If a getaway filled with fine wine, charming streets, and French elegance sounds like your dream trip, Bordeaux is calling. From world-class vineyards and historic architecture to candlelit dinners and live entertainment, here’s how to plan the perfect long weekend in Bordeaux — including how to get there from Paris, where to stay, and what to experience along the way.
A Long Weekend in Bordeaux: Where to Stay, What to Do & How to Get There
Getting There: Paris to Bordeaux by Train
The best way to reach Bordeaux is to fly into Paris (RDU has a direct flight to Paris that is really easy!) and take the high-speed TGV train from Gare Montparnasse. The scenic ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and glides past rolling vineyards and picturesque villages, giving you a taste of the French countryside before arriving at Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station. Book your train tickets in advance as the trains will sell out and the prices go up the closer to your travel day.
From there, it is a short taxi or rideshare ride (about 15 minutes) to your hotel.
Where to Stay: Yndo Hôtel
For boutique luxury in the heart of Bordeaux, Yndo Hôtel is a must. Housed in a 19th-century mansion, the hotel blends historic grandeur with modern, eclectic style. Each room is unique and feels like a private retreat, filled with bold art, plush textures, and personalized service.
The tranquil courtyard and intimate dining area make Yndo a destination in itself — ideal for slow mornings and relaxed evenings.
Day 1: Arrival + Dinner at Yndo
Post-Arrival Happy Hour
After checking in and unpacking, take a stroll through the neighborhood to find a happy hour spot for a glass of wine and a charcuterie board. Le Globe is a great spot for just that.
Yndo Courtyard
Unwind with a glass of Bordeaux wine in the hotel’s garden before enjoying dinner at Yndo. The restaurant is reserved for guests and offers a seasonal menu that changes daily, featuring local ingredients and regional wines. It is an elegant, peaceful way to ease into your first night in Bordeaux.
Day 2: Tour St. Emilion & Châteaus
Explore St. Emilion
After starting your second day with the epic breakfast at Yndo, head to St. Emilion, a UNESCO-listed medieval town surrounded by vineyards. Wander its cobblestone streets, admire the Monolithic Church.
Lunch at Vignobles et Châteaux Wine Bar in St. Emilion
Stop for lunch at Vignobles et Châteaux Wine Bar, known for refined regional dishes and a top-tier wine list. If oysters are on the menu, they are an absolute must-order!
Château Tours
And no trip to Bordeaux is complete without exploring the vineyards. Start your day with a leisurely lunch before embarking on a château tour, where you have the chance to stroll among rows of grapevines, learn about the region’s wine-making traditions, and taste some of Bordeaux’s finest vintages. Whether you visit Tour Saint Christophe, Troplong Mondot, or Haut-Bailly, you will experience the art of winemaking firsthand and enjoy guided tastings of Bordeaux’s famous reds.
Finish with dinner at Haut-Bailly after the winery visit that features an aperitif with Champagne followed by a four-course menu paired with 3 wines from the estate in the private dining room.
Tour Saint Christophe
Château Tour Saint Christophe is a stunning Grand Cru Classé estate located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, on the edge of Saint-Émilion. Its vineyards are uniquely planted on narrow, cascading terraces that unfold along the hillside of Cassevert, overlooking the Saint-Laurent Valley. This distinctive landscape not only creates striking views but also allows for meticulous vineyard care in tight rows. Acquired by Peter Kwok and his daughter Karen in 2012, Château Tour Saint Christophe continues to produce elegant, terroir-driven wines that capture the character and beauty of the Saint-Émilion region.
Troplong Mondot
Château Troplong Mondot is a prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, celebrated for its refined, full-bodied wines and breathtaking hilltop setting. Overlooking the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, the château combines historic charm with modern elegance, offering immersive tours, tastings, and an on-site restaurant that showcases the best of the region’s food and wine culture.
Haut-Bailly
Château Haut-Bailly is a renowned Grand Cru Classé estate in Pessac-Léognan, just south of Bordeaux, known for its graceful, age-worthy wines that balance power and elegance. Set amid centuries-old vines and surrounded by serene woodland, the château blends deep winemaking tradition with a modern, sustainable approach, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistry behind one of Bordeaux’s most storied estates.
Day 3: Explore Bordeaux at Your Own Pace
Your final full day is open for exploration. Visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s immersive wine museum, Bassins des Lumières, must-visit immersive art experience housed in a former submarine base from the German occupation during World War II, or Cathédrale Saint-André, a stunning 14th century cathedral. Right by the cathedral, you will find a market which is a great place to get some artwork to take back home to commemorate you trip.
Spend time wandering through Chartrons, a district filled with antique shops, wine bars, and street art. Do not miss the Place de la Bourse, especially at sunset when the Miroir d’Eau reflects the city’s iconic architecture. Be sure to check out the Monument aux Girondins, a park dedicated to the Girondins political faction of the French Revolution.
Evening: Dinner & a Show at Code 23
End your long weekend with a dinner and show at Code 23, an elevated nightlife experience that combines fine dining, performance, and music. Enjoy a creative multi-course meal, sip local wine, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere — it is the perfect finale to your Bordeaux weekend.
Departure Day: Au Revoir, Bordeaux
After breakfast at Yndo, make your way back to Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station to catch your train to Paris and onward flight home. Or, extend your stay for an extra day to continue savoring all that Bordeaux has to offer.
Quick Tips for Your Bordeaux Weekend
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall offer ideal weather and fewer crowds.
Getting Around: Bordeaux is walkable, and its tram system is efficient and easy to navigate.
Language: While French is spoken widely, English is understood at most hotels, restaurants, and tours.
Wine Tours: Book in advance, especially during harvest season (September–October).
Final Thoughts
A long weekend in Bordeaux offers the best of France — vineyard vistas, world-class food, and timeless elegance. Whether you are sipping wine under the sun or dining by candlelight, this region delivers an unforgettable experience that perfectly balances culture, cuisine, and calm. See what I wore while in Bordeaux here.
