking to preserve wine for export by distilling it into ‘burnt wine’ or ‘brandewijn’. 

This process evolved into what we now recognise as Cognac, a double-distilled spirit that has propelled the town into global fame.

I took my Mum and Dad on the Henessey Tour, and they loved getting to go on the boat down the Charente River to the cellars.

Things to Do:

1. Tour a Major Cognac House: Visit one of the historic Cognac houses like Hennessy, Martell, or Rémy Martin to see their distilleries and ageing cellars. These tours often end with a tasting session, where you can appreciate the complexity of Cognac.
2. Discover the Old Town: Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, visiting Saint Léger Church and the 15th-century Château des Valois, the birthplace of King Francis I of France.
3. Cognac Museum Visit: Explore the Musée des Arts du Cognac, which offers insight into the history, production, and global impact of Cognac through interactive exhibits and historical artefacts.

Day Trips From Bordeaux By Train

No. 4 Sarlat-La-Canéda: A Medieval Marvel in the Dordogne

Sarlat-la-Canéda is a stunning medieval town in the Dordogne. It thrived in the Middle Ages thanks to its location on a major pilgrimage route, and its prosperity during this period is still evident in the well-preserved architecture dating back to the 13th century. 

The town experienced a renaissance in the 1960s when France introduced laws to protect cultural sites, leading to extensive restoration work that has allowed Sarlat to retain its historical charm and significance.

It’s probably best known for its truffles and hosts a festival each year in January to celebrate these fabulous fungi. 

There are even cooking demonstrations and workshops you can take part in.

Things to Do:

1. Explore the Old Town: Wander through Sarlat’s historic centre to admire its medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos and the picturesque Place de la Liberté.
2. Visit the Sarlat Market: Held in the old town, this market is a treasure trove of local delights—truffles, foie gras, and other regional specialities. 
3. Do A Private Tour of the Castle and Caves: Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and see the cave paintings dating back 30,000 years. Discover the best-preserved medieval castle in France and hear the stories surrounding the town.

No. 5 Poitiers: A Tapestry of History

Poitiers is a city steeped in history, with roots stretching back to Roman times. It gained prominence during the early medieval period as the capital of the Poitou region. 

The city is famously known for the Battle of Poitiers in 732, where Charles Martel defeated an invading Muslim army. During the Hundred Years’ War, it was defeated again when the French king was captured by the English. 

But for me, one of the big fascinations is that it was home to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France through her marriage to Louis VII and Queen of England through her marriage to Henry II. 

Things to Do:

1. Notre-Dame la Grande Church: Visit this Romanesque masterpiece, known for its elaborately carved façade, which is illuminated during summer light shows.
2. Palais de Justice: Formerly the palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine, this historic building offers a glimpse into the grandeur of medieval France. Eleanor of Aquitaine used it for entertaining and expanded it towards the end of her life.
3. Parc de Blossac: Unwind in these beautiful formal gardens, which offer an escape from the world with designed landscapes, including a French garden, an English garden, and even a small zoo.

No. 6 Angouleme: The Comic Capital of Europe

Angouleme is the capital of the Charente and my nearest big town. I love going here as I feel like I’m stepping into the pages of a history book. I’ve read quite a bit about Isabella of Angouleme, and her marriage to King John of England (the Magna Carta guy), and how she and her second husband built the Hotel de Ville in Angouleme.

It’s perched on a plateau overlooking the Charente River and was originally a fortified town. Its strategic location made it highly significant during the Roman period and throughout the Middle Ages. 

It is probably most famous today for its comic book festival, the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée, held in January. As you walk around the city, you’ll see huge cartoon murals on many of the walls, and you can get a map from the tourist office to do the cartoon trail.

Things to Do:

1. Explore the Historic Ramparts: Walk along the remnants of the city’s ancient walls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area and a sense of the city’s strategic importance throughout history.
2. Visit the Comic Strip Museum: Dive into the world of comics at the Musée de la Bande Dessinée, where you can explore a vast collection of artwork and learn about the development of comic strips internationally.
3. Discover the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre: Admire the Romanesque architecture and detailed facades of this 12th-century cathedral, a testament to the city’s medieval past.

Day Trips From Bordeaux By Car

No. 7 Soulac Sur Mer: A Coastal Gem

I first went to Soulac in the summer of 2020, when, during lockdown, we were allowed to travel around France but not leave the country. It was love at first sight for me. Watching the sun set into the ocean every night was magical.

It sits at the tip of the Médoc peninsula along the Atlantic coast and dates back to the Roman era. It gained prominence in the late 19th century as a health resort, favoured by the bourgeoisie for its therapeutic sea air and fine sandy beaches. 

As you walk around, you’ll see lots of beautiful Belle Époque villas with beautiful facades and wrought iron balconies. We stayed in a little place called L’Amélie and walked 3km along the beach to Soulac most days, and you couldn’t see a thing on the horizon; it was just lovely.

Things to Do:

1. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la fin des Terres: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic church dates back to the 12th century and was once a landmark for pilgrims on the Way of St. James.
2. Stroll Through the Town Centre: Explore the streets lined with Belle Époque villas and indulge in some retail therapy in the cute boutiques.
3. Relax on the Beach: Spend a day at one of Soulac-sur-Mer’s beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying watersports.

No. 8 La Rochelle: A Harbor of History

La Rochelle has plenty of history and was once home to the Knights Templar, who used it as their seaport. 

Then, during the Hundred Years’ War, it was a stronghold for the Huguenots and later suffered under siege in 1628, which dramatically altered its historical trajectory. The city’s towers, which once guarded the port, are open to the public, and one of them was used as a prison, so if those walls could talk, I’d imagine they’d have quite the story to tell.

It’s very easy to walk around La Rochelle, and if you happen to be there on June 21st, as we were one time, they go to town for Fete de la Musique, it’s quite something to see. We stayed in a lovely B&B in the centre of town, so saw it all as it happened.

Things to Do:

1. Tour the Old Harbor and Towers: The three towers of La Rochelle—Tour St. Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne, and Tour de la Lanterne—are must-visit landmarks that offer panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s defensive history.
2. Visit the Aquarium: One of Europe’s largest private aquariums, La Rochelle’s Aquarium is not just a tourist attraction but a centre for marine education and conservation, featuring thousands of marine species.
3. Explore the Maritime Museum: Situated on a floating dock, the museum offers insights into the seafaring history of La Rochelle, including boat displays and maritime artefacts.

No. 9 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne: A Sanctuary of Art and History

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, officially classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” is stunning and sits on a hilltop dating back to the pre-Roman era.

People flock to the village to see the monolithic church of Saint-Jean, an underground church carved from a solid limestone cliff in the early 12th century. 

I’ve done the tour of the church, and it is quite something to see. It supposedly housed a few holy relics brought back from the Orient, along with 170 bodies buried in part of the church.

You can’t help but wonder how they managed to build the seven columns you see as you go in with the limited resources they had back then.

The village is gorgeous, but try not to go in high season as it’s packed with tourists, and it’s hard to get a seat on the square, which is the best place for people watching with a carafe of rosé.

Things to Do:

1. Explore the Underground Church of Saint-Jean: Tour this engineering feat, which is one of the largest monolithic churches in Europe. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating network of chapels and tombs carved directly into the rock.
2. Visit the Museum of Prehistory: Located in the village, this museum displays local archaeological finds and offers insights into the region’s ancient human settlements.
3. Stroll Through the Village: There are quite a few artisan shops where you can visit local craftspeople in their studios. I got a gorgeous butter dish and a matching egg container from one of the shops and a vintage tennis racket from another.

No. 10 Brantôme: The Venice of the Dordogne

Brantome is one of those places that stops you in your tracks, and you don’t know where to look first, as it’s just so beautiful. 

Brantôme is often referred to as the “Venice of the Dordogne” and is encircled by the River Dronne. The town dates back to the 8th century, when the Abbey of Saint-Pierre was founded by Charlemagne, and is among the oldest in France.

The caves go back centuries, and the monks lived in them before the Abbey was developed.

It reminds me of Venice in the way it’s set up, and it’s one of those places you just want to keep going back to. 

Most of the cafes are by the river, which is lovely, so you can eat and watch people canoeing and see the old mill turning. Words don’t do it justice.

Things to do:

1. Tour the Abbey of Brantôme: Explore the abbey with its impressive troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock. The abbey also includes a museum that showcases its history and the town’s heritage.
2. Canoeing on the River Dronne: View Brantome from a different perspective and hire a canoe. I haven’t done it, but watching others, it looked like so much fun.
3. Visit the Market: Experience the local life at Brantôme’s vibrant Friday market, where you can sample regional produce, cheeses, and the famous truffles of the Dordogne.

Transport Options For Your Day Trip

Bordeaux Car Rental

The easiest, most convenient, and most flexible way to go on Bordeaux day trips? A rental car from Discover Cars, of course, the company I use! If you’re wondering about the whole rental process, this article about renting a car in France will give you everything you need to know.

Bordeaux Public Transport

If you’re not renting a car in Bordeaux, no worries! You have plenty of day trip options using Bordeaux’s public transportation system. The trains are good, and the Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station goes to most places, including Paris. Use this App to book your trains for the best prices >>>

Final Thoughts: Places To Visit Near Bordeaux On Your Next Vacation

If you’re staying in Bordeaux for five days or more, you’ll have time to take a couple of day trips. 

And if you’re in Bordeaux, it would be rude not to do a wine tour, as Bordeaux is one of the best wine regions in France. 

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay as there are many five and four-star hotels, plus some of the wine chateaux have accommodation.